Vancouver RFID Technology Application Tracks Hotel Inventory

Fujitsu Frontech will supply RFID solution to the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver to enable inventory management processes and drive operational efficiency. ...

... "New Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is using the new Fujitsu WT-A511 UHF-Band RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to more accurately manage its inventory of 10,000 employee uniforms and 25,000 bathrobes, towels, tablecloths, sheets and other linens. The advanced tracking system enables the Fairmont Pacific Rim staff to quickly and accurately monitor its outgoing and incoming laundry while significantly reducing the costs of replacing missing items and the operational costs associated with a manual tracking process. " ...

Via Fujitsu: Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel for Advanced Inventory

Oakland RFID Trucking

Oakland marine terminal refines its new process for truck access. ...

... "Registration of vehicles with the California Air Resources Board and proper installation and use of RFID tags will be the keys to improving the efficiency of the Oakland operation, Wargo said. " ...

Via Journal of Commerce: Oakland Truck Gate Delays

RFID Dot Tangible Benefits

Partnership will promote the tangible financial benefits of the RFID Dot in long-range access control applications. ...

... "With the Track software and Dot wireless access control solutions in place, customers can expect to realize a 10 to 15 percent hard-dollar return on investment within the first six months. Documented savings include a reduction in labor billing costs of 10 to 14 percent, worker productivity improvement of more than 10 percent, a reduction in asset loss ranging between 1 to 4 percent and increased worker safety that has reduced injuries and saved lives. " ...

Via Axcess International: Marketing Partnership

Bookstore RFID Implements Item Level Tracking in SuperStore Format

Byblos implements item-level RFID tracking in its large-format bookstore in Portugal, using solutions from Vue Technology. ...

... "Byblos is using the TrueVUE RFID Platform to help track more than 150,000 items across its 35,000 square foot retail outlet. Every individual item within the new Byblos Amoreiras store is equipped with a UHF RFID tag. The company is using the item-level RFID solution to help maximize store operational efficiencies and on-shelf product availability, as well as provide a better customer experience. The Lisbon store is the first in a series of superstores planned to launch across Europe. " ...

Via Vue Technology: Largest Item-Level Retail RFID Deployment

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

Metro Supplier RFID Tag Pilot

METRO Group's Tag It Easy! pilot uses Checkpoint RFID labels to manage the inbound supply-side of its supply chain in Asia to Germany. ...

... "The METRO Group expects that the RFID pilot will optimize efficiency and transparency in the international flow of goods. Access to more-accurate, real-time shipment data will help the retailer improve control over its international supply chain, resulting in lower warehousing costs and reduced out-of-stock situations.

METRO Group has standardized on UHF EPC Gen 2 tags for compliance to all regional requirements: 917 - 922 MHz for China; 920 - 925 MHz for Hong Kong; and 865.6 - 867.6 MHz for Europe. The RFID tags on the labels provided by Checkpoint will store the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), which will be read at several points along the supply chain from Hong Kong to Unna, Germany. The METRO Group will receive an electronic delivery note in advance of the shipment, detailing the container content. The supplier also benefits, by gaining detailed proof of package delivery. The pilot will run for three months, and the METRO Group expects to extend the project to include several other Asian suppliers at a future date if the concept proves to be feasible. " ...

METRO Group and Checkpoint Systems Partner to Help Suppliers Tag it Easy

Bermuda RFID Electronic Vehicle Registration

Bermuda will use RFID technology on vehicles to manage the registration process. ...

... "Small radio frequency tags are attached to windshield stickers and placed on vehicles at the time of registration. Electronic readers are then used to remotely verify the registration status of the vehicle. EVR makes verifying motor vehicle registration easier and faster for law enforcement and, because it is less random, more equitable for Bermudians. The Government of Bermuda will be able to more efficiently collect revenue owed by vehicle owners who avoid paying registration fees. " ...

Via Bermuda Transport Control Department: Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR)

RFID Cargo Terminal Operational: Chain of Custody ...

Savi implements RFID-enabled chain of custody process at the Port of Felixstowe (PFL) in the UK. The system, called SaviTrak, automates the tracking of cargo as it is processed through the supply chain, while monitoring security. ...

... "Network infrastructure, including SaviTrak software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, are now installed and operational at PFL's Trinity Terminal, the largest cargo-handling facility in the United Kingdom. The readers, which are placed on dockside cranes and at entry and exit gates, automatically capture chain of custody handoff points for containers equipped with international standards-based RFID tags. The real-time data is routed to the web-based network software, which transforms it into actionable information that enables SaviTrak customers to make better supply chain decisions. The SaviTrak information service is offered via an open technology platform, which accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks that transport ocean containers. Active RFID technologies used are compatible with the ISO 18000-7 standard, and sensor seals are compatible with the ISO 18185 draft standard. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS SAVITRAK REAL-TIME INFORMATION NETWORK TO UNITED KINGDOM'S PORT OF FELIXSTOWE ...

Alien RFID IPO Off ...

Alien Technology, provider of UHF Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products and services, has decided not to proceed with their initial public offering due to the conditions in the stock market for recent IPO's. Now, the company must focus on operational efficiency to manage their cash flow in order to support business growth. ...

... "Alien Technology Corporation today announced that the company has withdrawn its Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has determined not to proceed with the registration and sale of its common stock at this time. No shares of the Company's common stock have been sold pursuant to the Registration Statement. The Company may undertake a subsequent private offering of securities in reliance on Rule 155(c) of the Securities Act. " ...

Alien RFID IPO Off: Via Alien Technology: Alien Technology Withdraws Registration Statement for Initial Public Offering ...

RFID Medical Record Army System ...

3M will implement RFID-enabled medical record system for the US Army that support their operational efficiency objectives and increase the quality of services through reduced errors. ...

... "3M has been awarded a $3.76 million contract to develop and install a system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track medical files at the U.S. Army's massive Fort Hood Installation in Texas. The system is expected to make a positive impact on operational efficiencies in health care delivery, the troop deployment process and the management of medical data collection. The active medical records of more than 150,000 servicemen and women and their dependents are housed at five sites at Fort Hood, and as many as 70,000 files may be in use at the base's six clinics during the course of a month.



The RFID system is intended to substantially reduce errors and inefficiencies associated with manual tracking, retrieval, filing and file merging methods. The tracking of Army medical records through RFID technology is an innovation led by the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), a unit of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). Fort Hood, situated about 60 miles north of Austin, the state capital, is the nation's largest active duty domestic military installation, occupying some 340 square miles. The Army becomes the third federal entity to employ RFID systems from 3M, following similar decisions recently by the Tax Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Tax Court. Unlike the other applications, however, the system in development for the Army requires higher-performance capability and a greater degree of continuous and automatic tracking of the files. " ...

Via 3M: United States Army Awards Contract to 3M for Pilot RFID Program To Track and Manage Medical Records at Fort Hood ...

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal Health ...

Cardinal Health begins second wave of RFID testing that supports the safety of the drug supply. RFID technology will enable in-process authentication as drugs make their way through the extended supply chain. Cardinal will also look for ways to achieve operational efficiencies from the RFID-enabled supply chain information. The company is expecting to complete this wave of tests by the 4th Quarter of 2006. ...

... "Cardinal Health, Inc., the leading provider of products and services supporting the health-care industry, announced the next phase of the first end-to-end pilot program to test technology that could improve the safety and efficiency of the nation's drug supply. The pilot program will begin to tag medication with labels carrying unique data that can be captured and read to verify its authenticity at each step of the supply chain. Verifying the authenticity of pharmaceuticals along each step of the distribution path adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. In addition, the data gathered could improve efficiency as logistics experts at Cardinal Health will be able to analyze the data to identify bottlenecks, read rates and other opportunities to improve efficiency in the supply chain.

