China RFID Manufacturing Facility

RFID Tag Manufacturing Line

RFID Joint Venture to Manufacturing Printed Inlays

ASK and WS Packaging Group form joint venture, ASK-intTag. The jv is scouting US-based manufacturing locations for development in 2009. ...

... "The new company will be the first RFID manufacturer in the U.S. to print silver-based inlays on paper, the composition of which is highly resistant to forgery. ASK-intTag will initially produce a range of products for markets involving secure identification, mass transit, and bankcards. Secondary markets will involve food, healthcare, gaming, and event ticketing, among others. " ...

Via WS Packaging Group: Joint Venture Formed to Manufacture and Market Contactless Cards

RFID Strategic Alliance

Alien Technology enters into strategic arrangement with Arizon RFID Technology (Yangzhou) Co., Ltd. to manufacture Alien inlays in the Chinese market. ...

... "Arizon has one of the world’s largest RFID manufacturing facilities and is well positioned to service the dynamic Chinese market. This partnership brings together Arizon’s high-quality production capabilities with Alien’s high-performance products and experience in manufacturing. Customers will benefit from cost savings due to the proximity of the manufacturing facility, including lower cost of air-freight and better services as a result of being in the same time zone. " ...

Via Alien Technology: Strategic Alliance with Arizon RFID Technology (Yangzhou)

RFID: Alien Tech World Tags ...

Alien introduces RFID tags that will operate across the world. ...

... "Alien World Tags enable companies to manufacture products on one continent and ship them worldwide utilizing a single RFID tag that exhibits uniform behavior and delivers consistent performance regardless of its destination. When used with Alien Enterprise RFID Readers, this enables companies to deploy a common RFID infrastructure worldwide, thus reducing the number of infrastructure designs, software interfaces, development projects and equipment models they need to ensure accurate, reliable tag reads across their global supply and delivery chains. Consequently, upfront implementation and ongoing maintenance costs are minimized, overall RFID effectiveness is maximized, and returns on RFID investment can be accelerated. " ...

Alien Technology Expands Gen2 RFID Tag Family

RFID Retail: Apparel Payback ...

Laudis demo planned for RFID conference will show payback in the retail apparel industry ...

... "The RFID Journal and AAFA Summit, held at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York Aug. 15-16, is the first event of its kind designed to address RFID-related opportunities and issues in the apparel and footwear industry. Laudis and NCR will demonstrate their collaborative end-to-end RFID solution that allows manufacturers to tag apparel at the source, enabling retailers to verify the location or the receipt of garments anywhere within the supply chain. The demonstration (Laudis AAFA Summit booth #3) will feature the Laudis apparel applications and item-level tracking solutions for clothing and footwear. NCR will provide hardware, such as hang tags, flap tags and RFID-reader technology. NCR is also providing Laudis with consulting services and installation support for its end-to-end clothing solution. " ...

Via NCR: NCR and Laudis Systems Demonstrate End-to-End RFID Solution for Apparel Industry ...

Retail RFID applications are discussed ...

Via CIO Magazine: The RFID Imperative - Retail - prepare systems for RFID technology: "Like most CIOs in the retail industry, he believes that widespread RFID adoption is a sure thing and that the technology—which some day will enable him to track every single product, from manufacture to checkout ... "

ABI has researched the market for retail RFID use ...

The RFID Retail Market Market Research Report from ABI Research: "The retail market is possibly the most talked about in the RFID industry. Although Wal-Mart is not the only retailer that has issued an RFID mandate for its suppliers, it is still the most popular subject. This market is expected to be one of the fastest growing RFID verticals. "

T3CI offers RFID-enabled business intelligence capabilities for the retail industry ...

Via T3CI: RFID Analytics and Application Leadership; Experience Delivering Business Value to Major Retail Suppliers Drive Investment Decision: "T3Ci's software and subscription services are designed for leaders of RFID initiatives at major retail suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to deliver business value from their RFID investments. The company's enterprise-class solutions provide RFID data analysis (only for retailers who allow 3rd party analysis of their EPC data), deductions management and authentication/anti-counterfeiting/e-pedigree – the most comprehensive RFID applications vision. "

IBM RFID Pharma: Drug License Plate ...

IBM unveils RFID system that creates a digital license plate for drugs through the pharmaceutical supply chain. The system is comprised of software and services that leverage RFID technology to provide unique identification as the item and sku level. The identifier instantly connects the item to the proper pharmaceutical data. ...

... "The system makes it more difficult for counterfeit drugs to get to market, protecting consumers by helping ensure the drugs they receive match the prescription from their physician. With nearly 8 percent of the world's prescriptions proving counterfeit each year, the US Food and Drug Administration has cited RFID as the most promising technology to ensure that the medicine in the bottle is exactly what the doctor ordered. The global pharmaceutical supply chain is highly complicated. From the point of manufacture to the point of sale, drugs can change hands as many as ten times. IBM's software and services are designed to help manufacturers protect product from theft and fraud and avoid replacement costs for product recalls and tarnished brand value. The IBM RFID system for pharmaceutical track and trace uses blended RFID software and services to automatically capture and track the movement of drugs through the supply chain. RFID tags are embedded on products at the unit, case and pallet level and authenticate the product from manufacturer to wholesalers to hospitals and pharmacies. Each tag contains a unique identifier -- like a license plate -- that can be linked back to descriptive product information such as dosage and strength, lot number, manufacturer and expiration date. " ...

