Thursday, April 23, 2009

Evigia RFID III Purchases

Evigia Systems begins to supply Northrop Grumman with RFID technology through the first wave of purchase orders under the U.S. Department of Defense RFID III contract. ...

... "DoD awarded the contract in December 2008 to four teams including the Northrop Grumman / Evigia team, which has a ceiling of $429 million for active RFID hardware products, software and engineering services. The RFID III contract managed by PM J-AIT was established on behalf of all U.S. Armed Services, and is open to other government agencies as well as non-U.S. defense forces globally. " ...


Via Evigia: RFID III Contract

DOD RFID III reference:

RFID-III Contract: "This is a Firm Fixed Price IDIQ contract for Commercial active RFID (aRFID) hardware, software, and services. The contract has a ceiling value of $429.4 million. The term of the contract is 10 years consisting of a three-year base period ... "

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

RFID Supplier Visibility

Omnitrol launches real-time visibility into the supplier value chain using RFID sensors. ...

... "OMNITROL Supplier Visibility extends the company’s industry-leading real-time operational and WIP visibility solution for manufacturers with real-time visibility on their orders directly from their suppliers’ shop floors. The OMNITROL Supplier Visibility network is enabling the industry’s first collaborative shop-floor to shop-floor supply chain based on real-time data from RFID and Wi-Fi sensors. OSV integrates seamlessly with Omnitrol Networks’ work-in-process (WIP) and global track-and-trace (GTT) solutions, providing complete supply-chain visibility. " ...


Via Omnitrol: Automated real-time supplier visibility network

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Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Walmart RFID Beyond Tracking

RFID tags get more sophisticated with sensing capabilities and on-chip intelligence, as industry moves beyond Walmart compliance. ...

... "WalMart’s top 100 suppliers must use RFID on the palette level, and they are getting more and more down to the clamshell level, he said. Saxer said his RFID tags have a temperature sensor in them that measures the temperature throughout the food chain ... " ...


Via The Packer: Beyond traceability

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Sunday, November 09, 2008

RFID Advance Shipment Notice

DOD uses Advance Shipment Notice (ASN) transactions in combination with RFID tagging to synchronize the arriving RFID tag ID with the contents of an inbound shipment. ...

... "The current acceptable method for ASN submission is through Wide Area Workflow (WAWF). The RFID mandate requires that all vendors who are contractually obligated to affix passive RFID tags to material must also send an ASN via WAWF. The ASN is not a new process/transaction, but it is the same existing Material Inspection Receiving Report (MIRR) transaction being sent to WAWF with additional data (RFID data elements) added to the transaction. " ...


Via Defense Logistics and Materiel Readiness: Radio Frequency Identification

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Savi RFID Pilot Tracks Automotive Assets in the Supply Chain

Land Rover and Savi will pilot an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution that will achieve synchronized auto parts deliveries from multiple suppliers in Land Rover's supply chain to the company's assembly plant in West Midlands (U.K.). ...

Land Rover West Midlands

... "Savi is supplying RFID hardware and software to enhance visibility, inventory management, and asset utilization, and to reduce losses, assembly plant disruptions, and time spent locating assembly parts. Phase 2 of this pilot enables 18 suppliers and Land Rover to better locate, track, and deliver stillages (specialized steel conveyances) that carry bumpers, front grills, suspension parts, moon roofs, and vehicle bodies, among other parts. Real-time information on RFID-tagged assets is shared among the partners and is automatically transmitted to cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and web-based tracking software. " ...


Via Savi Technology: RFID PILOT TO TRACK AUTO PARTS BETWEEN SUPPLIERS AND ASSEMBLY PLANT

West Midlands Automotive Cluster

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Saturday, January 19, 2008

WalMart Supplier RFID Policy

Walmart updates its RFID policy for suppliers to its Sam's Club stores. Walmart has developed a timeline to drive efficiencies into its supply chain. ...

... "The retailer says that beginning Jan. 30, it will charge suppliers a $2 fee for each pallet they ship to its Sam's Club distribution center in Texas that doesn't have an RFID tag. The charge is to cover Sam's Club's cost to affix tags on each pallet ... " ...


Via InformationWeek: WalMart Gets Tough

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Sunday, September 16, 2007

Suppliers Benefits Walmart RFID Program Compliance

Walmart supplier, Pacific Coast, sees benefits from compliance with Walmart RFID program, leading to efficiencies across the value chain. ...

... "Pacific Coast is benefiting from WalMart's in-store RFID effort. Data generated shows which stores aren't doing a good job keeping its products on shelves. WalMart and Pacific Coast are using that data ... " ...


