RFID Starter Kit

Kanda offers RFID starter kit. The kit has a combined reader and programmer. It supports ISO15693 RFID Tags and will also read ISO14443A RFID tags. ...

... "Apart from a programmer and reader unit, the Kanda RFID kit includes an RF detector that gives an indication of the RF field strength near a reader, which helps both in development and in the siting of units. However, the most important part of the starter kit is the software package. The protocol used is very flexible to allow engineers to design their own systems to suit their needs, rather than being constrained by the limitations of the software. As well as the standard read, write and lock functions, the protocol allows for continuous read, and includes anticollision algorithms that deals with multiple tags in the reader field. " ...

Via Kanda: RFID Made Easy; New Starter Kit Simplifies Process of Creating Applications Using RFID Systems

RFID: Alien Tech World Tags ...

Alien introduces RFID tags that will operate across the world. ...

... "Alien World Tags enable companies to manufacture products on one continent and ship them worldwide utilizing a single RFID tag that exhibits uniform behavior and delivers consistent performance regardless of its destination. When used with Alien Enterprise RFID Readers, this enables companies to deploy a common RFID infrastructure worldwide, thus reducing the number of infrastructure designs, software interfaces, development projects and equipment models they need to ensure accurate, reliable tag reads across their global supply and delivery chains. Consequently, upfront implementation and ongoing maintenance costs are minimized, overall RFID effectiveness is maximized, and returns on RFID investment can be accelerated. " ...

Alien Technology Expands Gen2 RFID Tag Family

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

Unilever collaborates with IBM and T3Ci to test interoperability of the emerging EPCIS RFID data standard. The standard focuses on the efficient use of real-time data among partners in the supply chain. ...

... "The standard is designed to help better enable retailers, manufacturers and organizations throughout the supply chain to overcome information overload and share information to improve business processes. This milestone marks the first step toward delivering interoperability based on the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) for exchange and query of RFID data. IBM and T3CI are the co-chairs of the EPCglobal EPCIS Working Group. The objective of the Working Group is to create common interfaces among RFID software, allowing organizations to exchange and leverage RFID data independent of the applications in which data is created or stored. For organizations throughout the supply chain, this will deliver greater value by allowing them to inexpensively capture large volumes of detailed data at each stage of the supply chain and share that data among trading partners. While retailers today can provide manufacturers with large amounts of data about RFIDtagged products, until now there has been no simple and standardized way for manufacturers to sort through the volumes of raw data and perform queries to use it to improve product introductions, promotions and distribution of new products.



The new EPCIS standards-based ability to query RFID data will provide organizations with near real-time RFID data from their trading partners, for the first time giving manufacturers access to the precise information they need. Unilever North America, a global manufacturer of foods, home care and personal care products, also announced today its plans to pioneer use of the EPCIS standard to query RFID data provided by retailers. Unilever will conduct a trial using IBM's EPCIS implementation to collect and access information from within the company's manufacturing environment and from trading partners. By leveraging IBM and T3Ci reports and analysis, Unilever is looking to create additional business value in the areas of promotion management, supply chain visibility and metrics, as well as RFID readability. " ...

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data: Via T3Ci: IBM and T3Ci Successfully Pilot Open Standard to Enable Manufacturers to Leverage RFID Data and Improve Supply Chain Processes: Unilever Among First Manufacturers to Pioneer New Interface to Connect Data Among Trading Partners ...

EPCIS standard ...

Software Action Group: "EPC Information Services (EPCIS) Phase 2: Create one or more normative technical specifications that will facilitate the development of interoperable EPCIS systems. "

Background on Unilever ...

Unilever awards HR outsourcing contract to Accenture: "Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of fast moving consumer goods with strong local roots in more than 100 countries across the globe. Its portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most loved brands including twelve EUR1 billion brands and global leadership in many categories in which the company operates. The portfolio features brand icons such as: Knorr, Hellmann's, Flora, Bertolli, Dove, Lux, Pond's, Lynx, Sunsilk, Persil, Cif and Domestos. Unilever has around 206 000 employees in approaching 100 countries and generated annual sales of EUR40 billion in 2005. "

Info on T3Ci ...

