Marks & Spencer RFID Pilot

Marks & Spencer continues to pilot RFID across a range of clothing and a higher amount of stores. ...

... "M&S is quick to point out that the only purpose in using RFID is for improving its stock-taking process. The RFID tags are not scanned at the checkout, nor is any link made between the garment information held by the tag and the customer's details ... " ...

Via Computerworld, Australia: Marks & Spencer RFID trial

3M RFID Library Productivity

3M Library Systems introduces new features into its workstations that make them fast, reliable and easy-to-use RFID products in the library environment. ...

... "Like its 3M predecessor model, the 3M Model 946 - with its ergonomic design - performs checkout or return in one step, combining RFID item identification and Tattle-Tape Security Strip from 3M in the same operation. The system also can perform bar code-to-RFID conversions for new acquisitions and smaller scale collections. For visual and audio media, it enables staff to verify that the case and item within match, without opening the case, and can confirm the presence of a sensitized Tattle-Tape Security Strip by means of a verifier light. Also introduced today was the 3M Conversion Station Model 812, an improved self-contained portable system for rapidly scanning bar codes and converting the data for RFID. Compared to its predecessor model, it contains a larger touch-sensitive screen, an easier-to-load 3M RFID tag dispenser, and the capability of converting all 3M RFID tag formats. Similar to its predecessor, 3M Model 812's sophisticated laser scanner is effective for virtually any bar code location or orientation, and provides a visible scan line that helps the user place items correctly. Because it does not require connection to an automated circulation system, the workstation can be easily moved on its cart for use in the stacks. The station also can reprogram RFID tags as items change. " ...

Via 3M Library Systems: 3M Unveils Two Advanced RFID Workstations with Additional Enhancements for Productivity and Security ...

Libraries are increasingly using RFID technology to manage their processes. ...

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:

... "With the 3M RFID system, everything in the library's collection is affixed with an RFID tag. The tag contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about each item's identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check out materials. Unlike barcode systems, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. " ...

RFID Retail: Apparel Payback ...

Laudis demo planned for RFID conference will show payback in the retail apparel industry ...

... "The RFID Journal and AAFA Summit, held at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York Aug. 15-16, is the first event of its kind designed to address RFID-related opportunities and issues in the apparel and footwear industry. Laudis and NCR will demonstrate their collaborative end-to-end RFID solution that allows manufacturers to tag apparel at the source, enabling retailers to verify the location or the receipt of garments anywhere within the supply chain. The demonstration (Laudis AAFA Summit booth #3) will feature the Laudis apparel applications and item-level tracking solutions for clothing and footwear. NCR will provide hardware, such as hang tags, flap tags and RFID-reader technology. NCR is also providing Laudis with consulting services and installation support for its end-to-end clothing solution. " ...

Via NCR: NCR and Laudis Systems Demonstrate End-to-End RFID Solution for Apparel Industry ...

Retail RFID applications are discussed ...

Via CIO Magazine: The RFID Imperative - Retail - prepare systems for RFID technology: "Like most CIOs in the retail industry, he believes that widespread RFID adoption is a sure thing and that the technology—which some day will enable him to track every single product, from manufacture to checkout ... "

ABI has researched the market for retail RFID use ...

The RFID Retail Market Market Research Report from ABI Research: "The retail market is possibly the most talked about in the RFID industry. Although Wal-Mart is not the only retailer that has issued an RFID mandate for its suppliers, it is still the most popular subject. This market is expected to be one of the fastest growing RFID verticals. "

T3CI offers RFID-enabled business intelligence capabilities for the retail industry ...

Via T3CI: RFID Analytics and Application Leadership; Experience Delivering Business Value to Major Retail Suppliers Drive Investment Decision: "T3Ci's software and subscription services are designed for leaders of RFID initiatives at major retail suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to deliver business value from their RFID investments. The company's enterprise-class solutions provide RFID data analysis (only for retailers who allow 3rd party analysis of their EPC data), deductions management and authentication/anti-counterfeiting/e-pedigree – the most comprehensive RFID applications vision. "

RFID MasterCard PayPass KeyFob ...

