Airbus Ubisense RFID Manufacturing Initiative

Ubisense is selected as strategic real-time location partner for Airbus. The company's location solutions will enable Airbus with a real-time visibility of business operations by tracking components and assemblies. http://bit.ly/dc5c2q

SAP RFID Tracking by Zetes

RFID technology will enable inbound material tracking for sugar refiner. ...

... "Zetes has rolled out the pilot phase of a project based on RFID technology at the Azucarera Ebro Guadelete sugar refinery ... " ...

Via Supplychain Standard: RFID for sugar refinery

RFID Manufacturing Interface

China RFID Manufacturing Facility

SAP RFID at Bosch

RFID Tire Age

Tire age and safety can be addressed through implementation of RFID technology to store key manufacturing characteristics, such as born-on date, lot number, etc. for traceability. ...

... "In the long-term, he believes RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology will help retail tire dealers stay on top of the issue. " ...

Via Modern Tire Dealer: Tire aging

RFID Tag Manufacturing Line

RFID in Manufacturing

Alien RFID Growth Plans in ND

Alien Technology is growing but has not needed to fully utilize its RFID manufacturing capacity at its Fargo, North Dakota plant. Alien workforce total has lagged behind forecast. The Walmart RFID initiative was one of the key customers of this original capacity forecast. ...

... "Barring an explosion in the RFID market in the next four months, meeting that projection seems unlikely. Jay Tu, Alien’s senior director of operations, said it’s hard to predict how the employment picture will play out at the Fargo plant. Within the next year or two, Alien is looking at adding one or two high-speed tag assembly machines ... " ...

Via INFORUM: Alien Technology in Fargo, North Dakota

RFID Paper Rolls

Sonoco and IPICO introduce RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology into the paper supply chain. ...

... "Using IPICO's dual frequency technology, the new fiber cores allow customers to automatically identify, track, and locate paper rolls at any point in the supply chain. IPICO and Sonoco have developed a unique process by which RFID technology is embedded in fiber-based cores. Sonoco is using this process to produce its new Intellicore engineered carriers which are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of paper manufactures, said John Colyer, Sonoco vice president, Industrial Products - North America. This technology can be read through any size of paper roll, which allows for easy management throughout the product's life cycle. " ...

Via Sonoco: Embedded Identification Technology

RFID KUTag

KU researchers have developed high-performance, low-cost, and thin RFID tag that will perform well on metal or liquid containers. ...

... "Deavours foresees the KU-Tag, which is thinner than a quarter, transforming internal asset tracking, allowing users to reliably place RFID tags on any object regardless of what it is made of or contains. For example, electronic readers placed throughout a manufacturing plant could send out radio signals to which each tag would respond with its identifying information. " ...

Via University of Kansas, Information and Telecommunication Technology Center: KU RFID Tag

RFID Print and Apply in Packaging Process

RFID for Work in Process

Omnitrol Networks embeds IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center software into its Work-In-Process (WIP) appliance, creating an EPC-based track and trace solution for the manufacturing companies. ...

... "The OMNITROL WIP Appliance integrates all the data from the sensors, RFID readers, mobile handheld devices, and other shop floor equipment to improve monitoring of the supply-chain, inventory, manufacturing, shipping and delivery of products. The appliance helps manufacturers reduce costs and time to market by identifying production issues internally and throughout their supply chain. IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center enhances the OMNITROL WIP appliance by allowing customers to share product movement information with trading partners using solutions that comply with GS1 EPCglobal's EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standard. " ...

Via IBM: Work-In-Process Appliance

Airbus RFID Worlds Largest RFID Manufacturing Initiative

Airbus selects IBM and OATSystems to implement multi-million dollar, multi-year RFID project to streamline Airbus' supply chain and manufacturing operations resulting in reduced aircraft production and maintenance costs. ...

... "The project represents the manufacturing industry's single largest RFID software transaction to date. Using a solution comprised of software from IBM and OAT, Airbus' objective is to error-proof and automate its supply chain and manufacturing operations, while also reducing costs. The company selected IBM and OAT for the project following exhaustive research and pilot testing over the past year. The IBM/OAT solution runs on IBM's RFID infrastructure, which is powered by service oriented architecture technology that includes the IBM WebSphere Premises Server and the IBM Business Process Management portfolio, including WebSphere Process Server and WebSphere Business Monitor. " ...

Via IBM: Airbus Selects IBM and OATSystems for World's Largest RFID-enabled Manufacturing Initiative

RFID Tracking in PCB Manufacturing

Omnitrol Networks and Texas Instruments have formed an alliance that will deliver radio frequency identification (RFID) to enable real-time traceability in applications for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. These RFID solutions will enable visibility to location, status, and time information on PCB items in the production process. TQ Components is piloting the RFID-enabled PCB tracking solution in Germany. ...

... "The new offering, which integrates Omnitrol Networks' Work-in-Process visibility software and TI's Gen 2 chip technology, provides electronic and contract manufacturers a highly automated method of simultaneously identifying and tracking PCBs from the manufacturing floor to customer delivery. The demand for higher quality, flexibility and efficiency in PCB manufacturing is driving the need for non-line of sight RFID work-in-process tracking that offers several improvements over relatively large, fixed memory barcodes. RFID's small chip size can effectively be used on increasingly scarce board real estate, and its programmable memory allows PCB manufacturers real-time work-in-process visibility into parts, labor and finished goods throughout their manufacturing operations. In addition, RFID solutions provide a highly accurate and comprehensive view of manufacturing data throughout the product lifecycle which can help reduce warranty, safety and liability costs. The complete solution integrates Omnitrol Networks' award-winning Work-In-Process (WIP) visibility software and industrial sensor integration appliance, Gen 2 RFID readers and Texas Instruments' RFID Gen 2 UHF chips." ...

Via Omnitrol: Real-time RFID traceability to printed circuit board manufacturing

RFID Print Label Applicator for Packaging Lines

Automated packaging line served by RFID printer / label applicator ...

RFID Asset Tag

Omni-ID Prox is a new short-range, passive UHF RFID tag in a small form factor that is targeted at the asset management application market. ...

... "The Omni-ID Prox tag was specifically designed for asset identification where increased visibility and asset registration are essential. It delivers unmatched precision in the tracking of smaller high-value assets, electronic devices, communications and network cards, servers, and other assets or applications that demand high performance. In addition, Omni-ID Prox can be utilized to track tools or products during manufacturing as well as manage asset rentals. " ...

Revolutionary RFID Tag, Omni-ID Prox is Nominated for Best in Show Award

RFID in Manufacturing Will Be Discussed

University RFID Forum will focus on RFID technology applications in manufacturing processes. ...

... "the Twin Cities RFID Industry Forum – an educational and networking event for those interested in learning about new uses for RFID technology – will hold its quarterly breakfast and speaker event on Dec. 6. " ...

Via MidwestBusiness: RFID Forum

LongRange RFID Reader EPC HF Version2 Compatible

TAGSYS launches the Medio L400 long-range HF RFID reader, which delivers self-diagnostic and self-correcting capabilities. This RFID reader will be future compatible with the EPCglobal RFID standard HF Version 2 (V2) using a simple firmware upgrade. ...

... "The Medio L400 uses advances in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and RF Front End technology to achieve an industry-leading signal-to-noise ratio. The result is breakthrough performance in read range and read speed. The Medio L400 has been specifically designed to operate in noisy environments such as manufacturing plants and distribution facilities while maintaining the highest levels of data integrity for item level tracking and tracing, inventory management and security applications. Designed as a network device, the Medio L400 conserves critical network bandwidth by filtering tag data to remove redundancies before sending data to the host. It is available with two or four antenna ports, supports a wide array of TAGSYS antennas and provides connectivity through Ethernet, USB and serial communication modes. An integrated LCD screen allows floor operators to easily configure and maintain the Medio L400 without the use of peripheral equipment such as computers or PDAs. " ...