T3Ci: The RFID Analytics and Applications Company: "T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, offers a broad range of RFID software and services, representing the most comprehensive RFID vision in the industry. T3Ci develops software and provides enterprise-class solutions for managers of RFID initiatives who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include RFID analytics as well as a suite of high-value applications for retail suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and major retailers. Applications include Out-of-Stock Management, Promotions Execution Management, Deductions Management, and Product Authentication. "

RFID Europe Bridge Project ...

Europe organizes to leverage research in RFID technology. ...

... "The BRIDGE project will focus on business-based research, provision of information services and hardware (sensors, tags) and software development. This will lead to pilots, deployment and comprehensive training materials in the use of RFID in a variety of business sectors. The BRIDGE project will help make this happen by contributing to the development of new solutions for all businesses, from small to large. Improving skills and expertise on RFID technology and network information sharing will lead to enhanced competitiveness of European companies and to benefits to customer and citizen.

The BRIDGE project is funded under the FP6 Information Society Technologies (IST) work programme supporting research into the development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for Networked Businesses. The strategic objectives of FP6 are to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of industry and encourage its international competitiveness while promoting research activities in support of other EU policies. " ...

RFID Europe Bridge Project: A Consortium of 31 global organisations supported by the European Commission launches a three year project in RFID application research and development ...

RFID Phase Jitter Modulation Technology ...

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

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

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

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

Java RFID Sensor Community ...

Sun launches community for RFID sensor development using Java as the software foundation. ...

... "RFID (radio frequency identification) and sensor-based applications are being used increasingly in a variety of industries, including manufacturing retail health care, pharmaceuticals, transportation, logistics, aerospace and government. They can dramatically reduce costs for companies, increase operational efficiencies, improve security and accountability of assets, and help ensure the authenticity and integrity of products. However, the complexity of developing and integrating RFID and sensor solutions can slow adoption while developers come up to speed.

The Sun RFID Community has grown out of the experiences of technical collaboration among internal Sun experts and the more than 350 members of Sun's RFID Partner Advantage program. Any developer can access the Sun RFID and Sensor Community by joining Java.Net. Members of the Sun RFID Community can participate in e-mail lists, code-building projects, and community activities. The Sun Java System RFID Software, toolkits and documentation are freely available for download. " ...

Java RFID Sensor Community: Via Sun Microsystems: Sun Launches New RFID and Sensor Community for Java Developers ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets ...

Partners collaborate on RFID technology solutions for commercial vehicle applications, such as data collection devices. ...

... "AXCESS International Inc. and STEMCO LP announced a recently-signed business agreement between their companies to work together in the development of RFID based solutions for heavy-duty commercial vehicle fleets. These solutions will utilize semi-active tag technology and hardware from AXCESS that will be seamlessly integrated with STEMCO's BAT RF active RFID mileage and tire pressure data collection sensors. Future products utilizing these combined capabilities are in development and planned for release in 2007. AXCESS' patented ActiveTag RFID systems use small, battery powered tags (generically called semi-active tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network simultaneously to the enterprise system software, the existing security alarm equipment, and standalone management software. Optionally, the tag system can be used to trigger security video recording and live remote video transmission. The tags are used for a variety of enterprise productivity applications including automatic personnel access control and tracking, automatic vehicle access control and payload management, automatic asset management and protection, as well as special purpose sensing. " ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets: Via Axcess: STEMCO LP and AXCESS Sign Business Agreement ...

RFID University Webcasts ...

Webcasts through RFID University ...

... "iAnywhere, a subsidiary of Sybase, Inc., unveiled RFID University, a series of free technical webcasts targeted at RFID developers. The goal of the program is to educate developers on various aspects of RFID development to enable them to jumpstart their RFID projects. The webcast series is offered as part of the Sybase iAnywhere RFID Developer Community in which hundreds of RFID developers have enrolled in order to benefit from free development software, RFID whitepapers, tech-tips, discussion forums and sample applications.

