WalMart RFID Challenging Rollout

Walmart is challenged to complete its full roll-out of RFID technology through its supply chain. ...

... "But so far it has installed the technology at just five, plus 1,000 stores. WalMart expects to add another 400 stores this year. " ...

Via Graphic Arts Monthly: WalMart RFID

RFID Supports Nissan Continuous Improvement Initiative

Nissan implements a continuous improvement initiative to target vehicle labor cost reduction, increase logistics throughput accelerating customer service, and enhance vehicle quality through defect elimination early in the product lifecycle. The initiative will be enabled by a wireless architecture and active RFID technology in the Nissan Canton MS manufacturing facility, supplied by WhereNet. ...

... "As part of a continuous improvement initiative at its four-million square foot assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, Nissan will leverage a single wireless architecture to run multiple WhereNet applications, including the WhereSoft Yard Management System (YMS) and Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), to improve production velocity and throughput, labor productivity, and vehicle quality. Nissan's Canton assembly plant has the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year, including the Altima sedan, Armada full-size sport utility vehicle, Infiniti QX56 full-size sport utility vehicle, Quest minivan, and Titan full-size pickup truck.

Deploying the WhereNet single wireless infrastructure over the entire Canton complex will take less than 90 days. The hardware consists of 1500 active RFID WhereTag transmitters, which are temporarily attached to new vehicles as they roll off the assembly line as part of the WhereNet VTMS system; 700 WhereTag transmitters that are permanently fixed to trailers belonging to Nissan's dedicated suppliers or temporarily attached to others as part of the WhereSoft YMS application; 120 WherePort magnetic exciters positioned between gates and at key choke points across the complex; and a local infrastructure of 80 wireless WhereLAN locating access points.

Nissan also plans to deploy the WhereNet automated gate check-in/out solution known as Fast Gate that supports 24x7 sequenced parts deliveries from Nissan suppliers. Fast Gate senses when a truck is approaching the gate; cross-references detailed information about the truck in a database; and, if authorized, automatically opens the gate to grant entry. Then, based on business rules loaded into the WhereSoft yard management application, the system instructs drivers and yard personnel to deliver the inbound load to the appropriate dock door for just-in-time sequencing of parts based on the assembly line build plan for that work shift.



When new vehicles roll off the Nissan assembly line, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is married to the vehicle identification number (VIN). The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination. Nissan uses the WhereNet VTMS in off-line areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones. The system includes a logical hierarchy of rules that manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. " ...

Via Wherenet: NISSAN SELECTS WHERENET'S LOCATABLE, ACTIVE RFID SYSTEM TO AUTOMATE INBOUND SUPPLY CHAIN AND OUTBOUND DELIVERY CHAIN ...

RFID Manages Metro Shrinkage

Metro partners with Checkpoint to implement RFID source tags to reduce shrinkage across a significant number of stores across multiple countries. ...

... "The strategic agreement, which includes worldwide store installation of NDRF (New Digital Radio Frequency) technology and source tagging, will help METRO Cash & Carry to minimize shrinkage and reduce operational costs by using only one supplier, Checkpoint Systems, and implement source tagging, with the ultimate aim of improving their customers' shopping experience. Installation of 3G NDRF (called Liberty PX in North America) antennas and deactivators is planned for the more than 425 Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in 28 countries, making it the most international EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) roll out of its kind. The global shrink management solution provides METRO Cash & Carry (under METRO and MAKRO brand names), with product protection throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to the point of sale, where the RF tags on the item are deactivated. This eliminates the need for employees to spend time physically securing the tags in-store or removing them at point of sale. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: METRO Cash & Carry Selects Checkpoint Systems as Their Exclusive Shrink Management Global Partner

Logistics RFID: Inbound Process ...

TNT NV, a global provider of mail, express and logistics services, pilots RFID in inbound logistics processes for manufacturing firm. ...

... "Supply chain processes covered by the projects ranged from inbound logistics and warehousing to multi-country distribution. In the US, TNT worked closely with an automotive manufacturer to improve the inbound process to one of its main manufacturing facilities. The use of RFID led to quicker and more accurate scanning of cargo and therefore resulted in shorter delivery times, simplified processes and a significant decrease in identification errors. Especially in a time-sensitive environment of assembly line manufacturing, RFID has proven to make a critical difference by reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. TNT is already discussing with its client how RFID can help further achieve cost reductions and apply the solution to other manufacturing facilities. Based on the successful outcome of the six projects, TNT is further implementing RFID technology throughout its divisions. The experience gained from the projects, both on the technology itself and in how to apply it in order to gain maximum benefit, will be used to further roll out the technology within suitable customer operations. For this reason and following the early successes, TNT has already started the second phase of the RFID programme in which the company aims to turn the projects into successful industry sector solutions in very close collaboration with its clients. " ...

