Thursday, November 19, 2009

RFID Power Monitoring using Integrated Smart Plugs

Treehugger folks identify RFID-enabled plugs from Zerofootprint that can integrate power information and receive commands to intelligently manage energy consumption. ...

... "TalkingPlugs, a system that includes devices that attach over existing electrical outlets, giving them special powers: namely the ability to wirelessly transmit their energy output and, inversely, to be remotely controlled and programmed. " ...


Via TreeHugger: Zerofootprint Monitoring

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Mobile Bluetooth RFID Reader

iDTRONIC launches a new RFID reader, I-collect, for data collection that supports LF or HF Multitags. ...

Mobile RFID Reader for Data Collection

... "iDTRONICs I-Collect is fully programmable. Beside the reading of the UID numbers it is possible to read also other memory content. The I-Collect data collector allows fast and reliable Data transfer to Windows XP, Vista and Mobile applications. A demo Software with 8 standard applications is delivered with the I-Collect. " ...


Via iDTRONIC: New Mobile Bluetooth RFID Reader I-Collect for mobile scanning

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Monday, May 25, 2009

RFID Stamps Objects

Objects are identified with RFID stamps and programming logic can make an object perform tasks that interact with their environment. ...

... "Stick a Ztamp to an everyday object. Assign applications, services, contents to it. When you flash an object’s Ztamp in front of a device that can recognize it ... " ...


Via Mir:ror: Ztamps RFID stamps

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Sunday, April 22, 2007

RFID Tag Reads Surpass Billion Mark for T3CI

It took T3CI three years to process their first billion reads for customers and, at their current rate of growth, it will take less than 4 months to process the second billion. ...

... "This billionth read is the result of RFID programs at some 30 customers, with cumulative revenues of over $700 Billion, including 5 of the top 7 global Consumer Product Goods (CPG) manufacturers. During the last months T3Ci has even begun loading, storing and processing significant read volumes from international sources. " ...


Via T3CI: Billionth RFID Tag Read

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Friday, July 07, 2006

RFID Phase Jitter Modulation Technology ...

Zebra licenses Magellan's PJM Phase Jitter Modulation technology to support its RFID produtct development. ...

Magellan licenses its PJM technology ...

... "Under the license agreement, Zebra has the right to develop and commercialize RFID reader modules and tags that incorporate Magellan's patented PJM technology. In 2006, Zebra plans on embedding the reader modules in its printer/encoder products to enable more efficient programming of smart labels and tags. Ratified in 2004, PJM is an HF RFID system specified in an existing global standard: ISO/IEC 18000-3 mode 2, RFID for Item Management. Because the technology is optimized for applications where many hundreds of tags are packed tightly or need to be read reliably in dynamic situations, it is an ideal solution for pharmaceutical e-Pedigree, document control, gaming and other applications." ...

RFID Phase Jitter Modulation Technology: Via Zebra Technologies: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES NEW RFID LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MAGELLAN TECHNOLOGY ...

Magellan Technology Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia, is a technology developer, manufacturer and licensor of advanced read and write 13.56MHz RFID systems. Magellan designs and offers RFID chips, inlets and a complete reader portfolio (multi channel, multi antenna, tunnel, and tray readers) and all operating software. Magellan’s Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM) technology complies with the International Standard ISO/IEC 18000 Part 3 Mode 2. PJM is optimized for applications where many hundreds of tags are stacked tightly or need to be identified reliably in dynamic situations including pharmaceutical authentication, document control, jewelry tracking and gaming management. The technology is also optimized for conveyor fed applications where tags are presented in all orientations. Typical applications are in the airline baggage, postal and courier markets. Magellan develops and licenses its PJM technology world wide to interested parties including other manufacturers and system integrators.

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Tuesday, June 27, 2006

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA ...

Library RFID applications will power Shenzhen and New Orleans libraries ...
TAGSYS delivers library RFID applications in New Orleans and Shenzhen, China with local development / deployment partners. ...

... "TAGSYS and Integrated Technology Group (ITG), an established developer and provider of cutting-edge library RFID systems, have combined forces to donate a fully-automated, item-level RFID infrastructure to the Alvar branch of the New Orleans Public Library located in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. The branch, which was completely destroyed in the Katrina disaster, will officially reopen its doors on Sunday, June 25, 2006 in conjunction with the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference.