In conducting the end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health will use new technology to place radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on the labels of brand-name and generic solid-dose prescription drugs at the company's Printed Components facility in Moorestown, N.J. Next, the company's facility in Philadelphia will encode the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products will be then shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data will be read and authenticated as products are handled under normal operating conditions. Normal operating procedures will be enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign. From Findlay, the tagged product will be sent to a health-care provider to further test read rates and data flow using the same technology as the distribution center. The product dispensed to patients will not be in the RFID packaging. The company launched the pilot in February and expects to complete the test in the fall." ...

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal: Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Announces Next Phase Of RFID Pilot ...

Active RFID Network Enables Spain Military ...

Spain's military leverages Savi's active RFID network to optimize its supply chain ...

... "The Spanish Armed Forces (SAF) has contracted with Savi Technology to deploy Savi's Consignment Management Solution (CMS), which includes an active RFID network that interoperates with similar networks deployed by Savi for NATO countries and other allies. Savi's RFID networks and related software solutions have been deployed for a growing number of international defense organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO headquarters, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence Forces, and Denmark Ministry of Defence, among others. Recent findings from defense organizations show that Savi's solutions based on active RFID technologies when used with improved supply chain processes have significantly improved fill rates, reduced backlog orders by 70 percent, and reduced inventory by many tens of millions of dollars. Just as importantly, Savi's active RFID solutions for defense organizations have proven to improve operational efficiency, and enhance the confidence of war fighters in their logistics operations to get the right supplies to the right place at the right time. Savi's RFID solutions have been implemented in over 2,000 locations in over 50 countries, and are the foundation for the largest interoperable RFID networks deployed worldwide. Savi has also sold over 1.5 million tags to defense forces, and the combined networks track about 35,000 consignments a day. These RFID-based networks, which can function independently or interoperate with each other during multi-national deployments, are based on ISO’s 18000-7 standards operating at 433.92 MHz. Active RFID operating at 433.92 MHz with its ability to bend around metal objects has been proven to be the most effective RFID frequency in environments where large metal ISO containers are tracked and stored. Many other frequencies face significant challenges in this harsh environment, which can lead to decreased performance or require significant additional readers and other infrastructure to be as effective as Savi’s RFID networks. " ...

Active RFID Network Enables Spain Military: Via Savi Technology: SPAIN JOINS NATO AND ALLIED DEFENSE’S INTEROPERABLE RFID SOLUTIONS DEPLOYED BY SAVI TECHNOLOGY: Real-Time Active RFID Network Based on Global Standards Is Foundation for Spain’s Implementation of Savi’s Consignment Management Solution ...

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain ...

NATO awards Savi contract to sustain operations of its RFID-based network, built to track the supply chain between Europe and Afghanistan. ...

... "The contract followed a year-long assessment of the RFID backbone Savi deployed for NATO. The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The new NATO contract calls for additional units of Savi’s readers (Savi Reader SR-650) to be placed at key transportation nodes along the ISAF Network, more Savi tags (ST-654) to be affixed to containers and air pallets, and for a network wide software upgrade to CMS 1.0, which will be hosted at NC3A’s facility in The Hague, Netherlands, where CMS will interface with the NATO LOGFAS Logistics IT system. " ...

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain: Via Savi Technology: NATO AWARDS SAVI TECHNOLOGY A NEW CONTRACT FOR RFID NETWORK UPGRADES TO TRACK DEFENSE CONSIGNMENTS: Savi’s New SmartChain® Consignment Management Solution Brings Real-Time Visibility of Joint Force, Multi-National Shipments from Europe to Afghanistan ...

Additional references on the NATO RFID supply chain network:

Focus on DLA: "In fact, asset tracking has become a NATO interest item with the recognition of the inability of traditional materiel management techniques to trace individual assets accurately. The 1998 NATO Ministerial Guidance prioritized the achievement of a common standard asset tracking system through the establishment of the Asset Tracking Interservice Working Group. "

International Asset Tracking & Materials Handling Standardization: "The aim of NATO standardization is to enhance the Alliance's operational effectiveness, achieve the closest practicable cooperation among forces, and to improve efficiency in the use of available resources. LOGSA PSCC supports NATO standardization under the NATO Standardization Agency for asset tracking and materials handling as to increase multinational force compatibility (MFC). As our defense resources diminish, we can make more efficient use of resources through MFC. Our prime goal is to establish Standardization Agreements (STANAGs), which are agreements among several or all 19 member nations to adopt like or similar military equipment, ammunition, supplies, and stores; and operational, logistic, and administrative procedures. "

Supply Chain Systems Transformation - Portfolio Management - Milestones: "IUID STANAG ratification by NATO Asset Tracking Working Group"

Microsoft on RFID

Microsoft and its partners have a vibrant RFID program underway. Much of Microsoft's focus is on the mid-market: small and medium sized businesses. They are developing an RFID services architecture and have multiple pilots underway to build their competence in the RFID marketplace.

Via Microsoft Business Solutions: The Little Chip That Will Change Your Supply Chain Forever: Microsoft Business Solutions recently announced that it was expanding the scope of its RFID initiative to help small and midmarket businesses meet RFID technology compliance mandates from large trading partners and drive efficiencies in internal operations. For example, Microsoft and several partners recently are collaborating to assist a U.S.-based midmarket snack manufacturer in their RFID implementation.

Microsoft RFID Architecture: Microsoft Architecture for RFID: The fully integrated Microsoft architecture for RFID embraces a vision for increased operational efficiency and reduced costs. It provides a framework for enabling the exchange of RFID related data in near real time across disparate systems and corporate boundaries. It also supports standards for global data synchronisation and interoperability with EPC.

Reference materials on Microsoft RFID Technology:

Microsoft Unwraps Technology at TechEd 2005 to Spark Greater Adoption of RFID: Microsoft's RFID infrastructure taps the power of the .NET Framework, SQL Server and Visual Studio .NET to make integration and deployment of RFID easier and less cost: Businesses around the world are evaluating how RFID technologies can enable them to streamline business processes and provide real-time visibility into their supply chain. However, adoption of RFID is hindered by many factors, including complexity of device management, lack of standards, limited solutions to cleanse volumes of data, and costly integration with existing business applications. Microsoft Corp.'s RFID infrastructure is intended to address these pain points and stimulate faster adoption of RFID. Built on top of the .NET Framework, Microsoft's RFID technology can be embedded within third-party applications or used on its own to capture and interpret data from sensors and manage business events in an easy-to-deploy, user-friendly environment. Companies may use RFID technology to enhance business processes, saving them time and money and improving their visibility into key business performance metrics.

Microsoft plans RFID software in 2006: Via CNET News.com: Microsoft plans early next year to release the RFID Services Platform, a middleware product that connects the hardware that monitors RFID signals with the business software that can make sense of the information.

Microsoft offers RFID system for postal services: Via InfoWorld: Microsoft is marketing an RFID (radio frequency identification device) package for postal services at a stamp exhibition in Taiwan, hoping to woo the government's post office and potentially forge a new line of business for the software maker.

Campus RFID RTLS Market Growing

Campus RFID RTLS Market Growing: Yankee Group Determines Global Campus-Based Real-Time Location Systems Market Is Poised for Mainstream Enterprise Adoption: Rapid market expansion expected to exceed $1.6 billion by 2010 fueled by growing enterprise investments ...

Early indications are that On-campus real time located services and RFID technology are growing segments of the market ...