Via TNT: TNT successfully finishes phase one of RFID programme ...

RFID US ePassports Begin Monday ...

US ePassport will proceed despite security concerns ...

... "The new U.S. passports will include a chip that contains all the data contained in the paper version - name, birthdate, gender, for example - and can be read by electronic scanners at equipped airports. " ...

Via Yahoo: U.S. to roll out electronic passports ...

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

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 ...

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage ...

Vue and Symbol collaborate to develop RFID solutions that minimize retail stock-outs and inventory shrinkage. ...

... "Vue Technology, a leading provider of item-level RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, and Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company, announced that they will jointly develop and deliver integrated item-level RFID solutions for retailers and manufacturers. The integrated item-level RFID solutions will offer visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity, resulting in significant reductions in out-of-stocks, shrinkage and labor costs. The TrueVUE RFID Platform is an ROI-driven solution that supports end-to-end item level RFID, enabling manufacturers and retailers to streamline the tracking of individual items throughout the supply chain. Vue Technology will combine their patent-pending RF Networking technology and EPC management software with Symbol's RFID fixed and handheld readers, tags and peripheral devices to deliver a cost-effective platform, enabling customers to reap the benefits of item-level RFID. The joint item-level RFID solutions will expand the reach of RFID from traditional pallet and case-level distribution applications that focus on broad supply chain visibility to in-store applications which focus on achieving enhanced on-shelf availability and sales for specific product categories. " ...

ItemLevel RFID: Manage StockOuts Shrinkage: Via Vue Technology: VUE TECHNOLOGY AND SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES TO DELIVER ITEM-LEVEL RFID SOLUTIONS TO RETAIL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: Integrated Solutions Will Reduce Out-of-Stocks, Shrinkage and Labor Costs ...

Vue Technology is the leading provider of item level RFID, delivering breakthrough technology that provides the most scalable, reliable, and ROI-driven solutions on the market. With patent-pending technologies, VUE allows standard RFID readers to network across thousands of antennas, exponentially increasing the number of zones a typical reader can support. Vue provides customers unprecedented visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity while eliminating the prohibitive cost barriers previously associated with item-level RFID roll-outs. With its TrueVUE™ RFID Platform, Vue offers the most complete suite of integrated RF networking hardware and EPC management software for item-level RFID, maximizing the benefits to our customers while minimizing implementation risks – at the lowest TCO.

RFID Airline Luggage: Low ROI?

Airlines are not aggressively investing in RFID given their financial situation. ...

... "Radio frequency tags, or RFID, could reduce the losses, but the airlines aren't really using that because of their financial situation, Cantrell said. Delta, which is operating under bankruptcy protection, tested RFID bag-tracking but put off using it in favor of technology projects which return value more quickly than RFID would, Black said. " ...

RFID Airline Luggage: Low ROI?: Via Statesman: Lost luggage lands in Alabama

Via Computerworld: Delta to Test RFID Tags on Luggage: "Delta will give RFID devices a trial run on selected flights from Jacksonville, Fla., to its headquarters hub in Atlanta. It said the 30-day test will involve the use of more than 40,000 disposable RFID tags that operate at 900 MHz and are being made by two vendors: Matrics Inc. in Columbia, Md., and SCS Corp. in San Diego. "

Delta Says RFID Devices Pass First Bag-Tag Test: "The success rate of the RFID technology was far better than the 80% to 85% accuracy rate that's typically provided by bar code scanners, according to officials at Delta and the IT vendors that took part in the test. Pat Rary, manager of baggage strategy at Atlanta-based Delta, said the trial run at the airport in Jacksonville, Fla., also met a key requirement: It was invisible to the airline's check-in agents and required no new training. "

Via Silicon.com: Delta promises end to lost luggage with RFID: "The company announced that it is to spend between $15m and $25m to roll out an RFID system across its American network. When the system is installed, it will be able to track bags from check-in, where RFID tags will be attached, until they are dropped off at the baggage carousel at the customer's destination. "

Pharma RFID Dispensing Authentication ...

Aegate is commercializing RFID-enabled authentication solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, which focuses on controls at the point of drug dispensing. ...

Pharma RFID Dispensing Authentication: Via Aegate: Aegate Moves Forward into Commercialisation Phase and Appoints Gary Noon as CEO ...

... "Aegate, a wholly owned subsidiary and specialist venture company for PA Consulting Group, has developed a commercially viable solution to combat one of the pharmaceutical industry's biggest and growing patient safety issues -- the trade in counterfeit and fake drugs. Authentication at the point of dispensing enables investment in mass serialisation security technologies such as bar code and RFID to be effectively leveraged as a brand protection mechanism. Sales of counterfeit prescription medicines are forecast to reach $75 billion by the end of the decade, nearly doubling current levels and outgrowing the annual growth rate of legitimate pharmaceutical sales. Following the outstanding success of Aegate's pilot programme in the UK, the company is now in the planning phase for commercial launch and roll-out in the USA, UK and Belgium during 2006. " ...