Via InformationWeek: Walmart RFID Benefits Suppliers

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Metro Supplier RFID Tag Pilot

METRO Group's Tag It Easy! pilot uses Checkpoint RFID labels to manage the inbound supply-side of its supply chain in Asia to Germany. ...

... "The METRO Group expects that the RFID pilot will optimize efficiency and transparency in the international flow of goods. Access to more-accurate, real-time shipment data will help the retailer improve control over its international supply chain, resulting in lower warehousing costs and reduced out-of-stock situations.

METRO Group has standardized on UHF EPC Gen 2 tags for compliance to all regional requirements: 917 - 922 MHz for China; 920 - 925 MHz for Hong Kong; and 865.6 - 867.6 MHz for Europe. The RFID tags on the labels provided by Checkpoint will store the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), which will be read at several points along the supply chain from Hong Kong to Unna, Germany. The METRO Group will receive an electronic delivery note in advance of the shipment, detailing the container content. The supplier also benefits, by gaining detailed proof of package delivery. The pilot will run for three months, and the METRO Group expects to extend the project to include several other Asian suppliers at a future date if the concept proves to be feasible. " ...


METRO Group and Checkpoint Systems Partner to Help Suppliers Tag it Easy

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Sunday, February 25, 2007

Hyundai RFID Enables Supply Chain Management

Hyundai will use RFID technology to automate processes in its supply chain
Hyundai-Kia Motors Group, South Korean vehicle manufacturer, implements RFID technology to provide visibility throughout the automotive parts supply chain. Transitioning from applied bar code labels, Hyundai Group's Glovis company will automate its distribution process with RFID to acquire real-time distribution information. ...

... "In March 2007, Glovis, an affiliated company of Hyundai/Kia Motors Group in charge of the supply chain management (SCM), will begin receiving RFID tagged boxes of automotive parts from more than 200 suppliers. In the first phase of the project, approximately 130,000 UPM Raflatac DogBone UHF RFID tags will be applied to parts boxes and packaging cases from five major suppliers for exportation to Hyundai/Kia Motors' overseas factory in Alabama, USA. In the second phase, 20 million UPM Raflatac RFID tags will be used annually to track all boxes and containers of automotive parts through the supply chain. Using RFID technology, Glovis will be able to track corrugated cardboard boxes of automotive parts through the major SCM processes, including delivery to the distribution centre, the repacking process, leaving the distribution centre, delivery to the overseas distribution centre and final delivery to Hyundai/Kia Motors' overseas factory. In the RFID-enabled SCM, the completion reports for each process are automatically collected by passing the parts boxes through an RFID interrogator gate. " ...


Via UPM Raflatac: UPM Raflatac RFID tags enhance supply chain management at Hyundai/Kia Motors

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Checkpoint RFID Metro Pilot Implementation Solves Technical Challenges

Checkpoint supports RFID pilot and implementation for Metro Group
Checkpoint Systems is involved in pilot of UHF RFID technology at METRO Group's Distribution Centres near Hamm, Germany, under supervision of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) task group 34 (TG34). The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) plays a major role in the global standardization of Information and Communication Technologies. This pilot has been created to improve the read performance of RFID tags in a high-density UHF reading environment and validate the performance of portal dock door solutions. The successful pilot solves UHF RFID challenges and supports Metro's plan to implement RFID more broadly in 2007. The Metro RFID implementation is aimed at enhancing customer service and increasing the efficiency of its supply chain. METRO Group is an international retailing company with 2005 sales of EUR55.7 billion. The company has a headcount of about 250,000 employees and operates more than 2,200 outlets in 30 countries. ...

... "Utilizing equipment from numerous RFID suppliers in Europe and North America, Checkpoint served as a hardware integrator for the trials. In this capacity, Checkpoint helped with the design work for the hardware solution and procurement, configuration and installation of the 36 RFID-enabled dock door portals which were used to validate successful simultaneous operation of multiple dock doors using a 4-channel synchronized approach under the ETSI 302 208 standard. Pallets containing 62 individually tagged cases largely containing RFID unfriendly materials (such as cans, liquids and metal lined items) were simultaneously transported at warehouse speeds through 36 adjacent loading dock doors. Some 4.5 million individual reads were recorded over the course of the trials. Complying with the ETSI listen before talk (LBT) requirements, the tests achieved a 98.5%+ read rate simultaneously from multiple pallets as they were wheeled through the dock doors. " ...


Via Checkpoint Systems: Checkpoint Systems Partners with Metro Group to Successfully Deploy UHF RFID Dock Door Solution: 98.5%+ Read Rate Represents Milestone in European RFID Deployment ...

