RFID RTLS Asset Tracking in Healthcare

Awarepoint Corp's Michael Kitchen will present RTLS technologies at the conference this week. ...

... "The presenter will also discuss Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s (WRAMC) decision to implement a hospital-wide RFID asset management system. As one of the largest medical treatment facilities within the Department of Defense, this short term acute care facility is embracing asset tracking technology to further improve business processes and positively impact patient care. " ...

Via AwarePoint: RTLS Asset Management

Motorola RFID RTLS Solution

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

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

Via Motorola: Comprehensive Location Solution

RFID Dot Wireless Card

Axcess ships new type of corporate ID card with long range wireless, called the Dot-Credential. It is integrated with RFID and can enable hands-free building access control. ...

... "The active RFID and RTLS portions of Dot's capabilities are built on and are backwardly compatible with the existing Axcess 433 MHz platform, which automatically activates tags on-demand to transmit micro-wireless messages as needed from 1 to 300 feet to hidden palm-size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network (either 802.11X wireless or wired) simultaneously to the enterprise system software and the existing security alarm equipment. The system supports standalone middleware and end-user software provided by Axcess under the e-Supervisor label or via an easy connection to third party middleware and software solutions. " ...

Via Axcess International: Dual Active RFID and RTLS Dot Wireless ID Card

RFID Pharmaceutical Tracking Monitors Location and Status

University of Michigan Health System implements RFID technology to enable tracking of pharmaceutical drug supply for location, status, and replenishment. The system will be enable via an on-site wireless network. ...

... "The Department of Pharmacy Services selected InnerWireless PanGo to help manage the supply and location of pharmacy boxes, which are often stored on highly mobile crash carts. Federal guidelines – from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) – also require that these boxes contain an adequate supply of medications that are not expired. The PanGo platform gives the pharmacy department the capability to monitor the location, as well as replenish supplies and replace soon-to-expire medications in each box more quickly.

PanGo is the first location management platform to aggregate location data from a variety of RTLS and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sources and integrate it into the enterprise in a standards-based way, delivering a cost-optimized, scalable solution. Additionally, PanGo is the only asset-tracking application that provides a seamless, Web-based view of thousands of assets, regardless of the RTLS or RFID technology used to track them. Through this combination of features, PanGo offers a solution specifically designed to give users real-time visibility, alerts and analysis about the location and status of key assets. " ...

Via InnerWireless: University of Michigan Health System Selects Asset Tracking Solution

University of Michigan Facts: "The University of Michigan Health System includes three hospitals, approximately 30 health centers and 120 outpatient clinics, the U-M Medical School and its Faculty Group Practice and the Michigan Health Corp."

2008 Patient Safety Goals

InnerWireless Products: In-Building Wireless: "PanGo Vision is a web-based enterprise asset tracking solution specifically designed to give business users real-time visibility, real-time alerts, and real-time analysis about the location and status of key assets. "

Active RFID Asset Tag Supports WIFI RTLS

WhereNet's multimode WhereTag(TM) IV active RFID asset tag is available. The WhereTag IV ISO 24730 mode can be applied in indoor or outdoor environments, and the IEEE 802.11 mode supports applications requiring lower precision in more stable, radio frequency (RF) friendly environments. ...

... "Supporting both ISO 24730 and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi)-based real-time locating system (RTLS) applications, the WhereTag IV works with WhereNet's integrated wireless architecture for real-time location, messaging, telemetry, and workforce communication applications, providing constant asset visibility with the degree of location accuracy matched to the enterprise customer's specific business requirements. " ...

Via WhereNet: Multimode Active RFID Real-Time Locating System Tag

RFID Context Aware Location Services

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

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

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

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

RFID Army Depot MRO Maintenance Repair Overhaul ...

Tobyhanna Depot implements WhereNet's active RFID technology to manage MRO of command and control systems for the military. ...

... "WhereNet Corp. announced that Tobyhanna Army Depot has expanded use of the standards-based WhereNet active RFID, real-time locating system (RTLS) technology to streamline the repair and overhaul of defense electronic systems at the Pennsylvania facility. Tobyhanna Army Depot performs the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems for the Defense Department. Tobyhanna initially contracted with SYS-TEC to deploy the WhereNet system in late 2004 to optimize the refurbishment of the AN/TRC-170 Microwave Communications System and AN/TPS-75 Air Defense Radar System. After extended deployment in rugged environments while supporting America's armed forces, these communications systems are shipped to Tobyhanna, where each system is disassembled, overhauled, and tested before being shipped out to the field again. With assemblies, subassemblies, components, and spare parts spread across the more than 1.9-million-square-foot refurbishment areas, WhereNet's RTLS technology provides each work center with visibility of the AN/TRC-170 and AN/TPS-75 system's work in process. " ...