RFID Revenue Growth: New Products: Forklift Readers

RFID Revenue Growth: New Products: Forklift Readers: Via EMS Tech: EMS TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES RECORD QUARTERLY SALES AND STRONG EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS ...

... "LXE has now reported quarter-over-comparable-quarter growth for twelve consecutive periods. Newer products, especially our latest vehicle-mount computers, helped lead the growth in the third quarter of 2005. To maintain this sales momentum, we continue to expand our product line, including preparations for the full market roll-out of our new MX7 handheld computer, which has Bluetooth wireless technology and voice recognition capabilities. We are also pleased with the success of ongoing customer trials and the market potential of our new family of forklift-mounted RFID readers. " ...

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative ...

RFID support the Swedish Police Department in their national electronic passport initiative. ...

RFID Sweden National Electronic Passport Initiative: Via Arcontia: ACG ID and Arcontia roll out the new passport reader chosen by the Swedish Police Department: 320 contactless readers will form the backbone of the Swedish Police Department’s electronic passport infrastructure ...

... "ACG Identification Technologies, a leading component and technology supplier in the smart card and RFID markets, and Arcontia AB, a contactless smart card reader supplier in RFID markets, announce that their customized passport readers were chosen by Setec and the Swedish Police Department for use within the country’s nationwide electronic passport project. In total, 320 units were installed in local police stations across the country to be used by citizens when collecting their newly issued electronic passports. " ...

ACG Identification Technologies is an independent component and technology supplier serving the entire value chain of smart card and RFIDbased systems. Headquartered in Walluf (Germany), ACG has 21 locations throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Arcontia has been active in the RFID technology since 1996 and is today a developer of a comprehensive range of contactless smart card readers and terminals, complying with ISO14443 A/B and MIFARE standards. The product range addresses e-ticketing and e-government markets as well as the supply chain management and logistics market. Local office is based in Gothenburg, Sweden.

RFID Smart Waste Containers: National Municipal Roll-Out ...

RFID Smart Waste Containers: National Municipal Roll-Out: Smart Waste Containers to Roll Out Nationally: Launch of High-Tech Garbage Bins Follows Successful Philadelphia Test Program ...

RFID-enabled smart waste containers will be rolled out in municipalities nationally ...

... "Cascade Engineering announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind waste container equipped with electronic tags that will help municipalities and waste collection companies operate their waste management processes more efficiently and cost-effectively. The announcement follows the conclusion of a large-scale pilot program in the City of Philadelphia that demonstrated the effectiveness of Cascade's new container technology. The company made its announcement at the Solid Waste Association of North America's Sept. 27-29 WASTECON trade show in Austin, Texas. Cascade's smart waste containers emit radio signals that allow sanitation personnel using an electronic reader to collect key data on the container's use. The new bins combine the company's expertise in engineered plastics systems with a technology known as radio frequency identification, or RFID, that has gained popularity in a number of other applications, including EZ Pass for toll collection, a variety of door entry systems, pallet tagging, and livestock tracking. " ...

European RFID Centre

Via Cisco: Cisco Systems and European RFID Centre Drive European Roll Out of IP Enabled RFID Devices

... "The RFID Centre is based in Bracknell close to Heathrow airport and is backed by a range of technology partners including Microsoft, Intel and Cable & Wireless and has government support from the UK's Department of Trade and Industry. " ...

UHF RFID Product Family ...

UHF RFID Product Family: Consortium launches comprehensive UHF supply chain solutions ...

... "Intellident announce the launch of a range of high performance UHF RFID products for the supply chain, developed within a consortium of leading RFID technology vendors, including Philips Semiconductors, UPM Rafsec and Feig. The Consortium was led by Intellident, in partnership with rfiq solutions. " ...

Intellident are the UK's leading RFID solutions provider specialising in the design and supply of software driven asset tracking and recording systems, with over 8 million items already RFID-enabled. Combining the latest in RFID automatic data capture techniques and equipment with unique Vision software platform, Intellident provide powerful single-source solutions. This approach has resulted in Intellident's successful design, management and roll-out of the world's largest supply chain RFID implementation to date. With over 20 years experience in the design and integration of automatic data capture solutions Intellident's strategy is simple - to be the leading systems integrator of RFID technology. Intellident work in a range of diverse sectors, including supply chain logistics, library solutions, mobile asset tracking and barcode print supplies. Intellident is part of the LINPAC Group, a diversified packaging group with global turnover in excess of £1.4 billion and manufacturing facilities in five continents. LINPAC is the UK market leader in the production of returnable plastic materials handling products.