Thursday March 9 - RFID 101
Thursday March 16 - The Intelligent RFID Network
Thursday March 23 - Turning RFID Data into Information
Thursday March 30 - RFID Management & Security
Thursday April 6 - Growing the RFID Network I: Distributed Architectures for Logic and Data
Thursday April 13 - Growing the RFID Network II: Adding New Applications " ...

RFID University Webcasts: Via iAnywhere: Sybase iAnywhere Delivers RFID University Webcasts: Higher Education to Simplify Your RFID Development! sponsored by AWID, Printronix, Symbol, ThingMagic and Zebra ...

RFID Development Lab Kits ...

Learn how to track your beans ... BlueBean offers RFID development lab kits for smaller-scale implementations. David Sims provides update on BlueBeans ...

... "BlueBean, LLC, is now offering what the company describes as complete RFID development lab kits for anyone who needs a smaller-scale RFID portal product. " ...

RFID Development Lab Kits: Via TMCnet: BlueBean's DIY RFID: Don't Try This At Home, Kids

BlueBean RFID Company Description: "RFID compliance, in its most basic form, means meeting your client's specifications which allows them to identify and track your beans throughout their entire supply chain. They must be able to know at any given moment exactly where your beans are. "

BlueBean EasyInbound: "BlueBean EasyInBound RFID receiving line only allows one case in the RFID read zone to ensure read accuracy. Your solution is set up for off-site testing and sign off. It is shipped as an assembled kit for easy on-site installation. "

Roadmap to Compliance: "BlueBean follows a strict and proven methodology in creating a Roadmap to Compliance strategy for it clients. The Roadmap provides a compliance scorecard, budgetary costs, technology selection, timetable, software and hardware requirements, high level physical layout and short vs. long term strategies. "

RFID New Product Programme ...

Domino reinvests its profits in new product programme, with emphasis on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology solutions ...

... "We have continued to invest significantly in Research and Development, and have further exciting new products planned for release this year. We are setting aside an additional £2.5 million from 2006 profits to invest in building a greater competence in providing RFID solutions to our customers and in other new product programmes. " ...

RFID New Product Programme: Via Domino: 2005 Results ...

Via RFID Journal: Domino Adds RFID Unit: "While Domino's ISG unit will work as a system integrator to help manufacturers deploy RFID, the company says it is also working on software offerings that will link RFID and existing printing systems, as well as network RFID interrogators and RFID printer-encoders ... "

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 ...

Active RFID Wireless Chip

Chipcon introduces active RFID chip that supports wireless firmware updates. ...

... "With CC1110, Chipcon has upped the ante in the wireless chip market by making it possible to remotely upgrade firmware in the field, transferring software updates over-the-air for maximum convenience. This is enabled by the in-system programmable flash memory in the CC1110. Compared to existing wireless systems operating in the sub 1GHz band, the CC1110 provides the customers shorter time-to-market development, lower cost and smaller end product, due to the high integration level in the CC1110. Other application examples are home automation systems, automatic meter reading, remote controls, remote keyless entry (RKE) and active RFID. " ...

Active RFID Wireless Chip: Via Chipcon: Chipcon Launches Sub 1GHz Radio and MCU System-on-Chip: Breakthrough Solution for Wireless Payment Systems: Provides reduced cost and development time, and a smaller form factor end product, enabling customers to integrate wireless connectivity into a variety of consumer and industrial applications. SoC solution ideal for wireless alarm/security systems, home automation, remote controls, wireless payment systems, remote keyless entry (RKE), automatic meter reading and active RFID ...

RFID Reaches Tipping Point ...

Research suggests that RFID technology has reached the tipping point, driven by the efforts of retailers, such as Walmart, and technology vendors, such as SAP. ...

... "A research firm said Radio Frequency Identification technology, or RFID, has reached the stage of development where it would be widely adopted, despite some hiccups in its implementation. A report released by Dallas research firm Regan, Jacob, & Sydeny said successful RFID use by such large firms as WalMart Stores Inc. and German software-giant SAP AG suggested RFID use would grow. " ...