IBM RFID Pharma: Drug License Plate: Via IBM: IBM Taps RFID for Pharma Industry ...

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

Tower Semi will manufacture Generation 2 RFID chips for Alien Technology. ...

... "Tower Semiconductor Ltd., a pure-play independent specialty foundry, announced that it is the manufacturing supplier for Alien Technology's internally-designed Gen 2 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) integrated circuits. These ICs recently achieved the EPCGlobal certification mark. The RFID ICs are produced at Tower's Fab2 in an advanced 0.18-micron manufacturing process. Market analysts forecast the RFID IC's market to grow significantly to between $500 millions and $1 Billion by 2010, mainly due to the Gen 2 impact. RFID tags help enable supply chain efficiency, visibility and security and are being deployed in retail, defense, transportation and health markets. Some of the implementation initiatives are being led by major US retailers. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 13 federal agencies are already using or plan to deploy RFID technology. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has mandated RFID's use across its suppliers for increased supply chain visibility and improved forecasting. The newly certified Alien Gen 2 RFID chips include some new CMOS devices which were jointly developed with Tower. IC development efforts focused on the low-power requirements for such an RFID tag which draws its power solely from transmitted Radio Frequency energy. " ...

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien: Via Tower Semiconductor: Tower Semiconductor Manufactures Gen 2 RFID Tags for Alien Technology ...

LowCost RFID Research Workshop in Jan2006 ...

RFID Research Workshop will focus on low-cost technology in January 2006 ...

... "International Research Consortium for Packaging, Manufacturing, and Reliability for Low-Cost and Related Integrated SMART Tag Systems

The purpose of this workshop is to solicit input from interested organizations on the key issues and barriers to the manufacture of low-cost RFID tags with reliable performance, prioritize and begin to define the pre-competitive research programs to be supported by the Consortium to address these issues, and solicit membership in the Consortium by interested organizations.

University of Arkansas College of Engineering, Sam M. Walton College of Business, and TechSearch International, Inc.; January 25-26, 2006, Fayetteville, Arkansas" ...

LowCost RFID Research Workshop in Jan2006: International Research Consortium for Packaging, Manufacturing, and Reliability for Low-Cost and Related Integrated SMART Tag Systems ...

Tags: Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, RFID Tag

Low Frequency RFID Device ...

Low Frequency RFID Device: Via Atmel Corporation: Atmel Targets Low-frequency RFID Applications with Introduction of Contactless RF IDIC® Featuring Fast Anti-collision Functionality and 1-kBit Memory ...

... "The ATA5558 is a contactless Read/Write (R/W) RFID device for multi- or single-tag applications in the low frequency (LF) range, such as animal identification, laundry management, industrial automation, item tagging, and ISO cards. The ATA5558 extends Atmel's broad RFID product portfolio ranging from standard read-only up to high-security crypto devices. The need for RFID is growing substantially due to its increased performance and enhanced functionality. Compared with bar codes, RFID provides extended read/write distances, line-of-sight is not necessary, and data can be changed whenever needed. Low-frequency RFID provides advantages such as insensitivity in rugged environments (e.g., against water, dirt and dust). " ...

Atmel is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory and radio frequency (RF) components. Leveraging one of the industry's broadest intellectual property (IP) technology portfolios, Atmel is able to provide the electronics industry with complete system solutions. Focused on consumer, industrial, security, communications, computing and automotive markets, Atmel ICs can be found Everywhere You Are®.

RFID FRAM HighSpeed ReadWrite Performance ...

RFID FRAM High Speed ReadWrite Performance: Fujitsu Introduces New, Light, Cost-Effective RFID Tags with 256 Bytes of FRAM for Product Tracking, Distribution Applications: Adds to FerVID™ Family of RFID Products ...

Fujistu's RFID tag uses FRAM to achieve high-speed read/write performance ...

... "Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) today introduced the newest member of its FerVID family of RFID tags, the MB89R119, which incorporates 256 bytes of FRAM and operates at approximately 50 times the speed of tags that use EEPROM. Designed to use the 13.56MHz frequency, the MB89R119 costs about the same as EEPROM RFID tags, but provides significantly faster read/write operations. It can complete write operations at roughly double the speed of an EEPROM-based tag. The memory uses proprietary Fujitsu commands issued by the chip, resulting in read operations that are approximately twice as fast as conventional products. " ...

Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other markets throughout North and South America.

FRAM References:

Ramtron Achieves 1-Megabit FRAM Milestone with Industry-Leading Write Speed, Reliability and Endurance ...

Fujitsu Develops High Capacity, High Speed Chip with Embedded FRAM for RFID Tags: New Chip Tracks Products from the Factory Floor through the Distribution Channel while Monitoring Quality Control ...

TI produced a 64 Megabit Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) chip within a standard CMOS logic process, validating the technology as a cost- effective alternative to embedded Flash and embedded DRAM. FRAM cells use less power and cost less to manufacture than alternatives. Embedding memory on the same chip as the processor, peripherals and other components will reduce system chip count and complexity, increase system performance and increase security of the data.

Smart Feeder RFID Tags ...

Smart Feeder RFID Tags: Hover-Davis embeds Cogiscan RFID Smart Feeder Tags in their new Siemens Siplace® Compatible Feeder Range ...