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference

RFID Border Control Biometrics UK Conference: OMNIKEY sponsors the Global Border Control Technology Summit in London: OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports ...

Omnikey sponsors UK conference to address the requirements of RFID-based border control with biometric technologies ...

... "OMNIKEY, one of the world´s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, is sponsoring the Global Border Control Technology Summit, the premier meeting place for international governments, technology vendors and system integrators to debate the ongoing concerns involving biometric passports. The conference will take place on July 11th to 12th in London at the Selfridge Hotel in London. The decision of governments worldwide to introduce high-security electronic travel documents based on RFID and biometric technologies, as well as to roll-out a new globe-spanning border control infrastructure, presents an array of technological and logistical challenges. " ...

The Global Border Control Technology Summit will enable all those involved in the rollout of technology-led projects to discuss critical practical, technical and commercial issues; and to find appropriate solutions to common implementation problems. High-profile attendees, including government representatives, from all over the world guarantee a unique insight in how the early adopters of biometrics for border control have introduced and implemented the technology. First-hand information on how the different products and solutions are working in practice can be expected. This event has been specifically designed and timed to coincide with the rollout of biometric passports and is therefore essential for Passport Issuing Authorities and Border Control Authorities. It will also be invaluable for any government organisation responsible for making the business case, selecting technology partners, procuring services for or managing any project involving identification technologies, services and products.

OMNIKEY, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative smart card readers, offers the most diversified product portfolio available on the market today. Having established a tight collaboration with key decision makers in the card manufacturing and software industries, OMNIKEY sits at the table of innovation. OMNIKEY’s smart card readers for PCs can be utilized by any application including logical access control, digital signature, GSM authentication, secure banking and online transactions, loyalty programs, and healthcare solutions. OMNIKEY, headquartered in Walluf, near Wiesbaden (Germany), is part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG). OMNIKEY´s North American headquarters reside in Irvine, California with technical support in Atlanta, Georgia. The Asia Pacific operation is located in Hong Kong. Design, production management, and quality control of OMNIKEY’s products are carried out in the company’s two R&D centers in Linz, Austria and Erfurt, Germany. OMNIKEY readers are distributed worldwide through a global network of partners, including value added resellers, system integrators, and OEMs.

ITG is the world’s leading supplier of RFID components, products, solutions and services. Comprised of a dynamic group of companies including HID, Sokymat, ACG Identification Technologies, Indala, OMNIKEY and Interlock, ITG innovation spans the value chain of smart card and RFID-based systems for identification and security. Applications include physical and logical access control, supply chain management, animal tagging, national ID and e-passport programs, transport and various industrial and manufacturing applications. ITG Research in Denver, Colorado, focused on advanced research projects at the cutting edge of RFID and smart card technologies, and its SmartWorldAcademy in Prague, uniquely position ITG at the forefront of the secure identification industry. ITG headquarter offices are located in Walluf, Germany and Irvine, California. ITG is part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, an international group listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange with some 30,000 employees and annual sales of about EUR 3 billion. The ASSA ABLOY Group is the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of locking solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.

RFID Hospital Logistics Process

RFID Hospital Logistics Process: Cactus Commerce Partners with Allstream to provide RFID solution: Cactus Technology Integral to Improvement of Supply Chain Management Infrastructure for Leading Healthcare Supplier ...

Cactus partners to deliver efficient hospital logistics process through RFID technology ...

... "Cactus Commerce Inc., a provider of ebusiness software and services for global data synchronization and trading partner integration, today announced at the U Connect Conference that Allstream, one of Canada’s leading business communication solutions providers, is using Cactus technology to provide Hospital Logistics Inc. with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) supply chain management solution. Allstream, a Cactus Strategic Partner, announced last week an agreement with Hospital Logistics Inc., a company that provides third party logistics services including hospital supplies to hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area. This announcement marked the first phase roll-out of Allstream’s portfolio of RFID solutions. " ...

Cactus Commerce is an e-business software and services provider dedicated to helping manufacturers, distributors and retailers bring more efficiency to their complex business processes with integrated B2B solutions that lay the foundation for the move towards RFID. A Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Cactus works closely with partners like Allstream and Microsoft to develop and deliver rapidly deployed, cost-effective and extensible global data synchronization (GDS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions. Cactus complements its packaged software offerings with an array of professional services and unique industry expertise, enabling companies to take full advantage of their existing and future technology investments.

WalMart RFID: 100Percent Readability

Wal-Mart Stores: Wal-Mart Begins Roll-Out Of Electronic Product Codes in Dallas/Fort Worth Area: Eight Manufacturers Participating in First Phase of Implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology at the Case and Pallet Level ...

