Tuesday, April 13, 2010

SAVI ODIN RFID Development

Savi and ODIN plan market announcement on Thursday. Stay tuned. ...

... "A game-changing development integrating passive and active Radio Frequency Identification solutions. The result is the most comprehensive platform to track and manage everything from items and assets to containers and transport vehicles. " ...


Via ODIN tech: SAVI AND ODIN PRESS CONFERENCE APRIL 15

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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Battery Assist Passive RFID Technology

Intelleflex introduces a next generation, standards based Battery Assisted Passive XC3 technology platform, built on RFID chips, tags, reader modules, fixed readers and mobile hand held readers. ...

... "The new Intelleflex XC3 technology platform provides industry leading BAP RFID performance and capabilities that are normally associated with active RFID solutions, such as: read/write operating ranges up to 100 meters, 60 kbits of on-chip extended memory, security using multi-layer password protection and over-the-air data encryption, and sensor support. These capabilities come at a significantly lower price point than traditional active tags and will enable applications previously not served due to prohibitive tag cost. Intelleflex is upgrading their existing tag and reader family with the new XC3 technology." ...


Via Intelleflex: New Standards Based Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID Platform (PDF)

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Battery-less RFID Sensor Developments

Low power radio component is presented at the International Solid State Circuit Conference with future application to RFID technologies. ...

... "It opens the door to many new battery-less applications such as long-range RFID ... " ...


Via Science Daily: Battery-less radios

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Airbus RFID

Airbus continues execution of its RFID strategy for parts tracking. ...

... "The A350XWB will be the first Airbus aircraft to use the passive RFID tags on flyable parts. " ...


Via Avionics Mag: Airbus RFID Order

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Sunday, January 17, 2010

ThingMagic RFID Reader Leadership

ThingMagic tops the ranking of Embedded Passive UHF Reader Module Vendors, developed by ABI Research. ...

... "ABI Research points to high performance and quality as key competitive differentiators for ThingMagic, resulting in the highest rating on both the innovation and implementation measures of our embedded passive UHF RFID reader module vendor matrix ... " ...


Via ThingMagic: Tops ABI Research RFID Reader Vendor Matrix

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Tuesday, December 01, 2009

SMARTRAC RFID Vehicle Identification Project

SMARTRAC N.V. will participate in a RFID-enabled traffic management project in the Philippines which will improve traffic congestion, passenger safety, and driving law compliance. ...

... "The project, which employs long range passive RFID tags for identification of vehicles, is one of the first country-wide implementations of RFID technology for traffic management in the world. Stradcom Corporation, one of the largest private sector suppliers to government information technology projects in the Philippines, was awarded the Information Technology Project from the Philippine Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Office (DOTC-LTO). The project is expected to improve traffic flow, help enforce traffic law and increase vehicle security. " ...


Via SMARTRAC: Philippine vehicle identification project

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

RFID Chemical Sensors Research at GE

GE Researchers will explore the use of RFID technology integrated with sensors to monitor exposure to toxic volatile chemicals. The solution will be wearable. RFID readers will interrogate the worn sensors and integrate readings to the monitoring system / software where exposures can be understood and actions and alerts can be generated. ...

... "A prototype of wearable wireless sensor system will be developed and demonstrated that will contain replaceable passive RFID sensors. Developed sensors will be interrogated by a small-sized, wearable sensor reader that will relate the findings to a local base station. " ...


Via GE Global Research: Wearable RFID Sensors Detect Chemicals

GE research explores RFID chemical sensing ...

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Tuesday, October 07, 2008

US Army RFID Contracts

The US Army Product Manager Joint - Automatic Identification Technology Office for total AIT and RFID solutions selects ODIN technologies as a prime contractor for the Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID) contract. ...

... "The pRFID contract greatly streamlines the purchase of passive RFID solutions needed by the Government since ODIN technologies and its partner contractors bring turn-key pRFID solutions to address any and all requirement of the DoD. All of the hardware, software, and services that make up solutions can be purchased today through this contract. PM J-AIT evaluated and analyzed all of the various vendors before choosing the ODIN team, so that end-users can quickly and easily call on the provider to stand-up a solution. There is early interest in using this IDIQ to build upon the extensive infrastructure ODIN technologies installed for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at all of the Defense Distribution Centers (DDC) across the United States as well as to support specific projects in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. " ...


Via ODIN technologies: US Army Prime Contract Passive RFID

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Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Motorola RFID RTLS Solution

Motorola launches its real-time location solution enabling the Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture. The RFID-enabled solution creates a Real-time Location System (RTLS) that supports location awareness. Moto is promoting standards-based application programming interfaces for this solution to enable third party business capabilities. ...

... "Powered by the embedded RTLS engine, the Motorola Wi-NG architecture enables accurate location determination and presence detection capabilities for Wi-Fi-based devices, Wi-Fi-based active RFID tags and passive RFID tags. The solution can be deployed by small, medium and large organizations using Motorola’s full RF Switch portfolio in both indoor and outdoor environments. Motorola’s location solution is both RF- and tag-agnostic, and includes built-in location determination algorithms that can integrate data from third-party location engines. An industry-standard application level events (ALE) interface allows developers to create location-based business applications using location data. Capable of processing many location technologies simultaneously and delivering the data with a single XML-based interface, Motorola’s RTLS offers customers the most comprehensive and flexible location solution on the market. " ...


Via Motorola: Comprehensive Location Solution

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Monday, May 05, 2008

Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID)

Federal government opens request for proposal for passive RFID solutions. ...

... "The Government requires commercially available state-of-the-art Passive RFID EPC Class 1, Gen 2, communications hardware, software, documentation, training, warranty service, and maintenance to provide a common, integrated structure for logistics tracking, locating, and monitoring of assets for users. In addition, the Government requires technical engineering services, including turnkey solutions integrating existing AIT and Active RFID with Passive technology to ensure the users have the capabilities to integrate technologies to accomplish a transparent solution. Passive RFID EPC, Class 1, Gen 2, technology will provide standardization and interoperability amongst Government users of Passive RFID EPC technology. " ...


Via Federal Business Opportunities: 70--Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID)

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

RFID Anywhere Upgrade

Sybase updates their RFID middleware software with support of more devices. ...

... "Greater flexibility with newly expanded device support
Passive RFID: Alien 9900, Intermec IF61, Omron v750, Sirit Infinity 510, Feig LRU1000, IPICO, Impinj Speedway Handheld RFID: Psion Teklogic Workabout Pro, Intermec 751, Sirit Infinity 210 Forklift RFID: Intermec IV7 Active RFID: ePlate, WaveTrend
RTLS: RFind, Sky-Trax ... " ...


Via Sybase: Updates RFID and Sensor Computing Middleware

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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Mojix RFID Long Read Range and Coverage

Mojix introduces a revolutionary new class of RFID systems, the Mojix STAR system, that can be experienced at the RFID Journal LIVE! event in Las Vegas, Nevada. ...

... "The EPCglobal GEN 2-compliant Mojix STAR system radically redefines the performance parameters of passive RFID, delivering 100,000 times the indoor receiver sensitivity of previous solutions, 20 times the read range (600 feet), and 100 times the coverage area (up to 250,000 square feet) with non line-of-sight capabilities - to dramatically extend the utility, scope and value of RFID applications and use cases.