Good look at the Mastercard Paypass keyfob, based on RFID technology ...

... "The new MasterCard PayPass is an RFID token that uses radio frequency keys to authorize purchases. " ...

Via Popgadget: Citibank's RFID PayPass credit card ...

... "The average time consumers spend waiting in line is 7.4 minutes, but starting this fall, Citibank Banking Card cardholders in New York will begin zipping through checkout lines faster. They will be able to make their purchases quicker with the innovative, new tap-and-go Citibank MasterCard PayPass,a free, speedy companion payment device to the Citibank Banking Card, Citibank's ATM/debit card. Similarly, Citi will begin to pilot MasterCard PayPass for its credit card customers this fall. The PayPass key fob device fits on a key chain for easy access, so customers can make payments on purchases with a simple tap on a PayPass reader at participating merchants...and go. Following the initial launch in the New York market beginning this fall, Citibank plans to roll out 2.5 million PayPass debit devices across the country.



With the Citibank MasterCard PayPass, there is no need to swipe a banking card or hand it to a cashier to make a purchase. Customers simply tap their PayPass-enabled key fob on the PayPass reader at participating merchants and they are on their way. The purchase is automatically deducted from their checking account. When the lights flash on the reader, the transaction is complete. Tap-and-go convenience makes payment faster than using cash, check, even a card. Also, tracking smaller purchases is easier than when paying with cash, and no signature is required for purchases under $25 at select merchants. " ...

Via Mastercard International: Citibank Introduces Tap-and-Go Convenience for Its Debit Customers: Citibank MasterCard PayPass Fits on a Key Chain, Does Not Have to Be Swiped or Handed to a Cashier, Saves Time ...

RFID Library Applications: Shenzhen and NOLA ...

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 ...

RFID Chips Smart Library ...

Philips Electronics announces next-generation ICODE product, ICODE SLI S, which is based on RFID technology and enables controls in the smart library ...

... "Librarians are able to address many of the challenges found in library management, including reader logistics, material identification and inventory and information storage. The ICODE SLI-S offers increased read performance and is specifically well suited for automated management of media in libraries. With Philips RFID technology embedded, consumers can also enjoy an enhanced library visit, with faster check-out of books, CDs and DVDs. In addition to this self-service checkout, consumers can also serve themselves when making returns. At return, the item is scanned in and automatically sorted by electronic sorting stations which saves library staff time. With RFID technology embedded, consumers and library staff alike enjoy a simpler, more efficient experience. To date, several hundreds of libraries worldwide have installed RFID for self-service check-in and check-out, automatic sorting and cataloguing, as well as advanced theft protection; more than 50 percent of these libraries use Philips ICODE technology. As the largest producer of RFID ICs worldwide, Philips has secured design-ins in the public library in Singapore with the largest RFID installation globally of more than 10 million RFID labels in use; the public library of Shen Zhen; Jimei University Library in Xiamen, China, and Europe's largest RFID installation in libraries, the Munich Public Library. " ...

RFID Chips Smart Library: Via Philips: Libraries around the world are becoming smarter with Philips RFID chips

RFID Tag: Pivacy Clipping ...

Clipping of RFID tag at checkout protects privacy. ...

... "One retail deployment of RFID illustrates a privacy sensitive approach. Marks & Spencer enclosed the RFID device in a tag attached to the product. At the cash register, customers were given the option of clipping off the tag. Despite not having the tag, the return policy remains the same for all customers. " ...

RFID Tag: Pivacy Clipping: Via Berkeley: To Tag or Not to Tag

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: 3M ...

3M introduces two new RFID-enabled self-check systems at ALA event this month, which feature real-time performance. ...

... "Two new SelfCheck Systems from 3M make their first appearance in booth 1256 at the 2006 American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference on Jan. 20-23 in San Antonio, Texas. Debuting are the SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in and the SelfCheck System R-Series for material checkout and check-in. Both systems use the power of radio frequency identification (RFID) to help improve materials management, further simplify library self-service transactions, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.