... "Wal-Mart is targeting 100 percent readability of pallet tags through dock doors and 100 percent readability of case tags on distribution center conveyor belts. At seven pilot stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex - specifically in the communities of The Colony, Decatur, Denton, Hickory Creek, Lewisville and Plano, RFID readers at dock doors will replicate the process from the distribution center by automatically confirming that this particular shipment is now in the store's back room. Individual products will then be stocked as needed. During the initial test, tagged cases and pallets may be distributed to stores throughout North Texas and South Central Oklahoma - the geographical area served by the Sanger, Texas distribution center. As suppliers expand their efforts to meet the requirements of multiple retailers, it is possible that tagged cases and pallets will arrive at Wal-Mart stores around the country. However, readers will not be installed in stores outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex so those cases and pallets would be handled as usual. " ...

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 Track and Trace Technology

RFID Track and Trace Technology: Manhattan Associates Continues to Build Momentum with Microsoft Industry Builder Initiative

... "In order to comply with electronic pedigree regulations, Harvard Drug intends to implement this solution in a phased rollout across its entire distribution network. Harvard Drug will roll out Supply Chain Execution for Microsoft Axapta at its Indianapolis distribution center first and will then extend the rollout across its two other facilities. Additionally, its future plans include implementing RFID technology to further improve its track and trace capabilities." ...

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

RFIDJournal Live Coming Soon ...

RFIDJournal Live Comming Soon: RFID Journal LIVE! to Showcase Unique End-User Case Studies; 100 ...

Leading RFID event, RFIDJurnal Live, is coming up in April. Dont miss it. ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... 2005 -- Business professionals will have a unique opportunity to get objective, first-hand information from end users and early adopters of RFID technology at ...

... Business professionals will have a unique opportunity to get objective, first-hand information from end users and early adopters of RFID technology at the RFID Journal LIVE! executive conference, April 10-12, 2005 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. They will hear about the lessons learned by Wal-Mart and Kimberly-Clark; get the inside scoop on Best Buy's RFID roll-out; and learn about the European RFID experience from Tesco, a leading European retailer and among the most active deploying RFID technology. In its third year, RFID Journal LIVE! features an unparalleled lineup of end-user case studies from those at the forefront of RFID deployment. ...

RFID Journal is the only independent media company devoted solely to radio frequency identification and its many business applications. Our mission is to be the ultimate resource for businesspeople that need to understand how RFID can help their companies boost supply chain efficiencies, reduce inventories, limit theft, improve product availability and add convenience for consumers. RFID Journal serves the needs of businesspeople looking to take advantage of RFID technologies with timely news, strategic analysis, networking opportunities at events and in-depth education.

RFID Compliance: Videojet®, Accu-Sort join forces to offer widest range of RFID compliance products

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (November 8, 2004) — Videojet® Technologies Inc. (VJ) and Accu-Sort Systems Inc. (ASI) have partnered to provide the widest range of RFID compliance products for the retail supplier market. VJ is the industry leader in variable coding while ASI is the leader in auto ID, with more than 40 installed RFID systems. Together they have joined R&D forces to develop the widest range of RFID tag applicators targeted to help retail suppliers meet RFID compliance mandates, while also benefiting from efficiencies in their own operations. The FAST Tag™ product line offers solutions to almost every customer compliance challenge, from mobile tag encoders for manual application to batch tag application on a manufacturing line to fully integrated tag application systems for a DC material handling system.

“This partnership means that VJ/ASI solutions will not only allow customers to meet compliance needs but, with the FAST software, help them achieve efficiencies today,” said Bob Joyce, President of ASI. Added Robert Willett, President of Coding and Marking at VJ, “Together, we provide the industry’s largest field forces in the United States and globally. We are uniquely positioned to help customers roll out RFID across their operations quickly and with a high level of quality.”

Customers receive ‘FAST’ benefits: The partnership takes advantage of Videojet’s label application technology, and Accu-Sort’s integrated software suite and RFID experience. The product line consists of three products:

FAST Tag Mobile: VJ and ASI have combined a desktop encoder and label printer with the FAST integration software to create a mobile solution. This solution is the easiest way for manufacturers to implement a compliant RFID solution when they are not yet ready to fully automate their RFID tag application.

FAST Tag LA: VJ’s reliable label applicator is combined with ASI’s software to create an easy-to-use tag application system for batch applications. This saves operator time by automatically applying tags while reducing tag damage. This is the ideal bolt-on solution for customer’s existing production lines.