Mojix RFID Star System

Developed by experts in deep space communications, the Mojix STAR system combines advances in digital signal processing technology perfected in deep space applications with an innovative architecture to economically expand RFID coverage by an order of magnitude in spacetime (3D). Freed from the traditional restraints of conventional passive RFID technology, a single Mojix STAR system can handle numerous concurrent applications across an entire warehouse, retail complex, distribution center, transportation yard or other large contiguous space with a single point of data collection and management. " ...


Via Mojix: Revolutionary New Class of RFID System

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Thursday, November 22, 2007

BlackFriday RFID Retail Pilot Locates Stock

Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID technology will be used on new DVD releases in a pilot test scheduled at select stores around the country. The RFID tags are expected to help retailers locate stock that is in their stores to improve the customer experience. ...

... "The EPC uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to uniquely identify an object. Retailers can use the EPC to ensure that products are kept in stock to meet shopper demand as well as helping shoppers find the right product in the right place inside the store. Over the last few years, the EPC has become a popular way to identify pallets and cases of goods on their way to retail stores. Electronic readers inside the store read the unique serial numbers from EPC labels and relay this information back to store staff. EPC labels do not contain, collect or store any personal information. The EPC label has no power source and can only transmit its unique number when it is less than about 10 feet from a reader that activates the label. The power – or strength – of readers is strictly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. The actual distance from which an EPC label can be read may be shorter because barriers such as shopping bags and other factors such as the presence of metal materials or nearness of walls or other obstructions weaken a reader’s signal. The labels can be removed after purchase. " ...


Via epcGlobal: SHOPPER BENEFITS (PDF)


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Thursday, November 01, 2007

RFID Company Funding for Aerospace Commercialization

Tego raises funds to commercialize RFID technology for aerospace applications. ...

... "Tego, Inc., a Waltham-based developer of high-memory passive RFID tag solutions, announced that it has closed a $6 million Series A investment led by Bainco International Investors, an asset management and wealth advisory firm. Tego will use the funds for development and commercialization of its solution that will be initially launched for the aerospace industry. " ...


Via Tego: Series A Investment


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Saturday, April 21, 2007

RFID Hammer Tracking System Integrates GIS and Sensors

Army RFID research looks to improve the understanding of rapidly changing conditions in real-time using RFID, geographic information, and multiple sensor perspectives. ...

RFID Hammer system research by US Army

... "The HAMMERTM is modular in design. The technology may be configurable to accommodate a variety of plug and play components, wireless sensors (e.g., seismic, thermal, acoustic, temperature, chemical), and other peripherals via conventional connections (e.g., USB 2.0, LEMOTM). The core unit includes a computer running a WindowsTM XP operating system, which allows secure and encrypted robust computing and 80 GB of data storage capacity. An embedded ArcGISTM software platform allows for integrated complex geographical information system (GIS) analysis. Base unit features include: position acquisition as well as stand-off positioning; distance, pitch, and roll measurements; and still and video processing. Users can collect data instantly via the a rapid event-capture trigger. Additional functions may include night vision, image stabilization and video pattern registration, voice recognition software, and biometrics for secure operations. Voice annotations, as well as audio communications, may be achieved through a wireless, hands-free, headset. A marking/tracking system may be used to mark and monitor dynamic situations and events across diverse landscapes, via active and/or passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and hybrid bar code/RFID labels. " ...


Via US Army ERDC: HAMMER (Hand-held Apparatus for Mobile Mapping and Expedited Reporting)

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

RFID Asset Tracking Starter Kit

AssetTrack Express is a new solution from Fluensee that enables companies to quickly and begin using asset tracking technology and RFID, at an inexpensive price point. ...

... "AssetTrack Express is an out-of-the-box RFID starter kit to manage assets that most companies can install and have up and running within a day. It includes everything necessary for companies to deploy RFID technology to automatically track and manage nearly any type of valuable asset. With this kit, companies can start exploiting RFID's many uses, such as monitoring, planning and tracking asset movements, and providing analytical reports that help improve asset utilization. The standard AssetTrack Express kit is comprised of Fluensee's sophisticated asset tracking software, a rugged handheld RFID reader, up to 250 assorted passive RFID tags, a quick set-up guide, as well as support services. For an additional cost, kit contents can be modified - to include stationary readers or alternative tag technologies, for example - based on the user's specific needs." ...


Via Fluensee: AssetTrack Express - RFID Starter Kit

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Monday, December 11, 2006

RFID Improves Stroke Treatment: Access Health Records

Stroke patients would be served by implantable RFID technology per National Stroke Association
National Stroke Association endorses implantable RFID microchips as a treatment to enable access to the critical health records of stroke victims. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke. VeriMed Patient Identification System is used to rapidly and accurately identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate. This RFID identification system uses the first human-implantable passive microchip, the implantable VeriChip. ...

... "The National Stroke Association (NSA) has recognized that implantable RFID microchip technology offers the ability to improve stroke treatment by providing medical professionals with immediate access to vital health information of stroke-afflicted patients. An excerpt from the letter, signed by James Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, states: Personal Health Records, including implantable RFID microchips such as VeriMed, could play a critical role in assisting medical professionals in delivering appropriate stroke treatment promptly, leading to better patient outcomes. The VeriMed Patient Identification System which consists of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, an implantable RFID microchip and a secure patient database, is being used to help rapidly identify and provide access to important health information on participating patients who arrive at an emergency department unconscious, delirious or unable to communicate. This implantable RFID system is the only system of its type cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in people. " ...


Via VeriChip: National Stroke Association Views Implantable RFID Microchip such as VeriMed as a Potential Life-Saving Medical Device ...

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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

RFID Context Aware Location Services

Sybase enhances its RFID Anywhere solution to support advanced services that enable context-aware locating capabilities. Location information is given a business context in applications that support asset management, access control, resource management in industries, such as logistics, healthcare, and other supply chain environments. Location information will integrate sensor technology data associated with assets. Assets will be identified and associated with fixed locations and temporal information to provide location and timing insights. Conditions can be monitored and alerts will be provided based on events. ...

... "RFID Anywhere 3.0 breaks new ground with the delivery of a context-aware Location Information System. Using RFID Anywhere, businesses can not only track assets from a range of data collection points [such as passive RFID, active RFID, real-time location systems (RTLS), barcode, global positioning systems (GPS) and environmental sensors], but can dramatically enhance the value of this data by associating environmental inputs (e.g., temperature) along with the location data. In addition, the RFID Anywhere 3.0 Location Information System exposes its complete feature set via a rich service oriented architecture (SOA) web services layer allowing organizations to easily transform static business information into business-aware intelligence. " ...


Via Sybase: Sybase iAnywhere Pioneers Context-Aware Location Information System with RFID Anywhere 3.0 ...

RFID Anywhere simplifies the development, deployment, configuration and management tasks for highly distributed, multi-site, intelligent sensor networks, and abstracts the interaction with the physical network of devices. With support for over forty devices, this powerful infrastructure enables the creation of intelligent sensor networks out-of-the-box. By using RFID Anywhere, sensors are able to work together as an intelligent network by combining, organizing and coordinating these technologies through a common management structure, advanced feature set and event-driven development framework.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

Metro will use Savi RFID technology in its Asian supply chain ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.

RFID readers will provide real-time visibility to Metro's supply chain throughout the Asia Pacific region

Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...


Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

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Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Active RFID Evolution Accelerates

Active RFID technology is seeing increased extension of its capabilities. A number of sensor and sensing functions are being introduced. As well as communications features raning from WiFi to satellite communications. ...

... "These are typical examples of how active RFID technology is evolving much faster than passive RFID technology and creating many exciting new applications and profit opportunities for companies of all sizes. " ...


Via Sys-Con: Link

Upcoming conference will focus on Active RFID technology.

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Thursday, October 26, 2006

RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip ...

The U.S. PTO grants Digital Angel a patent for its implantable glucose-sensing RFID microchip. The RFID microchip measures glucose concentration for diabetic patients and transmits data to RFID scanner. ...

... "Checking blood glucose levels regularly is critical to properly managing diabetes. The conventional method - a finger prick - is invasive, painful and often inaccurate. The implantable bio-sensor chip has a passive transponder, glucose sensor and integrated circuitry that allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their level of glucose concentration. The RFID microchip quickly and accurately transmits the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip is powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip. " ...


Via Digital Angel: RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip: DIGITAL ANGEL CORPORATION AWARDED PATENT FOR BREAKTHROUGH GLUCOSE-SENSING RFID MICROCHIP ...

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

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

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

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


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

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Tuesday, October 10, 2006

DOD RFID Dept of Defense Implementation Enablers

ODIN Technologies shares some of the key ingredients (Accuracy and Implementation Speed) to enabling their successful implementation of RFID technology in the DOD supply chain. The Dept of Defense has strict read rate accuracy requirements that ODIN had to meet with limited technology capabilities at that time. In addition, ODIN perfected an implementation methodology for the DOD that improved the speed of delivery while sustaining performance quality. ...

... "DoD is modernizing its logistics system to better support the warfighter. Passive RFID is at the center of that transformation. It is a core element of the DoD's force transformation initiative designed to create a more agile military. However, if the tags and readers do not communicate reliably, the benefits will not materialize. After years of planning, the DLA needed a highly accurate RFID network established rapidly.

...

Accuracy: DoD expected its RFID system to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than what was currently being deployed. Boundaries relative to read-rates and performance were strict, unlike many retailers who have toyed with trial-and-error methods. Rather than just attempt to read a single pallet tag, the DoD demanded 20 Gen 1.0 and Gen 2.0 RFID tags be affixed to cases and read as they come through a dock door - 100% accurately. This required scientific precision when designing and configuring the RFID network. Each portal was tested 10 times for that performance criteria. The DoD has shown RFID will reduce costs, increase supply visibility and streamline its entire supply chain, from the factory-to-the-foxhole. However, it can only do this if the RFID system is accurate and reliable.

...

Implementation Methods and Speed: Eighteen facilities spanning the continental U.S. (CONUS) were evaluated, solutions designed, installed and tested to 100% accuracy in under 130 days. " ...


Via ODIN Technologies: DOD Case Study (PDF) ...

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Saturday, September 23, 2006

RFID Middleware: Automate Integrate ...

Reltronics Technologies has made their system, SmartInstrument, a versatile middleware for automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, widely available in the marketplace. Reltronics strengths lie in automation and identification using remote RFID technology. The SmartInstrument middleware system plays a role in supporting interoperability and integration of multiple, potentially incompatible, solutions. ...

... "One of Reltronics Technologies' fortes is in creating and supporting RFID systems that assist in automating asset and inventory management, identifying drug pedigrees, etc. and which rely upon storage and remote retrieval of data using RFID hardware (Readers, Antennas, Tags or Transponders). Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target have whole-heartedly accepted the RFID concepts to implement efficiencies in their workflow and to limit inventories in their warehouses and they have subsequently initiated mandates to their vendors to implement RFID technology in their supplies within set timelines. These mandates are allowing shorter timelines and the industry not only needs many new deployments but also sustain existing deployments. SmartInstrument is a step forward to facilitate transparency in the RFID systems deployment thereby bringing commonality between various RFID protocols and hardware technologies (reader, antenna, and transponders or RFID tags), irrespective of the technology being new or old.

For instance, SmartInstrument enables end-users to deploy new RFID systems while seamlessly supporting all existing RFID systems and eliminating the need for single- sourcing thereby achieving a better return of investment. It fills the need by interpreting any RFID system utilizing any reader (Active, Passive), working on any frequency (LF, HF, VHF, UHF), with any communication protocol (Ethernet, WiFi, RS-232, RS-485), any transponder (Active, Passive), and any standard (EPCGlobal, ISO, AIMGlobal) bringing the much needed commonality into the RFID infrastructure. Reltronics Technologies' focus on bringing interoperability and sustainability into the RFID technology environment is the result of industry satisfaction with the RFID initiative, to enable overcoming the customer perception of which RFID technology to deploy, to enable commonality between the various RFID protocols, to enable a more cost-effective RFID system deployment, and finally to allow the end-users to start small with one RFID system and expand at their own financial pace without having to worry about the RFID system being antiquated. " ...


Via Reltronics: A Novel Idea to Harmonize Automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems ...

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Thursday, September 21, 2006

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. ...

Port security and efficiency is enabled with RFID chain of custody process ...

... "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 ...

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Friday, September 01, 2006

RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking ...

Plastic pallet with RFID enables real-time tracking in the supply chain. ...

... "Under the agreement, Xterprise will use both its RFID Asset Management application—which is built on it's TraX Application Server (TAS)—and it's AnalytiX RFID business intelligence application for iGPS' plastic pallet pool. Xterprise will be responsible for RFID-centric software applications, RFID best practices and RFID infrastructure integration. Xterprise will supply iGPS with Electronic Product Code (EPC) passive RFID tags, using the recently released EPC Reusable Transport Item (RTI) standard tag data format. As part of this long-term relationship, Xterprise will work closely with iGPS' other industry-leading partners such as Ryder System, Inc.

The agreement will enable iGPS to respond to demand from industries such as beverages, consumer electronics, grocery/consumer packaged goods, home improvement/do-it-yourself, pharmaceutical, produce/meat and raw ingredients. The powerful advantages of iGPS' edge-rackable plastic pallets include their greater durability, consistent size, shape and quality, superior hygiene and traceability. iGPS is the only large-scale pallet supply service to provide RFID in every pallet to track shipments in real time, which reduces the logistical cost of shipping and allows companies to verify food and drug safety, as well as to address security issues. iGPS offers the ability to rent plastic pallets and avoid the ongoing expense of owning and maintaining wood pallets." ...


RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking: Via Xterprise: iGPS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH XTERPRISE INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE BUILT-IN RFID-TRACKING CAPABILITY FOR ALL-PLASTIC PALLET POOL ...

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Thursday, August 10, 2006

RFID Asset Protection ...

PWC Mexico will implement Axcess's RFID asset management capabilities to protect computing assets in order to reduce shrinkage. ...