... "This is an essential consideration for our customers since they often buy our feeders for their installed base of equipment. The Cogiscan RFID technology is so valuable, and yet so cost-effective, that it made sense for us to imbed an RFID tag in each of our new Siemens Siplace compatible feeders. We are also planning to start including Cogiscan technology in other families of feeders. " ...

Cogiscan designs and manufactures material tracking systems for the electronics manufacturing market. The Cogiscan platform encompasses material identification with barcode and RFID technology, data acquisition hardware, and application software. Software applications include Real-Time Inventory, MSD Control, Line Setup Control, and Traceability. Cogiscan is dedicated to establishing a global standard for material tracking. Sales and customer service affiliates are located throughout the world, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Hover-Davis is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacture of component delivery systems for the electronics assembly industry. We provide feeding solutions for Fuji, Panasonic, Universal Instruments, Siemens, Assembleon, Samsung, Mydata, Juki, Yamaha, Alphasem, and numerous custom automation manufacturers. Our products include electronic multi-pitch tape feeders, label feeders, print-on-demand label feeders, and bare die feeders. In order to provide world class solutions to our customers today and tomorrow, we continue to invest heavily in new product development, operations, applications, and after-sales support. Located in Rochester, NY, Hover-Davis was founded in 1989, and is now a subsidiary of Dover Corporation.

RFID Antennae Conductive Inks ...

RFID Antennae Conductive Inks: New Generation of Highly Conductive Inks Making RFID Tags Better, Smaller: Creative Materials promotes its Product #112-15 for printing RFID antennae: Creative Materials - Highly Conductive Inks for RFID Antennae

... "The application team at Creative Materials Inc. a worldwide leader in inks, coatings and adhesives, has developed a highly conductive ink for printing RFID antennae. Passive RFID tags have antennae that can absorb radio waves from an interrogator device. The tags use the received radio energy to power an electrical circuit that generates a unique identifier, and sends a reply. The interrogator receives the reply, allowing it to know the unique identification of the RFID tag. One of the challenges in designing RFID tags is the need to print antennae and circuits that are small, durable, and not too expensive. " ...

Creative Materials, Inc. develops and markets specialty chemical products to customers world-wide. Founded in 1986, Creative Materials has its headquarters and production facilities in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. Products from Creative Materials are used to manufacture electronic components for automobiles, computers, keyboards, and cell phones; medical electrodes and medical instruments; heating equipment; and aerospace devices. Creative Materials offers more than 1000 product formulations, and is ISO 9001 certified.

RFID Intellectual Property IP License

RFID Intellectual Property IP: SAMSys Joins Intermec RFID Rapid Start Licensing Program ...

Intermec intellectual property (IP) gets licensed by SamSys ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (TSX:SMY), of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, has joined Intermec Technologies Corp.'s Rapid Start RFID intellectual property licensing program, the companies announced today. The 90-day Rapid Start Licensing Program, which opens today, provides SAMSys full access to one of four RFID IP portfolios, the Fixed RFID Reader and Fixed RFID Printer Portfolio. The agreement allows SAMSys to manufacture products with the RFID capabilities and functionality that today's end-users require. SAMSys joins Intermec RFID licensees Philips Semiconductor BV, Sharp Corp., Sensormatic and TransCore. " ...

SAMSys, founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of RFID hardware systems, designing and manufacturing a wide range of RFID readers that support a broad array of tag protocols and frequencies. SAMSys also offers RFID consulting services for companies contemplating the introduction of RFID into their operations. In addition to producing RFID reader hardware, SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and integration of application solutions and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure.

Pharma RFID Authentication Model

Pharma RFID Authentication Model: Texas Instruments and VeriSign Collaborate on Authenticated RFID Model for the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Proposes Combination of RFID and PKI Technologies Adding New Layer of Security to Combat Counterfeit Drugs ...

TI and VeriSign propose RFID-based model for drug authentication ...

... "In the battle against counterfeit drugs in the pharmaceutical supply chain, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) and VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) today introduced a model for Authenticated RFID that has the potential to enhance security and chain-of-custody controls. The Authenticated RFID model will combine ISO/IEC standard 13.56 MHz RFID and PKI (Public-key infrastructure) technologies in a two-stage approach to fight the counterfeit drug problem. Texas Instruments and VeriSign are developing the Authenticated RFID model to support item-level authentication at the pharmacy, and the implementation over time of a supply chain infrastructure to validate transactions at any point along the chain of custody. This Authenticated RFID model proposes an enhancement to item-level product security in real-time by creating stronger authentication between the tag and any Authenticated RFID reader from the point of manufacture to the point of sale. 3M, a leading provider of security solutions including RFID tracking and authentication systems, will supply the Authenticated RFID readers to support this new model. " ...

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks.

Why RFID is essential to the DoD Supply Chain ...

Why is RFID essential to the DoD Supply Chain?

From DOD "Frequently Asked Questions about RFID" ...

... The use of RFID in the DoD supply chain has the potential to provide real benefits in inventory management, asset visibility, and interoperability in an end-to-end integrated environment. RFID encapsulates the data accuracy advantages inherent in all types of automatic identification technology (AIT). Additionally, RFID is a totally non-intrusive methodology for data capture (requires no human intervention), is non-line of sight technology, and is a technology that may possess both read and write options within the same equipment item. ...