FAST Tag In-Motion: VJ and ASI technology are combined to create a flexible and automated tag application solution. The FAST Tag In-Motion system performs inbound identification of the product bar code, retrieves the EPC code and product information from the company’s product database, tests the RFID tag for validity before encoding the tag with the appropriate EPC data and rejects bad tags if necessary. FAST Tag provides 100 percent item tracking and tracing with the use of bar code and RFID verification devices, ensuring that the right tag gets on the right box every time. With integrated EPC tag serial number management and the ability to interface with new or existing material handling equipment and IT systems, FAST Tag makes it easy to meet compliance tagging requirements.

ASI’s Joyce said the partnership should yield even greater reliability and innovation in the future. “The Videojet and Accu-Sort partnership combines the technology and capabilities of the leaders in coding and auto ID. Videojet understands the challenges of coding and applying labels. Accu-Sort understands RFID and how tags are read downstream at the distribution center. Our partnership with Videojet means we will continue to offer customers the broadest range of compliance product solutions in the industry.”

About Videojet: Videojet Technologies Inc. is a world-leading manufacturer of coding, printing and laser marking products, fluids and accessories for the product identification industry. As experts in continuous ink jet (CIJ), drop-on-demand (DOD), thermal-transfer overprinting (TTO), array, and laser technologies, Videojet has over 275,000 units installed worldwide. Sales, service, training, administrative and application support is provided by direct operations worldwide, including Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russian, Singapore, Spain and the United Kingdom, with more than 250 direct sales and service personnel in the United States alone. Videojet’s distribution network includes over 175 distributors and OEMs, serving 135 countries.
1-800-843-3610 or www.videojet.com.

About Accu-Sort: 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.
1-877-ASI-RFID or www.accusort.com.

Retail RFID: Checkpoint Systems Plays Key Role in Metro Group RFID Roll-Out and ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Executive Project Manager said, "Checkpoint has a wealth of experience with RF-EAS technology in applying labels at source which are read at ...

" ... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of RF-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers has been selected by The METRO Group, the world's fourth-largest retailer, and the first to deploy RFID technology across the entire supply chain, to form part of an RFID solutions team that will help suppliers implement the technology in their daily operations. Within the scope of the solutions team, Checkpoint has been chosen as the recommended partner for systems integration services, along with IBM. In addition Checkpoint is also recommended as a supplier of RFID labels and antennas. ... "

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is an international company that specializes in product identification and shrink management solutions for the retail industry and its supply chain. Checkpoint's solutions provide its customers greater efficiencies from the point of manufacture to the point of sale and improve the consumer shopping experience. Listed on the NYSE, the company employs more than 4,000 personnel worldwide, has direct sales in 30 countries, and has distributors in 50 countries. Checkpoint is the world's leading provider of RF (Radio Frequency) technology, producing billions of RF tags and manufacturing and installing tens of thousands of RF antennas.annually. The company's extensive product portfolio includes digital RF/EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, RF source tagging, barcode and labelling systems, including a global network of 30 service bureaus, and solutions for retail merchandising.

RFID Benchmarks: New RFID reader benchmark report published

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Odin Technologies has published its first benchmark study of four main EPC-compliant RFID readers, providing an independent assessment of how the devices ...

For the past year, Odin Technologies has been addressing the biggest obstacles enterprises face as they roll out an EPC system. The ODIN technologies EPC Suite, due for completion late ’04 will have every component to make setting up and managing an RFID/EPC system easy. ODIN technologies was formed in August of 2002 as an LLC in Delaware and in July of 2003 converted to Delaware C-Corporation. The principle offices are in Reston, Virginia, with a simulated warehouse lab in Dulles, VA and European office in Dublin, IRL. ODIN technologies is unique in having one of the most extensive RFID laboratories in the world. In early 2003, ODIN labs was set-up using MIT’s Auto-ID Center as a guiding standard. In early 2004, ODIN added a 3,000 square foot warehouse space complete with conveyor belt, dock door, and forklift; specifically for Wal-Mart compliance testing. ODIN’s laboratory has been used by outside firms, from the US Federal Government to Wal-Mart suppliers to perform cost-effective, guaranteed accurate analysis. ODIN technologies has its primary lab at corporate headquarters in Reston, Virginia and secondary “distribution facility” in Dulles, Virginia for testing full pallets and conveyor compliance. Either facility can be used to create specific compliance strategy, saving weeks of time, and reducing overall RFID costs significantly.

Walmart RFID: WalMart speeds up RFID launch

From Fibre 2 Fashion, India ... WalMart Stores Inc, the US largest retailer group, has detailed plans for a speedy roll-out of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology following ...

Walmart RFID: Wal-Mart speeds up RFID launch

From Fibre 2 Fashion, India ... Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the US largest retailer group, has detailed plans for a speedy roll-out of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology following ...

Walmart RFID: WalMart Expands RFID Plans

From InternetNews.com ... After meeting with its top 300 suppliers, the US's largest retailer, WalMart Stores, said it will expand its RFID roll-out faster than expected. ...