Via TAGSYS RFID: Infrastructure For RFID Networks

RFID Product DNA Creates Asset History Through Its Life

HP uses Oatsystems RFID solutions to track printers through their manufacturing process and into the supply chain. HP is recognized for its innovative application of RFID technology. ...

... "HP tracks its printers using OATSystems' Asset Tracking Solution integrated with existing SAP and Baan ERP systems as well as HP's proprietary manufacturing execution system. The system tracks each printer from its origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to its eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product DNA, storing unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer's history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently. HP estimates that RFID-enabling its printer manufacturing operations has reduced the company’s printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. " ...

Via OatSystems: RFID to Reduce Printer Inventory by 17 Percent

RFID Enables Wafer Fabrication

RFID tech supports semiconductor manufacturing process as it tracks high-value materials. ...

... "California company AeroScout Inc. supplied a RFID (radio-frequency identification) tagging system, which enables factory workers to keep closer track of containers of silicon wafers in the factory. " ...

Via Austin American-Statesman: RFID in Wafer Fab

RFID Project Tool Tracking For Maintenance Management

NORDAM collaborates with 3M to implement RFID tracking solution into its manufacturing operations, which is part of a Six Sigma improvement project. The radio frequency identification (RFID) system manages tool across a large manufacturing facility. ...

... "The initial 18-month project involved attaching passive, temperature-resistant UHF tags to a variety of small and large tools used in the construction of business jet composite interior panels. NORDAM and 3M installed corresponding scanning stations in strategic positions throughout the manufacturing process, such as tool storage areas, composite lay-up rooms, and curing ovens. As a tagged tool passes an RFID portal, the tracking system registers information about the tool instantly, such as location, age, and usage history. This information is then used to maximize asset utilization and schedule tool maintenance. " ...

Via Nordam: 3M's RFID TOOL TRACKING

RFID Read from the Plant Floor Edge

Comtrol Corporation's Edgeware edge controller with RFID devices on the plant floor. ...

... "The Edgeware controller enables enterprise applications such as SAP and Oracle to have real-time visibility of plant-floor devices like RFID readers. Edgeware does this with distributed architecture and embedded industrial Ethernet protocols like Ethernet/IP, PROFINET and Modbus/TCP. On-demand business decisions can be made based on real-time information that is gathered from RFID readers ... " ...

Via Comtrol: RFID Edge Controller

RFID Plant Automation Network Integration

Automation technology will integrate RFID readers and other intelligent devices in the plant network, enabling real-time response to production events. ...

... "The deviceWISE 2.0 framework links PLCs, RFID readers and other intelligent devices in a network to enable bidirectional data flow between systems running, IBM DB2, IBM Websphere, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Servers and other software. This connectivity provides companies with an accurate picture of the production environment, allowing companies to monitor and retrieve information faster and to respond to operational issues in real-time. " ...

Via ILSTechnology: ILS Technology Enters Joint Development Agreement With Mitsubishi Electric for deviceWISE 2.0 Framework ...

Honda RFID Assemply Line: Critical Component Traceability

Honda Italia partners with IBM to implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and infrastructure in production processes at its plant located in Atessa, Italy. The solution will enable Honda Italy to increase efficiency and accuracy in managing its motorcycle production in Italy. ...

... "IBM Global Business Services will support Honda Italia in the design and development of the RFID implementation, which will enable the real time, automatic identification of each vehicle along the entire production chain. The RFID tags will also be used on micro-lots of critical components, such as engines. IBM business and technology consultants have been collaborating for a long time with Honda Italia engineers in the design of the new processes and in the identification of the best solution. The RFID technology will be then completely integrated with Honda's existing IT systems through an open standards-based, Linux and Java (J2EE) application built on the IBM WebSphere Application Server to track inventory and to monitor ways to improve efficiency.



The first phase of the project, completed earlier this year, simultaneously with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Honda Italia, calls for the transformation of Honda's large-displacement bikes (Hornet 600, CBF1000/600/500) assembly line. The RFID tags were used to monitor the traceability of critical components, WIP (Work In Progress) management and inventory replenishment. In the future, RFID tags will also be applied to Honda's scooter production line, starting with the European best seller SH150i/125i and the bigger SH300i. " ...

Via IBM: Honda Italia and IBM Revolutionize Motorbike Production With RFID: Innovation Project at Honda's Plant in Italy Expected to Improve Efficiency and Accuracy ...

RFID Distribution Logistics

RFID technology enables business process improvement for manufacturing and warehouse operations. The shipping process is particularly suited for RFID enablement. RFID supports real-time business process automation at the shipping dock, where paperwork and shipment picking is accelerated to speed the delivery to the customer. ...

... "Once that pallet passes through a specific point at a shipping dock, then the tag is read and the contents of the data loaded earlier gets processed into the enterprise software. This in turn will generate invoices, initiate courier tracking, adjusts inventories, initiates material purchases to name just some of the impact RFID can have for your day-to-day business. Gone too are many of the headaches associated with bottlenecks in the shipping process such as verifying shipments against the bill-of-lading while drivers queue up for their pick-ups, the potential for human error in getting the wrong product on the wrong truck. " ...

Via GAORFID: RFID Technology Simplifies Distribution

RFID Lab Villanova University: Stimulate Region Competitiveness

Villanova University researches RFID technology at its Center for Advanced Communications. The director of the RFID lab is Dr. Yimin Zhang. The Center was created through a partnership of Villanova, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and the National Science Foundation to stimulate regional industrial competitiveness. ...

... "The Center for Advanced Communications (CAC) at Villanova University has established state-of-the-art Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) facilities on Villanova University campus. The main objective of this Lab is to become a leading provider of RFID research in the region and promote collaboration and partnership with RFID manufacturing industries. " ...

Via Villanova University College of Engineering: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Lab ...

RFID Metal Packaging Works as Antenna

QinetiQ and Crown collaborate to develop adaptation of QinetiQ's Omni-ID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use on metal packaging. The improvements will enable RFID tags at the unit-level on metal items. Technology advancement is expected to integrate the metal substrate as part of the RFID tag's antenna. ...

... "This will enable brand owners to integrate ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags into metal packaging for a wide variety of applications at the single item level. Designed to mitigate issues such as signal reflection, detuning and grounding which reduce or negate RFID's effectiveness on metal packaging or with aqueous-based products, the unique technology leverages several of metal's inherent properties and shifts the format into an advantageous position.

QinetiQ's standalone Omni-ID tags and integrated Omni-ID packaging technology allows a UHF tag to be mounted directly onto the metal substrate. Measuring substantially less than 1mm in thickness, the unique Omni-ID structure collects and focuses RF energy and enables highly efficient coupling to the chip. Another advantage of the system is that RFID chips require only a short coupling antenna rather than the large dipole usually incorporated in UHF tags, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Crown and QinetiQ are continuing development of the technology for metal packaging to further optimize design. In the near future, it is expected that the metal substrate itself will have an integral role in the way the technology functions. Using a beverage or food can as an example, the can itself would serve as the antenna, simplifying production of the RFID tag and further reducing costs. " ...

Via Qinetiq: Crown teams up with QinetiQ to resolve challenges of RFID on metal packaging ...

RFID Korea Manufacturing

LS Industrial Systems, Korean integrator, and Impinj, RFID supplier, partner to deliver high-performance RFID solutions in the Korean manufacturing market. ...