Features of SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in include: Realtime check-in enabled by accurate read of RFID tags that instantly records returned items and lets customers immediately checkout new items. Simple-to-use 3M Digital Library Assistant connection to help speed sorting and return of in-demand items to the shelves. ... Features of the SelfCheck System R-Series for checkout and check-in include: Accurate read of RFID tags placed on items to provide fast and efficient self-checkout of all library materials. " ...

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: Two New RFID-based 3M SelfCheck Systems Take the Stage at 2006 American Library Association Midwinter Conference; Customer Satisfaction Increases, Costs Decline ...

End-to-End RFID Value Chain: NCR ...

NCR has put together an end-to-end capability for RFID implementation through the value chain ...

End-to-End RFID: NCR: Via NCR: NCR Announces European Launch of RFID One-Stop-Shop Offer

... "NCR is the first company to cover the whole chain of RFID deployment from manufacturing, through supply chain distribution to back-of-store, center-of-store and through to consumer-facing technology such as contactless payment methods, self-checkout and kiosks. The NCR global RFID solution includes design, deployment and support for the full spectrum of RFID technologies through a combination of consultancy, hardware, software, labeling and services. To help users implement RFID more effectively, NCR will open a European RFID TransitionWorks demonstration center in Peterborourgh in the UK in 2006. The center will be one of three global centers demonstrating the range of solutions in NCR's RFID offer. Companies across the region will be able to visit TransitionWorks to learn about the possibilities, best practices and pitfalls associated with implementing RFID in their businesses, drawing on NCR's global experience, including NCR's TransitionWorks in the United States and Asia Pacific. " ...

RFID Contactless Payment Cards ...

Axalto RFID contactless payment cards are being supplied to KeyBank for contactless debit role ...

RFID Contactless Payment Cards: Via Axalto: Axalto Provides Contactless Payment Cards for KeyBank Debit Card Rollout in the United States ...

... "Axalto, the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards, is supplying more than two million MasterCard® PayPass™ cards to KeyBank for the first contactless debit card rollout in the U.S. Axalto contactless payment smart cards enable cardholders to simply tap their card on the reader or within one inch of a point-of-sale terminal at checkout, instead of swiping their card or handing it to a store employee. The terminal quickly emits a signal acknowledging payment confirmation. The payment transaction is then processed. The KeyBank MasterCard PayPass card – available beginning September 1 – also includes a magnetic stripe, allowing consumers to use it at any location that accepts MasterCard debit cards. " ...

RFID Canada Supply Chain ...

RFID Canada Supply Chain: Via Edmonton Journal: Product tracking RFID technology comes of age in Canadian marketplace: IBM throws open warehouse doors holding working scale model ...

Steve Makris, Edmonton Journal, writes about RFID making its way into the Canadian supply chain ...

... "Better known as RFID (radio frequency identification device), the information-laden chips, as small as a pinhead, will soon be tracking food shipments from the farm to the grocery checkout counter. A new Canadian RFID Centre, located in the Markham, Ont., IBM Solution Delivery Centre, is unique in Canada. " ...

RFID Pharmacy Account Management

RFID Pharmacy Account Management: CVS/pharmacy Purchases 12,000 Hypercom RFID-Enabled Payment Terminals: Hypercom Becomes Pharmacy's Preferred POS Vendor with Optimum L4100 Device ...

... "Hypercom Corporation (NYSE: HYC) announced that CVS/pharmacy, the 5,400-store retail pharmacy chain, has named Hypercom its preferred supplier of card payment terminals based on the advanced functionality of the Optimum L4100, a compact, high-speed signature capture card device specifically designed to speed checkout lines in multi-lane retail environments. The Hypercom terminals, configured to CVS/pharmacy specifications, accept magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, and contactless cards or key fobs that eliminate swiping and signature requirements through the use of embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that transmit consumer account information over radio frequency waves. " ...

