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)

DOD RFID Final Rule Adopted

DOD adopts final RFID rule and will require the use of Gen-2 RFID tags. ...

... "DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to include additional commodities and locations that require package marking with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The rule requires contractors to affix passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels when shipping packaged petroleum, lubricants, oils, preservatives, chemicals, additives, construction and barrier materials, and medical materials to specified DoD locations.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2007)

(a) Passive RFID tag means a tag that reflects energy from the reader / interrogator or that receives and temporarily stores a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response.
(1) Until February 28, 2007, the acceptable tags are --

(i) EPC Class 0 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 0 specification; and (ii) EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 specification. This includes both the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Class 1 specifications.

(2) Beginning March 1, 2007, the only acceptable tags are EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 specification. Class 0 and Class 1 Generation 1 tags will no longer be accepted after February 28, 2007. " ...

Via Federal Register: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Radio Frequency Identification (DFARS Case 2006-D002)

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 ...

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) ...

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 ...

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.



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

Hoboken RFID Parking Permits ...

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 ...

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. "

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, ... "

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."

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."

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. " ...

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. " ...

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. " ...

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. " ...

Tag: RFID

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. " ...

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

Tag: RFID

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. " ...

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. " ...

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. " ...