Traditionally, libraries have relied on employees manually scanning each item as it went through the book handling process. As a result, valuable staff resources were directed to time-consuming checkout and inventory management procedures, while patrons faced long lines and moderate customer service due to the demands placed on library staff. RFID-based library material handling systems provide library staff with the ability to computerize the entire material handling process. With the RFID system in place, staff can be relieved of checkout duties, and can spend more time providing other services to library patrons. " ...

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA: Via TAGSYS RFID: TAGSYS and ITG Donate Fully Automated, Item-Level RFID Infrastrusture To New Orleans Public Library ...
... "TAGSYS, announces that it has been awarded the largest library RFID project in China at the Shenzhen Library. By the end of June, nearly two million TAGSYS RFID tags will be integrated and installed on books, CDs, VHS tapes, patron cards, and other library materials by TAGSYS' local integration partner, Shenzhen Seaever Enterprise Co. Ltd. The complete and fully automated RFID system is the second largest in the world – second only to the system developed by TAGSYS for the Seattle Public Library in Seattle, WA. It includes security gates, automatic self check out and return stations, as well as programming and circulation stations.

The Shenzhen Library has been recognized worldwide for its technological and architectural innovations. The 50,000 square meter library features an open space, partition-free design and has the capabilities to store over four million books, service 8,000 patrons and circulate 50,000 volumes per day. Scheduled to open to the public in July 2006, it will serve as the documentation and information service center and regional library network center for Shenzhen. " ...

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA: Via TAGSYS: TAGSYS Equips China’s Shenzhen Library With Fully Automated RFID Infrastructure ...

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Wednesday, February 08, 2006

RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

QI Sys is developing RFID smart cards for contactless payment applications ...

... "QI Systems Inc., a leading developer and integrator of smart card payment, access control and tracking solutions, announced that QI product engineers are now developing hardware and software components that support RFID-enabled contactless payment systems. RFID-enabled payment systems are rapidly gaining in popularity with merchants and consumers in the U.S. Small-value transactions can now be quickly completed using a payment card with a built-in microchip and wire-loop antenna utilizing very-short-range (several inches) radio waves to securely transmit account information from the card to the merchant point-of-sale terminal. There is no need for the merchant to swipe the card through a reader, so the cardholder always remains in control of the card and transaction time is optimized. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are actively promoting contactless-payment versions of their cards. The International Standards Organization has established an implementation specification enabling these credit-card leaders to share a common transmission protocol. That in turn facilitates the programming of a single merchant point-of-sale terminal to accept and process transactions from all three companies’ payment cards/devices. Merchants and cardholders alike should benefit significantly from the enhanced convenience and security offered by a broader selection of contactless payment solutions. " ...

RFID-Enabled Smart Card: Via QI Systems Inc.: QI Systems Inc. Developing Products for RFID-Enabled Smart Card ...

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Tuesday, September 06, 2005

RFID API Application Programming Interface

RFID API Application Programming Interface: Java dotNet Support: SAMSys Simplifies RFID Reader Management with RAPID, New RFID Application Programming Interface for Developers ...

SamSys introduces RFID API for Java and dotNet development community ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) hardware solutions, today announced the availability of its RFID Application Programming Interface for Developers (RAPID). The new API simplifies the management of SAMSys RFID UHF readers by enabling developers to use familiar Java and Microsoft .NET programming environments when writing interfaces to their RFID middleware or custom applications for controlling reader functions. RAPID is a high-level, easy-to-use, type-safe API that replaces the low-level proprietary programming language formerly required to manage SAMSys readers. It shortens development cycles through use of Java and .NET as well as extensive use of object-oriented properties, thus further simplifying the deployment of the RFID network infrastructure. " ...


SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) reader solutions. 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.

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Saturday, June 18, 2005

Entry Level RFID Solutions

Entry Level RFID Solutions: LOFTWARE’S TWO, NEWLY CONFIGURED & AGGRESSIVELY PRICED LABEL PRINTING SOLUTIONS FEATURE INDUSTRY-FIRST ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION FOR RAPIDLY EVOLVING RFID AND BARCODE MIXED ENVIRONMENTS: Company also announces it has major RFID pilot programs in progress worldwide ...

Loftware offers turnkey entry-level RFID solutions ...

... "The new entry-level solution is available immediately and is a perfect compliment for companies whose requirements for barcode printing and marking RFID label tags is limited. The new entry-level solution, called RFID Starter, is a two seat, RFID and/or barcode printing capable software solution that allows Tier-2 and Tier-3 companies facing limited RFID compliance demands meet their current mixed compliance requirements for barcode label and RFID printing software for a base price of $1995. " ...