... "Yankee Group today revealed that the campus-based real-time location systems (RTLS) market, while still formative, is experiencing a surge in market growth and will play an influential role in shaping the strategic WLAN landscape. According to the recent Yankee Group DecisionNote(SM), Global RTLS Market Growth Fueled by Investments in Operational Efficiency, the rising enterprise Wi-Fi deployments and improving active RFID technology are driving the once niche solution to reach higher market status. " ...

At Yankee Group, we help our clients succeed by providing the knowledge, tools and support they need to make winning decisions when business opportunities intersect with technology solutions. In business more than 35 years, Yankee Group knows the importance of listening to and understanding the needs of our clients. We deliver value through authoritative, innovative and flexible research products and consulting services. Whether challenges are rooted in planning, executing or optimizing the use of technology, Yankee Group's world renowned analysts transform market intelligence and practical, real world experience into valuable decision support. Headquartered in Boston, Yankee Group research and sales staffs are located around the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Tag: RFID

Hospital RFID Inventory System ...

Hospital RFID Inventory System: King’s Daughters installs high-tech inventory system for Cardiac and Vascular Cath Labs: New system enables Heart and Vascular Center to track supplies and deliver a higher quality of patient care and safety ...

RFID inventory system, from Mobile Aspects, enables operational efficiency in hospital ...

... "King’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) of Ashland, Ky., recently installed a new computerized inventory control system in its cardiac catheterization laboratories. The system is an integrated suite of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware and software applications that lets KDMC automatically track supplies, drugs, assets, and patients in real time for increased patient safety and enhanced operational efficiency. " ...

KDMC, a locally controlled, not-for-profit, 385-bed regional referral center, offers comprehensive cardiac, medical, surgical, pediatric, maternity, rehabilitative, psychiatric, cancer, neurological, occupational medicine, pain care, wound care and home care services. Established in 1899, KDMC currently ranks sixth in the state of Kentucky in terms of admissions, and, with approximately 3,000 team members, is the largest employer west of Charleston, W.Va., and east of Lexington Ky.

Mobile Aspects, the recipient of the 2004 Frost & Sullivan Product Innovation Award within U.S. RFID Markets for Healthcare, provides innovative RFID solutions to enable hospitals to deliver a higher quality of care. The company’s One System of CARE™ is an integrated suite of RFID software and hardware solutions to track all supplies, drugs, assets, and patients in hospitals to make patient care safer and more efficient. The company’s RFID tracking solutions feature the iRIS™ inventory management system, the RFID-enabled Anesthesia Workstation and Drug Delivery Workstation, and the Patient and Asset tracking systems. These systems integrate seamlessly into existing hospital information management systems and eliminate all manual compliance steps while providing real-time data to clinicians. By integrating all patient and product information, the One System of CARE provides increased productivity, enhanced quality of care and safety for patients, and significant cost savings. From one web-based interface, providers can pull up information about all supplies, drugs, assets, and patients anywhere in the facility. Mobile Aspects’ One System of CARE is presently installed in several of the top 15 hospitals throughout North America.

Tag: RFID

RFID Mine Equipment Tracking

RFID Mine Equipment Tracking: Inco Deploys AeroScout Visibility System for Wireless Location in Mining: Active RFID and Wi-Fi Solution to Enable Increased Operational Efficiency for Underground Mine ...

Aeroscout implements a Wifi RFID solution in an undergound mine for equipment tracking ...

... "AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, today announced that Inco, Ltd. has installed the company's Wi-Fi based Active RFID system, as the first phase of an equipment-tracking project inside an underground mine in Sudbury, Canada. Inco is using the mine's existing wireless infrastructure, along with AeroScout software, to evaluate tracking items affixed with AeroScout Wi-Fi based Active RFID tags. " ...

AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), long range active RFID, telemetry and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout's standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA.

RFID Application Oriented Network Services AON

RFID Application Oriented Network Services AON: SOLACE SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF SOLOS 2.1: Latest release aimed at accelerating rollout of new services for business and delivering higher operational efficiency for carriers ...

... "Deployed within the existing IP network, Solace Systems message routers provide the foundation for carriers to offer utility-based, application-oriented network services. The cost and complexity of many inter-enterprise applications and the growing interest in new network applications such as RFID and Web services, is causing many CIOs to consider managed services instead of traditional infrastructure buildouts, continued Ashton. " ...

Solace Systems enables service providers to gain competitive advantage through next-generation IP network services. Solace Systems message routing solutions embed application intelligence directly into the carrier’s core network and provide intelligent handling of high-value traffic for enterprises and consumers.

RFID Data Capture Solutions

RFID Data Capture Solutions: Creativesystems Announces Value Added Solutions Provider Agreement for Alien Technology® RFID Products ...

Creativesystems leverages Alien Technology's RFID products to deliver data capture solutions that improve operational efficiency through RFID technology ...

... "Creativesystems, a leading integrator of smart wireless information solutions in Portugal, announced a value added solutions provider (VASP) agreement with Alien Technology to resell Alien® RFID reader and tag products. Creativesystems will incorporate Alien products and technologies into end solutions that seamlessly integrate intelligent RFID-based data capture solutions with enterprise information systems for enhanced process efficiency and business performance. " ...

Based in the north of Portugal, and focusing on the automotive, electronics, food & beverage, retail, pharmaceutical, and textile sectors, Creativesystems develops and integrates smart wireless information solutions that enable organizations to focus on added value activities. The company’s solutions enable improved process efficiency and productivity by integrating smart peripheral systems such as RFID devices, RF Portable Data Terminals, PDAs, BarCodes, smart printing and Data visualization systems with central enterprise information systems such as ERP systems.

Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs.

RFID Feasibility Study: Intermodal

Tracking and positioning software : a market need, value, and cost analysis ...

... "Intermodal firms move thousands of chassis and containers around the country and around the world each day. This intermodal equipment goes from shipper to carrier to carrier to drayage to consignee, but too often none of these entities knows quite where it is. The key question this research tried to answer was: what is the value of knowing that equipment's location? It is useful to establish the value of systems and software for tracking and tracing equipment. The project also evaluated the feasibility of bar code, radio frequency identification, and global positioning systems as solutions to these problems. Two issues which affect the importance of tracking intermodal equipment are: (1) tracking and monitoring the load for customer service and claims; and (2) tracking equipment for operational and capital-use efficiency. " ...

Microsoft RFID Automotive Initiative ...

Microsoft Drives Insight and Innovation for the Automotive Community With Peak Performance Initiative ...

... "Removing obstacles that hinder the direct flow of information gives manufacturers visibility across the supply chain and enables them to realize near-instant reconciliation of raw material and finished goods inventories, further optimizing operational efficiency. Microsoft industry partners are helping automotive manufacturers see deeper into their supply chain, leveraging the latest technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) to provide manufacturers with real-time information that can impact product delivery schedules. To support these innovations, automotive manufacturers are leveraging Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server 2000, to capture data, and SharePoint Portal Server 2003, to distribute data to the appropriate business line managers. " ...

Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. In manufacturing, Microsoft works with industry-leading partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable OEMs, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Through business applications, .NET technologies and enterprise platform support, manufacturers are able to accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. From an in-vehicle technology perspective, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit works collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 25 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 13 world-class automakers and suppliers, including Acura, BMW, Citroën, Clarion, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.

Symbol Mobile RFID Computer at FOSE 2005: CEO to Deliver Keynote ...