RFID Reaches Tipping Point: Via Philadelphia Inquirer: Business News in Brief ...

RFID Lab Provides Hands-On Classroom Experience ...

Stratum Global will provide the RFID technology foundation for the hands-on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) lab in Illinois at Oakton Community College, serving fourteen northern Chicago suburbs.

... "The Community College RFID lab will be located at Oakton’s new Art, Science, and Technology Pavilion in Skokie. Stratum Global, William Frick, Intel and Intermec Technologies Corp. are providing Oakton with the tools required to develop an RFID lab and curriculum that will give students the opportunity to study the dynamics of how RFID infrastructure, readers, tags, and software logic solve business problems.

Stratum Global’s TagNet RFID solution suite will serve as the software application foundation for understanding the integration components and the dynamics between the infrastructure, tags and readers. Students will use the software to manage and configure readers, conduct remote diagnostics, commission and interrogate tags, verify tag reads against existing enterprise data and create rules to establish application level events. William Frick, based in Libertyville, IL, specializes in tag and labeling solution offerings. Frick will assist in developing the tag curriculum as it relates to tag materials, tags for high impact or rugged environments, application of active or passive tags, high visibility tags as well as tagging location. Frick will provide the lab with a variety of tag types for the students to work with on different materials, in multiple scenarios. Students will have a firm understanding of the differences between tags types, where those types are applicable and how to effectively construct a tagging methodology. Enterprise data will reside on an Intel based P4 and Xeon Server infrastructure. Data will be used to commission tags, construct work rules and manage events. Stratum Global’s TagNet® will ensure a seamless flow of data within the RFID environment, between the Intermec Readers, antennas, tags and the Intel platform.

RFID hardware will be provided by Intermec and will include Intermec’s IF5 fixed readers, IP3® portable readers, and a combination of Intermec Intellitag antennas. Students will use the hardware to understand how physical readers, handhelds and antennas are used to develop portals, and how portal development impacts read rates and the dynamics of hardware configuration. The hardware and curriculum will prepare students for careers in RFID, with a firm understanding of the technology required for a successful implementation and how that implementation can bring continuous process improvement to the business. " ...

Via Stratum Global: Hands-On RFID Lab at Oakton Community College: Industry leaders collaborate to develop lab and curriculum ...

Additional resources on university RFID labs:

Via Cal Poly: RFID HIGHLIGHTS: "Fred Abler, Tali Freed visited Sun Microsystems in Menlo Park, CA for a day of meetings to present the Cal Poly RFID Research and Testing Lab to a team of SUN executives. The meeting was arranged by Sema Alptekin, a Cal Poly IME professor currently on sabbatical at UC Berkeley. During the day-long series of meetings, the directors presented their vision for RFID Research at CAL POLY, resulting in the RFID Research and Testing Lab being nominated to become the SUN Center of Excellence for RFID."

Via University of Wisconsin: Headlines for March 21, 2005: "The RFID laboratory on the UW-Madison campus enables RFID workgroup members to conduct structured experiments ranging from tag placement to antenna design. "

Via University of Arkansas - Daily Headlines: "The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center laboratory has passed accreditation criteria established by EPCglobal Inc., a global not-for-profit standards organization commercializing the Electronic Product CodeT (EPC) and RFID worldwide. The UA lab is one of the first EPC/RFID research laboratories worldwide to receive the EPCglobal Performance Test Center accreditation. The RFID Research Center, a subunit of the Information Technology Research Institute, housed in the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business."

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience

LG's RFID implementation was completed quickly and successfully certified to meet Best Buy's RFID compliance requirements. ...

... "The deployment was completed in less than two months and has been certified by Best Buy to meet the retailer's January 2, 2006 mandate. As a global supplier of televisions, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics, LG began investigating RFID technology when Wal-Mart and Best Buy issued mandates last year. In the initial deployment, LG plans to tag three SKUs to be shipped from their warehouse in Texas to Best Buy distribution centers. According to Sam Ismail, Director, Logistics Advanced Engineering at LG Electronics, this infrastructure gives LG the ability to tag and ship additional SKUs from the warehouse and manufacturing facility as more retailers mandate the use of the technology and as more business cases are determined to add value. " ...