... "Under the terms of the rollout, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Mexico will utilize AXCESS' Dual-Active RFID solution for its custodial asset management capabilities; allowing for real-time detection when a valuable asset such as a laptop is in or out of a secured area. When an item is removed from company premises without authorization the technology will deliver actionable intelligence through which a reliable security response can be determined and initiated. Corporations face an uphill battle when it comes to securely and accurately managing their physical assets. In 2005 alone, losses from the theft of proprietary data from corporations and other institutions more than doubled compared to the previous year totaling $356,000 per incident. AXCESS' RFID solutions provide companies with the tools necessary to protect assets and data from theft and help organizations comply with federal and state laws, which necessitate the development of an internal IT best practice for managing computer assets and the notification to individuals if a client's personal data may have been compromised. PricewaterhouseCoopers identified the potential for significant ROI by managing assets and by preventing computer theft. In addition to preventing monetary loss associated with the theft or loss of IT assets, the company recognized how AXCESS' ActiveTag solutions could empower them with the ability to better protect their clients' data through increased accountability and security. The AXCESS solution implemented for PricewaterhouseCoopers addresses the problem of preventing theft or loss of assets and data by offering individual asset tracking and protection, dynamic wireless custodian assignments to assets, complete reports, and wireless alerting to exception-based security events. One key to the reliability of the solution is AXCESS' battery powered RFID tags which generate strong signals to enable metal encased computers to be identified even when hidden, which is far superior to passive RFID and bar code systems which require some form of line-of-site recognition. " ...

RFID Asset Protection: Via Axcess International: PricewaterhouseCoopers Selects AXCESS' RFID Solution to Protect Computer Assets and Data ...

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Thursday, July 27, 2006

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding ...

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

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

RFID company gains another round of venture capital funding ...

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

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

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Monday, July 17, 2006

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags ...

IEEE works on the IEEE P1902.1 standard, an improvement on the RuBee visibility network protocol. RuBee is a bidirectional, on-demand, peer-to-peer, radiating, transceiver protocol operating at wavelengths below 450 Khz. The RuBee protocol works in harsh environments with networks of many thousands of tags and has an area range of 10 to 50 feet. ...

IEEE works on an RFID alternative standard called Rubee ...

... "One of the advantages of long-wavelength technology is that the radio tags can be low in cost, near credit card thin (1.5 mm), and fully programmable using 4 bit processors. Despite their high functionality, RuBee radio tags have a proven battery life of ten years or more using low-cost, coin-size lithium batteries. The RuBee protocol works with both active radio tags and passive tags that have no battery. IEEE P1902.1, IEEE Standard for Long Wavelength Wireless Network Protocol, will provide for asset visibility networking that fills the gap between the non-networked, non-programmable, backscattered, RFID tags widely used for asset tracking and the high-bandwidth radiating protocols for IEEE 802.11 local area networks and IEEE 802.15™ personnel area and data networks. " ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags: Via IEEE: IEEE BEGINS WIRELESS, LONG-WAVELENGTH STANDARD FOR HEALTHCARE, RETAIL AND LIVESTOCK VISIBILITY NETWORKS

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Saturday, July 01, 2006

RFID Oracle EdgeServer Success ...

Noel SA, South American CPG company, successfully uses Oracle RFID edge services to understand the application of RFID to logistics business processes. ...

... "Noel SA used RFID-enabled Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS), part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, as the logistics platform for the pilot, which included tagging 2,000 pallets of Ducales cookies that were sent to the distribution center in Medell? Colombia. Noel SA used Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, to connect and manage all the devices on the RFID system, including tag printers and readers. Data captured from the system was processed by Oracle WMS and synchronized with the Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Each pallet received a passive RFID tag, which included important order information such as the lot number and product expiration date.

Noel completes Oracle RFID pilot ...

The RFID-tagged pallets were read throughout the supply chain from the production floor to the final distribution center to ensure proper delivery of orders. Once the pallet arrived at the distribution center of Medell? it was read again to reconcile the sales order and fulfillment information held in the Oracle order management system. At the conclusion of the pilot, Noel SA uncovered that the bar code process prior to the RFID pilot was being executed incorrectly, rendering inventory and shipment data inaccurate. Noel SA gained valuable visibility into its operations such as inventory management and order fulfillment using RFID. The company plans to begin the roll out of a full-scale RFID system in the future. " ...

Via Oracle: Noel SA Successfully Completes RFID Pilot Based on Oracle Solutions

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Monday, June 12, 2006

Hoboken RFID Parking Permits ...

Hoboken implements RFID technology solution to enable efficient parking permit process ...
Hoboken implements software, mobile computers, and RFID technology to enable better management of residential parking permits. ...

... "Hoboken is one of the first municipalities in the United States to implement RFID in this way. Hoboken parking enforcement officers were finding it difficult to distinguish the permits of residents with extended parking privileges from those of city visitors with more limited privileges tinted windows, weather conditions and inconsistent permit placement were all challenges. As residential Hoboken parking permits become more valuable, officers have also noticed a rise in illegally issued and counterfeit permits. The combination of PayLock's RFID Permit Management software running on Symbol RFID rugged mobile computers enables Hoboken parking officers to rapidly read the parking permit information stored on the RFID tag, allowing them to easily identify illegally parked vehicles and those using counterfeit permits.

The city of Hoboken's solution consists of Symbol MC9000-G RFID mobile computers running PayLock software to read Symbol passive RFID tagged parking permits. With this integrated solution, Hoboken parking enforcement officials can do away with the laborious car-by-car inspections that were previously needed to determine whether a permit was real or counterfeit. The RFID tags, which are embedded in the parking permits, contain an identification number that is stored in a permit database. This database holds the information on the vehicle and the type of permit issued, defining where a vehicle can legally park. Valid tags and associated information are synchronized to the Symbol mobile computers daily, allowing parking officers to validate if a car is permitted to park in a particular location at a particular time. PayLock's RFID Permit Management software also allows the city of Hoboken to greatly reduce the cost and effort associated with issuing new permits every year permit holders are now able to renew online through a 24/7 call center and have their existing permit extended immediately. " ...

Hoboken RFID Parking Permits: Via Symbol Technologies: Symbol RFID Solution Helps City of Hoboken Battle Parking Permit Counterfeiting: Innovative RFID Solution Helps Manage City Parking Demands ...

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Wednesday, May 17, 2006

RFID DOD DLA Contract: Passive Systems ODIN Tech ...

ODIN receives contract for RFID from DOD DLA ...
ODIN Tech awarded contract from DOD DLA for passive RFID systems ...

... "DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY: ODIN Technologies, Dulles, Va., is being awarded a maximum $7,000,000 combination firm fixed price, cost, and time and materials contract for passive radio frequency identification (RFID) portals, hardware, and installation for Defense Logistics Agency. Other location(s) of performance are Defense Distribution centers, CONUS and OCONUS. Proposals were Web-solicited and 11 responded. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is May 16, 2007. Contracting activity is Defense Distribution Center (DDC), New Cumberland, Pa. (SP3100-06-D-0003). " ...

RFID DOD DLA Contract: Passive Systems ODIN Tech: Via DoD: Contracts for May 17, 2006 ...

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Thursday, May 11, 2006

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services ...

Software platform support RFID-based asset location services ...
PanGo Networks introduces enhancement to its software platform that acquires location information from active and passive RFID sources. The RFID platform provides a services-based interface for higher level systems to consume asset location information. ...

... "Now, for the first time, applications used by hospitals, manufacturers and third-party solution providers can tap standards-based active and passive RFID technologies from a single platform, thereby dramatically increasing the number of assets that can be tracked and eliminating the need for proprietary choke point or portal solutions that add complexity and cost to corporate networks. This aggregation and refinement of location from multiple standards-based sources gives users unprecedented flexibility to apply the appropriate mix of RFID-tracking technologies to best match their unique and varying needs. Through presence detection, real-time location and high-resolution choke-point visibility, the PanOS Platform allows customers and application vendors to benefit from the most timely and accurate tracking of assets and inventory possible, while capitalizing on the pervasive adoption of WLAN and RFID technology. Wi-Fi-based RTLS and RFID sensory networks are transformational technologies that are delivering business benefits and driving change within IT organizations across many markets. " ...