Symbol Technologies President and CEO Bill Nuti to Keynote at FOSE 2005

... "Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, announced that Symbol President and CEO, Bill Nuti, will deliver a keynote speech during FOSE 2005, the premier government technology tradeshow. Nuti will discuss the importance of enabling a mobile enterprise architecture to improve government efficiency and effectiveness on April 6 at 1 p.m. EST in Room 146 at the Washington Convention Center located in Washington, D.C. At FOSE, Symbol will demonstrate its latest enterprise mobility technologies, including the MC50 enterprise digital assistant (EDA) and the MC9000-G – a ruggedized mobile computer with RFID capabilities at Booth 3421. " ...

The MC9000-G with RFID from Symbol Technologies is a ruggedized mobile computer that features integrated support for the most popular radio frequency identification standard — EPC™, the Electronic Product Code. By integrating support for either EPC Class 1 or Class 0 RFID reading and programming with a robust commercial mobile computer, the MC9000-G is able to offer an unparalleled level of functionality suitable for a broad range of RFID applications. Symbol Technologies, Inc., The Enterprise Mobility Company™, is a recognized worldwide leader in enterprise mobility, delivering products and solutions that capture, move and manage information in real time to and from the point of business activity. Symbol enterprise mobility solutions integrate advanced data capture products, radio frequency identification technology, mobile computing platforms, wireless infrastructure, mobility software and world-class services programs under the Symbol Enterprise Mobility Services brand. Symbol enterprise mobility products and solutions are proven to increase workforce productivity, reduce operating costs, drive operational efficiencies and realize competitive advantages for the world's leading companies.

Healthcare RFID ActiveRFID Location System Deployed ...

Healthcare RFID ActiveRFID Location System Deployed: Mississippi Baptist Health Systems uses real-time workflow ...

Baptist Health deploys active-RFID location tracking system ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... The solution integrates patent-pending Radianse active-RFID location technology into PeriOptimum's PathFinder, a software application that collects patient ...

... Committed to using information technology to support improved clinical outcomes, staff productivity and operational efficiency, Mississippi Baptist Health System Surgery Department has deployed a real-time workflow management and patient location solution from industry partners PeriOptimum and Radianse. The solution integrates patent-pending Radianse active-RFID location technology into PeriOptimum's PathFinder, a software application that collects patient, equipment and process tracking data across perioperative care, distributes it via a hospital's Intranet or the Internet and stores it for analysis. ...

Baptist Health Systems is the parent company of Baptist Medical Center, The Mississippi Hospital for Restorative Care and a number of related healthcare services and programs. Since 1911, Baptist has served Mississippi as a Christian-based, non-profit comprehensive medical center. Today, Baptist Medical Center is part of a growing network that makes comprehensive health care, health education, health risk assessments and wellness more accessible than ever before. Radianse, Inc., Lawrence, Mass., provides indoor positioning solutions (IPS) to locate and associate medical equipment, patients and staff. A Radianse IPS combines active-RFID with a patent-pending location algorithm to deliver proven accuracy and return on investment. Radianse adheres to an open systems approach to location solutions, shunning exclusive arrangements it sees as limiting effectiveness across a healthcare campus. Hospitals in the U.S. and Europe use Radianse solutions to reduce asset loss and excess rentals and improve efficiency, resource utilization, safety and patient flow.

RFID Software Solutions Alliance ...

RFID Software Solutions Alliance: LG CNS And Savi Technology Form Strategic Alliance to Extend RFID ...

Savi and LG form alliance to serve customer in the Asia-Pacific region with RFID software solutions ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID supply chain solutions, and LG CNS, South Korea's largest IT service provider with operations worldwide, have ...

... Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID supply chain solutions, and LG CNS, South Korea's largest IT service provider with operations worldwide, have formed a strategic alliance to help bring Savi's RFID-enabled software solutions to LG CNS's extensive customer base throughout this Asia-Pacific region. (In a related press release today, the strategic partners also announced a joint technology project to improve cargo container security and efficiency with funding from the South Korean Government). Under the Savi-LG CNS partnership agreement, the companies will work together to co-market, integrate and implement Savi's software and inter-linked Radio Frequency Identification solutions to the regional supply chain community, primarily to international shippers and their service providers. ...

With over 15 years experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers as well as service providers such as terminal operators, asset owners and third-party logistics providers. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., and offices in Washington D.C., London, Singapore, Johannesburg, and Melbourne.

LG CNS was founded in 1987 as a joint venture between LG and EDS and has grown to be the market leader in the Korean IT Service market. LG CNS has implemented large-scale public IT infrastructure projects and played a major role in the Korean government's e-Korea initiatives. A total IT services company, LG CNS services include consulting, solutions, systems integration and management, Network integration, BPO. The company currently employs over 5,800 people across 6 subsidiaries, 3 joint ventures and 3 branch offices in Asia, Europe and North America. LG CNS provides over 5,000 businesses and governments across the world its expertise on a wide range of projects on diverse industry verticals ranging from Public sector, Financial Services, Manufacturing & Utilities, Transportation & Logistics, Healthcare among a host of others.

RFID Smart Container Program Enables Maritime Logistics ...

RFID Smart Container Program Enables Maritime Logistics: South Korean Government Selects Networked RFID and Software ...

Savi and LG form alliance to support the succesful delivery of the Smart Container program which will RFID-enable maritime logistics ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Savi Technology and strategic alliance partner LG CNS have begun implementation of Savi's software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution at the ...

... Through a program sponsored by the South Korean government to improve the efficiency and security of international cargo container shipments, Savi Technology and strategic alliance partner LG CNS have begun implementation of Savi's software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution at the Port of Busan - the world's third largest container port. Savi Technology is a leading provider of RFID supply chain solutions and LG CNS is the market leader in the Korean IT Service market. Launched last December and planned through summer, the "Smart Container" program is being funded by the South Korean Government. The project, called "RFID-enabled Maritime Logistics," is aimed at deploying advanced, proven RFID technologies and solutions to enhance the efficiency and security of global trade with South Korea. ...

With over 15 years experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers as well as service providers such as terminal operators, asset owners and third-party logistics providers. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., and offices in Washington D.C., London, Singapore, Johannesburg, and Melbourne.

RFID Supply Chain Application ...

RFID Supply Chain Application: Symbol RFID System Keeps Pacific Cycle Rolling Through Supply ...

Symbol Tech's RFID technology is demonstrated in supply chain application for manufacturer ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Leading Bike Manufacturer and Distributor Uses Symbol RFID Solution to Maximize Visibility, Efficiency DALLAS, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RFID World ...

... Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM), today announced that Pacific Cycle Inc., a leader in designing and distributing high quality bicycles and other recreational products, has successfully deployed Symbol RFID (radio frequency identification) mobile computers and tags to track its bicycles as they move from its distribution centers to the backrooms of the nation's leading retailers. Pacific Cycle will use the Symbol MC9000-G with RFID, a versatile, rugged mobile computer that combines RFID capabilities, bar code reading, imaging, and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as Symbol's fixed RFID readers (Symbol AR400 series) and EPC Class 0 read/write tags. ...

Pacific Cycle Inc., a division of Dorel Industries Inc. (Nasdaq: DIIB; TSX: DII.MV, DII.SV), is the leading supplier of quality bicycles in North America. The company designs, markets and imports a full range of bicycles and recreation products under the Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Pacific, InSTEP, Pacific Outdoors, Roadmaster and Dyno brand names. Pacific Cycle is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin with offices in Olney, Illinois and Lake Forest, California. The company has distribution centers in Olney, Illinois, and Vacaville, California.

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

Managed Logistics Services Enabled by RFID ...

Managed Logistics Services Enabled by RFID: Cube Route Teams with Intermec to Boost Data Capture Functionality ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, Intellitag(R) RFID (radio frequency ...