Widely recognized as the global payment technology innovator, Hypercom delivers complete card payment terminal, network access device, server and transaction networking solutions that help merchants and financial institutions generate revenues and increase profits. Hypercom's card payment terminal, network and server solutions are leading the transformation of electronic payments in more than 100 countries. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

RFID Blink Smart Cards: Speed and Convenience

RFID Blink Smart Cards: Speed and Convenience: Chase To Roll Out Next Generation Payment Product This Summer

Chase will release RFID smart cards with blink capabilities ...

... "Chase Bank U.S.A., N.A., a division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. [NYSE: JPM], announced today that it will become the first bank to increase the speed and convenience of a credit card by broadly rolling out consumer cards with contactless functionality, called blink. Chase will begin a market-by-market rollout of the Chase credit cards with blink this summer, after working closely with merchants in each market to ensure the broadest possible acceptance at launch. Working in conjunction with Visa U.S.A. and MasterCard International Incorporated, Chase has identified merchants where speed and convenience are important to consumers, and has been actively building a roster of merchants in each market. Initially, Chase cardmembers will be able to blink at well-known movie theaters, convenience and specialty retailers such as 7-Eleven, quick service restaurants and drug stores. Chase will announce additional lists of specific merchants when they issue cards with blink in each market. " ...

The most significant timesavings can be realized in the drive-thru environment, where transaction time was reduced by as much as 20 seconds as compared to cash. Consumers also liked the convenience of not carrying cash for everyday purchases, meaning they no longer needed to fumble around for change and small bills, or be confined by the cash in their purses or wallets. In fact, 60 percent of respondents to a recent MasterCard survey said they use cash less often today than they did five years ago. For merchants, blink transactions speed checkout times and allow consumers to spend less time waiting in lines. Research has shown that customers who use blink cards often spend more per transaction and are happier with their store experience. Chase cards with blink also provide a reliable, trusted payment method that works well in environments where speed is important. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm.

RFID Circulation Management Solution at 3M ...

3M Introduces New RFID Solution for Managing CDs and DVDs in Libraries; Improves Productivity in CD and DVD Circulation ...

... "3M announces a new radio frequency identification (RFID) solution to simplify check-in, checkout and circulation management of CDs and DVDs. New 3M CD8 RFID tags, coupled with special software and standard 3M D8 RFID tags, link CDs and DVDs to their jewel case as a set." ...

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

RFID Self Checkout Equipment ...

The Free Library of Philadelphia - News Releases Format Page

... "Among the other highlights of the new branch building are the Checkpoint Radio Frequency Identification Self Checkout equipment, which is only in use in one other Free Library location; patron parking and landscaping to the rear of the building; eight public access computers, and 40,000 books and materials available for patrons to borrow for free." ...

Library RFID Automation System Supports Self-Checkout ...

Library RFID Automation System: 3M™ SelfCheck™ System V-Series supports RFID technology ...

From 3M product brochure ...

... The V-Series is designed to safely process books, magazines, videos, CDs, and DVDs. Available now, Model V1 combines self service with 3M™ Tattle-Tape™ Security Strip technology. Coming soon, Model V2 adds multiple book detection, preventing customers from checking out more than one book under a single barcode. And for all of the above plus the option of RFID technology, there’s Model V3. ...

Philadelphia Library RFID System Implementation ...

The Free Library of Philadelphia - News Releases Format Page

... "The newly renovated library reflects eight years of planning and community advocacy. Financial support came from the City of Philadelphia, thanks especially to the leadership of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and generous contributions from the University of Pennsylvania, WACHOVIA Bank, and Friends of Walnut Street West, led by President Beth Ann Johnson. Checkpoint Systems Inc., of Thoroughfare, NJ, founded by Ted Wolf, made a generous donation to the branch. The Intelligent Library System (ILS), driven by next generation Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology, allows customers to check out materials on their own using three self-service kiosks located at the circulation desk. The revolutionary RFID system is designed to enhance the library experience for both customers and staff. The system dramatically speeds up the library checkout and return process, protects items from unauthorized removal from the library and reduces materials handling time by as much as 75%. The branch is the first in the Philadelphia Library system to get this technology. " ...