Loftware with its headquarters in York, Maine pioneered the very first barcode label design and barcode printing software application for PC’s over two decades ago. Since that time the company has led the development efforts to provide best in class enterprise marking and identification software solutions including RFID technology to Fortune 100 and 500 companies supply chain operations across the globe. Loftware’s products now extend supply chain efficiencies beyond just bar-coding by supporting and complying with the latest EPC (Electronic Product Code) standards and specifications for programming and managing RFID Smart Labels and Tags. Industries including automotive, aerospace, electronic, medical, transportation are managing their supply chains everyday using Loftware’s latest technologies.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005

RFID Supply Chain Software Solution ...

LATEST RELEASE OF THE LOFTWARE CONNECTOR® BRINGS PROVEN ENTERPRISE-CLASS RFID and Barcode Printing SOLUTIONS TO MUCH EXPANDED RANGE OF LEADING SUPPLY CHAIN APPLICATIONS: A Premier Barcode and RFID Solution in the Oracle WMS and MSCA Applications Space, Loftware Connector 2.5, Announced Today, is Optimized and Available for Leading Supply Chain Applications Including DB2 and SQL ...

... "Taking aim at a significantly broader market opportunity for enterprise-class RFID and barcode label printing software solutions for leading supply chain management applications, Loftware, Inc., today announced the immediate availability of version 2.5 of the Loftware Connector. Originally designed and customized approximately 24 months ago for Oracle-based warehouse management and mobile supply chain applications, Connector 2.5 has now been enhanced for compatibility with similarly-targeted DB2- and SQL-based applications from all leading vendors. In addition to the UNIX operating system, the Java-based Connector 2.5 now supports Linux and Microsoft Windows as well. " ...


Loftware with its headquarters in York, Maine, pioneered the very first barcode label design and printing software application for the PC over two decades ago. Since that time the company has led the development efforts to provide best in class enterprise marking and identification software solutions including RFID to Fortune 100 and 500 companies supply chain operations across the globe. Loftware’s products now extend supply chain efficiencies beyond just bar-coding by supporting and complying with the latest EPC (Electronic Product Code) standards and specifications for programming and managing RFID Smart Labels and Tags. Industries including automotive, aerospace, electronic, medical, transportation are managing their supply chains everyday using Loftware’s latest technologies.

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Saturday, April 02, 2005

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

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

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


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

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Wednesday, March 30, 2005

RFID Transponders Programming ...

CHAPTER 4

... "The RFID labels are known as tags or transponders. They contain information that can range from a permanent ID number programmed into the tag by the manufacturer to a variable 128-kilobyte memory that can be programmed by a controller using RF energy. The controller is usually referred to as a reader or an interrogator. An interrogator and a tag use RF energy to communicate with each other. The interrogator sends an RF signal that wakes up the tag, and the tag transmits information to the interrogator. In addition to reading the tag, the interrogator can write new information on the tag, thus permitting a user to alter the tag's information within the effective range. Interrogators can be networked to provide extensive coverage for a system." ...

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Sunday, January 30, 2005

Smart Dust Training Is Coming Up in Early February 2005 ...

Event - Crossbow, Smarter Sensors in Silicon

... "Mote Training Course Feb. 9-10, 2005, in San Jose:

The first day of the course will cover a basic technology introduction, hardware overview, including the latest developments - MICAz and 802.15.4 radios (ZigBee ready), MICA3 for outdoor applications, and new sensor boards. The first day will also include a TinyOS overview and hands-on session with the radio stack and multi-hop routing capabilities of TinyOS. One track is focused on TinyOS Programming, and the other Track is focused on using and deploying motes with minimal programming. Both tracks will be highly interactive, with onsite technical engineers to help answer your questions. On the evening of Feb. 8, there is an install session for those who have ordered kits for delivery at the training seminar or who have not yet installed TinyOS. All attendees are required to have a Crossbow Mote kit and a laptop computer. A 10% discount on mote kits will be available with your registration. " ...


Founded in 1995, Crossbow Technology, Inc. is the leading end-to-end solutions supplier in wireless sensor networks and the largest manufacturer of Smart Dust wireless sensors. Crossbow has for years been at the forefront of creating and deploying smaller, smarter, wireless sensing devices and mesh networking platforms for large-scale defense, environmental, agricultural, industrial monitoring and control, building automation, security and asset tracking applications. Crossbow’s open architecture, TinyOS-based platform enables highly intelligent multi-sensing devices to dynamically and reliably self-organize to efficiently capture and send detailed data anywhere, anytime. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., Crossbow has distributors in 24 countries worldwide. The company received its ISO 9001/2000 Certification in May 2002 and its FAA Certification for AHRS500GA in January 2003.