... "Responding to significant demand from the Korean manufacturing sector for RFID-enabled logistics and distribution capability, LS Industrial Systems will build and distribute a comprehensive RFID solution incorporating Impinj's Speedway reader platform and Monza Gen 2 tag chips. Available starting in February 2007, the LS Industrial Systems RFID solution targets Korean product distributors, manufacturing companies and government entities requiring RFID technology to improve factory automation and supply chain efficiency. " ...

Via Impinj: LS Industrial Systems and Impinj Partner to Deliver High-Performance Gen 2 Radio Frequency Identification Solutions in Korea ...

RFID Asset Management Course

Course on RFID technology for asset management to be offered in the first quarter of 2007 at Univ of Kansas. Registration. ...

... "RFID for Intelligent Asset Management: Wednesday-Friday, February 28-March 2, 2007, Hampton Inn and Suites Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Mo. This intensive three-day course will focus on radio frequency identification closed-loop applications for managing assets and controlling processes. Participants will learn to apply RFID to drive more flexible, lean manufacturing operations and to manage their assets more efficiently. Professionals from a wide variety of businesses-from heavy industry to healthcare-will benefit from attending this seminar. " ...

Via University of Kansas Continuing Education: RFID for Intelligent Asset Management Course

RFID Supports Nissan Continuous Improvement Initiative

Nissan implements a continuous improvement initiative to target vehicle labor cost reduction, increase logistics throughput accelerating customer service, and enhance vehicle quality through defect elimination early in the product lifecycle. The initiative will be enabled by a wireless architecture and active RFID technology in the Nissan Canton MS manufacturing facility, supplied by WhereNet. ...

... "As part of a continuous improvement initiative at its four-million square foot assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, Nissan will leverage a single wireless architecture to run multiple WhereNet applications, including the WhereSoft Yard Management System (YMS) and Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), to improve production velocity and throughput, labor productivity, and vehicle quality. Nissan's Canton assembly plant has the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year, including the Altima sedan, Armada full-size sport utility vehicle, Infiniti QX56 full-size sport utility vehicle, Quest minivan, and Titan full-size pickup truck.

Deploying the WhereNet single wireless infrastructure over the entire Canton complex will take less than 90 days. The hardware consists of 1500 active RFID WhereTag transmitters, which are temporarily attached to new vehicles as they roll off the assembly line as part of the WhereNet VTMS system; 700 WhereTag transmitters that are permanently fixed to trailers belonging to Nissan's dedicated suppliers or temporarily attached to others as part of the WhereSoft YMS application; 120 WherePort magnetic exciters positioned between gates and at key choke points across the complex; and a local infrastructure of 80 wireless WhereLAN locating access points.

Nissan also plans to deploy the WhereNet automated gate check-in/out solution known as Fast Gate that supports 24x7 sequenced parts deliveries from Nissan suppliers. Fast Gate senses when a truck is approaching the gate; cross-references detailed information about the truck in a database; and, if authorized, automatically opens the gate to grant entry. Then, based on business rules loaded into the WhereSoft yard management application, the system instructs drivers and yard personnel to deliver the inbound load to the appropriate dock door for just-in-time sequencing of parts based on the assembly line build plan for that work shift.



When new vehicles roll off the Nissan assembly line, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is married to the vehicle identification number (VIN). The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination. Nissan uses the WhereNet VTMS in off-line areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones. The system includes a logical hierarchy of rules that manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. " ...

Via Wherenet: NISSAN SELECTS WHERENET'S LOCATABLE, ACTIVE RFID SYSTEM TO AUTOMATE INBOUND SUPPLY CHAIN AND OUTBOUND DELIVERY CHAIN ...

HighSpeed RFID Read Rates: Pharma Cases

Impinj discusses results of live demonstration of RFID technology in pharmaceutical packaging application with Owens-Illinois (O-I) at the RFID Health Care Industry Adoption Summit in D.C. ...

... "In pharmaceutical manufacturing and fill-line demonstrations, a near-field UHF Gen 2 RFID solution, comprising Impinj's Speedway reader and O-I's item-level embedded RFID tags powered by Impinj's Monza chips, achieved 100% reliability when reading and writing tags at high speed on pharmaceutical bottles. In the first demonstration, the UHF Gen 2 system programmed 96-bit EPC numbers at rates exceeding 600 tags per minute on bottles containing the four most common dose types - liquids, gel caps, solids and powder. In the second demonstration, the system developed by Impinj and O-I flawlessly read 600 tags per minute on cases containing 48 individually tagged bottles and a case-level tag. " ...

Via Impinj: Impinj-Powered UHF Gen 2 RFID Solution Delivers Exceptional Results for Item Tagging of Pharmaceuticals

RFID Manages Metro Shrinkage

Metro partners with Checkpoint to implement RFID source tags to reduce shrinkage across a significant number of stores across multiple countries. ...

... "The strategic agreement, which includes worldwide store installation of NDRF (New Digital Radio Frequency) technology and source tagging, will help METRO Cash & Carry to minimize shrinkage and reduce operational costs by using only one supplier, Checkpoint Systems, and implement source tagging, with the ultimate aim of improving their customers' shopping experience. Installation of 3G NDRF (called Liberty PX in North America) antennas and deactivators is planned for the more than 425 Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in 28 countries, making it the most international EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) roll out of its kind. The global shrink management solution provides METRO Cash & Carry (under METRO and MAKRO brand names), with product protection throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to the point of sale, where the RF tags on the item are deactivated. This eliminates the need for employees to spend time physically securing the tags in-store or removing them at point of sale. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: METRO Cash & Carry Selects Checkpoint Systems as Their Exclusive Shrink Management Global Partner

RFID Switch Infrastructure Convergence ...

Symbol integrates radio frequency switch to enable convergence of multiple technologies under centralized management solution, including RFID. This supports the consistent management of the radio frequency infrastructure for an enterprise, as most companies strive to implement RF devices for supply chain, wireless zones for mobility and flexible office work. ...

... "The RFS7000 RF Switch leverages Symbol's Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture, and is designed to support and consolidate Wi-Fi and emerging RF technologies such as RFID, 802.11n, mesh, Voice over Wireless LAN (VoWLAN) and WiMAX. Businesses will now be able to efficiently and cost-effectively deploy and centrally manage wireless voice, data and infrastructure devices throughout the RF spectrum.

The RFS7000 RF Switch provides robust, highly scalable support for enterprise mobility, and is ideal for manufacturing facilities, hospitals, warehouse and supply chain industries, educational and government institutions, and service providers with high-bandwidth requirements and mission-critical applications.

The RFS7000 RF Switch is 802.11n-ready, capable of supporting up to 256 802.11a/b/g access ports, and enables a new switch clustering concept, providing redundancy and high-performance scalability for more than 2,000 access points. Symbol's new RF Switch is designed to support value-add, optional add-on modules such as fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) to provide seamless persistent connectivity for dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handheld devices. The RFS7000 Switch also enables Layer 3 roaming, without additional external applications and third-party servers, to handle multi-floor or large-scale campus-wide deployments, allowing mobile users to maintain a persistent connection to high-bandwidth applications as they roam throughout the enterprise. " ...

Via Symbol Technologies: Symbol Technologies Unveils the Industry's First RF Switch to Drive the Next Generation of Enterprise Mobility

RFID MRO Aerospace Defense Industry ...

RFID expected to enable the MRO process in the aerospace and defense industry. ...

... "By 2011, the A&D RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) market is expected to realize revenue in excess of $2 billion. One area that shows particular promise for the use of RFID in A&D manufacturing environments is MRO: maintenance, repair and overhaul. " ...