Walmart RFID: WalMart Expands RFID Plans

From InternetNews.com ... After meeting with its top 300 suppliers, the US's largest retailer, WalMart Stores, said it will expand its RFID roll-out faster than expected. ...

Walmart RFID: Wal-Mart Begins Roll-Out of Electronic Product Codes at Seven ...

From HispanicBusiness.com ... This pilot is the next step in Wal-Mart's addition of radio frequency identification, also known as RFID, to improve product availability for Wal- Mart ...

RFID: You'll have it and you'll have it by 2005

From Silicon.com ... While RFID may not yet have reached maturity, retailers, logistics firms and food suppliers in Europe are still planning to roll out the technology as soon as ...

The Microsoft RFID Council

Bringing Together Major Partners Delivering RFID Solutions on the Microsoft Platform, Microsoft Announces New RFID Council

REDMOND, Wash., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced the formation of a new Microsoft Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) Council focused on RFID technology. The group
will look at RFID requirements and how to take advantage of today's technology
to make it easier for retailers and manufacturers to track and ship
merchandise. The company also highlighted a growing ecosystem of partners that
are building innovative RFID solutions on the Microsoft(R) platform to enhance
control of key business processes, improve inventory visibility and provide
better customer service for manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
RFID combines the benefits of the silicon chip and radio frequencies to
provide increased levels of product and asset visibility across the supply
chain. Microsoft is providing a platform on which partners can create RFID
solutions to enable their customers to reduce human error in data collection,
reduce inventories and improve product availability, while at the same time
respecting the privacy expectations and concerns around the use of RFID
technology. The company plans to hold the first Microsoft RFID Council meeting
in April and already has several partners, including Accenture, GlobeRanger
Corp., HighJump Software, Intermec Technologies Corp., Manhattan Associates
Inc. and Provia Software Inc., signed up to participate. As a part of the
Microsoft RFID Council, Microsoft and partners plan to address industry needs
for RFID solutions that are low-cost, simple to deploy and built on a robust
scalable technology stack.
"With RFID in the early stages of adoption, we are continuing to expand
and evolve our partner-driven strategy based on the needs of the industry,"
said Javed Sikander, program manager for RFID strategy at Microsoft. "There is
a wide spectrum of partners building RFID solutions on the Microsoft platform
today; the formation of the Microsoft RFID Council is part of our commitment
to continue to work closely with our customers and partners to ensure they
receive the greatest value and opportunity when building their RFID solutions
with Microsoft technologies."
An ecosystem of partners -- spanning RFID hardware vendors, supply chain
execution retail systems and services providers -- is using the Microsoft
platform today to add value to their RFID solutions through Microsoft
technologies such as Microsoft Windows(R) CE, SQL Server(TM) and BizTalk(R)
Server for collection, management and integration of RFID data. These partners
also are working with Visual Studio(R) and Web Services Enhancements (WSE) for
Microsoft .NET to create Web services-enabled RFID solutions. Microsoft
Business Solutions is also working with RFID partners to extend the
capabilities of financial management and supply chain management solutions for small and midsize businesses.

Microsoft also announced it has joined EPCglobal, an organization that is
leading the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic
Product Code (EPC) Network to support the use of RFID. "RFID is a major initiative for the METRO Group," said Zygmunt Mierdorf, executive vice president for IT and Human Resources at METRO Group. "METRO
will use a number of platforms and is very pleased Microsoft has joined
EPCglobal and is making significant investments to make this technology
available using open standard technologies. Microsoft is working with the
METRO Group to support this first large implementation."

Independent software vendors (ISVs) and technology companies announcing
their support for the Microsoft platform and highlighting the solutions they
are delivering today include the following:

-- Accenture. Accenture is working with Microsoft and Manhattan Associates
to develop a new solution that will help manufacturers comply quickly
with retailers' RFID mandates. The companies will provide a full range
of Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant, scalable RFID solution
design, development and integration services that will help
manufacturers realize rapid benefits, including enhanced supply chain
efficiencies and improved warehouse management.

-- GlobeRanger. GlobeRanger provides an innovative Edgeware(TM) platform,
iMotion(TM), that is designed to intelligently connect core enterprise
systems with relevant, real-time RFID information. Built on the
Microsoft .NET Framework, iMotion delivers the ability to manage edge
devices, networks, data and business processes seamlessly.

-- HighJump Software, a 3M Company. HighJump provides a broad collection
of highly configurable, RFID-enabled solutions built on the Microsoft
platform that empower customers to meet a full spectrum of RFID
requirements and manage ever-evolving supply chain processes without
disrupting current supply chain operations.