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services: Via PanGo Networks: PanGo Integrates Active and Passive RFID to Deliver Industry’s Most Advanced Location Management Platform ...

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Saturday, March 04, 2006

RFID Marks and Spencer Trial ...

Marks and Spencer continues its progress in trial of RFID technology. ...

... "Marks and Spencer is extending its trial of item-level passive RFID tags, called the Intelligent Label Project. " ...

Via CIE: Components in Electronics: M&S extends RFID trial ...

Marks and Spencer goes to market with a disposable RFID intelligent label. ...

... "Marks & Spencer is trialling RFID within the supply chain as the next generation of barcode. In that application, RFID uses tags (a tag is a microchip combined with an antenna) to wirelessly transmit product item numbers. These item numbers are unique to each product (unlike barcodes, which only unique to the product type). The tags developed for the garment trial are contained within throwaway paper labels called Intelligent Labels. The RFID tags can be read over a short distance by a remote scanner. Traditional optical scanners, used with barcodes, require each barcode to be held a few centimetres from the scanner: with RFID Marks & Spencer is trialling scanners that can operate at a distance of up to approximately half a metre. The scanner can read the tags simultaneously, and at speed, allowing regular updating of stock information. " ...

RFID Marks and Spencer Trial: Via Marks & Spencer: BACKGROUND TO MARKS & SPENCER'S BUSINESS TRIAL OF RFID IN ITS CLOTHING SUPPLY CHAIN ...

M&S meets with success and extends the trial to more stores and increases functional capability to leverage RFID technology in prevention of stock-outs. ...

Marks & Spencer: Marks & Spencer's business trial of RFID in its clothing supply chain: "Marks & Spencer is trialling Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) within its supply chain as the next generation barcode. We are using technology responsibly to give a better service to our customers through improved product availability. During 2004 an item level RFID trial on men's suits was conducted across nine stores. From Spring 2006, the number of stores participating in the trial will extend from nine to 53. Product availability is a key issue for customers, the extension of this trial will help us to investigate the potential of RFID further. "

Marks & Spencer: MARKS & SPENCER DEVELOPS INTELLIGENT CLOTHING: "Marks & Spencer is the largest retailer of clothing in the U.K and has pioneered many innovations in technology, such as Lycra and the machine Washable Suit. RFID tagging of garments will be one of the earliest applications of this technology in the world. Marks & Spencer has won a funding package from the Department of Trade & Industry to help develop this project. The DTI chose Marks & Spencer to develop RFID in retailing because it sells only own brand products and has an integrated supply chain, which will allow broad and deep research. RFID tags in clothing labels will hold information on a microchip, which will give each garment a unique serial number. This will enable Marks & Spencer to manage its stock more effectively in stores and throughout its distribution chain. When the RFID tag is scanned the information is stored in a database giving Marks & Spencer a complete overview of stock management. "

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Sunday, February 26, 2006

RFID Technology: Champion Chip ...

Champion Chip, based on RFID technology, used to track racers ...

... "The ChampionChip uses the RFID technology but it is a passive chip which means it does not need an internal power supply. As a result, the chip can be quite small in size and have a long life-span. " ...


RFID Technology: Champion Chip: Via Financial Express: IT at the marathon

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Friday, January 27, 2006

RFID Zapper ...

RFID zapper uses electromagnetic field to over-power and disable the RFID tag, rendering it useless. ...

... "RFID-Zapper, a hacked up disposable camera that delivers an EMP of sorts to unsuspecting RFID tags ... " ...

Via Engadget: Stick it to the man with your very own RFID-Zapper ...

Link: RFID-Zapper: "The RFID-Zapper is a gadget to deactivate (i.e. destroy) passive RFID-Tags permanently. The development-team presently consists of two people (MiniMe and Mahajivana), who had some help from a friend (thank's for that). Goals are a proof-of-concept and the construction of at least one functioning and appealing prototype, ... "

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Sunday, January 01, 2006

RFID Lab Provides Hands-On Classroom Experience ...

Stratum Global will provide the RFID technology foundation for the hands-on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) lab in Illinois at Oakton Community College, serving fourteen northern Chicago suburbs.

... "The Community College RFID lab will be located at Oakton’s new Art, Science, and Technology Pavilion in Skokie. Stratum Global, William Frick, Intel and Intermec Technologies Corp. are providing Oakton with the tools required to develop an RFID lab and curriculum that will give students the opportunity to study the dynamics of how RFID infrastructure, readers, tags, and software logic solve business problems.

Stratum Global’s TagNet RFID solution suite will serve as the software application foundation for understanding the integration components and the dynamics between the infrastructure, tags and readers. Students will use the software to manage and configure readers, conduct remote diagnostics, commission and interrogate tags, verify tag reads against existing enterprise data and create rules to establish application level events. William Frick, based in Libertyville, IL, specializes in tag and labeling solution offerings. Frick will assist in developing the tag curriculum as it relates to tag materials, tags for high impact or rugged environments, application of active or passive tags, high visibility tags as well as tagging location. Frick will provide the lab with a variety of tag types for the students to work with on different materials, in multiple scenarios. Students will have a firm understanding of the differences between tags types, where those types are applicable and how to effectively construct a tagging methodology. Enterprise data will reside on an Intel based P4 and Xeon Server infrastructure. Data will be used to commission tags, construct work rules and manage events. Stratum Global’s TagNet® will ensure a seamless flow of data within the RFID environment, between the Intermec Readers, antennas, tags and the Intel platform.

RFID hardware will be provided by Intermec and will include Intermec’s IF5 fixed readers, IP3® portable readers, and a combination of Intermec Intellitag antennas. Students will use the hardware to understand how physical readers, handhelds and antennas are used to develop portals, and how portal development impacts read rates and the dynamics of hardware configuration. The hardware and curriculum will prepare students for careers in RFID, with a firm understanding of the technology required for a successful implementation and how that implementation can bring continuous process improvement to the business. " ...


Via Stratum Global: Hands-On RFID Lab at Oakton Community College: Industry leaders collaborate to develop lab and curriculum ...

Additional resources on university RFID labs:

Via Cal Poly: RFID HIGHLIGHTS: "Fred Abler, Tali Freed visited Sun Microsystems in Menlo Park, CA for a day of meetings to present the Cal Poly RFID Research and Testing Lab to a team of SUN executives. The meeting was arranged by Sema Alptekin, a Cal Poly IME professor currently on sabbatical at UC Berkeley. During the day-long series of meetings, the directors presented their vision for RFID Research at CAL POLY, resulting in the RFID Research and Testing Lab being nominated to become the SUN Center of Excellence for RFID."

Via University of Wisconsin: Headlines for March 21, 2005: "The RFID laboratory on the UW-Madison campus enables RFID workgroup members to conduct structured experiments ranging from tag placement to antenna design. "

Via University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines: "The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center laboratory has passed accreditation criteria established by EPCglobal Inc., a global not-for-profit standards organization commercializing the Electronic Product CodeT (EPC) and RFID worldwide. The UA lab is one of the first EPC/RFID research laboratories worldwide to receive the EPCglobal Performance Test Center accreditation. The RFID Research Center, a subunit of the Information Technology Research Institute, housed in the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business."