Via ABI Research: RFID-Based Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Strategies Spell Efficiency and Security for Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains ...

RFID Battery-Assist Passive Tag: Supports Logistics and Manufacturing ...

Intelleflex RFID tags can be used by logistics companies and in manufacturing in long-range, battery-assisted mode for real-time inventory tracking of assemblies in the warehouses. The RFID system can automatically generate a proof of shipment when assemblies are shipped. When used in maintenance operations in passive mode, companies can realize significant benefits from having actionable manufacturing and repair history data in the 64Kb user memory of the RFID tag at the point of use. ...

... "Intelleflex's InfoSure tags and the I-Beam reader are multi-protocol, ensuring global interoperability using EPC standards. InfoSure tags can be used as passive C1G2 tags with any other C1G2 reader or used in the battery-assisted passive mode at long ranges with the I-Beam reader. InfoSure tags offer up to 100-meter read/write range in free space, which translates to 100 percent read/write reliability at standard working ranges in industrial environments. They also offer 64 kb user memory, which is segmented into 1 kb blocks so they can be independently protected for read/write access through passwords. The I-Beam reader can read any EPC C1G2 tag as well as the Class 3 InfoSure tag. Initial product shipments of both the tags and readers are targeted for asset management, yard management, manufacturing and zonal access control applications. " ...

Via Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Announces Availability of its RFID Battery-Assisted Passive Tag and Reader Products ...

Logistics RFID: Inbound Process ...

TNT NV, a global provider of mail, express and logistics services, pilots RFID in inbound logistics processes for manufacturing firm. ...

... "Supply chain processes covered by the projects ranged from inbound logistics and warehousing to multi-country distribution. In the US, TNT worked closely with an automotive manufacturer to improve the inbound process to one of its main manufacturing facilities. The use of RFID led to quicker and more accurate scanning of cargo and therefore resulted in shorter delivery times, simplified processes and a significant decrease in identification errors. Especially in a time-sensitive environment of assembly line manufacturing, RFID has proven to make a critical difference by reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. TNT is already discussing with its client how RFID can help further achieve cost reductions and apply the solution to other manufacturing facilities. Based on the successful outcome of the six projects, TNT is further implementing RFID technology throughout its divisions. The experience gained from the projects, both on the technology itself and in how to apply it in order to gain maximum benefit, will be used to further roll out the technology within suitable customer operations. For this reason and following the early successes, TNT has already started the second phase of the RFID programme in which the company aims to turn the projects into successful industry sector solutions in very close collaboration with its clients. " ...

Via TNT: TNT successfully finishes phase one of RFID programme ...

RFID InkJet Printable Tags

FujiFilm Dimatix work to advance its capabilities in printable RFID tags using ink-jet printers. It has demonstrated capabilities in various sizes and materials on multiple substrates. ...

... "FUJIFILM Dimatix, Inc., a leading provider of commercial and industrial ink jet products, announced that it has repeatedly used its revolutionary ink jet technology to print silver fluid with features of less than 20 microns. With the proven capability to precision print 1 picoliter-sized drops of organic and inorganic materials on a large variety of substrates, the company is continuing to pave the way for an entirely new way of developing and manufacturing electronic books, printed polymer backplanes, printed sensors, complete RFID tags and other flexible electronics.

The Dimatix Materials Printer (DMP) is the world's first complete, low-cost system for high-precision jetting of all kinds of functional fluids on any type of surface, including plastic, glass, metal sheets, silicon, membranes, gels, thin films and paper. By directly printing on their own substrates, customers can rapidly develop prototypes and keep process technology in-house. The printer's small size and low price make it convenient, easy to use and cost-effective to own. Featuring single-use cartridges that customers can fill with their own fluid materials, the system minimizes waste of expensive materials. " ...

Via Dimatix: FUJIFILM Dimatix Enables Direct Printing of Silver Fluid with Features of Less than 20 Microns ...

FUJIFILM Dimatix Materials Deposition Division is evolving ink jetting technology into a production process that lowers the cost, time and environmental impact of producing electronic circuits and functions for RFID tags, flat panel displays, circuit boards and other electronic and bioscience applications.

RFID Seamless Mobility: Moto Acquires Mobile Technology Leader, Symbol ...

Motorola makes strategic acquisition of wounded-prey Symbol Technologies with an eye towards the convergence of digital and mobility as an engine for future growth. ...

... "Symbol is a leader in designing, developing, manufacturing and servicing products and systems used in end-to-end enterprise mobility solutions featuring rugged mobile computing, advanced data capture, radio frequency identification (RFID), wireless infrastructure and mobility management. The company's products and services help customers increase workforce productivity, improve customer service and enhance operational efficiencies by delivering information in real-time, as people, information and assets are on-the-move. " ...

Via Moto: Motorola to Expand Enterprise Capabilities Through Acquisition of Symbol Technologies ...

RFID Manufacturing Shipping Implementation ...

Peg Perego wil imeplement Northern Apex RFID in the manufacturing process for tracking WIP work-in-process materials and finished goods. ...

... "Peg Perego USA Inc., a subsidiary of Peg Perego SpA, Italy, manufacturer of high quality children's riding vehicles and the exclusive U.S. distributor of Italian infant products manufactured by Peg Perego SpA, Italy, which include baby strollers, car seats and high chairs, has awarded Fort Wayne-based Northern Apex Corporation a contract to integrate Apex's RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) equipment in Peg Perego's Indiana manufacturing and shipping facilities. Northern Apex will install a solution that incorporates automated RFID label applicators, RFID readers, antennas and software into Peg Perego's manufacturing and distribution center for WIP (work in process) and finished goods tracking. UHF 900 MHz Gen 2 RFID tags will be automatically applied to each box, at the end of the production line, to initiate the tracking system. " ...

RFID Manufacturing Shipping Implementation: Northern Apex To Provide RFID Technology to Peg PeregNorthern Apex To Provide RFID Technology to Peg Perego ...

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

Dairy Fresh implements Xterprise RFID automation system to support supply chain performance. ...

... "Dairy Fresh chose Xterprise to deploy the XARM 4000 solution on two manufacturing lines so that supply chain strategies and their customer mandates could be met in a timely manner, without the need for added labor to accomplish the RFID tagging requirements. The XARM 4000 is a fully integrated, automated, RFID application solution that enables Dairy Fresh to easily transition from non-tagged production line packaging to RFID tagged production line packaging. The XARM 4000, designed and built by Carrollton, Texas based Xterprise, is designed around a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of the complex production line material handling system and RFID printer applicators and verification readers. The system can accommodate full pallet single SKU tagging (case and pallet) and pallet only tagging for their various retailer’s requirements. In addition to using the latest technology to ensure maximum readability of RFID tags in the retailers supply chain, the Xterprise automated solution also provides the lowest cost per case application and the highest case per minute throughput in the industry. " ...

Via Xterprise: Dairy Fresh Deploys Xterprise RFID Source Tagging Solution: WalMart Beverage manufacturer chooses automated solution for RFID case and pallet tagging ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

Unilever collaborates with IBM and T3Ci to test interoperability of the emerging EPCIS RFID data standard. The standard focuses on the efficient use of real-time data among partners in the supply chain. ...