RFID systems carry data in suitable transponders, generally known as tags, and retrieve data, by machine-readable means, at a suitable time and place to satisfy particular application needs. Tags have a discrete memory capacity that varies from a small license plate to thousands of records. Data within a tag may provide any level of identification for an item during manufacture, in-transit, in-storage, or in-use. With additional data, the tag may support applications that need item-specific information. For example, shipment consignee or destination ports can be readily accessed upon reading the tag. In addition to tags, an RFID system requires a means for reading or "interrogating" the tags to obtain the stored data and then some means of communicating this tag data to a DoD logistics information system. RFID in the context of DoD usage falls into three broad categories based primarily on the technology currently in existence - active RFID, passive RFID, and semi-passive RFID.

RFID Technology: SoftBrands Successfully Implements Lean Enterprise Automation ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... softbrands.com .) About Datamax Corporation Datamax specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of products for bar code and RFID labeling including ...

... SoftBrands, a global leader in next-generation enterprise software for businesses in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors, today announced the successful implementation of Demand Stream at Datamax Corporation. Datamax Corporation implemented Demand Stream to streamline its entire purchasing department. ...

Datamax specializes in the design, manufacture, and marketing of products for bar code and RFID labeling including thermal demand printers, label, ticket and tag materials, and thermal transfer ribbons. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Datamax has sales representative offices in Singapore, China and Harlow, England, as well as label converting and preprinting facilities in Robinson, Ill., and Harlow. Datamax markets its products exclusively through a network of resellers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

SoftBrands, Inc. is a global leader in providing manufacturing solutions for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) worldwide currently focused on the hospitality and manufacturing industries. With more than 5,000 customers in over 60 countries now actively using its manufacturing (Fourth Shift(TM), evolution(TM), Demand Stream) and hospitality products SoftBrands has established a worldwide infrastructure for distribution, development and support of enterprise software. The company, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has over 500 employees with branch offices in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.

Saw RFID: RFSAW, Inc. Announces First Global Saw Tag RFID System at ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... a leader in the design and manufacture of global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, will unveil and soon begin shipping its Model 501 Global Saw ...

... At this week's Frontline Solutions Conference and Expo, RFSAW, Inc. a leader in the design and manufacture of global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, will unveil and soon begin shipping its Model 501 Global Saw Tag RFID system. The GST (Global SAW Tag) RFID system operates in the worldwide 2.45 GHz band and offers superior long-range read capability at high speeds over a wide temperature range. ...

RFSAW, Inc. produces Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems that operate at a globally legal 2.45 GHz frequency. RFSAW is exploiting a fundamentally new type of RFID system based on Surface Acoustic Wave ("SAW") devices, a reliable, low-cost, well established RF wireless technology. The Company has invented, patented and successfully developed this new system whose core element is the "Global SAW Tag". This new approach provides superior solutions for our target markets that include supply chain, asset management, health care, transportation security, food-chain safety, healthcare, military, and governmental applications.

RFID Industry: Symbol Technologies Announces Agreement to Acquire Matrics, Inc. ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... to acquire Matrics, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of EPC (electronic product code)-compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. ...

" ... Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Matrics, Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of EPC (electronic product code)-compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems. Privately held Matrics is based in Rockville, Md. The purchase price is $230 million in cash ... "

Matrics has focused its strategic RFID solutions efforts on EPC standards. Matrics provides EPC-compliant RFID systems for retail, defense, transportation and other vertical markets. The Matrics product portfolio features RFID systems including multi-protocol, EPC-compliant fixed readers; readers designed for embedded applications, such as RFID printers and handhelds; high-performance antennas for RFID tag reading; and EPC labels that can be attached to items such as containers, pallets, cartons and more. The RFID tag family includes both read-only and read/write functionality that addresses a wide range of asset visibility applications. Today, Matrics RFID readers and tags are used by customers to help track inventory across the supply chain, ensure compliance in regulated industries, track the location of baggage throughout airports for security purposes and facilitate a more effective logistics process within the defense sector.

Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading retailers, transportation and logistics companies, manufacturers, wholesale and distribution centers, government agencies and healthcare facilities.

Animal RFID: RFID Goes To The Dogs In Portugal

From Information Week ... The countrry's agricultural ministry has awarded Digital Angel a contract to launch a dog-ID program using implantable RFID chips. By Laurie Sullivan. ...

" ... Digital Angel Corp. said Friday it has won a $600,000 contract from the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture to launch a mandatory dog-identification program using implantable radio-frequency identification microchips. Shipments have begun, with completion scheduled for the third quarter this year. The Portuguese dog-identification program is being conducted simultaneously with the country's annual rabies vaccination drive. The deadline for Portuguese residents to tag the approximate 2 million dogs is 2007 ... "

Digital Angel Corporation (formerly Destron Fearing) has been involved in the development and manufacture of livestock identification products since 1948. Digital Angel pioneered the development of miniaturized microchip technology for use in fisheries, companion animals and livestock since the 1980's. The Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC) is a leading provider of sensor and communications technologies that enable secure and accurate identification, tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value mobile assets. Digital Angel can provide a full complement of radio frequency identification products and software solutions to automate the collection of critical livestock production and carcass information. Individual and herd information can then be easily transferred between all parties involved in the production and retail of meat products. Information sharing allows the food industry to meet the discriminating demands of the market place. Digital Angel uses 134.2 kHz Full Duplex (FDX) microchips in RFID products. FDX technology provides reliable read distance and functionality on the farm and in the challenging environments of food processing facilities. All of Digital Angel's RFID products meet ISO 11784 and 11785 guidelines for animal identification.