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Saturday, January 22, 2005

GE RFID Cargo Security System Completes Testing ...

GE RFID Cargo Security System: General Elec. UK Regulatory Announcement: Final Results

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... $225 million in the first four weeks of theatrical release with Universal ... tamper-evident sea container cargo-security system, which uses RFID (radio frequency ...

... Successfully completed commercial testing for its tamper-evident sea container cargo-security system, which uses RFID (radio frequency identification) wireless technology embedded in a container's walls to determine if it has been breached during transport. ...


GE (NYSE: GE) is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming, and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.

Additional resources on cargo security systems ...

Savi To Develop Disposable E-Seal: supply chain tracking and transportation security software systems. ... cases of terrorists using cargo containers to ... private sector aimed at security goods being ...

Strategic Council on Security Technology: Frequency Identification (RFID) cargo tracking system, SST is a public-private initiative that continues to test and innovate ways to secure sea containers in ...

ADT Press Releases: identification (RFID) and intrusion detection systems in designing ... These and other security techniques that prove successful ... "By monitoring cargo in transit ...

Seaports Struggle With Cargo Security: detection monitors, for screening cargo containers entering US ... RFID devices, global-positioning system tracking, and ... software could have on container security. ...

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Monday, January 17, 2005

Java RFID Software and Hardware Architecture ...

Java RFID Architecture: Sun Microsystems Unveils Sun Java System Tag and Ship Solution and ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... New Offerings Help Customers Cost-Effectively Address Immediate RFID Requirements and Plan for Future Integration NEW YORK, National Retail Federation ...

... Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), today announced the availability of the Sun Java(TM) System RFID Tag and Ship Solution and the Sun RFID Reference Architecture. Sun also announced its plans to create RFID Industry Solution Architectures (ISAs) to meet the unique RFID requirements of vertical markets including: government, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail. In addition, Sun and SeeBeyond outlined plans for the forthcoming RFID ISA for Retail, which will offer complete, integrated RFID solution designed specifically for retailers. The Sun Java System RFID Tag and Ship ISA Solution is a simple, entry-level RFID solution that enables customers to address specific RFID compliance requests, such as those from retailers including: Wal-Mart, Target and Albertsons, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense and other organizations. ...


Sun RFID Reference Architecture is the latest in an established methodology that identifies, designs, builds, tests and optimizes Sun technology and premier third-party business applications for safer, more efficient deployments, which yield more predictable performance within a customer's business environment. Sun RFID Reference Architecture is built upon a foundation of RFID best practices and methodologies, which address performance and scalability for tracking RFID product movement. Through this new offering Sun will help customers to design their RFID infrastructure and plan for the required system demands. Customers can expect to reduce their overall implementation costs through access to Sun's proven design, implementation and sizing. The Sun RFID Reference Architecture is the only reference architecture freely available to customers and partners to help make the transition to an RFID based real-time enterprise easier and more cost-effective. By utilizing the Sun RFID Reference Architecture methodologies and proof of concept at the planning stages of their RFID implementation, customers can design and size their infrastructure and reducing their overall deployment time. The Sun RFID
Reference Architecture proof of concept may be scheduled through Sun iForce(SM) centers around the world and more information can be found at http://www.sun.com/service/refarch/ .

The RFID ISA for Retail is currently under joint development by Sun and SeeBeyond. It is intended to provide customers with an end-to-end solution that addresses the specific business challenges of retailers and fully leverages the power of RFID data. For example, the RFID ISA for Retail can help customers optimize their backstore and warehouse inventory management through improved supply chain visibility. More information on the RFID ISA for Retail will be available later this quarter.

Additional resources on Java RFID architecture ...

The Sun Java System RFID Software: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... An RFID architecture that incorporates the Sun Java System RFID Software can offer dynamic reprovisioning that moves software paths from one server to another. ...

New RFID Java tools - Builder: Java programming architecture and Jini networking technology, attempts to simplify integration of data collected via radio frequency identification (RFID) ...

RFID edge controller runs Linux/Java on XScale: WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure, which provides a Java-based application environment supporting the OSGi (open services gateway initiative) architecture. ...