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Friday, December 09, 2005

RFID Cost Analysis ...

Cost analysis for an animal RFID application. ...

... "In one example, a 62-animal herd equipped with RFID and all the herd recordkeeping equipment could cost $24.10 per animal per year, while a 1,250-animal herd would have a $3.43 per animal per year cost. In the latter example, the ear tag itself is the most expensive part because all cattle share expense of the recordkeeping equipment. " ...

RFID Cost Analysis : Via Capital Press: Ranchers sort through choices of ID programs

"Animal RFID Electronic Identification": "Study the implementation constraints of the electronic identification system from the technical and organizational levels. Cost-benefit analysis of an electronic identification system. "

Farnam Livestock Tracking Systems: "Fixed costs are those associated with the various components (e.g., hardware, software, management, etc.) that are constant, regardless of the number of animals. These costs will vary tremendously across operations due to variability in herd size. Economies of size exist with regard to the fixed cost components of an RFID system such that the per-unit costs will be lower for larger operations."

Automatic Identification: When to Use RFID | Fall 2004 Perspectives | ICF Consulting: "RFID, which allows passive data collection technology, would have minimal impact on operations. While the cost for RFID tags and infrastructure are higher than barcode, its impact is less severe since only nine million containers and pallets are in circulation, and tags will be reused many times before replacement."

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Sunday, November 13, 2005

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals

Animal RFID tags are based on passive tag technology. ...

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals: Via USDA: Animal Electronic Identification

... "All transponders contain a microchip and an antenna. Transponders can be classified as active or passive depending on whether their power source is internal or external. Passive transponders are used in livestock because they get their power from the reader device (antenna). The power antenna transmits radio frequency bursts and the passive transponder returns a coded signal to a separate antenna. A transmission link, via radio waves, is established between the transponder and the reader device (antenna). Animal electronic identification technology uses passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) because it is cost effective and offers the characteristics desired for animal identification. RFID technology does not suffer from signal absorption by tissue or moisture, and it can be packaged differently without affecting performance. " ...

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Friday, October 07, 2005

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive ...

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive: Via Compliance Policy Guides: Radiofrequency Identification Feasibility Studies and Pilot Programs for Drugs

... "A passive tag draws all of its power from the radio waves transmitted by an RFID reader. A semi-active tag uses a battery to run the microchip's circuitry, but not to communicate with the RFID reader. An active tag is powered entirely by battery to send and receive RFID information. " ...

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Tuesday, September 13, 2005

DOD HandHeld RFID Computer ...

DOD HandHeld RFID Computer: Via Psion Teklogix: Psion Teklogix Rugged RFID Hand-Held Only One Tough Enough For DoD

Psion Tek secures DOD HandHeld RFID Computer contract ...

... "Psion Teklogix (LSE: PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, wireless data collection, imaging and RFID, announced that its rugged EPC-compliant 7535 Hand-Held Computer with RD7950 Integrated UHF RFID Reader has been the only hand-held reader selected for use by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Coast Guard and several other federal agencies. Psion Teklogix partners CDO Technologies, SYS-TEC and WFI Government Services have each been awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) from the Army Contracting Agency Information Technology, E-Commerce, and Commercial Contracting Center (ITEC4), for passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Electronic Product Code (EPC) -1 for Multi-protocol (Class 0 and 1) Hand-held Readers. " ...

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RFID Inflection Point Prediction: Unisys ...

RFID Inflection Point Prediction: Via Unisys: Predicts 2006 will be RFID's Inflection Point ...

Unisys takes a shot a predicting inflection point for RFID technology, citing key growth statistics and external influences ...

... "According to Unisys, adoption within the aviation industry will more than double in 2006 due to the recent ruling, which allows passive RFID to be used for goods carried on airplanes and aircraft parts. The international shipping and transportation industry will also make great strides by using lessons learned by the early adopters, retail and consumer goods, automotive, healthcare and life sciences, and the military. " ...


Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage.

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Tuesday, September 06, 2005

RFID Maritime Security Technology ...

Via RedNova News - Technology - Using Technology to Bridge Maritime Security Gaps

... "A simple radio frequency identification (RFID) tag consists of a microchip attached to a radio antenna. The microchip contains information about the type of cargo, manufacturer, serial number, etc. A variety of tags are now available on the market: passive tags, active tags and low, high and ultra-high-frequency tags. " ...

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Tuesday, August 30, 2005

RFID Hype Cycle Highlights

RFID Hype Cycle Highlights: Via Government Technology: Gartner Highlights Emerging Technologies ...

News staff highlights Gartner Hype Cycle for 2005 ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (Passive). Otherwise known as RFID, passive Radio Frequency Identification has been somewhat over hyped in recent years although vehicle-based systems are strong. " ...


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Monday, August 29, 2005

RFID QuickStart Kit Selected ...

Via Catalyst International: Uniden Selects CatalystCommand iRFID™ Software: The leading wireless consumer electronic products manufacturer will use Catalyst’s RFIDConfigure QuickStart Kit to integrate passive RFID technology into its supply chain ...

Uniden selects Catalyst's RFID QuickStart kit ...

... "Catalyst International, a global provider of supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, is now implementing its CatalystCommand iRFID™ software for Uniden America Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless telephones, to ensure its compliance with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) requirement mandates set by Wal-Mart and Best Buy. CatalystCommand iRFID is an exclusive technology for integrating passive RFID technology into the supply chain environment. " ...


Catalyst International delivers software and solutions that enable companies to optimize the performance of their enterprise supply chains. Catalyst is the only resource that combines over 25 years of industry leadership in warehouse and logistics software development with an in-depth understanding of ERP systems. Catalyst has provided successful SCE solutions for customers around the world, including Boeing, Brown Forman, Reebok, Office Max, Panasonic, Rayovac, Subaru, and The Home Depot. It is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and has offices or representatives in the UK, Italy, Mexico and South America.

Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufacturers and markets wireless consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business telecommunications systems, networking and data products, scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden America sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2005

UHF RFID Industrial Environments

UHF RFID Industrial Environments: Escort Memory Systems Moves UHF RFID into the World of Industrial Control: EMS introduces the first UHF systems exclusively for the industrial environment ...

EMS introduces UHF RFID technology that will weather the storm in industrial environments ...

... "Escort Memory Systems announces the UHF-UN1 integrated RFID controller/antenna and UHF525HT high temperature passive tag solution for long-range, industrial applications. Escort Memory Systems leads the pack in RFID solutions for industrial control. With over 20 years of innovation in design and over fifty thousand installations worldwide, Escort Memory Systems is the company that understands RFID from the inside out. " ...

UHF RFID for Industrial Environments ...

Escort Memory Systems, part of Datalogic Group, delivers rugged, industrial RFID solutions to leading companies worldwide. Recognized for high performance, highly connected and rugged RFID hardware that sets the standard for industrial RFID within the automotive, pharmaceutical, electronic and other demanding industrial settings

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Thursday, August 04, 2005

DOD Passive RFID Service Provider: BearingPoint

DOD Passive RFID Service Provider: BearingPoint: U.S. Army Selects BearingPoint for Passive RFID Technical Engineering Services: Blanket Purchase Agreement to leverage BearingPoint’s network of RFID providers ...

