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.