Via Wherenet: TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT EXPANDS USE OF WHERENET ACTIVE RFID REAL-TIME LOCATING SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY ...

RFID Healthcare RTLS Solutions ...

SYMX and RF Code collaborate to deliver active RFID solutions for real-time location services in the healthcare industry. ...

... "RF Code, Inc., a leading provider of Real-Time Location and Sensor (RTLS) solutions, announced an agreement with SYMX Technologies Inc., a division of SYMX Corporation, a global provider of medical equipment services and products, to supply SYMX with health care RTLS solutions under a contract worth $30 million over the next three years. Under this exclusive agreement, SYMX will enable broader utilization of RF Code's complete health care solution platform. SYMX will integrate RF Code's RTLS capabilities into its SYMX Solutions offering, thus, giving hospitals the ability to quickly and accurately track the exact location and status of vital devices, ranging from infusion pumps to expensive implantable products. To accomplish this, SYMX will establish RF Code's active RFID technology as the platform into a broad range of medical and surgical equipment services. Through this approach, costly equipment and mission critical devices can be more effectively utilized and life-saving equipment can be found quickly. Health care professionals will have the management tools necessary to improve quality control and patient care while reducing costs by providing the systems needed to track and manage life-critical assets across the hospital. " ...

RFID Healthcare RTLS Solutions: Via RF Code: RF Code Inks $30 Million Deal with SYMX ...

RFID RTLS Sensor Collaboration: RFCode OhioU ...

RF Code partners with Ohio U by equiping the university's auto-id center with RFID-based real-time location system. ...

... "RF Code, Inc., a leading provider of real-time, high definition location solutions, announced it is providing Ohio University's Center for Automatic Identification with a permanent, interactive demonstration of RF Code's Real-Time Location and Sensor (RTLS) solution. The Center for Automatic Identification is part of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology. RF Code has donated radio frequency identification (RFID) readers, tags and software to be tested by the center so it can provide unbiased information on active RFID's potential and challenges. The demonstration is the first RTLS solution to be evaluated by the center, which is the nation's oldest university-based center devoted solely to the subject of automatic identification. " ...

RFID RTLS Sensor Collaboration: RFCode OhioU: Via RF Code: RF Code and Ohio University Showcase Real-Time Location and Sensor Solutions ...

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services ...

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

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

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

RFID Asset Tracking Product Line ...

RFID asset tracking products support 433 MHz frequency in multiple countries. ...

... "The 433 MHz frequency is widely allocated for use throughout the world, allowing RF Code's new asset tags and readers to be used in a broader number of countries. Enhanced signaling capabilities substantially improve the ability of Mantis to be used in Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) applications. The Mantis 433 MHz line now offers the lowest cost active tag at prices far below comparable systems, as well as the only 10+ year tag battery life for 433 MHz RFID products in the market. In addition to these features, RF Code's 433 MHz product line combines industry leading anti-collision performance in a small form factor. Incorporating worldwide availability with enhanced RTLS capabilities, RF Code's new line is accelerating international container tracking, supply chain and healthcare asset tracking markets for the company’s solutions. " ...

RFID Asset Tracking Product Line: Via RF Code: RF CODE ADDS 433 MHZ TAGS AND READERS TO ITS MANTIS II ASSET TRACKING PRODUCT LINE ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip ...

G2 Microsystems introduces RFID system on a chip that supports WIFI networking standards. ...

... "G2 Microsystems Inc., a developer of integrated circuits for the Mobile Resource Management (MRM) market, announced an ultra low-power, active radio frequency identification (RFID) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that leverages the widely-deployed Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) network infrastructure. By using this existing infrastructure, G2 Microsystems SoC enables businesses to install asset tracking systems at a fraction of the cost of today's solutions resulting in at least a 75% reduction in total cost of ownership. Additionally, the chip's integrated support for multiple location technologies and environmental sensing coupled with ultra low-power consumption enables a new class of tags that will open the door for global MRM services in many enterprise applications.

Mobile resource management is a fast-growing market that uses RTLS to track and monitor assets both inside and outside of facilities. The Yankee Group forecasts the global RTLS market will grow to $1.6B by 2010, fueled by deployments in healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Targeted at the RTLS market, G2 Microsystems' G2C501 Wi-Fi Active RFID SoC is a very flexible solution that enables a broad range of customer types to tailor systems to their specific application at a very low total cost of ownership. The chip is currently being incorporated into leading RTLS solutions including those from Ekahau and PanGo Networks. " ...