Sato RFID Technology: NEW IDENTITY FOR SATO IN SINGAPORE TO REFLECT NEW STRATEGY

From Plastics In Packaging, UK ... The company offers RFID technology within its portfolio of human readable codes, barcodes and 2D codes. RFID is fast becoming the ...

SATO Corporation, Japan, was established in 1940 to manufacture and sell packaging machinery. In 1962, SATO invented the world's first hand-held labeler and operations as an international supplier of labeling machinery were begun. The US subsidiary was established in 1977 and eventually became SATO America, Inc. in 1987. During that period, SATO developed the world's first thermal transfer barcode printers and became the leader in applying the technology to the market.

The industrial CLe high-speed RFID printers are well suited for a range of applications, such as compliance labeling, warehouse management and logistics, access control, asset tracking, airline baggage tagging and tracking, retail labeling, and product authentication. The Sato RFID Printer supports 13.56 Mhz (Tag-it™, I-Code, ISO15693), UHF (EPC, ISO, EM Marin) RFID formats and supports worldwide frequencies. It has capability to be upgraded to support new standards and protocols as they emerge. Sato Smart Printers: In a one-step, process the CLe RFID printers can read, write and print smart labels and tags with embedded RFID transponders. Transponders include integrated circuitry with an antenna and are designed to be programmed and re-programmed using radio waves. RFID - Radio Frequency Identification: RFID tags are read, written and verified inside the printer prior to printing. In the case of a tag failure, the CLe RFID printers will mark the tag and advance to the next one, assuring top reliability in mission critical applications. Sato Printer Rugged Design: The CLe’s heavy-duty metal construction, proven reliability, and excellent media handling deliver optimum performance in the most demanding environments.

QinetiQ RFID: Growing Low-Cost RFID Antennas

From RFID Journal ... June 7, 2004—Worried about the cost of RFID tags? ... The base inks can also be formulated for use on different types of substrates used for the RFID tag. ...

Doing Business with QinetiQ: We aim to form partnerships and joint ventures with companies who share our views on the importance of technology. QinetiQ has the potential to become a globally recognised brand, and the world's leading technology-based solutions provider. As a public private partnership, QinetiQ will have greater freedom and access to capital, allowing it to exploit its technologies and capabilities in wider markets and to achieve a significantly higher return on capital. Subsequently, the aim is to position QinetiQ for an Initial Public Offering within the next two to four years. QinetiQ has the potential to become a globally recognised brand, and the world's leading technology-based solutions provider.

QinetiQ announced that Sun Chemical Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of printing inks and pigments used to produce credit cards and security documents, will manufacture base inks for its patented QinetiQ Metal Printing processes, through its Coates Screen business unit. The QinetiQ process is uniquely based on printing a desired pattern on either a flexible or rigid substrate using industry standard printing processes, and then 'growing' pure fully densified metal where required by immersion in chemical baths. With significantly fewer production stages than current techniques, the process produces negligible waste, is exceptionally cost effective as it requires substantially less metal, is much more flexible and has better 'green' credentials.

QinetiQ (pronounced ki' ne tik as in 'kinetic energy') is one of Europe's largest science and technology solutions companies that employs nearly 10,000 staff, including many of the UK's leading scientists and internationally acclaimed experts. Founded from the laboratories of the UK Government, today QinetiQ operates in markets as diverse as marine, energy, telecommunications, automotive, rail, electronics, defence, space, health, oil & gas, aerospace and information technology. QinetiQ's facilities include indoor and outdoor ranges, wind tunnels, marine testing facilities, automotive test tracks and climatic testing laboratories. QinetiQ's heritage covers the pioneering research and development of many household technologies such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fibre, the technology for flat panel speakers, infra-red sensors and microwave radar, a life saving foetal heart monitoring system, plus other significant advancements in the areas of healthcare, passenger security and transport.

RFID Partners: Manhattan Associates and Matrics Announce Alliance to Aid RFID Adoption

Partners to Deliver Best-in-Class RFID Solutions to Consumer Goods Industry

ATLANTA, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, and Matrics Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of electronic product code (EPC)-compliant Radio Frequency identification (RFID) systems, announce an alliance to accelerate adoption of RFID technology throughout the consumer goods supply chain.

The primary goal of this alliance is to help clients reduce overall costs and increase profitability by combining RFID tag and reader technology, with RFID-enabled supply chain execution solutions. The benefits to customers include improved accuracy and distribution efficiencies, shorter order cycle times, elimination of unnecessary handling and expenses and enhanced customer satisfaction, for an overall competitive advantage.

Manhattan Associates offers a variety of Integrated Logistics Solutions, including RFID. As the first supply chain software provider to join the Auto-ID Center (now EPCglobal), Manhattan Associates was an early adopter of EPC-compliant technology. The company has continued to build a solid leadership position with the development of its RFID in a Box solution(TM), which incorporates Integration Platform for RFID, RFID-enabled SCE applications and Implementation Services for RFID. Manhattan Associates has partnered with best-in-class RFID suppliers such as Matrics in order to leverage its solutions to its target markets.

"Teaming with Matrics allows us to offer the consumer goods industry a smart, reliable choice for complete RFID solutions," commented Greg Gilbert, RFID strategist for Manhattan Associates. "By aligning our RFID solutions with Matrics tag and reader functionality, we can ensure that customers who face pending compliance mandates meet deadlines, while realizing the added benefits of source to consumption supply chain operations."