... "The standard is designed to help better enable retailers, manufacturers and organizations throughout the supply chain to overcome information overload and share information to improve business processes. This milestone marks the first step toward delivering interoperability based on the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) for exchange and query of RFID data. IBM and T3CI are the co-chairs of the EPCglobal EPCIS Working Group. The objective of the Working Group is to create common interfaces among RFID software, allowing organizations to exchange and leverage RFID data independent of the applications in which data is created or stored. For organizations throughout the supply chain, this will deliver greater value by allowing them to inexpensively capture large volumes of detailed data at each stage of the supply chain and share that data among trading partners. While retailers today can provide manufacturers with large amounts of data about RFIDtagged products, until now there has been no simple and standardized way for manufacturers to sort through the volumes of raw data and perform queries to use it to improve product introductions, promotions and distribution of new products.



The new EPCIS standards-based ability to query RFID data will provide organizations with near real-time RFID data from their trading partners, for the first time giving manufacturers access to the precise information they need. Unilever North America, a global manufacturer of foods, home care and personal care products, also announced today its plans to pioneer use of the EPCIS standard to query RFID data provided by retailers. Unilever will conduct a trial using IBM's EPCIS implementation to collect and access information from within the company's manufacturing environment and from trading partners. By leveraging IBM and T3Ci reports and analysis, Unilever is looking to create additional business value in the areas of promotion management, supply chain visibility and metrics, as well as RFID readability. " ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data: Via T3Ci: IBM and T3Ci Successfully Pilot Open Standard to Enable Manufacturers to Leverage RFID Data and Improve Supply Chain Processes: Unilever Among First Manufacturers to Pioneer New Interface to Connect Data Among Trading Partners ...

EPCIS standard ...

Software Action Group: "EPC Information Services (EPCIS) Phase 2: Create one or more normative technical specifications that will facilitate the development of interoperable EPCIS systems. "

Background on Unilever ...

Unilever awards HR outsourcing contract to Accenture: "Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe. Its portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most loved brands including twelve EUR1 billion brands and global leadership in many categories in which the company operates. The portfolio features brand icons such as: Knorr, Hellmann's, Flora, Bertolli, Dove, Lux, Pond's, Lynx, Sunsilk, Persil, Cif and Domestos. Unilever has around 206 000 employees in approaching 100 countries and generated annual sales of EUR40 billion in 2005. "

Info on T3Ci ...

T3Ci: The RFID Analytics and Applications Company: "T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, offers a broad range of RFID software and services, representing the most comprehensive RFID vision in the industry. T3Ci develops software and provides enterprise-class solutions for managers of RFID initiatives who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include RFID analytics as well as a suite of high-value applications for retail suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and major retailers. Applications include Out-of-Stock Management, Promotions Execution Management, Deductions Management, and Product Authentication. "

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding ...

Intelleflex Corp secures another round of venture capital funding to enable the scale-up of production volumes. ...

... "Intelleflex Corporation, The Intelligent RFID Platform Company, announced the closing of a $15.5 million round of equity funding. This Series B round was led by Morgenthaler Ventures, and was over-subscribed, with continuing participation by Series A investors Woodside Fund, Alloy Ventures and Selby Venture Partners. Proceeds from this round will be used to ramp production, extend the company's line of high performance RFID tags and readers and expand the company's go-to-market capabilities. Intelleflex products enable critical applications including asset management, yard operations, manufacturing WIP, supply chain and security / access control.



The $11.3 million Intelleflex had raised in its A round was used to develop the industry's first fully integrated multi-protocol EPC-compliant RFID single chip IC. In their battery-assisted passive mode of operation, the tags built around this chip offer operating ranges in excess of 100 meters, robust performance in difficult RF conditions and an extended feature set including 64k bits of user read / write memory. " ...

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding: Intelleflex Corporation Secures $15.5 Million in Series B Funding ...

RFID Reader: ROHS Compliant ...

Omron introduces 13.56MHz ISO15693 RFID readers, that comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) Directive. ...

... "The suite of new products includes 4W and 1W output fixed type readers (V720S-BC5D4, V720S-CD1D), and an embedded OEM reader (V720S-HMC73). Omron RFID began producing V720 HF series readers in 2000 and since then has shipped more than 300,000 units worldwide. They are used today in a wide variety of RFID reader applications including manufacturing and distribution logistics, consumer goods packaging, libraries and the apparel industry. Omron's long track record for superior quality RFID products and our established expertise in HF RFID technology today provides immediate solutions to those whose needs involve item-level tagging, particularly pharmaceutical, asset management and library applications ... " ...

RFID Reader: ROHS Compliant: Via Omron: Suite Of RoHS Compliant HF (13.56MHz) RFID Products ...

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 ...

Hospital RFID Applications Discussed ...

MIT Forum will discuss RFID applications in the hospital. ...

... "RFID in the Hospital
Monday June 12, 2006
6:30 - 6:45 Networking & Light Snack
6:45 - 7:45 Panel Presentation
7:45 - 8:30 p.m. Q & A
Location:
Stata Center (Bldg. 32)
Room 124, 1st floor
32 Vassar Street
Cambridge, MA 02139 MAP

In addition to manufacturing and retail marketing, healthcare is considered the next home for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Although in its early stages, RFID technology has great potential in the hospitals to significantly reduce cost, improve patient safety and deliver medical services. Imagine the hospital of the future where unnecessary expenses will be cut and more patient lives will be saved. " ...

Via MIT EF: RFID SIG ...

Java RFID Sensor Community ...

Sun launches community for RFID sensor development using Java as the software foundation. ...

... "RFID (radio frequency identification) and sensor-based applications are being used increasingly in a variety of industries, including manufacturing retail health care, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, aerospace and government. They can dramatically reduce costs for companies, increase operational efficiencies, improve security and accountability of assets, and help ensure the authenticity and integrity of products. However, the complexity of developing and integrating RFID and sensor solutions can slow adoption while developers come up to speed.

The Sun RFID Community has grown out of the experiences of technical collaboration among internal Sun experts and the more than 350 members of Sun's RFID Partner Advantage program. Any developer can access the Sun RFID and Sensor Community by joining Java.Net. Members of the Sun RFID Community can participate in e-mail lists, code-building projects, and community activities. The Sun Java System RFID Software, toolkits and documentation are freely available for download. " ...

Java RFID Sensor Community: Via Sun Microsystems: Sun Launches New RFID and Sensor Community for Java Developers ...

RFID Antenna Manufacturing Differentiation ...

RCD Technology differentiates with RFID antenna technology ...

... "RCD Technology Corporation makes extremely low-cost, high-range, radio-frequency identification antennae. We take advantage of the enhanced reading distance inherent with high-conductivity copper traces. " ...

RFID Antenna Manufacturing Differentiation: Via RCD Technology Corp.: RFID antenna manufacturing for RFID tags or inlets used for EAS, and I-Code keyless entry etc. ...

Goodyear RFID: NASCAR Tire Tracking ...

Goodyear implements RFID technology from Psion Teklogix to trakc tires at NASCAR races. ...

... "Goodyear, the world's largest tire company, has implemented an RFID solution to track its tires at all three of NASCAR's premier series in 2006. Goodyear's RFID solution is assisting NASCAR in leveling the playing field among its teams through a tire leasing program that controls access to the tires available at race events, as well as at officially sanctioned test sessions. Goodyear is using the Psion Teklogix 7535 with RD7950 UHF RFID Reader along with a software application from CTI, Akron, OH, to track and manage its tires at all three NASCAR top series in 2006, including the Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series. With 43 cars at each Nextel Cup race and each car using about 10 sets of tires per race, the task of tracking all of the tires can be challenging and time consuming. Goodyear's goal is to optimize how it tracks the nearly 2,000 tires from manufacturing through distribution to the teams, and then to the final disposition of the tires after each race. " ...

Goodyear RFID: NASCAR Tire Tracking: Via Psion Teklogix (US): Psion Teklogix Provides RFID Solutions to Goodyear ...