WIFI RFID System on Chip: Via G2 Microsystems: G2 Microsystems Significantly Reduces Cost of Asset Tracking Systems with Industry's First Wi-Fi RFID System-on-a-Chip: Leading Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Providers, Ekahau and PanGo Networks, Plan to use G2 Microsystems' Chip ...

RFID for Mine Safety ...

Aeroscount partners to deliver RFID-enabled real-time location system to enable management of underground mining assets: people and equipment. ...

... "AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, and NL Technologies (NLT), a leading innovator of IP-based communications and integrated software applications, announced a partnership to deliver an advanced real-time location solution (RTLS) for the underground mining industry. Using standard wireless networking technology and the industry's leading Wi-Fi-based active RFID system, the joint solution offers immediate and accurate tracking of personnel, equipment and other assets for improved safety and efficiency.

Through joint development efforts, NLT has integrated AeroScout's wireless real-time location system into their Northern Light Digital™ Network. AeroScout's long range active RFID tag is installed into the Northern Light® GII Model cap lamps, providing Wi-Fi-based location tracking capabilities, in addition to the renowned quality, innovative design and durability of the Northern Light® cap lamp family. With this solution in place, the location of workers, as well as valuable mobile equipment, can be continually tracked and viewed in real-time from any Web browser, to ensure safety and improve operations. " ...

RFID for Mine Safety: AeroScout And NL Technologies Deliver Location Tracking And Safety Solution For Mining Industry: Industry's First Cap Lamp with Integrated Wi-Fi Tracking Tag Provides Unparalleled Underground Safety and Efficiency ...

Wifi Active RFID Solutions: RTLS ...

Wifi Active RFID Solutions: RTLS: Via AeroScout: AEROSCOUT AND ALANCO INTRODUCE INDUSTRY’S FIRST TAMPER-PROOF WI-FI ACTIVE RFID TAG: Partnership Delivers Wi-Fi-based Location Solution to Corrections Industry ...

... "AeroScout, Inc., the market leader in the field of Wi-Fi based Active RFID solutions, announced a partnership with Alanco Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALAN) to develop and deliver a 2.4 GHz real-time location solution (RTLS) for the corrections industry. The two companies have successfully completed joint development on the industry's first tamper-proof Wi-Fi Active RFID tag, and deployed the first pilot site for a European prison customer. ... Through the partnership, AeroScout and Alanco have developed an extension to Alanco's successful TSI PRISM tracking system, which provides real-time identification and tracking of inmates and officers within corrections facilities, both indoors and out. The system can accurately locate and identify any person wearing a small wireless tag device, and this information is integrated into prison monitors. It handles common prison complexities such as a multi-floor, mixed indoor/outdoor environment, as well as the need for cell-level accuracy (using AeroScout's compact Exciter choke point device.) The two companies have developed the industry’s first Wi-Fi-based RFID tag with tamper-proof capabilities. The tag, which can be read by standard Cisco wireless access points, immediately detects any attempt to remove or tamper with it. The joint development efforts have also enabled the TSI PRISM system to now use the popular Wi-Fi standard (2.4 GHz) as a communications protocol. The system was designed to be extended to other environments with similar needs, such as psychiatric facilities. " ...

UWB RFID Tag: 10 Year Battery Life ...

Multispectral Solutions introduces active UWB RFID tag with a battery life expectancy of 10 years. ...

Via Multispectral Solutions, Inc.: MULTISPECTRAL SOLUTIONS' ULTRA WIDEBAND RFID TAG SETS INDUSTRY RECORD WITH 10 YEAR BATTERY LIFE ...

... "Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI), the industry leader in ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology, announces the latest in its series of active RFID tags for its Sapphire DART Precision Asset Location System product line. The new series of tags utilize a patented technique to achieve an operational life expectancy of greater than 10 years on a single Lithium button cell battery. MSSI's micro inventory tag, measuring only 39 x 11 x 21 mm (1.5 x 0.4 x 0.8 in) complete with antenna and battery, now achieves an operational life expectancy of greater than 10 years transmitting once every two seconds. Using a tiny button cell battery, 3.2 x 16 mm CR1632 rated at 125 mAh, MSSI's tag life expectancy actually equals or exceeds the manufacturer's specification for battery shelf life at room temperature, or 10 years. Utilizing MSSI's patented UWB technology, the Sapphire DART tags have read ranges in excess of 200 meters (650 feet) and can provide accuracy and precision of 10 cm (4 inches) in real time location system (RTLS) applications. " ...

Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI), Germantown, MD, is a pioneer and industry leader in the development of ultra wideband (UWB) systems for communications, radar and precision positioning applications. With an emphasis placed upon complete system solutions, MSSI's UWB portfolio is unique in the industry, encompassing a range of products for military, Government and commercial applications. The company's Sapphire Precision Asset Location System™ is the world's first FCC-certified, UWB-based, active RFID and tracking system for personnel and asset management.

RFID RealTime Production Visibility ...

RFID RealTime Production Visibility: WHERENET'S LOCATABLE ACTIVE RFID TECHNOLOGY APPROVED AS A GLOBAL STANDARD BY LEADING LUXURY AUTOMAKER: German Automobile Manufacturer to Double WhereNet Deployments in 2005 as Worldwide Rollout Continues; Vehicle Location System Enhances Flexibility and Expedites Production of Custom-Ordered, Premium-Brand Automobiles ...

... "WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced that the BMW Group has approved the WhereNet® active RFID real-time locating system (RTLS) technology as a global standard and will accelerate its worldwide rollout in 2005. Already installed at BMW plants in Dingolfing, Munich, and Regensburg, Germany, WhereNet’s vehicle location system will go live this year at additional BMW plants in Leipzig, Germany and Rosslyn, South Africa, and at the MINI plant in Oxford, United Kingdom. " ...

WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines.

RFID Automotive Logistics Terminal

RFID Automotive Logistics Terminal: WHERENET DEPLOYS WORLD’S LARGEST ACTIVE RFID REAL-TIME LOCATING SYSTEM TO PRECISELY TRACK 40,000 VEHICLES AT BROEKMAN GROUP’S AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS TERMINAL AT THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM: WhereNet Partners with Mieloo & Alexander to Provide Vehicle Tracking System that Enables Broekman Group to Improve Throughput, Quality, and Customer Service While Processing 250,000 New Vehicles Annually ...

WhereNet providing RFID technology to support automotive logistics terminal ...

... "WhereNet Corp., the leader of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, announced today that the Broekman Group is deploying the WhereNet® active RFID real-time locating system (RTLS) technology at its 750,000+ square-meter automotive logistics terminal at the Port of Rotterdam. Spanning the Rotterdam Car Terminal and Rotterdam Car Center, both part of the Broekman Group’s automotive division, the WhereNetwireless tracking system will precisely locate any one of 40,000 vehicles parked in the facility at a given time. To implement this system — the world’s largest active RFID/RTLS installation — WhereNet is partnering with Mieloo & Alexander, a European consulting firm specializing in optimizing business processes by implementing innovative technology for its clients. " ...

Founded in 1960, the Broekman Group now employs about 625 employees across several companies that are organized in four divisions: shipping (liner agencies, tramp vessel agencies); logistics (forwarding, NVOCC, logistic inland services, physical distribution and warehousing); automotive (logistics services for the automotive industry); and corporate (support HRM, ICT, accounting etc.). Widely recognized for its commitment to excellence in the shipping, logistics, and trade industries, the Broekman Group is headquartered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with offices in western and central Europe.

WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices throughout the United States and Europe, WhereNet is funded by Crosspoint Venture Partners, Foundation Capital, Bay Partners, Crescendo Ventures, and Sun Microsystems.

Campus RFID RTLS Market Growing

Campus RFID RTLS Market Growing: Yankee Group Determines Global Campus-Based Real-Time Location Systems Market Is Poised for Mainstream Enterprise Adoption: Rapid market expansion expected to exceed $1.6 billion by 2010 fueled by growing enterprise investments ...

Early indications are that On-campus real time located services and RFID technology are growing segments of the market ...

... "Yankee Group today revealed that the campus-based real-time location systems (RTLS) market, while still formative, is experiencing a surge in market growth and will play an influential role in shaping the strategic WLAN landscape. According to the recent Yankee Group DecisionNote(SM), Global RTLS Market Growth Fueled by Investments in Operational Efficiency, the rising enterprise Wi-Fi deployments and improving active RFID technology are driving the once niche solution to reach higher market status. " ...

At Yankee Group, we help our clients succeed by providing the knowledge, tools and support they need to make winning decisions when business opportunities intersect with technology solutions. In business more than 35 years, Yankee Group knows the importance of listening to and understanding the needs of our clients. We deliver value through authoritative, innovative and flexible research products and consulting services. Whether challenges are rooted in planning, executing or optimizing the use of technology, Yankee Group's world renowned analysts transform market intelligence and practical, real world experience into valuable decision support. Headquartered in Boston, Yankee Group research and sales staffs are located around the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

Tag: RFID