... Cube Route, a provider of on demand logistics services, today announced that it has been named an Honors Partner by Intermec Technologies Corp., a provider of supply chain information products, services and systems. Under the terms of the partnership agreement signed between the two companies, Cube Route will add support for Intermec's 700 series mobile computer to its on demand logistics service. This will enable organizations with delivery or field service fleets to leverage both the advanced visibility and routing capabilities of the Cube Route service and the data capture features facilitated by the Intermec device, such as electronic signature capture, Bluetooth GPS and package scanning. ...

Cube Route facilitates the deployment and management of the delivery process for transportation and field service organizations for maximum operational efficiency. Cube Route is a managed logistics service that enables businesses to dramatically reduce delivery costs and improve service. Cube Route's integrated and comprehensive web solutions combine sophisticated routing, tracking and planning functionality to optimize routes as well as track and monitor delivery fleets in real-time - at the lowest possible cost.

Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, Intellitag(R) RFID (radio frequency identification), mobile computing systems, bar code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service.

Food Safety RFID ...

Food Safety RFID: Syscan, Navigant Consulting Bring Safety Initiatives to US Market

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Mr. Axel Striefler, President of Syscan said, "We are pleased that our RFID based food safety applications have been validated by ...

... Syscan International (TSX VENTURE:SYA) today announced that it will team with Navigant Consulting (NYSE:NCI) to bring a complete range of food safety related services and solutions to the meat industry in North America. Navigant Consulting brings expertise to the food industry in regulatory matters governed by HACCP, and the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Act). Under HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines, processors implement safety related controls throughout production. The implementation of these controls allows operators to react swiftly to prevent any potential food safety hazards before they occur. There are over 6,000 HACCP governed plants in the U.S. Navigant Consulting provides HACCP reviews and the independent verification of product and product traceability required under the Act prior to its entry into the U.S. ...

Syscan specializes in delivering RFID based business efficiency solutions to a wide variety of industries that characteristically function in harsh and difficult operating environments. Its standardized solutions include asset tracking and quality control methodologies for meat processing, transportation, automobile production and industrial gases. The company also produces and distributes its proprietary rugged in-vehicle and portable printers to corporations and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:NCI) is a specialized independent consulting firm providing litigation, financial, healthcare, energy and operational consulting services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. The Company focuses on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations. "Navigant" is a service mark of Navigant International, Inc. Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NCI) is not affiliated, associated, or in any way connected with Navigant International, Inc. and NCI's use of "Navigant" is made under license from Navigant International, Inc.

Additional information on RFID Services and Solutions applied to Food Safety ...

RFID | Food Safety, Food Supply Chain: According to the Top of Mind surveys in 2002 and 2003 from CIES - The Food Business Forum, global retailers and manufacturers currently rank food safety as one ...

RFID and Food Safety: RFID and Food Safety. The road to regulatory ... What are the long-term benefits of RFID in food safety applications? On one hand, retailers ...

RFID > PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety: PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety Jan. 12, 2004, ... Matched with RFID technologies, PLM software helps companies track and trace raw food materials through ...

AMERICAN PORT SERVICES CHOOSES AEROSCOUT’S ACTIVE RFID SOLUTION FOR YARD MANAGEMENT

RTLS: AeroScout to Provide Wi-Fi-Based Real-Time Location System for Cross-Docking Facility Operated by APS for World’s Largest Retailer ...

San Mateo, Calif. – December 8, 2004 – AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, today announced that American Port Services (APS), a leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has deployed its visibility system at a 60-acre cross-docking facility in Savannah, GA operated by APS on behalf of the world’s largest retailer. APS chose AeroScout and partner AGI Worldwide to implement the system, which accurately tracks the location of hundreds of trailers in the facility in real-time in order to improve efficiency, increase utilization and throughput, and reduce costs.

“The AeroScout system is an outstanding solution to a pressing problem in the logistics and transportation industry, and automates a manual trailer-tracking process that used to take a full team of people and hours every day,” said Ty Cobler, Director of Operations, APS. “We expect that AeroScout’s innovative Wi-Fi-based solution will deliver huge efficiency gains for our facility, and provide a quick return on investment.”

The AeroScout Visibility System will enable APS to benefit from accurate and reliable trailer location data at a low total cost of ownership. With only 20 AeroScout Location Receivers, APS has full visibility of the facility’s 1000 trailer spaces spread over 60 acres. When a trailer enters the facility, it is fitted with a small radio device-- AeroScout’s Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tag. As the trailer moves throughout the yard, the tag’s location is accurately tracked in real-time using standard WLAN protocols, allowing APS to easily locate the trailer for loading and unloading. Information about a trailer’s location and contents is integrated with existing yard management systems and shared with partners or customers.

“Third party logistics providers have to compete through the efficiency of their processes, and AeroScout technology will help APS serve their major retail customers even more effectively,” said Andris Berzins, VP of Marketing and Business Development, AeroScout. “This deployment illustrates the strong value that can be achieved through the use of accurate, reliable asset visibility based on standard wireless networking protocols.”

AeroScout was chosen as the technology provider for APS by partner AGI Worldwide, a supply chain consulting organization. AGI researched the real-time location services market on behalf of APS, and chose AeroScout based on a combination of reliability, high performance and a low total cost of ownership. “AeroScout is far ahead of the pack in offering a full-featured, flexible location system that delivers the combined power of Wi-Fi and Active RFID for yard management environments,” said John Bryant, CEO of AGI.

“The AeroScout solution is more than just an asset tracking application. Combined with tightly integrated yard management, warehouse management, and visibility tools we are able to deliver significantly enhanced value to both APS and their customers by increasing yard turns, improving transloading quality, and increasing yard management efficiency,” stated Bryant.

AeroScout also announced today its newly-expanded AeroScout Visibility System, the only visibility platform on the market to enable multiple types of location with a single Wi-Fi-based infrastructure. As APS grows, it will be able to take advantage of these new capabilities by utilizing the existing AeroScout infrastructure for further location-based applications such as personnel tracking and tag-based vehicle telemetry. APS is already planning to use AeroScout Exciters for choke-point visibility, sending alerts as trailers pass through certain locations. For further details, please see Dec. 7 press release “AeroScout Introduces the Industry’s Most Advanced Wireless Visibility Solution”.

About AeroScout
AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), long range active RFID, telemetry and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout’s standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA. For more information, please visit www.aeroscout.com.

About AGI Worldwide
AGI Worldwide is a leading global provider of Supply Chain Execution (SCE) solutions and services. We provide clients with a full range of consulting and technology implementation services helping to improve operational and logistics performance. We have extensive experience in a wide range of services, including strategic planning, solution design and development, integration, software selection and implementation, process re-design and improvement. Industries of expertise for AGI include 3PL, consumer product goods, distribution, manufacturing and retail.

About American Port Services
American Port Services (APS) specializes in developing and operating high volume distribution centers and cross-docking facilities. With over 1,500 trained associates, 600 doors, four million square feet of warehouse space and the most advanced warehouse management systems available, APS is the leading logistics company for the Southeast, covering the major ports. Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk and Houston are the sites of our distribution facilities, offering cross-docking, drayage and inland transportation.

AeroScout is a registered trademark of AeroScout, Inc. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information is subject to change without notice.

Press contacts:
Joshua Slobin
AeroScout, Inc.
650-571-0800 x108
press@aeroscout.com

Kevin Wilson
AGI Worldwide
678-319-9443 x.201
kw@agiworldwide.com

RFID in CARGO SECURITY - A PARADIGM SHIFT ...