RFID Garment HangTags Manage Inventory ...

Checkpoint implements RFID garment hangtags for Lemmi to management apparel inventory in the supply chain. ...

... "Checkpoint Systems, Inc., one of the largest manufacturers and marketers of RF and RFID based solutions for security, identification, tracking and merchandising applications in the world, announced they were chosen by Lemmi Fashion, a Fritzlar, Germany-based producer of children's apparel, to supply the company and its strategic partners with RFID (radio frequency identification) hangtags. The RFID consumables will be used as part of a strategic initiative to help improve Lemmi's speed to market, inventory management, and order accuracy. Checkpoint Systems is supplying Lemmi's manufacturing partners in Asia and Europe with Performa(R) 13.56 MHz RFID-enabled hangtags. The hangtags, which include a visible version of the RFID tag and a traditional bar code, contain data such as article number, size, and color. The tagging process begins when Lemmi's partners apply Performa RFID-enabled garment tags to items at their production sites. The goods are recorded when they are shipped from the manufacturer to Lemmi's distribution center (DC), and upon receipt at the DC. Movements within the DC are also recorded, and Lemmi reads the RFID tags a final time at the shipping area to confirm that all items required for the shipment have been packed." ...

RFID Garment HangTags Manage Inventory: Via Checkpoint Systems, Inc.: Lemmi Fashion Selects Checkpoint Systems RFID Hangtags to Improve Customer Service and Delivery Reliability; Apparel Manufacturer Partners with Checkpoint to Ensure RFID Tag Performance, Production and Fulfillment Requirements ...

RFID Tag Manufacturing Increase ...

Omron to increase the manufacturing of RFID tags ...

... "Japan's Omron plans to more than double its production capacity of radio frequency identification (RFID) inlays within the coming months ... " ...

RFID Tag Manufacturing Increase: Via CIO: Omron Plans Big Boost to RFID Manufacturing ...

China RFID Contract Win ...

RC Group secures contract win for RFID-enabled warehouse management solutions in the China market. ...

... "Under the MOU the Group will initially be commissioned to deliver its newly developed packaged RFID solutions for the use in warehouse and logistics management to manufacturing enterprises throughout the industrial region of Xiaolan in Southern China. Since the recent launch of the packaged RFID solution 10 installation projects have been secured in Xiaolan and other parts of Southern China. " ...

China RFID Contract Win: Via RCG MARVEL: RC Group Major RFID Contract Win ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip ...

G2 Microsystems introduces RFID system on a chip that supports WIFI networking standards. ...

... "G2 Microsystems Inc., a developer of integrated circuits for the Mobile Resource Management (MRM) market, announced an ultra low-power, active radio frequency identification (RFID) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that leverages the widely-deployed Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) network infrastructure. By using this existing infrastructure, G2 Microsystems SoC enables businesses to install asset tracking systems at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions resulting in at least a 75% reduction in total cost of ownership. Additionally, the chip's integrated support for multiple location technologies and environmental sensing coupled with ultra low-power consumption enables a new class of tags that will open the door for global MRM services in many enterprise applications.

Mobile resource management is a fast-growing market that uses RTLS to track and monitor assets both inside and outside of facilities. The Yankee Group forecasts the global RTLS market will grow to $1.6B by 2010, fueled by deployments in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Targeted at the RTLS market, G2 Microsystems' G2C501 Wi-Fi Active RFID SoC is a very flexible solution that enables a broad range of customer types to tailor systems to their specific application at a very low total cost of ownership. The chip is currently being incorporated into leading RTLS solutions including those from Ekahau and PanGo Networks. " ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip: Via G2 Microsystems: G2 Microsystems Significantly Reduces Cost of Asset Tracking Systems with Industry's First Wi-Fi RFID System-on-a-Chip: Leading Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Providers, Ekahau and PanGo Networks, Plan to use G2 Microsystems' Chip ...

RFID Research Program: Georgia Tech in Ireland ...

Georgia Tech starts RFID research program at research enterprise in Ireland. ...

... "The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), the applied research arm of the Georgia Institute of Technology, will establish a research enterprise in Athlone, Ireland to focus on industry research and development needs. GTRI Ireland will be GTRI's first applied research facility outside the United States.

The new institute will focus on four technology areas that mirror Ireland's research strengths — digital media, radio frequency identification (RFID), biotechnology and energy. The research with RFID will center on authentication and identification technologies from acoustics to optics for the commercial sector. For instance, because Ireland has a thriving pharmaceutical industry, some of the institute's research will target pill-tracking accuracy, ensuring authenticity and dosage. " ...

Via Georgia Institute of Technology: GTRI to Open Institute in Athlone, Ireland ...

Additional university-sponsored RFID research programs ...

Information Technology Research Institute: RFID Research Center: "Information Technology Research Institute created its first sub-unit, the RFID Research Center. This new center spans many disciplines including retail, supply chain, industrial engineering, and computer science, among others. The center's base of operations is a lab which models a production warehouse environment in 7000 sq ft. of space donated to the center by Hanna's Candles and located within Hanna's manufacturing and warehouse facility. Collaborators with the RFID Research Center within the Walton College include the UA information systems department, the Supply Chain Management Research Center, and the Center for Retailing Excellence. Leveraging multidisciplinary expertise across the University of Arkansas, the RFID Research Center also has collaborative relationships with the College of Engineering, including the departments of computer science and computer engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering; the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, including the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies and the department of public policy; the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences, including the department of food science; and the School of Law. "

RFID@WINMEC:RFID Research: "RFID@WINMEC Middleware - The RFID@WINMEC middleware research project involves the development of a middleware stack with sub-stacks that manages r/w functions, abstracts reader and tags, networks readers together, provides hooks to databases and provides a homogeneous interface for application development. We work with sponsoring organizations on developing and studying RFID pilots by using our RFID middleware stack. "

RFID Academic Convocation II: Opportunities for RFID Sponsored Research Collaboration: "The RFID Academic Convocation brings together Directors of leading RFID research laboratories with executives from lead users in their industries and their RFID platform partners to address underlying research issues surrounding implementation of RFID. This event is part of a series of meetings that are being organized around the world to build collaboration across academic disciplines, institutional and geographic boundaries. Participation by qualified academic and industry researchers and governmental agency representatives is invited. "

RFID GlaxoSmithKline Technology Test ...

GlaxoSmithKline tests RFID technology on HIV drug to combat counterfeiting. ...

... "GlaxoSmithKline has begun distributing a medicine tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as part of a pilot project to help protect patient safety. The tags will be placed on all bottles of Trizivir (an HIV medicine) distributed in the United States. When scanned at close range, the tags will help verify that the medicine bottle contains authentic Trizivir. This specific medicine was selected for the project because it has been listed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy as one of 32 drugs most susceptible to counterfeiting and diversion. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the pharmaceutical industry to develop standards and pilot processes for RFID that may lead in the next few years to broad adoption and use of the technology. RFID uses a tiny silicon chip and antenna about the size of a postage stamp that is attached to each bottle of medicine. The chip stores a unique product code that reflects information about the drug's manufacturing and shipping history. The product code can be read by pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacists using a hand-held or stationary electronic device that is placed within 2-18 inches of the tag. The tag can be read by wholesalers when it is received from the manufacturer and when it is shipped to pharmacies, who would then record when they have received the medicine. This allows manufacturers to more precisely account for medicine as it moves through the distribution chain and to authenticate medicine at the point of dispensing. " ...

RFID GlaxoSmithKline Technology Test: Via GlaxoSmithKline: GlaxoSmithKline begins testing new technology ...