RFID technology uses tags or transponders to transmit EPCs and communicate wirelessly to readers over radio frequency waves. Attached to physical objects, including items, cartons, pallets and containers, the tags uniquely identify objects. Readers receive data from the RFID tags via radio frequency waves once the tags are within reading range. This data is captured, accepted and executed against by RFID solutions, such as those offered by Manhattan Associates.

The Matrics RFID system is comprised of EPC-compliant RFID tags (Class 0 read only and read/write) and its new, multi-protocol reader (AR 400 RFID Reader), which is designed to enable real-time, seamless tag reading and writing capability for all EPC-compliant tags including Class 0 and Class 1. Matrics' RFID technology reads farther and faster and costs less than comparable systems, providing unsurpassed real-time visibility into products and assets in factories, distribution centers and retail outlets.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Manhattan Associates, a leader in the supply chain execution space," said Bob McFarland, senior vice president of supply chain sales for Matrics. "Manhattan's pioneering approach to RFID, now combined with Matrics' tags and readers, will deliver a higher return on investment to our joint customers."

About Manhattan Associates, Inc.: Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution solutions. We enable operational excellence through our warehousing and distribution, transportation and trading partner management applications. These integrated solutions leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers. For more information about Manhattan Associates, visit http://www.manh.com .

About Matrics, Inc.: Matrics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant RFID systems and the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company for 2004. Matrics along with its partnership network provides RFID solutions to many of the Fortune 1000 companies, government, as well as international businesses. Current customers include International Paper and McCarran Airport. For more information visit Matrics on the web at http://www.matrics.com .

DOD RFID: Defense Won't Budge On January RFID Deadline

From Information Week, United States The Department of Defense is holding fast to its January mandate for suppliers to use RFID technology. By Laurie Sullivan. The Department ...

Background and requirement for RFID in the DOD Supply Chain

General Overview
RFID systems carry data in suitable transponders, generally known as tags, and retrieve data, by machine-readable means, at a suitable time and place to satisfy particular application needs. Tags have a discrete memory capacity that varies from a small license plate to thousands of records. Data within a tag may provide any level of identification for an item during manufacture, in-transit, in-storage, or in-use. With additional data, the tag may support applications that need item-specific information. For example, shipment consignee or destination ports can be readily accessed upon reading the tag. In addition to tags, an RFID system requires a means for reading or “interrogating” the tags to obtain the stored data and then some means of communicating this tag data to a DoD logistics information system.

Why RFID is essential to the DoD Supply Chain
The use of RFID in the DoD supply chain has the potential to provide real benefits in inventory management, asset visibility, and interoperability in an end-to-end integrated environment. RFID encapsulates the data accuracy advantages inherent in all types of automatic identification technology (AIT). Additionally, RFID is a totally non-intrusive methodology for data capture (requires no human intervention), is non-line of sight technology, and is a technology that may possess both read and write options within the same equipment item. RFID addresses a key challenge that has been noted at every node within the DoD supply chain – lack of visibility of item data. As an integral aspect of the overarching suite of AIT capabilities, RFID will become a key technology enabler for the DoD logistics business transformation and will support long-term integration of the Unique Identification (UID) into the DoD end-to-end supply chain.

RFID (both active and passive) is required by DoD to:
· Provide near-real time in-transit visibility for all classes of supplies and material
· Provide “in the box” content level detail for all classes of supplies and material
· Provide quality, non-intrusive identification and data collection that enables enhanced inventory management
· Provide enhanced item level visibility

RFID Policy Scope and Definition

RFID policy and the corresponding RFID tagging/labeling of DoD materiel are applicable to all items except bulk commodities (i.e., bulk liquids, sand, gravel etc.).

The types of RFID used within DoD will be driven primarily by the supported functional logistics business process with the goal of an integrated capability across all business processes and throughout all echelons of the DoD supply chain. Interoperability with our commercial business partners/suppliers will support the goal of streamlining the DoD supply chain.

RFID: The X-Change Corporation's Subsidiary AirGate Technologies Opens RFID Lab in Allen, Texas

DALLAS, April 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirGate Technologies, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the X-Change Corporation
(OTC Bulletin Board: XCHC), announced the opening of a new RFID lab in its
corporate office in Allen, Texas.

In response to growing global demand for RFID solutions and requests from
potential customers, AirGate is conducting "smart label" testing and label
orientation and association studies with various tag readers in its RFID lab.

"The AirGate lab allows us to interact directly with our Matrix Analytic
Engines in a controlled environment, operating with customer supplied data,"
said Mike Sheriff, CEO of AirGate Technologies. "The lab-based research is a
first step toward developing consistent performance between tags and readers, but it in no way replaces testing in the customer's actual environment.

"The work we are doing in our lab is an effort to resolve many
industry-wide questions about tag design, a tag's orientation on the 'package'
(case or pallet), and its readability by various readers. Our engineering
team is working with antennas, their placement, and 'tuning' of tags where
required."

AirGate's development team is made up of engineers experienced in network
integration and control systems, VoIP, database development and major
application development in Windows and Unix environments. AirGate engineers have developed and deployed large-scale network management systems involving diverse hardware, nodes and simultaneous real-time events emanating from various data sources, including device, user interaction and alarms. This involved auto-discovery of IP devices and high-level presentation through a GUI interface. This is directly applicable to RFID, with huge amounts of data from tags, readers and gateways.