From CARGO SECURITY - A PARADIGM SHIFT, W. Gordon Fink writes ...

... "Technology is beginning to address the carriers' operational needs to reduce costs and increase safety and security. Some marine terminals are using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on their chassis, generator sets, and in a few cases containers to reduce on-terminal costs. At the terminal gate, the relationship with container number and the RFID chassis tag is entered into the manifesting system. These systems are improving the efficiency of terminals including a reduction in gate delays. RFID systems eliminate the need for keystroke date entry systems, thus reducing the frequency of human error and increasing operational efficiency. Rail carriers have installed RFID tags on all their rolling stock and placed readers on their tracks to provide rail car location. Recent innovations in their information technology systems have integrated the container or trailer number with the rail car identification providing location information on the cargo including the estimated arrival and de-ramp times. Customers who know which rail carrier are moving their cargo can access this data - often using the internet. Marine terminals are also reading the rail car RFID tag as it enters their terminal and using information provided by the rail carrier to immediately access the in-bound container numbers. " ...

Automotive RFID Radio Frequency Identification: SAE Symposium Will Address the Security, Safety, and Operational ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... titled "Deployment Benefits and Challenges;" static and dynamic vehicle demonstrations at the Exponent Track; tracking technologies and RFID; and safety and ...

The logistics field and trucking industry wll benefit from the increased use of RFID technology ...

... The SAE International symposium "Enhancing Heavy Truck Safety, Security and Efficiency Through Technology" will explore ways in which the trucking industry benefits from unique technological solutions to security, safety, and operational efficiency concerns. The symposium will be held December 1-2 in Phoenix, AZ at the Embassy Suites - North. ...

SAE is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional development programs.

RFID Seminar: Port of Seattle's Mic Dinsmore Will Keynote World's First RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... and supply-chain technology will join 22 other major speakers at the first-ever seminar on the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and related ...

... Two global authorities on cargo security and supply-chain technology will join 22 other major speakers at the first-ever seminar on the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and related technologies to enhance cargo security and efficiency. With pre-registration Dec. 5, the seminar will be held Dec. 6-7 at the Long Beach Hilton, and includes a morning field trip to a terminal facility at the Port of Long Beach to see how RFID solutions are being deployed there. M.R. (Mic) Dinsmore, CEO of the Port of Seattle, will open the Dec. 6-7 seminar with a keynote address on RFID-related technologies that have been used in several operational environments to enhance the visibility and security of containers heading into U.S. ports. ...

The National Cargo Security Council, based in Annapolis, MD, is a professional association of 1,100 cargo-transportation and security professionals from the entire logistics spectrum: air, truck/rail, maritime and intermodal. NCSC members are committed to assuring the safe and secure movement of the nation's commerce.

RFID Logistics Tracking: Autotrade & Logistics selects IDENTEC SOLUTIONS' RFID System to ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... Autotrade & Logistics Srl, the Automotive Logistics Provider of the Koelliker Group, uses IDENTEC SOLUTIONS' long-range RFID system to increase efficiency and ...

... IDENTEC SOLUTIONS, the global leader in long-range RFID systems for asset visibility, announced today that Autotrade & Logistics Srl (A&L), the Automotive Logistics Provider of the Koelliker Group, has selected IDENTEC SOLUTIONS' RFID system - Intelligent Long Range (ILR)- to efficiently track and process imported consumer vehicles in Italy. A&L is responsible for "dock to door" vehicle services, which include handling and quality outfitting of vehicles for OEMs such as Kia, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Ssangyong for domestic and international distribution in some European countries. A&L has all 15,000 vehicles on the parking lot equipped with an IDENTEC SOLUTIONS RFID tag and relies on the ILR system to expedite the throughput of approximately 3,000 vehicles per day across an area of 600,000 square meters. ...

Autotrade & Logistics (A&L) is a leading integrated logistics specialist for the automotive industry. A&L can provide express domestic and international delivery of imported vehicles via sea, road and railway to dealers throughout Italy and Europe. With a fully equipped inland platform, A&L can handle 3,000 vehicles per day and manages storage, body and mechanical repair, refurbishing and dealer delivery for vehicle manufacturers. A&L is the exclusive Italian logistics distributor for Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Kia and SsangYong.

IDENTEC SOLUTIONS specializes in Intelligent Asset Management systems that help customers improve asset utilization to save millions of dollars in operational costs related to their supply chain processes. IDENTEC SOLUTIONS' RFID system, Intelligent Long Range (ILR), can identify, locate and track assets at a distance of 100 meters (300 feet) to deliver superior real-time visibility in dynamic, demanding environments. ILR is used to streamline business operations in a variety of areas including vehicle tracking and container management. Over the past seven years, the company has built a top- drawer roster of clients including General Electric, Volkswagen, and Deutsche Post.

RFID Applications: Homeland Security Application of RFID and Networked Software Garners Acclaim

From Govtech.net ...

... "Recognized for its leadership in advancing a global software network that enables the real-time tracking of 'smart' cargo containers, Savi Technology recently garnered two major awards from acclaimed international organizations for its solutions that enhance homeland and global supply chain security. " ...

Savi has more than a decade of experience implementing solutions around the world that have been proven to enhance operational efficiency and deliver substantial cost savings. The company is the primary technology provider for the world's largest wireless cargo monitoring network for the U.S. Department of Defense, which employs RFID, barcode, cellular and satellite communications systems to track more than 35,000 conveyances daily across a global network of 800 locations in more than 45 countries. Since the late 1990s, through investments in research, development and technology acquisitions, the company has designed and developed a networked software platform, Savi SmartChainTM, for both the public and commercial sectors that's uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to create RFID-based networks that deliver real-time supply chain management.

DOD RFID Compliance: Savi Technology Debuts First Quick, Complete and Cost-Effective ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... fewer than 65 working days to meet strict deadlines for their shipments to be tracked automatically by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, suppliers ...

... With fewer than 65 working days to meet strict deadlines for their shipments to be tracked automatically by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) now have a simple "plug-and-play," rapidly deployable solution to meet the new RFID Policy requirements. Savi Technology, the primary source of RFID solutions to the DoD since 1994, introduced today at the EPC Global U.S. Conference a unique and complete solution easily integrated with existing systems to meet the DoD's basic "tag and ship" requirements for suppliers to use RFID technology by Jan. 1, 2005. Called "RFID-ACT: Assured Compliance Today," the basic turnkey solution can be installed and operational within several hours. It enables suppliers to use RFID solutions that automatically link information about their outbound shipments to DoD supply chain management systems to better prepare and plan for incoming supplies. ...

Savi technology is a key enabler to DOD RFID compliance ...

As a long-time leader in providing real-time supply chain visibility, management and security solutions, Savi Technology has worked and partnered with all types of leading AIDC providers and integrated their technologies into legacy or new enterprise-level software platforms or applications. In addition, these solutions have been deployed to track shipments, assets and equipment across and between all modes of transport -- ocean, surface and air. It tracks, on average, 37,000 shipments per day.

With over 15 years of logistics infrastructure experience, Savi Technology is the proven leader in building RFID networks that deliver real-time visibility, asset management, inventory optimization, and global supply chain security. Savi provides supply chain asset management, security and collaboration software that is uniquely integrated with automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems to create scalable networks that enable a new generation of real-time logistics solutions.

Savi has more than a decade of experience implementing solutions around the world that have been proven to enhance operational efficiency and deliver substantial cost savings. The company is the primary technology provider for the world's largest wireless cargo monitoring network for the U.S. Department of Defense, which employs RFID, barcode, cellular and satellite communications systems to track more than 35,000 conveyances daily across a global network of 800 locations in more than 45 countries. Since the late 1990s, through investments in research, development and technology acquisitions, the company has designed and developed a networked software platform, Savi SmartChainTM, for both the public and commercial sectors that's uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to create RFID-based networks that deliver real-time supply chain management.

Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California and offices in Johannesburg, London, Singapore, Taipei, and Washington D.C.

RFID Supply Chain: Manhattan Associates Releases EPC Manager, Successful Deployment ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... Already implemented in numerous pilots, including the pharmaceutical RFID supply chain tests managed by Accenture, this standalone solution operates ...

... Manhattan Associates®, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, officially announced the release of its EPC Manager solution. Already implemented in numerous pilots, including the pharmaceutical RFID supply chain tests managed by Accenture, this standalone solution operates independent of other applications and can be implemented in conjunction with any existing third party, custom or legacy supply chain systems. EPC Manager is part of Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID, which eases integration across multiple platforms, applications, data formats and communication protocols. ...

RFID tracking in the supply chain can drive operational efficiency initiatives...

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

DOD RFID: Army raises RFID spending cap

From FCW.com An update on the DOD RFID program as implemented by the Army ... The Army more than doubled the ceiling of its smart radio-frequency identification (RFID) contract with Savi Technology Inc. to ...

... The Army more than doubled the ceiling of its smart radio-frequency identification (RFID) contract with Savi Technology Inc. to $207 million from $90 million to support shipments of supplies and equipment to the Central Command's area of operations. ...

On July 30th, 2004 the Department of Defense announced a policy memorandum directing the immediate use of high-data capacity active RFID technology that will affect all companies supplying goods to the DoD.

Savi is a key partner in the DOD RFID program...

With over 15 years of logistics infrastructure experience, Savi Technology is the proven leader in building RFID networks that deliver real-time visibility, asset management, inventory optimization, and global supply chain security. Savi provides supply chain asset management, security and collaboration software that is uniquely integrated with automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems to create scalable networks that enable a new generation of real-time logistics solutions. Savi has more than a decade of experience implementing solutions around the world that have been proven to enhance operational efficiency and deliver substantial cost savings. The company is the primary technology provider for the world's largest wireless cargo monitoring network for the U.S. Department of Defense, which employs RFID, barcode, cellular and satellite communications systems to track more than 35,000 conveyances daily across a global network of 800 locations in more than 45 countries. Since the late 1990s, through investments in research, development and technology acquisitions, the company has designed and developed a networked software platform, Savi SmartChainTM, for both the public and commercial sectors that's uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to create RFID-based networks that deliver real-time supply chain management.

RFID-Enabled Software: Latest Release of Oracle(R) E-Business Suite to Deliver Key ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... RFID Support for Operational Efficiency. The Oracle E-Business Suite 11i.10 features comprehensive RFID support for supply chain management processes. ...

... Today at Oracle® OpenWorld London, Oracle detailed the new industry capabilities of Oracle E-Business Suite 11i.10. Scheduled to be available within 60 days, the Oracle E-Business Suite11i.10 will offer significant new industry-specific functionality, extending Oracle's tradition of delivering solutions that meet the unique needs of the business and government sectors it serves. ...

About Oracle: Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information visit http://www.oracle.com.

Food Industry RFID: Bruce Foods Leverages RedPrairie Functionality to Achieve ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Bruce Foods, a specialty US food manufacturer, will implement industry-leading RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Transportation and Warehouse Management ...

About RedPrairie Corporation: RedPrairie is a leader in supply chain technology solutions that help customers transform their businesses. These global, end-to-end logistics solutions optimize operations across customers' extended supply networks, driving out costs, improving customer service and creating competitive advantage. RedPrairie's RFID-enabled suite of supply chain technology solutions provide the industry's leading transportation, productivity, and distribution management capabilities, enhanced with process management and optimization components for real-time visibility, event management, sourcing, quality control, supplier collaboration and performance management. RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for many markets, including consumer goods, direct to consumer and traditional retail, food and beverage, high tech / electronics, third party logistics, industrial / wholesale, automotive and service parts, and pharmaceuticals. Customers include Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Thames Water, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Panasonic, Georgia-Pacific, Eveready, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Unilever, Exel, GE, TNT Logistics, and many others.

" ... RedPrairie RFID strategy addresses the three issues companies are facing today as they plan for inevitable RFID adoption – how to comply with retail 2005 requirements, how to transition from current barcode environments, and how to move to the ultimate scan-free environments that will be possible as RFID technology matures. Compliance: The RFID Accelerator is designed to enable companies to meet the demands of the large retailers without replacing their existing infrastructure. The application provides agents to collect and verify RFID tag information, retrieve related inventory data and pass this combined information to the retailers in advanced shipping notices (ASNs). This will provide the pallet and case RFID-based information that Wal-Mart and Target will require. Transition: Because taking full advantage of RFID technology will entail a fundamental change to distribution operations, companies will need to transition to this stage over a period of time while continuing to leverage their existing investments in RF and barcode infrastructure. To facilitate this dual mode of operation, RedPrairie has integrated RFID functionality with traditional processing so that distribution operations are independent of the data capture source. This will enable customers to take early advantage of RFID benefits, such as increased inventory visibility and accuracy, reduced labor costs and faster cycle times, without disrupting existing operations. Scan-Free: As RFID technology matures, it will enable companies to fundamentally redefine distribution operations. Operations currently requiring manual scanning will be replaced by scan-free operations that query, collect, store and transmit inventory information without human intervention. RedPrairie is working with its customers and the RFID Center of Excellence to define these new operational requirements and build support for them into its application suite. This will have positive impact on warehouse efficiency, labor productivity, transportation turnaround times and retail in-stock levels ... "

Real-Time RFID: Apriso & AeroScout Do RFID

From Unstrung ... formerly Bluesoft, announced today a partnership to bring the concept of real-time manufacturing and logistics information flow bringing RFID capabilities to a ...

Apriso’s mission is to enable businesses, their customers, suppliers and partners to achieve and retain leadership market positions in the new execution economy through unparalleled operational excellence. Apriso has introduced the concept of bottom-out enterprise software, a new event-driven software paradigm that focuses the full power of information technology - for the very first time - on the people, processes, machines and material that comprise the value chain. Apriso’s products have been developed for the global enterprise, and will work natively in any language, currency and locale. Currently, six languages - English, French, German, Spanish (Mexican), Portuguese (Brazilian) and Japanese - are available “out of the box.” FlexNet® 2003 is a new type of enterprise software that is focused entirely on an enterprise's global supply, production, and distribution processes. Unlike legacy enterprise software, which institutionalizes — in billions of lines of code — a plan-driven, top-down approach to business, the FlexNet brand provides a real-time, event-driven model that can be used to institutionalize strategic business initiatives such as "lean supply," six-sigma quality programs, portable or re-usable processes, and demand pull, as well as provide for 'relentless efficiency' in all operations, around the world. The implication of an event-driven architecture — rather than the forecast-driven architecture of contemporary enterprise software — is that the software can be used to immediately implement dynamic, adaptive, pull-based supply models, such as the Toyota Production System, or the celebrated Dell Computer business model, as well as produce all data necessary for the most stringent reporting and compliance requirements. Moreover, the simplicity of describing, reusing, and transporting processes makes successive-improvement strategies (kaizen), or dynamic, adaptive business processes, practicable, perhaps for the first time in an organization. Finally, the comprehensive support throughout the FlexNet 2003 suite for monitoring and reacting to quality events makes the suite unsurpassed for true six-sigma, lean supply implementation and administration.