... "BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE: BE), one of the world's largest management consulting and systems integration firms, announced today that it has been awarded a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) by the U.S. Army to provide passive RFID technical engineering services. The contract was awarded by the Information Technology, E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center (ITEC4), and is designed to provide RFID technical services, data integration software, and passive RFID middleware to meet Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. " ...


BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE: BE) is one of the world’s largest management consulting, systems integration and managed services firms serving government agencies, Global 2000 companies, medium-sized businesses and other organizations. We provide business and technology strategy, systems design, architecture, applications implementation, network infrastructure, systems integration and managed services. Our service offerings are designed to help our clients generate revenue, reduce costs and access the information necessary to operate their business on a timely basis. Based in McLean, Va., BearingPoint has been named by Fortune as one of America’s Most Admired Companies in the computer and data services sector.

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Saturday, July 30, 2005

DHS USVisit RFID Implementation ...

DHS USVisit RFID Implementation: The Department of Homeland Security is creating a new system of records for the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program ...

... "US-VISIT has been implemented in increments. As part of Increment 2, US-VISIT will test the use of passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to automatically, passively, and remotely record the entry and exit of covered individuals. These RFID tags will be embedded in the Form I-94 or I-94W, which is an Arrival-Departure Record issued to a traveler. " ...


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Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Vessel History RFID Tag

Vessel History RFID Tag: Vats of Wine and Brandy - SACO Systems (Pty) Ltd.

... "The company came up with a simple answer whereby each individual vat was fitted with a passive RFID tag containing information about the vat's history, as well as its contents. " ...

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Monday, July 25, 2005

Passive RFID Purchase Agreement: Unisys ODINtech DOD DLA USCG ...

Passive RFID Purchase Agreement: Unisys ODINtech DOD DLA USCG: Unisys | Unisys and ODIN Win U.S. Department of Defense Passive RFID Blanket Purchase Agreement

... "Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) announced today that the Department of Defense has awarded Unisys a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to connect the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and its suppliers through an integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) infrastructure to track and trace assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Unisys can now be selected by the DLA, or any other agency within the Department of Defense or the United States Coast Guard, to integrate passive RFID infrastructure within their supply chain. Unisys will work with ODIN technologies to leverage its industry-leading passive RFID physics expertise. " ...


Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage.

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Sunday, July 03, 2005

RFID Pilot Supply Center: Final Report

RFID Pilot Supply Center: Final Report: Final Report of the Passive Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Project at the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Virginia, Ocean Terminal ...

... "The goal of the FISC Norfolk Ocean Terminal passive RFID pilot was to increase manifest accuracy and inventory accountability within the Ocean Terminal by mitigating the number of errors introduced into the process by manual and/or nominally automated procedures. In its final configuration, the process has also been found to increase speed and efficiency of the cargo checking process. The Ocean Terminal now uses RFID tags to process all shipments except household goods, classified shipments processed by the division at a remote site, and outsized shipments processed in the outside storage area. During the receiving process, RFID tags are placed on each piece of the shipment and the corresponding Electronic Product Code (EPC) is linked with the appropriate Transportation Control Number (TCN) and piece number in the Ocean Terminal Management System (OTMS). " ...

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Case Load RFID Tagging ...

Case Load RFID Tagging: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, The analysis regarding this proposed rule making is provided here for public viewing, Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for DFAR Case 2004-D011 ...

... "The proposed changes require contractors to affix passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels when shipping packaged operational rations, clothing, individual equipment, tools, personal demand items, or weapon system repair parts, to the Defense Distribution Depot in Susquehanna, PA, or the Defense Distribution Depot in San Joaquin, CA. " ...

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RFID Tags Exterior Package ...

RFID Tags Exterior Package: Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy - Radio Frequency Identification (DFARS Case 2004-D011) ...

... "Affix passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to the exterior packaging of shipments to identify the contents; and Electronically submit advance shipment notices to DoD to permit receiving personnel to associate the RFID tag data with the corresponding shipment. " ...

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Saturday, July 02, 2005

RFID UID Differences ...

RFID UID Differences: Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy - Unique Identification (UID), Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

... "UII is a piece of data associated with an item that uniquely identifies it through out its life. RFID is a vehicle for holding and sharing data. IUID of tangible items deals with physical marking as prescribed in the policy and are applied directly on items or on labels themselves. IUID also requires data to be captured about the item and submitted electronically to a registry database. Think of this as creating a birth certificate for the item. RFID is either a passive (unpowered) or active (powered) transmitter/receiver that stores information on the case or pallet in which UII'd and non-UII'd items are placed. The RFID tag may store the unique item numbers for the items in the case or pallet or simply a different unique packaging number that when accessed in a transportation or logistics database provides an inventory of the items in the case or pallet. " ...

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RFID Open Standards EPC

RFID Open Standards EPC: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Home page

... "Concurrently, efforts were underway to make it possible for computers to identify any object anywhere in the world instantly utilizing passive RFID technology. The key was to create a universal, open standard for identifying products and sharing information. Part of that work was to develop the Electronic Product Code (EPC) - a unique number that identifies a specific item in the supply chain. " ...

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Active RFID Decade Experience ...

Active RFID Decade Experience: FAQ

... "active RFID has been in use for almost a decade and was used successfully during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom on major items and consolidated cargo moving into theater to provide Commanders in-transit visibility. Use of passive RFID, largely designed for supply chain efficiency, has been limited to smaller initial implementations to date, but plans are to expand usage... " ...

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RFID Policy DOD Materiel

RFID Policy DOD Materiel: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Home page

... "The new policy addresses two general types of RFID tags: (1) active, which contains an internal power source, enabling the tag to hold more data and has a longer read range and (2) passive, which does not contain any power source, holds a minimum of data and has a shorter read range. " ...

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Tuesday, June 14, 2005

RFID Antennae Conductive Inks ...

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

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


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

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Tuesday, June 07, 2005

RFID Healthcare Patient Tracking ...

RFID Healthcare Patient Tracking: Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Selects Amelior ED Online Charting System by Patient Care Technology Systems: Einstein Will Be the First Level 1 Trauma Center in Nation to Integrate Amelior Passive Patient Tracking and Online Charting ...

Albert Einstein Healthcare chooses patient technology system that support RFID-enabled patient tracking for hands-free business processes in the hospital emergency room ...

... "The passive tracking system, so-called for the lack of active, manual data entry by department staff, collects the real-time status of patients, staff and medical equipment as they move through the department. Unlike traditional tracking systems that require manual data entry, and as a result can be difficult to keep up-to-date, passive tracking uses wireless signals sent by badges worn by patients and staff and attached to equipment. These signals are read by sensors located throughout the Emergency Department. Software developed by PCTS applies rules-based intelligence to instantly communicate the current stage of care for every patient. The system displays the information in convenient map views that match the floor plan of the facility. The software works with all passive tracking technologies including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and ultra-wide band. To date, PCTS has implemented more passive patient tracking software in U.S. Emergency Departments than any other software provider. " ...


... RFID tracking technology offers a hands-free process for patient management in the healthcare industry.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare.