RFID Research Lab ...

RFID research lab at Kimberly-Clark ...

... "Research is a key facet of the work being done at K-C, Perkins said. She pointed to the company's RFID lab, which is developing and using technology to help track K-C products from the manufacturing facility to the store shelves. " ...

RFID Research Lab: Via Post Crescent: Kimberly-Clark's Valley presence still strong: After potential cuts, firm will employ 4,400 locally ...

RFID UHF Gen2 Chips Used in Labels ...

Impinj wins contract to supply their RFID UHF Gen2 chips for use in label products from RF IDentics. ...

... "Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products, announced an agreement under which RF IDentics will purchase Impinj's Monza UHF Gen 2 chips for inclusion in its RFID inlay and label products. Responding to increased demand from leading consumer goods manufacturers in the global retail supply chain for high-performance RFID solutions, RF IDentics selected Impinj's Monza chips to power their RFID inlay products. In addition to Impinj's chips, RF IDentics will use its proprietary RFID antenna technology as well as antennas licensed from Impinj to manufacture the RFID inlays and labels used to gather and track retail supply chain data. " ...

RFID UHF Gen2 Chips Used in Labels: Via Impinj: Impinj and RF Identics Announce 25 Million UHF Gen 2 Supply Agreement ...

Impinj, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its two synergistic business lines: high performance RFID products and innovative semiconductor intellectual property (IP). A leading contributor to the RFID standards for high volume supply-chain applications worldwide, Impinj leverages its technical expertise and industry partnerships to deliver the GrandPrix solution, comprising tags, readers, software and systems integration to offer RFID that just works. Impinj's innovative IP products, core to the company's RFID tags, are licensed to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them to seamlessly integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog and digital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's IP products include the popular AEON family of embedded cores, which provides rewriteable NVM technology in logic CMOS manufacturing.

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate ...

Sun and SAP collaborate to enable seamless RFID solutions ...

... "Sun Microsystems, Inc. expanded its relationship with SAP AG to integrate and standardize RFID technology based on the SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure component of SAP NetWeaver(R) and the Sun Java System RFID Software. This collaboration will enable RFID data network communication between Sun and SAP RFID technology (part of the mySAP Business Suite solutions), allowing for seamless data flow from any RFID-enabled device to the mySAP Business Suite. The technology integration has been tested and certified by SAP. Customers in a broad range of industries, including retail and manufacturing, are looking to RFID technology to help them gain insight into multiple facets of the logistics process, including maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, improving customer service and tracking orders. The collaboration between SAP and Sun will help speed time to deployment for customers looking to integrate RFID data into their back-end systems. The Sun Java System RFID Software provides centralized monitoring and management capabilities for large numbers of distributed RFID devices and delivers Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities, which help ensure that RFID data can continue to be transmitted to the SAP applications under demanding production environments. " ...

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate: Via Sun: Sun and SAP Collaborate to Simplify Deployment of RFID Solutions on SAP NetWeaver ...

Additional references on SAP and RFID ...

Via SAP - Components & Tools of SAP NetWeaver: SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure: "SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, the key component of SAP NetWeaver that provides RFID capabilities, provides SAP applications with a gateway into RFID data. "

Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: "SAP NetWeaver provides companies with a powerful platform to manage, integrate and leverage RFID data within their SAP and non-SAP business applications. By integrating a combination of SAP NetWeaver components with core business applications, such as enterprise resource planning or supply chain management, customers can RFID-enable their business processes. The implementation of SAP RFID technology was facilitated by Annin's implementation partner CIBER Novasoft. The integration of SAP RFID technology and the pre-existing SAP IT infrastructure means information captured from the RFID tags for the more than 500,000 master cartons shipped annually can be accessed directly in the enterprise SAP system. Retailers can track and report on the movement of Annin's inventory tagged with RFID through warehouses and stores. By creating this real-world aware network, Annin has laid the groundwork for shipping items using RFID and developing an integrated and scalable approach to the technology, providing benefits beyond merely meeting the Wal-Mart requirement. "

Via SAP: SAP Forges Next Generation of RFID-Enabled Business Solutions with Kimberly-Clark: "SAP and Kimberly-Clark will continue to leverage EPCglobal efforts to promote standards based solutions to the marketplace. SAP is bringing to bear the state-of-the-art Auto-ID, analytical and event-driven technologies provided by the SAP NetWeaver platform to collect, analyze and act on EPC (electronic product code) data shared among Kimberly-Clark and its trading partners. Kimberly-Clark has already deployed SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure as the system of record of enterprise-wide EPC information and as the interface that controls all EPC information flowing into mySAP ERP. "

Via SAP: SAP Enables Fraport AG to Reduce Maintenance Costs and Increase Safety at Frankfurt Airport with Mobile Asset Management: "Before the mobile deployment, service engineers had to fill out lengthy forms during equipment checks, then enter the data manually into the central ERP software. Service technicians now use PDAs to access daily maintenance plans and carry out work orders. The PDAs read maintenance-relevant information from the RFID tags installed on ventilation shutters and act as clients to the ERP software for reporting and archiving. Because the PDAs can read tags only at a distance of three centimeters or less, the mobile scenario confirms that service technicians duly checked each vent on their work orders. In addition to safeguarding maintenance processes and generating reports in compliance with federal regulations, the solution helps the company maintain a complete view across the entire asset life cycle and more quickly locate reoccurring faults. "

IBM RFID: New Services Software ...

IBM continues to expand its RFID capabilities ...

... "IBM announced the addition of new radio frequency identification (RFID) services and software to its expansive RFID portfolio. IBM announced a new RFID service for asset tracking. The IBM RFID Solution for Asset Tracking can aid companies in their critical resource tracking and security endeavors, and in their efforts to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Its benefits range from tracking military equipment in the field to transporting hazardous materials. Also announced is an upgrade to its IBM WebSphere Premises Server for companies with heavy tagging traffic and high-value items. This high-performance software enables tagging items at manufacturing line speeds. " ...

IBM RFID: New Services Software: Via IBM: IBM Adds New RFID Services and Software to Its RFID Portfolio ...

RFID Manufacturing Machines ...

RFID antennae manufacturing machine ...

... "Word has it that Block Shield has sold the first of its RFID manufacturing machines to a native American consortium as part of the US federal initiative to expand the industrial capabilities of native American tribal organisations. " ...

Via The Independent Business Analysis & Features: Small Talk: Betex on to a winner with Chinese lottery deals ...

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency ...

RFID implementation will drive supply chain efficiency for pharmaceutical manufacturer ...

... "Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals announced that they have engaged ODIN technologies to deploy RFID to enable greater supply chain efficiency and quality control in its manufacturing processes. Led by the innovations of founder Rod Burreson, Roex Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality nutritional supplements. Pro-X Pharmaceuticals, a division of Roex Inc., is an independent contract manufacturer that produces Roex products and also provides manufacturing and packaging services for other leading nutritional companies. " ...

RFID Drives Supply Chain Efficiency: Via ODIN Technologies: Roex / Pro-X Select ODIN technologies for RFID Deployment: Roex Inc. and Pro-X Pharmaceuticals to leverage RFID to drive Supply Chain Efficiency and Quality Control ...

ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and certification. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID early adopters. In addition to client deployment services, ODIN technologies is also the publisher of the RFID Benchmark Series, the industry’s first and most referenced head to head performance analysis of leading RFID tags and readers. ODIN’s President and CEO, Patrick J. Sweeney II is also author of RFID for Dummies published by John Wiley & Sons. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Dulles, Virginia.

RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting ...