About RFID
RFID is an information management tool that employs miniature RF
transmitters, sometimes called 'smart labels' or 'smart tags', that are
attached to product packages, cases, pallets and shipping containers to
communicate their cargo's identification data via radio waves to 'readers'
that allow a tagged item to be tracked every step of its journey from
component stage in the assembly plant to final manufacture, shipping, and
movement through all points in the distribution channel, all the way to the
retail shelf and eventual purchase by the end user.

About AirGate Technologies
AirGate Technologies is a development stage company specializing in
wireless data management technologies. The company designs and develops
applications utilized in RFID ("radio frequency identification") deployments.
AirGate will deliver RFID solutions in selected vertical markets built around
a data management and integration strategy. This strategy is designed to
ensure rapid market penetration and maximum return on investment. Please
visit http://www.airgatetech.com for more information.

About The X-Change Corporation
The X-Change Corporation was organized to seek merger or acquisition
candidates. The company intends to acquire interests in emerging technology
opportunities that it believes will generate significant revenues and return a
profit to shareholders. AirGate Technologies is a wholly owned subsidiary of
the X-Change Corporation. Please visit http://www.x-changecorp.com for further information.

For further information, please contact: Bevo Beaven, Vice President,
bevo@ctapr.com, or Carl Thompson, Principal, carl@ctapr.com, both of CTA
Public Relations, +1-303-665-4200.

Reusable Containers and RFID: Tag When Manufacturing Not in the Field

From AMR Research, Apr 8, 2004 ... The benefits of using Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology to track mobile assets are obvious. Kraft is using it to monitor the location and manage stock rotation of ingredient bins within one of its plants. Brewers in the UK are doing likewise with beer kegs which are costly number in the millions and move through an extended channel of distribution where safeguards to protect them are weak see the AMR Research Alert article May 23 2003 . The Bottom Line Companies that are considering using RFID technology to manage assets such as totes ingredient containers and other conveyances that require a ruggedized permanently attached tag should plan now to outfit new equipment with the necessary technology during their manufacture.

RFID Company Success: Matrics

LO ALTO, Calif. and COLUMBIA, Md., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost &
Sullivan, an international strategic market consulting and training firm,
today announced the selection of Matrics Inc., a global leader in the design
and manufacture of EPC-compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, as the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company for 2004.

This award is given each year to a company that demonstrates superior
entrepreneurial ability in its industry. It also signifies Frost & Sullivan's
identification of a breakthrough solution offering with significant market
potential. Additionally, the award certifies that the company's marketing
strategy is sound and poised for success. Matrics was chosen for the award
for emerging as the most promising company in the global RFID market today.

"In less than five years, Matrics Inc. has become a force to reckon with
in the logistics and supply chain segments of the world RFID market," says
Karthik Nagarajan, Frost & Sullivan industry analyst. "Matrics' cutting edge
technology innovations and globally pervasive partnership network have been
the most important reasons for this success. These achievements have been
demonstrated through Matrics' launch of the advanced, multi-protocol AR 400
RFID Reader, Class 0 read/write RFID tag (0+), and the recent alliance with
Checkpoint Systems for retail supply chain solutions."

Frost & Sullivan selected Matrics based on sound research methodology.
Entrepreneurial ability was assessed using mostly primary research with top
manufacturers and end-users in the industry.

Frost & Sullivan analyst teams performed extensive interviews with vendors
to evaluate its products, business, and marketing plan. In addition, primary
research with leading manufacturers was performed to benchmark the award
recipient's strategy for growth against established players' strategies. Also
considered were elements such as strategic alliances, expected time to market,
and the senior management team. Finally, primary research with end-users was conducted to evaluate and compare the value of the award recipient's product solution.

"We are extremely pleased and gratified to accept this award," stated Dr.
William Bandy, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Matrics. "For Frost &
Sullivan, a world class company with worldwide recognition, to recognize
Matrics as the Entrepreneurial Company for 2004 is simply outstanding. This
award validates the diligence, perseverance, and dedication of our people and
our business plan."

About Frost & Sullivan
Founded in 1961, Frost & Sullivan is recognized as a global leader in
growth consulting. Frost & Sullivan Awards are presented to companies that
demonstrate excellence in their industry, commending the diligence,
commitment, and innovative business strategies required to advance in the
global marketplace. Frost & Sullivan rigorously analyzes specific criteria to
determine award recipients in a vast variety of market industries and
landscapes. For further information, visit http://www.frost.com.

About Matrics
Matrics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant
RFID systems. Matrics along with its partnership network provides RFID
solutions to many of the Fortune 1000 companies, government, as well as
international businesses. Current customers include International Paper and
McCarran Airport. For more information, visit Matrics on the web at
http://www.matrics.com.

RFID Privacy: Blocker tag protection from RFID

From News.com.au Technology News, Apr 6, 2004 ... Karen Dearne April 6 2004 IN RSA Lab's future pharmacy every unit of every product range is uniquely RFID coded to track items from manufacture to consumption. PERSONALLY-controlled blocker tags may offer a technical solution to unwanted consumer tracking by radio-frequency ID chips as retail stores begin to adopt RFID for inventory and anti-theft purposes.

Blocker tag protection from RFID
IN RSA Lab's future pharmacy, every unit of every product range is uniquely RFID coded to track items from manufacture to consumption. ...