Introduction to RFID and the EPC Network Architecture: introduced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the EPC Network architecture, and the hardware and software behind it. A Java based RFID system was ...

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Tuesday, December 14, 2004

RFID Reader Programming: SAMSys Introduces RF Command Suite(TM) Reader Programming Tool

From Yahoo News (press release) ... SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) solutions announced today ...

... SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX), an international provider of Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) solutions announced today the launch of its new RF Command Suite(TM) configuration application. This new SAMSys software solution is a Microsoft Windows-based software application that provides a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) for configuring, programming, and commanding SAMSys RFID Reader products. ...


SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services designed to evaluate and recommend optimal RFID solutions to enhance existing business process. 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 47.6 million shares outstanding.

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Thursday, October 28, 2004

BarCodes: Accu-Sort announces EtherNet/IP integrated scanner

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (October 28, 2004) ... Accu-Sort Systems (ASI), a worldwide leader in AutoID, today announced the release of its AXIOM 400™ laser bar code scanner now standard with EtherNet/IP. Onboard EtherNet/IP allows the AXIOM 400 to connect directly to Rockwell Automation’s control architecture without the need for an external protocol converter.

Integrated I/O data transfer provides easy access to bar code data from a ControlLogix controller and supports remote control of up for four additional relays (per Axiom) outside the PLC. The new AXIOM 400 simplifies PLC programming, reduces setup time and results in faster implementations.

AXIOM 400™ laser bar code scanner now standard with EtherNet/IP

Accu-Sort’s configuration software, AXCESS, allows users to quickly and easily setup AXIOM 400 bar code readers and monitor reader performance remotely. EtherNet/IP offers additional networking features such as the setup of multiple Axiom scanners in a controller/client configuration.

An Encompass program member with Rockwell Automation, Accu-Sort has long been dedicated to providing customers with Allen Bradley compatible products dating back to the acquisition of the Allen Bradley AdaptaScan bar code reader with DeviceNet in 1999. The AXIOM 400 with EtherNet/IP offers long range bar code scanning for a variety of industrial material handling applications and comes complete with AXCESS, Accu-Sort’s Windows®-based setup software.

Accu-Sort officially launched the Axiom 400 with EtherNet/IP at the 2004 Rockwell Automation Fair in Orlando, Florida, held October 27-28. For more information, visit the Accu-Sort website at www.accusort.com or contact John Thomas at (215) 996-8231.

Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in reliable auto ID and high-speed compliance solutions with more than three decades of experience deploying and supporting scanning and tracking solutions in distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and retailer environments. The company is also an established provider of convergent RFID and bar code systems with more than 40 RFID installations.

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Wednesday, October 06, 2004

Zebra RFID: Zebra Delivers Bar Code Functionality Directly From mySAP Business ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... The company has sold nearly four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity ...

Zebra and SAP collaborate to deliver enhanced automated identification capabilities that make it easier for SAP's customers to leverage these best practices ...

... Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business improvement, today announced that it has concluded an agreement with SAP AG, under which SAP has embedded Zebra's bar code rendering libraries into SAP SmartForms graphical forms and the report design tool in the mySAP Business Suite family of solutions. This provides users an easy way to generate bar codes on-demand for asset tracking, compliance labeling, document tracking, and other business productivity improvements. At the same time, SAP has created its first native bar code printer driver, which uses Zebra programming language (ZPL) to drive Zebra-brand dedicated thermal label printers with unmatched speed and ease of integration. ...



Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 90 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold nearly four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2004

RFID Asset Tacking: Multispectral Solutions, Inc. Announces Release of Version 3.0 of ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... the release of Version 3.0 of its FCC-certified, PAL650(TM) ultra wideband (UWB) Precision Asset Location and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. ...

... U.S. technology firm Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI) today announced the release of Version 3.0 of its FCC-certified, PAL650(TM) ultra wideband (UWB) Precision Asset Location and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. Using patented short pulse UWB techniques, PAL650 provides sub-foot localization and remote tag identification even in the presence of severe multipath as encountered in hospitals and industrial facilities. Version 3.0 includes an improved graphical users interface for systems programming and extended field lengths to accommodate larger tag ID spaces. With MSSI's patented UWB technology, PAL650 battery-powered tags have life expectancies in excess of five years, even at rapid blink rates of once per second. This is several orders of magnitude better than competing active RFID technologies such as those based on 802.11x. These energy efficient tags also have ranges of greater than 200 meters line-of-sight, well in excess of ranges achievable with other RFID approaches. ...


Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI), established in 1989 in Germantown, MD, is a pioneer and established industry leader in the development of ultra wideband (UWB) systems for communications, radar and precision positioning applications. The company's PAL650 Precision Asset Location system is the world's first FCC-certified, UWB-based, active RFID and tracking system for personnel and high valued assets. MSSI® is recognized as the industry leader in the development of ultra wideband (UWB) systems for communications, radar and geo-positioning. Applications include high-speed communications networks and data links; collision and obstacle avoidance radars; precision geolocation systems for personnel location, asset tracking and inventory control; intelligent transportation systems (tags and electronic license plates) and others. MSSI® design experience includes GHz bandwidth RF as well as high speed digital processing systems. RF designs span from DC to 40 GHz; while digital designs have extended to beyond 500 Mb/s.

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Friday, July 23, 2004

RFID Software: Label Printing Software offers RFID programming

From Industrial News Room, NY ... Enterprise features easy-to-use interface for RFID tag setup and programming, ability to use graphical tag image to protect against printing over and damaging ...

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Saturday, July 03, 2004

Smart Card Software: Sun Microsystems' New Java Card Enterprise Software Enhances ...

From Wireless Developer Network ... Card(tm) Enterprise Software, an integrated smart-card solution for enhanced network security. By bringing together key elements ...

Java Card technology provides a secure environment for applications that run on smart cards and other devices with very limited memory and processing capabilities. Multiple applications can be deployed on a single card, and new ones can be added to it even after it has been issued to the end user. Applications written in the Java programming language can be executed securely on cards from different vendors. Java Card technology enables smart cards and other devices with very limited memory to run small applications, called applets, that employ Java technology. It provides smart card manufacturers with a secure and interoperable execution platform that can store and update multiple applications on a single device. Java Card technology is compatible with existing smart card standards. The technology enables developers to build, test, and deploy applications and services rapidly and securely. This accelerated process reduces development costs, increases product differentiation, and enhances value to customers. In a manner complementary to the Standard, Enterprise, and Mobile editions of the Java 2 Platform, Java Card technology makes it easy to integrate security tokens into a complete Java software solution. Java Card technology is the leading open, interoperable platform for smart cards. The new version 2.2.1 of the Java Card Specifications provides a small set of targeted enhancements to facilitate alignment with smart card industry standards. In particular it ensures an efficient integration of Java Card technology with the GlobalPlatform 2.1.1 and ETSI "UICC for Java Card" specifications. Java Card technology, version 2.2.1 builds on the success of previous versions, providing smart card vendors, issuers and developers with proven technology for the deployment of secure and interoperable card services. The Java Card Protection Profile is available as a collection of four protection profiles. A profile defines a set of security requirements for the Java Card Runtime Environment, the Java Card Virtual Machine, the Java Card API Framework, and the on-card Installer components. It provides guidelines to develop a secure Java Card platform and obtain high-level security certifications.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2004

Mobile RFID: Shipcom to resell Psion Teklogix rugged devices

From RCR Wireless News ... will resell its rugged mobile computing devices with CATAMARAN and CATAMARAN RFID software providing new data collection options. ...

CATAMARAN® allows mobile application integration of enterprise systems like Siebel, SAP, MFG/Pro and Oracle on mobile devices running MS Pocket PC, WAP, MSDOS, RF, and Palm WITHOUT PROGRAMMING. Shipcom's LogLink/RF logistics interface for SAP R/3 part of the Shipcom suite of products provides the data collection functionality that is currently not supported by SAP and its external interface options. The standard interface from SAP supports data being passed to the SAP Intermediate Documents (IDOC) from a front end processor, generally a node on the network. The posting of the transactions to the R/3 application is batch oriented which does not support sub-second responses to the operator. Each IDOC has a defined time sequence in which it will move the data fields contained in it up to the database. This time sequence could be from a couple of seconds to more than 10 seconds which is not acceptable from an operator standpoint. The standard interface available from SAP does not support such automated data collection functions as on-demand bar code printing (to a thermal transfer printer), sub-second interaction to data files at the host level, and other data collection functions found in typical automated data collection systems.

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Monday, June 21, 2004

RFID Printer: Zebra Introduces New P520i Card Printer

From PR Newswire (press release) ... The P520i is an intelligent printer that harnesses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to automate key processes and make it easier to use ...