Sokymat offers RFID label for anti-counterfeiting applications in printing ...

... "Sokymat SA, the world's leading supplier of RFID transponders, has developed a 13.56 MHz RFID label specially designed as an anti-counterfeiting tool for printer ribbons. The label attaches directly to the core of the printer ribbon, making it impossible to tamper with. A printer with integrated reader module can now easily distinguish between an original ribbon and unauthorized counterfeits. ... The transponder is available both as a standard label, which comes in a special material with the same printing characteristics as paper, or as a customized product, such as a very robust PET laminated ring label. Sokymat provides this high frequency label with an I-Code1 IC chip. In any case, Sokymat is able to produce any variety of customized label based on ISO 15693 compliant ICs for example.

Sokymat has developed a very small specific flip-chip module package for this application – the SK1 – which makes it possible to produce a very thin and narrow ring transponder, about 10mm wide and less than 1.2mm thick. This very narrow HF label cannot be produced with traditional label manufacturing techniques (printed or etched antenna), which require a larger pitch resolution between the turns of the coil. The antenna is designed to achieve optimum performance despite the interference that may be present. " ...

RFID Label for Anti-Counterfeiting: Via Sokymat: Sokymat launches anti-counterfeiting RFID label designed for printer ribbon identification ...

Plastic RFID Electronics Demonstrated by Philips

Philips Research crew demonstrates RFID electronic based on plastic ...

... "Scientists at Philips Research have created a fully functional 13.56 MHz RFID tag based entirely on plastic electronics. In contrast to conventional silicon-chip-based RFID tags, a plastic electronics RFID chip can be printed directly onto a plastic substrate along with an antenna without involving complex assembly steps. This could pave the way for the packaging industry to replace existing barcodes by a low-cost RFID tag that provides individual packages with a unique item-level identification code - something not feasible with current barcode technology.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, based on remotely retrieving information via radio waves from miniature electronic circuits called RFID tags. Philips has now realized the first plastic-electronics-based tag that is capable of transmitting multi-bit digital identification codes at 13.56 MHz � the dominant industry-standard radio frequency for RFID tag applications. As an additional demonstrator for the technology, scientists at Philips Research have also developed a 64-bit code generator, showing the practicality of building plastic electronic circuits with the complexity required for item-level tagging.

Performance results for these circuits will be presented at this year's International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC, February 5-9, San Francisco, CA, USA) in a paper that will also be awarded the conference's Beatrice Winner Award for Editorial Excellence. Being a world leader in the RFID business, Philips supplies silicon-based components for applications such as supply chain management, public transport, pharmaceuticals and animal tracking. Current silicon-based tags have excellent performance, and when produced in volume, can be manufactured at low cost. Philips is also conducting research into plastic-electronics-based RFID tags, since these tags have the potential to be manufactured in a radically different way, namely via even lower-cost reel-to-reel and other in-line processing techniques. " ...

Plastic RFID Electronics Demonstrated by Philips: Via Philips: Philips demonstrates world-first technical feasibility of 13.56-MHz RFID tags based on plastic electronics ...

Additional references on plastic RFID technology:

German researchers move forward on plastic RFID chip - Via Computerworld: "By 2008, PolyIC hopes to have a chip with a storage capacity of 128 bits and a processing speed of 13.56 MHz to comply with radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, according to Mildner. "

Beyond Bar Codes: Tuning up plastic radio labels: Via Science News: "Electronic labels made from plastic semiconductors can now pick up and respond to radio signals at a frequency suitable for use on products. "

OrganicID, Inc.: Printable, Plastic RFID Tags: "Organic Transistors - The Pros: Compatibility with flexible plastic substances, Lower temperature manufacturing (60-120°C), Lower-cost printable deposition processes "

RFID Competency Center ...

Click Commerce creates RFID competency center to showcase the use of RFID technology in the extended enterprise ...

... "Click Commerce, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand supply chain management solutions, announces the opening of its radio frequency identification (RFID) Competency Center. Located at company headquarters in Chicago, the RFID Competency Center showcases how RFID enhances Click Commerce solutions. In addition, the Center showcases the next-generation extended enterprise with solution demonstrations. The Competency Center features the Intelligent Supply Chain, a RFID solution created by Click Commerce and Vue Technology, a leading provider of item-level RFID. This demonstration tracks the movement of inventory through a multi-tier supply chain from manufacturing through distribution to the retail store shelf. Item, case, and pallet level RFID tagging is used to provide inventory visibility and management across the supply chain. This visibility and control increases supply chain agility and accuracy, allowing inventory to be pulled through the network based on real-time demand conditions to avoid stock-outs. Within the distribution center, RFID drives labor productivity and accuracy by automatically sensing inventory throughout the warehouse, eliminating labor associated with check-in, bar code scans, and cycle counts. The resulting benefits of the Intelligent Supply Chain include fewer lost sales, increased customer service levels, and lower supply chain costs. " ...

RFID Competency Center: Via Click Commerce: Click Commerce Unveils RFID Competency Center

RFID Asia Partnership ...

RFID partnership will address needs in Asia, namely China, for electronics manufacturing applications ...

... "With this new addition to our product line we now have the ability to offer end-to-end RFID solutions, starting with closed-loop factory automation and later expanding into global supply chain applications. The first phase of RFID implementation includes the ability to track, trace and control all materials and tools on the shop floor. This will significantly accelerate the deployment and the ROI for our customers, while providing a roadmap to extend RFID applications from the production floor to the warehouse and the supply chain. There are two strong market drivers for RFID in the China electronics manufacturing industry. The first and most significant is the ongoing pressure for cost-reduction. Despite the low cost of labor in China, it is important to remember that 80 to 90% of the cost of a finished electronic product is the sum of its electronic components. As a result the ROI for improving material control by achieving real-time visibility and eliminating human errors on the production floor is extremely short. The cost of the RFID tags is not even critical when you keep re-using the same tags inside the four walls of a factory. " ...

RFID Asia Partnership: Via Cogiscan: RFID Smart Material Control: SchmidtRFID partners with Cogiscan to offer RFID solutions for electronics manufacturers in Asia ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking ...

Volvo continues to embrace RFID technology and drive its adoption in various opportunity areas. ...

... "Truck and bus manufacturer Volvo is considering using radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging to track equipment in its warehouses. " ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking: Via IT Week: Volvo studies RFID for tracking assets ...

Additional references on Volvo and RFID ...

Via Volvo: Mats Boll to speak at the RFID Europe conference: "Mats Boll, Business Develop Project Manager at Volvo Logistics, will speak at the RFID Europe conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 21. Mats Boll will discuss some of Volvo's case studies involving containers and packaging, security, distribution of finished vehicles and distribution of hazardous material. He will also review a solution introduced within manufacturing facilities of Commercial Vehicles. "

Via RFID Journal LIVE! Europe: Agenda 11 October: "Volvo has been using RFID in production and logistics for a long time and continues to launch new pilot tests on a regular basis. This session will communicate how RFID has improved Volvo's visibility, traceability and lead-time reduction. Besides demonstrating where Volvo is today, the leaders of the company's RFID projects also will look into Volvo's future, where RFID seems destined to enhance its entire supply chain. Speaker: Stina Apel, RFID Project Manager, Volvo; Annika Johansson, RFID Project Manager, Volvo "

Via IT-universitetet i Goteborg | Nyheter: Students in successful pilot project for Volvo logistics: "They carried out an RFID - Radio Frequency Identification pilot project at the cross-docking terminal at Arendal. Volvo Logistics were very pleased with the result of the project and all three of these students are today employed at Volvo Logistics. "