Blocker tag protection from RFID
IN RSA Lab's future pharmacy, every unit of every product range is uniquely RFID coded to track items from manufacture to consumption. ...

RFID Reader: MATRICS INTRODUCES THE INDUSTRY'S MOST ADVANCED RFID READER

True, multi-protocol AR 400 enables easy network integration and provides real-time reading and writing for all EPC-compliant tags

Columbia, MD - March 30, 2004 - Matrics Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), today announced the introduction of a breakthrough device that incorporates RFID multi-protocol reader technology with enhanced network features. The AR 400 RFID Reader has started shipping in limited quantities and the company is ramping up production based on strong customer demand.

The AR platform is the second generation of Matrics' RFID readers, which fundamentally changes the nature of the RFID reader from a static device into a network element that collects, writes, processes, and communicates information from all EPC classes of RFID tags.

The AR 400 RFID Reader will integrate easily into a customer's existing network infrastructure, while the AR platform is designed to be easily upgraded as new standards evolve in the marketplace, protecting our customers' investment. Customers will be able to manage and service their RFID readers through their internal network or remotely, including via the Web. This will dramatically reduce the time and maintenance costs associated with managing RFID systems.

"Our new AR platform is fundamentally different than anything on the market today," said Piyush Sodha, Chairman and CEO of Matrics. "Our customers are telling us that it is critical that RFID readers integrate into existing network infrastructure and not be managed as a separate technology tool."

The AR 400 is more than a typical RFID reader. It provides timely and pertinent information to customers' Network Management platform by real-time reporting of events and status using SNMP. To address security concerns, it provides security and privilege controls and full traceability of operator actions. The AR 400 is a ready-to-connect network element that provides a variety of options for connecting to customers' corporate networks via Ethernet or Serial connections and wirelessly via 802.11. A configuration Setup Wizard makes commissioning tags extremely easy.

A true, multi-protocol reader, the AR 400 RFID Reader provides real-time, seamless tag reading and writing capability for all EPC-compliant tags: Class 0 (read only, and read/write) and Class 1. This flexibility is critical to protect customers' RFID investment.

"We are working actively with RFID middleware and systems integration providers," said Bob McFarland, senior vice president of supply chain sales at Matrics. "Matrics is offering APIs to our partners for development of value-added applications and features that will further enhance the integration of the AR 400 RFID Reader into a customer's enterprise backbone."

About Matrics
Matrics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant RFID systems. Matrics along with its partnership network provides RFID solutions to many of the Fortune 1000 companies, government, as well as international businesses. Current customers include International Paper and McCarran Airport. For more information, visit Matrics on the web at www.matrics.com.

BYRON DORGAN: ALIEN TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCEMENT SHOWS COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO NORTH DAKOTA, “IMMENSE POTENTIAL” FOR ITS RFID PRODUCTS

Company is poised to be the leader in RFID tag manufacture

(FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) said that the announcement by Alien Technology - that it will hire local workers and begin operations at a leased facility in Fargo six months earlier than planned – shows that “the immense potential in the manufacture of Alien’s high-technology products right here in North Dakota is very real.” He also said that the company’s decision to delay the construction of a flagship plant at the NDSU Technology Park by six to twelve months seems to be a reasonable business decision that will allow it to better match its production capacity with market demand for “smart tags,” or tiny RFID (radio frequency identification) transmitters.

The company plans to hire up to 30 employees in late spring or early summer and start assembling and testing RFID tags.

Dorgan, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in bringing the California-based company to North Dakota, creating a research partnership with it and North Dakota State University (NDSU), getting federal contracts for the firm, and encouraging it to build a manufacturing facility in Fargo.

“Alien Technology has shown it is willing to invest in North Dakota’s future, and the early start to its operations is a great sign of how much potential exists for the high-tech products they manufacture. For North Dakota, this means the economic growth and additional new jobs we’ve been expecting will arrive even sooner than predicted,” Dorgan said. “At the same time, the delay in the construction of Alien’s permanent facility seems a reasonable move, which does nothing to dim this company’s bright future in North Dakota. It will allow the company to grow at the right pace to meet the demand for its products, and that makes sense.”

The tags have vast potential applications in the areas of inventory control, agricultural management, security and more. In recent months, Wal-Mart, Target, European retail giant Tesco, and the Department of Defense have announced plans to require their suppliers to adopt RFID technology. The technology will eventually replace the bar codes now ubiquitous on consumer products.

Matrics Adds Read/Write Tags to its Product Line

...Matrics Adds Read Write Tags to its Product Line Matrics Addresses Major Industry and Government Initiatives COLUMBIA Md. March 16 PRNewswire Matrics Inc. a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant Radio Frequency Identification RFID systems today announced the addition of read write functionality to its tag product line...

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Sensing RFID Sensors in the Value Chain...

Real-time business needs to predict, sense, and respond to market conditions. Making smarter decisions and reacting faster that the competition is a real source of advantage. Traditional RFID tag technology combined with RFID sensor technology can enable smart decision making further out in the value chain, closer to the material and its environment.

Take the example of materials with a shelf-life. The manufacture date, the item's age, material movements, and environmental conditions can be tracked from creation to current state in a sensor-enabled RFID tag. The monitoring of environmental conditions is supported by the convergence of sensors and RFID technology.

At any point in the supply chain, the object can communicate with the RFID information highway to report a richer and more complete status, and support decisions regarding its disposition in any next step in the value chain...

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