Zebra Technologies Corporation delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions to businesses and governments in more than 90 countries around the world. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra brand thermal barcode label and receipt printers and plastic card printers (formerly
branded Eltron(R)), resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs and better customer service. Zebra Card Printers (formerly Eltron) manufactures desktop printers for the production of id cards, student cards, loyalty cards, access control cards, security id cards, visitor badges, driver licences and many other applications world-wide. The Zebra P310 (formerly the Eltron P310) is selected more than any other plastic card printer in the world. Contactless smart cards utilize various RFID technologies to write and read. Many card printers print on these kinds of smart cards. Encoding or programming the electronic devices on these cards is typically accomplished by an external encoding or programming device, but contactless smart card encoders integrated into the card printer are increasingly available.

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Tuesday, June 15, 2004

Library RFID: London Borough of Sutton Chooses 3M and Sirsi

From Managing Information, UK ... We demanded the best RFID self-service and security, with innovative library management systems and I am confident that 3M and Sirsi will be a winning ...

Sirsi has long been a trusted technology partner with libraries and librarians, providing the market's most complete library management system... Library management system is a complete system for automating and administering all of a library's technical and public services functions. Sirsi offers stable, mature client/server integrated library system (ILS) technology for all types and sizes of libraries. These systems feature comprehensive ILS functionality, with modules for all public and technical services; industry-standard, scalable relational database management systems; well-defined application programming interfaces; an intuitive GUI across all modules; and a strong platform for adding new functionality to existing modules and plugging entirely new modules and clients directly into the server. Sirsi's ILS technology is also available through a convenient, cost-effective ASP service. Sirsi’s systems for public access to the library and other library-caliber resources – the iBistro and iLink Electronic Library products – offer styles and presentation features that comply with standards set forth in Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act. These features accommodate the special needs of the disabled in keeping with objectives set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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Monday, May 10, 2004

RFID Network: Airespace Introduces Industry's First WLAN System With Advanced ...

From Business Wire (press release) ... The AWLS system combines location services with active 802.11 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging to enable IT staff to track mobile devices for ...

Airespace designs and develops wireless networking infrastructures that enable business critical-applications. By making wireless technology simple, seamless, and secure, Airespace is helping to make wireless enterprises a reality. Airespace enables corporations to build business-critical wireless networks. With guaranteed performance load, high network availability, and protection from unwanted intrusion, Airespace helps corporations put their air space to work. When wireless means business, Airespace is the corporate platform of choice.

Airespace offers a complete Wireless Location Services package that leverages its award-winning Wireless LAN (WLAN) infrastructure to enable IT staff to track the exact location of mobile devices. Airespace Wireless Location Services (AWLS) enables powerful location-based applications, such as Emergency 911 (e911) services, intrusion protection, and asset management. In addition, the AWLS package enhances WLAN security by allowing IT managers to take physical location into account when giving access control. Through a robust Application Programming Interface (API), AWLS can be easily integrated into enterprise security systems, resource planning tools, and other applications that can leverage specific location information.

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Sunday, April 25, 2004

RFID Solutions: Applied Intelligence at Markem

Applied Intelligence, a MARKEM group, has been established to provide fully integrated solutions for identifying products with Electronic Product Codes (EPCs), at production line speeds. The newly established organization offers equipment, supplies and services for the printing and reading of EPCs as well as providing the equipment supplies and services for programming and application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels used for "Smart Labels", "Smart Packaging" and for handling both redundant and unique readable EPC codes. Applied Intelligence's equipment can be integrated into high speed production packaging lines where electronic codes will be applied directly onto products at the case identification or pallet labeling stations. In the case of RFID tags, multiple tags can be read at a single time using non-line-of-sight auto identification, enabling better tracking and control of products throughout their entire life cycle.

We are developing strategic partnerships and alliances with targeted customers to develop and deploy customized solutions to meet identified customer needs. At this time, we are very interested in exploring candidate companies with whom we might work to further enhance our understanding and capabilities. Should you have an interest, please contact us at (+1-603-357-8014) to discuss your needs and requirements. We welcome the opportunity to share our thoughts and discuss further how Applied Intelligence's RFID solutions might meet your needs.

MARKEM provides intelligent product identification solutions including equipment, software, supplies and services to meet primary, case coding and pallet labeling applications for industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and electronics.

Radio Frequency Identification, commonly referred to as RFID, uses radio waves to automatically identify individual items. The technology has been around since the mid 1930's. Work on radar technology led to development of the first RFID transponders for IFF Systems (Identification Friend or Foe) in aircraft.
The basis for the system was a ground-based transmitter, the interrogator, that broadcast a radio signal to the aircraft, and a transponder on the aircraft that could receive and reply to this signal. Interrogations within IFF used very specific types of signals, or modes.