Apriso Corporation and AeroScout, Inc., formerly Bluesoft, announced a partnership to bring the concept of real-time manufacturing and logistics information flow bringing RFID capabilities to a new level. By combining the Wi-Fi™ location-sensing capability provided by the AeroScout™ product suite with Apriso's FlexNet™ real-time, event-driven execution software, businesses can now optimize critical supply, manufacturing, and distribution processes for carrying out production, logistics, quality control, and maintenance tasks.

AeroScout provides enterprise visibility solutions that bridge the gap between Wi-Fi, RFID and GPS. AeroScout enables standards-based location and presence-based applications for indoor and outdoor environments where real-time visibility of assets and people is required to drive revenues or cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA.

Apriso was founded in 1992, and now operates in 11 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. World headquarters are in Long Beach, California. Apriso's rapidly-growing customer base of more than 140 customers and over 350 installations worldwide includes such high-profile, global companies as General Motors, Lear, Honeywell, Microsoft, Merck, Lockheed Martin, ITT, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, International Paper, Rubbermaid, Matsushita Avionics Systems, Saint-Gobain, Pechiney, and British American Tobacco.

RFID Data Synchronization: QRS Puts RFID in Perspective

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Company Outlines Necessity of Data Sync Prior to RFID Adoption RICHMOND, Calif., June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In response to the growing interest in Radio ...

QRS was founded in 1988 with the goal of automating paper-based transactions among retail trading partners to reduce costs and errors. Today, QRS drives collaboration among retailers, marketers/manufacturers and their suppliers around the world to improve supply chain performance and create brand differentiation. Our vision is to be the market leader in collaborative commerce solutions for the global retail trading community. QRS' comprehensive set of collaborative commerce solutions enables companies in retail to accelerate the speed of doing business, resolve problems across trading communities in real time, and bring new products to market faster with higher margins. At QRS, we manage the flow of critical commerce information and leverage our retail technology expertise to address fundamental industry challenges such as global data synchronization, mandate compliance, transaction management and global trade management. QRS solutions help over 10,000* customers expand into new markets and channels, improve operational efficiency and differentiate their brand. QRS Puts RFID in Perspective: To drive better customer and business interactions today, retailers must first focus on solving their data synchronization issues. By using QRS QuickSync to prepare internal data for UCCnet Services, suppliers are laying the foundation for future initiatives such as RFID, CPFR® and participation in the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). QRS QuickSync addresses internal data synchronization by consolidating item information from multiple sources into one centralized repository. By aligning product data from across the organization, multiple internal parties have a single view into the most up-to-date, accurate information.

RFID Software: OAT Announces First End-to-End RFID Software Solution to Power ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA OAT EPC-IS Edge Server 3.0 is an industrial-strength Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) software solution that is easy to deploy and proven to meet the ...

OAT EPC-IS Edge Server gives organizations complete real-time visibility into, and control over, the flow of goods through a facility. Using OAT EPC-IS Edge Server's rules-based workflow and exception management, manufacturing facilities and warehouse operations can track products, automate processes to improve operational efficiency, and create an integrated shipping and receiving operation with real-time validation.

OATSystems, Inc. is the leading provider of software for the High-Resolution Supply Chain™. OAT powers the EPC networks of many of the world's largest retail, defense, CPG, and pharmaceutical companies. First released in 2001, OAT is the world's most widely deployed EPC software solution. O AT has been involved in the creation of the EPC industry from day one and has assembled the industry's most respected team of EPC experts.

Walmart RFID Compliance: ADT Offers Turn-Key Solution to Help Manufacturers Meet RFID ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... consumer goods manufacturers with a complete and upgradeable solution for meeting the January 2005 RFID implementation goals set by Wal-Mart and other leading ...

Tyco Fire & Security today announced it has formed a team of companies specializing in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies to provide turnkey RFID integration services and solutions for the retail supply chain. Called epcSTARS, this team will initially include ADT Security Services, Inc. and Sensormatic, as well as Rafsec Oy, ThingMagic LLC and GlobeRanger Corporation.

SmartEAS provides retailers with an end-to-end enterprise solution to integrated loss prevention management. SmartEAS ties electronic article surveillance, video, POS systems, and people counting together while delivering real-time intelligence to the store, district, or corporate levels. It's a breakthrough solution that brings together the key elements required to significantly improve loss prevention, security, and operational efficiency.

Tyco Fire & Security is your single stop for comprehensive RFID tracking solutions. Sensormatic® RFID products are scalable and interoperable, providing maximum flexibility for end users of the technology. SensorID RFID solutions can be integrated into existing information infrastructures and are easily configurable to adapt to changing business needs. SensorID RFID readers, tags, labels, software and services provide a total RFID solution for automatic tracking of inventory and new levels of supply chain management.

RFID and Barcoding Convergence in the Pharmaceutical Value Chain...

The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published rules in 2004 that require prescription drugs to be identified with barcode labels at the unit-of-use packaging level to drive improvements in patient safety through reduction of preventable medical errors. This capability must be demonstrated by April 2006. An FDA task force released a study on security labeling techniques to protect against pharmaceutical counterfeiting, which leverages implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the pharmaceutical supply chain by 2007. Most pharmaceutical companies and their distributors need an RFID strategy because of RFID compliance requirements by participants in the pharmaceutical value chain, such as major retailers: Wal-Mart, Target, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

RFID compliance requirements in the pharmaceutical value start as early as 2005 and will intensify due to these regulatory and value chain trends.

All of this market activity requires pharmaceutical companies to define an RFID-enabled product labeling and packaging strategy, that can be flexibly implemented and leveraged over the over the next five years... The RFID strategy must address specific RFID pallet and container tagging requirements, unit-of-use bar coding labeling requirements, anti-counterfeiting RFID and smart label marking, and RFID-enabled brand protection. The RFID technology strategy must deliver the required business capabilities, but also should provide tangible benefits in security and operational efficiency of the supply chain for the participants in the pharmaceutical value chain.

RFID Solutions: Symbol's Top Exec Touts Enterprise Mobility Architecture At N+I

From CRN ... Nuti, along with both Callagee and McGovern, also spoke briefly about the benefits of improving RFID (radio frequency identification) technology solutions that ...

Radio frequency identification is one of today's most promising technologies, and Symbol Technologies is leading the way with a new generation of RFID solutions. RFID advanced data capture systems are being tested by multiple market-leading companies, to develop Symbol's enterprise mobility reference architecture.

RFID technology is used to mark, identify and track individual objects as they move from the manufacturing floor through the supply chain and into the hands of the buyer or consumer. As the objects move through the supply chain, wireless RFID readers can communicate with an RFID tag on the object, collect information about the object (such as a unique number), and match that number in a database to access a complete record about the object. Symbol views RFID as a subset of the suite of automatic data capture technologies, and includes RFID in the core competencies the company deploys as a leading supplier of enterprise mobility solutions.

Interest in RFID technology is driven by the desire of companies to achieve greater visibility to their supply chains, with the goal of increasing operational efficiency. An efficient supply chain operation helps to ensure that goods can be bought at the place and time consumers are ready to purchase. Potential gains from the visibility RFID generates include lower inventory levels, reduced labor costs and increased sales—the bottom line: increased profitability.

EPC (Electronic Product Code) is the emerging standard for RFID applications in the retail supply chain. It represents an industry consensus on the best technological approach to successful implementation of RFID. The overall EPC concept is designed to work in a range of retail supply chain applications. EPC emerged from the Auto-ID Center, a partnership between almost 100 companies and five of the world's leading research universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Retailers include many globally recognizable names—Wal*Mart®, Target Corporation, Home Depot®, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Tesco plc...