-- Intermec Technologies Corp. Intermec draws on the utilities and
resources available through the Microsoft Pocket PC platform for the
company's 700 Color Series of rugged, mobile devices with attachable
IP3 RFID handle. The IP3 adds fully functional RFID reader capabilities
to the 700. Both devices are integrated into Intermec's RFID "Ready to
Go" kit, which includes RFID hardware, software and professional
services -- allowing customers to begin implementing RFID into their
own systems.

-- Manhattan Associates Inc. Manhattan Associates is leveraging the
Microsoft platform as a powerful and flexible platform for its
cutting-edge RFID solutions. The company's RFID in a Box(TM) solution
offers a package of source-to-consumption supply chain execution
applications, professional services and RFID technology to simplify
implementation and enable companies to meet compliance requirements
while leveraging the most comprehensive integrated logistics platform
and solutions.

-- METRO Group. Germany-based retailer METRO Group will begin to roll out
RFID across four of its six divisions in November 2004. METRO has been
successfully piloting RFID in its Future Store in Rheinberg, Germany,
and in other locations, and is now ready to take the challenge to move
from pilot to production.

-- Provia Software Inc. Provia Software uses the Microsoft platform to
enable customers to implement supply chain execution and optimization
solutions including RFID-enabled warehousing, transportation, order and
yard management. These solutions seamlessly integrate with Web-based
visibility tools to create a real-time, end-to-end supply chain
execution solution.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, Windows, BizTalk and Visual Studio are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other
countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Innovative RFID Solutions on the Microsoft Platform

"The potential of RFID combined with retailer mandates make it a question
of when -- not if -- manufacturers will implement the technology into their
organizations. The next 18 months will be the critical period of adoption, and
industry leaders are looking beyond compliance to use RFID as a source of
competitive advantage."
Lyle Ginsburg
Partner, Technology Innovation
Products Operating Group
Accenture

"GlobeRanger delivers the ability to easily develop, deploy and integrate
RFID and mobile solutions for the edge of the enterprise. Powered by the
Microsoft .NET Framework, GlobeRanger's iMotion platform provides the
foundation that enterprise users are looking for to scale standards-compliant
RFID solutions from pilot to full implementation."

John Koenigs
President and CEO
GlobeRanger Corp.

"HighJump provides a broad collection of highly configurable, RFID-enabled
solutions that empower customers to meet a full spectrum of RFID requirements and manage ever-evolving supply chain processes without jeopardizing their operational efficiency, profitability or ability to meet customer
expectations. HighJump fully leverages Microsoft technologies throughout its
RFID solution to facilitate integration and ensure flexibility and scalability
in complex, high-volume manufacturing and distribution environments."

Chris Heim
President
HighJump Software, a 3M Company

"Intermec has added instant RFID capability to its 700 Color Series of
rugged, mobile devices by offering the Intermec IP3 handle reader as an
attachment. With the powerful backbone of Microsoft's Pocket PC and immediate RFID reader capacity, customers now are able to easily integrate RFID into their enterprise systems."
Mike Colwell
Vice President
Intermec

"As a charter member of EPCglobal, Manhattan Associates has continued to
stay at the forefront of providing innovative business and compliance
solutions that solve supply chain execution challenges for manufacturers,
distributors, retailers and their trading partners. Manhattan Associates' RFID
in a Box(TM) solution and our RFID-enabled applications, combined with
Microsoft's powerful and flexible platform, provide our customers with both
stability and ease of deployment. Our joint solutions are enabling companies
worldwide to meet RFID compliance requirements and handle large transactional
volumes."
Eric Peters
Executive Vice President,
Strategy and Business Development
Manhattan Associates

"RFID compliance requirements are quickly evolving. For Provia's RFIDware
product, Microsoft's .NET Platform was the logical choice. It allowed us to
develop a robust solution quickly while providing the flexibly and ease of use
necessary to keep up with these evolving requirements. All our supply chain
execution and optimization solutions deploy rapidly and effectively on the
Microsoft platform today, and we are excited to strengthen our Microsoft .NET
support with the release of RFIDware."
Todd Gage
Vice President
Product Development
Provia Software

Infineon Opens RFID Solution Center in Graz Austria

From NE Asia Online Device News, Apr 1, 2004 ... the 140 employees of the Graz Development Center around 40 people will be occupied with RFID activities. Infineon is implementing a comprehensive approach to the RFID-based logistics segment incorporating smart label technology which consists of the RFID chip and the antenna both integrated into paper or plastic smart label readers the system platform to integrate RFID-supported logistics applications into a company's operations and accompanying services for development roll-out and maintenance of logistics systems.

IBM to track drugs and missiles for US army

From Silicon.com ...The US Department of Defense project to roll-out RFID throughout its supply chain will get its pilot under the watchful eye of IBM, who have been selected by ...