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience: Via OATSystems: LG Electronics Goes Live with OATSystems: Implementation Completed in Record Time ...

OATSystems, Inc. is the recognized RFID framework leader with software that empowers businesses to achieve competitive advantage from radio-frequency identification (RFID). As pioneers in the development of RFID technology, OAT has been setting the standard in RFID for over half a decade and is responsible for industry firsts that include the largest scale and largest scope of deployments, as well as the most innovative approaches to providing enterprise-wide RFID solutions. OAT's multinational client base, which includes companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Gillette, consists of over 50 customers in retail, CPG, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense.

RFID Company Raises Capital ...

Impinj raises another round of investment funding from venture capitalists to sustain its growth in the RFID technology industry. ...

... "Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon technology enables its two business lines: semiconductor intellectual property and high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products, announced it has secured a $26.5 million round of funding. Participants in the funding round included new investors GF Private Equity Group LLC, who led the round, and VentureTech Alliance along with existing investors ARCH Venture Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Mobius Venture Capital, Polaris Venture Partners, Unilever Technology Ventures, UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund and the Viterbi Group. This new injection of capital allows Impinj to maintain our excellent progress delivering the semiconductor solutions that our customers in the explosive RFID and the nascent embedded nonvolatile markets are demanding, said Dr. William Colleran, President and CEO of Impinj. We will continue to aggressively drive our product development and operations to maintain our leadership positions in those markets. " ...

RFID Company Raises Capital: Via Impinj: Impinj Raises $26.5M, Cements RFID Leadership Role ...

Impinj, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its two synergistic business lines: high performance RFID products and cost-effective semiconductor intellectual property (SIP). A leading contributor to the RFID standards for high volume supply-chain applications worldwide, Impinj leverages its technical expertise and industry partnerships to deliver the GrandPrix™ solution, comprising tags, readers, software and systems integration to offer RFID that just works™. Impinj’s innovative SIP products, core to the company’s RFID tags, are licensed to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them to cost-effectively integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog and digital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's SIP products include the popular AEON™ memory, the world's first rewriteable NVM technology compatible with logic CMOS manufacturing, and AEFuse™, the world's first rewriteable fuse architecture.

RFID Growth Europe 5BnEuro ...

Recent market research shows growth of RFID technology in Europe to cross 5Bn Euro mark in 2007. ...

RFID Growth Europe 5BnEuro: Via RNCOS: The burgeoning RFID R&D centers across Europe

... "RFID has recently generated large-scale interest in Europe. This region has seen substantial research and development processes undertaken by a large number of RFID and contact less application vendors and developers. Nordic and Scandinavian regions are also characterized by a credible market for RFID. The new report, RFID Industry (2005-2007) - An Update (Insight to European Market), published by RNCOS, a renowned market research firm, provides a comprehensive coverage of the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, as the projects related to RFID technology have begun to thrive in various markets such as retail, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and livestock. The expert team of RNCOS has examined the changes occurring in the business processes and market sizes in the European RFID industry. Market analysis shows that RFID spending on hardware, software, and services in Europe is estimated to cross 5bn Euro in 2007. The major reason being the adoption of latest technology by the firms to ensure an efficient RFID supply chain model. " ...

RFID Plug Play HighFrequency Readers ...

TradWind Tech launches plug and play solution for high frequency RFID readers ...

RFID Plug Play HighFrequency Readers: Via Tradewind Technologies: TradeWind Technologies Introduces Plug & Play for RFID: TradeWind Technologies' ContactlessONE platform for High Frequency RFID readers enables ODMs & OEMs to rapidly develop and go to market with High Frequency RFID hardware and software ...

... "TradeWind Technologies, LLC, a global leader in the design and development of advanced High Frequency RFID Reader technology announced they are releasing ContactlessONE. The solution is combination hardware, software, and documentation to make High Frequency (13.56 MHz) RFID development and deployment plug and play for peripheral, mobile phone, PDA, laptop, PC