In the late 1960's, the U.S. Government used RFID technology to track nuclear materials.
The technology was released to the public sector in the late 1970’s having initial commercialization in applications for access control and security.

Today the technology is used in many applications visible to consumers.
In application, electronic information is written to and read from RFID Tags. These RFID tags are in effect small microchips. They listen for a radio query and respond by transmitting their unique ID code. Most RFID tags have no batteries: They use the power from the initial radio signal to transmit their response. High frequency tags operate at 13.5 mHZ and are used in security and access applications. Ultra-high frequency tags operate at 900mHz and will be used in logistics applications.

An Electronic Product Codes (EPC), is an Auto-ID Center global standard and globally unique number that allows product tracking and tracing at the item level throughout the supply chain. It consists of three fields: manufacturer ID, product ID and serial number. EPCs can be programmed into an RFID tag and the tags embedded in packaging to allow for "smart packaging". These tags can be read by non-line-of-sight systems to enable real time inventory, increase distribution velocity, protect brands and track/trace out-of-date products.

Applied Intelligence - a group within MARKEM - provides fully integrated solutions for identifying products with EPCs at production line speeds. As RFID technology gains favor over conventional barcodes to identify and track cases and pallets throughout the supply chain, product identification can be achieved with this non line of sight technology. RFID tags programmed with an EPC (GTIN+Serial Number) act as product identifiers instead of (or in addition to) a barcode. Applied Intelligence focuses on providing solutions that help companies comply with RFID and EPC requirements.

MARKEM pallet labeling systems can label up to 3 sides (front, side, rear) of a pallet, using secure data direct from your host system meeting all national and international standards. Flexible system design means these systems will be able to keep pace with changes in logistical, marketing and customer demands.

Stand alone or integrated. Our pallet labeling systems can operate as stand-alone units or as part of an integrated production line. Store infromation and designs locally in the built-in memory, and run the machines from internal control signals while the operator selects products and data. Or link it into the control systems and host system, and select pallet labels automatically via incoming barcodes on products or from the host system.

International standards. Designed for international use and to comply with international standards: ANA/UCC/EAN-128/ European Labeling Standards, and Serial Shipping Container Codes.

Control via 3 methods of operation. Optical sensors across the line, directly from your host system, or linked to your programmable logic control (PLC) system. Timing diagrams available.

We incorporate user feedback and the extensive experience gained from our worldwide installed base to make these the most reliable and functional pallet labeling systems on the market. Their superior reliability helps reduce downtime on your production line, and their crisp sharp codes and text mean information that's always legible and scannable.

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Friday, April 09, 2004

RFID Career: Job Opportunities in Radio Frequency Identification Technology...

There are many jobs available in RFID technology today. Here are some sample RFID job descriptions for review to understand the requirements for RFID positions in the marketplace today...

RFID Consultant This position will support sales in the required activities for an RFID Transaction, and also to aid in the implementation of RFID. Must have pre-sales experience, knowledge and experience working with RFID solutions (on the software side), experience in system design, experience with New Technologies and Programming Languages like Java or C++, process experience with WMS and/or in Supply Chain software industry, and have a degree in Engineering or Computer Science. Will support international sales campaigns...

RFID Technical Support Engineer Support Engineer needed for sales office. The individual will provide extensive technical support for customers, OEM’s, and sales personnel with respect to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products and solutions. Will perform and provide field testing and support of RFID implementations; provide RFID product evaluation support; interface with customer to provide technical services, assist customers with product integration; manage customer requests for quotations and specification; provide RFID product and tools training for customers and sales personnel; Assist sales and marketing personnel in feasibility assessments; BSEE; experience with RFID – supporting, installing, and problem solving...

Manager, RFID Certification and Standards Position is responsible for all aspects of Certification programs for companies within the RFID Partner Program. Includes gathering certification requirements from staff, design and develop detailed requirements, execute and maintain daily activities for the program. Ability to work across multiple standards (e.g. EAN, UCC, EPCglobal, RosettaNet) and industries (CPG, technology, govt, etc.). Experience in developing and understanding business requirements and translating into technical and/or detailed test plans. Experience with radio frequency identification (RFID) and software solutions within Supply Chain Management that support more efficient supply chain management. Understand EDI, XML, electronic commerce, automated RFID product identification and scanning...

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