RFID Enables Self-Services ...

RFID Enables Self-Service: RFID, EPC and Self-Checkout Solutions: Payments Beyond the Barcode

RFID is a disruptive technology when applied to the retail self-service space ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... immediately, the arrival of the Electronic Product Code (EPC) will be a profoundly disruptive technological leap, especially when RFID technology is cheap ...

... While not directly impacting stakeholders in consumer payment technologies immediately, the arrival of the Electronic Product Code (EPC) will be a profoundly disruptive technological leap, especially when RFID technology is cheap enough for inclusion in all consumer goods. With the electronification of payments coupled with increasing automation of the retail experience, there are going to be some exciting developments at the checkout. Nick Holland, Director of the Emerging Technologies Advisory Service and co-author of the report sees the advantages of self-checkout and EPC going beyond just simplifying the way we pay... ...

Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to these reports as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits.

Library RFID Enhances Circulation ...

VTLS Inc. Fastrac RFID Technology Used For Library Asset Management ...

... "Delray Beach Public Library has selected FASTRAC, a second-generation asset management system based upon radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for enhancing their circulation services and security: The FASTRAC system will enable the Delray Beach Public Library to provide enhanced circulation services to patrons, while streamlining workflow and processing tasks for staff. These services include such tasks as multiple-item processing for checkout, check-in, as well as patron self-check out. At the same time, FASTRAC provides for rapid, uninterrupted security for all library materials. Collection management is faster and more accurate and library staff spends less time with repetitive, clerical tasks. Delray Beach Public Library will be implementing FASTRAC within their new main library scheduled to open in October 2005. The library will begin tagging their existing 100,000 volumes while in their present location and are planning for an additional 100,000 volumes from their book vendor as part of their ODC. The new TagSYS C320 ISO 18000-3 standard tags will be used across the complete collection. " ...

Application of RFID in Libraries ...

Application of RFID in Libraries: Checkpoint Systems Offers Self-Checkout Innovations; Enhancements ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... (NYSE:CKP), the industry leader in library solutions, unveiled a range of new, ground-breaking capabilities for its RFID-driven Intelligent Library System (ILS ...

... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CKP), the industry leader in library solutions, unveiled a range of new, ground-breaking capabilities for its RFID-driven Intelligent Library System (ILS) Patron Self-Checkout Station. Previewed for the first time at the American Library Association's 2005 Midwinter meeting at Boston's Hynes Convention Center, the additional solutions complement current self-checkout station features. They were engineered to improve efficiency for library patrons and reduce time-consuming administrative duties for staff members. DiscMate(TM) Solution: Checkpoint's new DiscMate Solution enables secure self-checkout of CDs and DVDs, which has not been possible until today. DiscMate includes Intelligent Unlocking Units for ILS self-checkout stations, a Standard Unlocking Unit for use at the circulation desk that is compatible with all library systems (including non-RFID systems), and the DiscMate case, a one-piece case for material security and display. ...

The Intelligent Library System (ILS) from Checkpoint Systems is a revolutionary technology designed to enhance the library experience for both patrons and staff. Driven by advanced RFID technology, the ILS boasts individual self-checkout, allowing patrons to check out materials on their own using self service kiosks located throughout the library. The system dramatically speeds up the library checkout and return process, protects items from unauthorized removal from the library and reduces materials handling time by as much as 75%.

Additional resources on RFID library applications ...

ALA | RFID Technology: Another application of RFID technology is automated materials handling. This includes conveyor and sorting systems that can move library materials and sort ...

RFID in Libraries: in Vendor News | Permalink | Comments (0). RFID Intelligent Shelf. An interesting library RFID application is being discussed on RFID_LIB. ...

Bibliotheca RFID Library Systems AG: Technical Description Bibliotheca has developed an RFID system specifically for library applications. The system is designed around the Bibliochip . ...