Patient Care Technology Systems, a subsidiary of Consulier Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ: CSLR), is dedicated to becoming the leading provider of patient safety solutions in the high acuity segments of healthcare. Anchored by their flagship solutions, Amelior ED (tm) patient care system, a comprehensive ED information system with integrated clinical decision support, and Amelior EDTracker (tm) passive tracking, the most implemented passive tracking software in U.S. Emergency Departments, PCTS provides a family of integrated and intelligent solutions designed to reduce medical errors and improve the operating performance of high acuity departments. PCTS is a founding sponsor of the Emergency Medicine Patient Safety Foundation (EMPSF), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting and improving patient safety in emergency medicine.

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Sunday, June 05, 2005

RFID Intelligent Transportation Systems

Committee Reports: INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (RFID)

... "The Committee recommends $14,000,000, for architecture and standards work. The Committee understands that the Department has proposed a national standard under a mandate in the TEA21 legislation based on the use of an active radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for Commercial Vehicle Operations utilizing Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC). This is of concern because it minimizes, if not ignores, the significant presence of passive RFID technology equipment in transportation operations nationwide. As many states utilize an alternative passive system for transportation-related DSRC functions, particularly electronic toll collection, concerns have been shared with the Committee over not creating an architecture that precludes the application of passive RFID technologies in the search for a standard under the TEA21 mandate. " ...

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Saturday, May 28, 2005

Radio Frequency Identification: RFID Hardware

Radio Frequency Identification: RFID: MEP Source For Manufacturers

... "RFID systems consist of hardware and software. The hardware includes RFID tags, which can be active (i.e., they have a battery-operated transmitting device on board) or passive (the tag only transmits its data when energized by antenna radiation). RFID tags come in many shapes and sizes and broadcast in different frequencies, depending upon the application. RFID readers are matched to the tag types, and translate the information on the tag into digital form that is converted for use in software. The software sends the information to the business system, which stores the information in a database or displays it on a screen for human decision making. " ...

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Monday, May 16, 2005

DOD Supplier RFID Technology ...

DOD Supplier RFID Technology: WFI Government Services, Inc. Awarded Blanket Purchase Agreement to Supply Passive RFID Technology for DoD Initiative

WFI acknowledged as supplier of RFID reader technology to the DOD ...

... "Wireless Facilities, Inc. (WFI) (Nasdaq: WFII), a global leader in the design, deployment, and management of wireless communication networks, technology networks and security systems, announced today that the Logistics and RFID sector of its Government Division has been awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements to provide Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers to enable and accelerate implementation of passive RFID technology in support to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). " ...


Headquartered in San Diego, CA, WFI, is an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing for the world's largest wireless carriers, enterprise customers and for government agencies. The company provides the design, deployment, integration, and the overall management of wired and wireless networks which deliver voice and data communication, and which support advanced security systems. WFI Government Services, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of WFI. RFID is one of the company's chief areas of expertise, with complete RFID services that leverage the firm's functional understanding of the supply chain and logistics processes with its core competency in data integration and synchronization. WFI has performed work in over 100 countries since its founding in 1994.

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Sunday, May 15, 2005

RFID Scanner Medical Coordination Role ...

RFID Role in Tactical Medical Coordination System (TacMedCS)...

... "This system exploits passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies to automate some of the casualty evacuation process. This system differs from Common Access Card (CAC) and other alternative approaches to digital medical information. TacMedCS is appealing because it is a Radio Frequency based system, which doesn't require contact with the device to be able to read and write data. There is no need to remove clothing or protective gear. The tag has been tested through MOPP gear, Kevlar body armor, and various other forms of military clothing. The tag is passive. It will only transmit approximately one foot away, and only when interrogated with a RFID scanner. The System includes four basic components: a tag, handheld RFID tag scanner, lap top computer system, and central database server. " ...

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RFID SGTIN UID ...

Passive UHF RFID Tag Data Structure Requirements ...

... "On item packaging for items meeting the DoD criteria for assignment of UID where a serial number is used to augment a GTIN which is used for the unique RFID identification of trade items worldwide within the UCC.EAN System. " ...

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RFID Asset Visibility ...

ACC: Acquisition Community Connection

... "Asset identification, visibility, and tracking can be significantly improved through utilization of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RFID is a wireless technology that includes passive, semi-passive and active tags. Active RFID systems have the ability to store large amounts of information using an internal power source within the tag. Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source and obtain operating power generated from the tag reader. Semi-passive RFID uses an internal power source to monitor environmental conditions, but requires RF energy transferred from the reader/interrogator similar to passive tags to power a tag response. RFID tags can contain various amounts of data ranging from a simple item number to detailed instructions on how to assemble an item. " ...

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RFID Line-of-Sight ...

RFID Terms

... "RFID Line-of-Sight. In order for any communication to occur, a signal transmitted from interrogator or the tag must reach the other device. Unless the device is in a completely shielded metal enclosure, some radiation will usually reach the device. This radiation may arrive in a direct line of sight path or it may arrive via scattered reflections from man-made or natural terrain features. However, the amount of radiation (and its phase) which reaches the device is very important. If a passive device is being used, sufficient radiation must reach a tag so that the tag can not only can interpret the information content of the signal, but must also be sufficient to power the signal transmission of the tag back to the interrogator. Therefore, passive devices usually have a significant degradation in their range when they are not in the direct line of sight to the interrogator, because otherwise they will not receive enough RF radiation to allow for a successful re-transmission of RFID radiation. Active tags are much more non-line-of-sight tolerant, because they only need to receive enough radiation to allow for the incoming signal to be successfully interpreted. They then re-transmit using their own on-board power supply. " ...

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Saturday, May 14, 2005

RFID DOD Supply Chain ...

Army Logistician (RFID Vision in the DOD Supply Chain) ...

Alan F. Estevez writes ... The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration believes that the real value of RFID lies not in what it can do today but in what it will do in the future. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an enabling technology that allows military logisticians to synthesize and integrate end-to-end information about assets. The Department of Defense (DOD) is a globally sophisticated user of active RFID, with more than a decade of experience in this technology and the most extensive RFID network in the world. Now, DOD is attempting to standardize the use of active RFID and is moving ahead with the application of passive RFID technologies. (Active RFID uses a battery within the tag to power the tag and its RF communications circuitry. Passive RFID relies on radio frequency energy transferred from the reader to the tag to power the tag.) " ...


Alan F. Estevez is the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness.

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Thursday, May 12, 2005

US Government RFID Purchase Agreements

SAMSys to Provide RFID Readers to U.S. Government ...

SAMSys secures RFID purchase agreements from the US Government ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX) announced today that two of its value-added resellers have been awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements authorizing the use of SAMSys new MP9320 v2.8 radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to comply with RFID mandates from the U.S. Department of Defense. The agreements are expected to result in the sale of at least 700 fixed RFID readers from multiple vendors over the next year during the first phase of a long-term initiative to implement RFID technology throughout the DoD's supply chain. The contracts were awarded to WFI Government Services, Inc., and CDO Technologies, Inc., both SAMSys resellers, as part of the DoD's Passive Radio Frequency Identification Electronic Product Code-1 (RFID EPC-1) project. The project requires DoD suppliers to place RFID tags on all cases and pallets containing products sold to the U.S. military. Multi-protocol passive RFID EPC-1 readers are needed to exchange data with the tags in order to expedite identification and tracking of DoD supplies. " ...


SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services. SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure. SAMSys is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the TSX Exchange under the symbol: “SMY”. The Company has a total of 47.7 million shares outstanding.

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