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Monday, December 18, 2006

RFID Adaptive Supply Chain Networks

SAP upgrades its transportation management functionality, as part of the mySAP Supply Chain Management (mySAP SCM) modules to support adapting business processes to optimize revenue across global trade operations. The upgraded software will support ocean shipping management and transportation planning through increased visibility and control of shipments globally. Transportation management costs will be reduced by making the business process more flexible and dynamic using real world aware practices, such as RFID technology. RFID technology integration into the adaptive supply chain will occur through SAP's NetWeaver platform. SAP reports that its existing transportation management software is used by more than 2,200 companies worldwide. This upgrade positions SAP as a strong competitor in the supply chain logistics software market. ...

... "Powered by the SAP NetWeaver platform and leveraging emerging technologies and real world aware practices - using technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, smart cards and sensors - mySAP SCM transforms traditional, linear supply chains into adaptive supply chain networks to meet the challenges of rapidly changing market dynamics. These adaptive supply chain networks allow all participants, including suppliers and logistics providers, to sense changes in demand and supply conditions as they occur and to share the critical knowledge needed to respond intelligently. The result is an adaptive supply chain network that is not only demand-driven but can also leverage its assets to influence demand where appropriate. mySAP SCM offers a dynamic synchronization of demand-driven planning, logistics and network execution based on real-time information that provides the capability to synchronize supply with demand by balancing push and pull network planning processes and to replenish and produce based on actual demand; sense and respond with an adaptive supply chain network in which distribution, transportation and logistics are driven and integrated into real-time planning processes; and enable network wide visibility, collaboration and analytics across the extended supply chain. " ...


Via SAP: SAP Helps Companies Meet the Challenges and Reduce the Costs of Global Trade ...

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

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. ...

Wherenet active RFID tags support Nissan continuous improvement

... "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 ...

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Monday, October 23, 2006

RFID Out-of-Box Solution: SMB Market

Intermec partners to create an out-of-box RFID compliance experience for suppliers to the retail industry and the Department of Defense. This is especially critical for small and medium sized businesses (SMB market) as this RFID kit enabled them to accelerate their RFID compliance efforts. The kits include everything required to meet RFID compliance mandates, generate and apply Generation-2 RFID tags, and verify tag information. This is a time-saver as it enables an SMB customer to accelerate to the integration testing phase. ...

... "To generate a label, customer order information and the customer-stipulated label format is transmitted by the Intermec portable terminal to the PM4i printer's on-board encoder, which translates the information and prints it into an RFID-readable tag, barcode or human readable label. The printer's embedded reader then scans and verifies the tag's information before it is placed on a carton or pallet. The Intermec 751, operating with an attached IP4 portable reader, or the IF5 fixed RFID reader then re-verifies the order information and confirms shipment. The Informs kit comes with stand-alone PC-based compliance software that includes all standard retail and DOD-compliant label formats, so users have easy and immediate access to compliant label formats. The software can act as a stand-alone shipping application and interoperates with all ERP software for complete system integration. A key component of the system, EPC Solutions' Tag Manager software contains GTIN and SSCC smart labels information and allows users to immediately begin shipping cases and pallets with standards-compliant, up-to-date labeling. " ...


Via Intermec: Intermec and Informs Deliver Affordable, Streamlined RFID Compliance Kit

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Monday, October 09, 2006

RFID Case Tracking: BestBuy Compliance ...

NetGear complies with BestBuy RFID mandate through services of APL Logistics. ...

RFID case tagging is required for shipments to BestBuy ...

... "Global supply chain management leader APL Logistics has won the RFID tagging solution business of Silicon Valley-based NETGEAR, a leading provider of wireless networking equipment. Under terms of the agreement, APL Logistics will affix Radio Frequency Identification tags to cases of NETGEAR product sent to selected Best Buy stores in the U.S. The deal highlights a growing trend among major retailers who mandate that their suppliers use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on shipments. It also confirms APL Logistics' role as an innovative provider of the technology for supply chain management. " ...


Via APL Logistics: NETGEAR Turns to APL Logistics for RFID Mandate

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RFID Podcast: Technology for CEOs ...

Podcast on RFID technology for CEOs ...

... "While WalMart, Target and other retailers have begun to require suppliers to use RFID tags on shipments, there have not been as many full-scale roll-outs of the technology " ...

Via Business Week: The CEO's Guide to RFID

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Sunday, September 24, 2006

RFID Retail Solutions POS

Tally partners to RFID-enable the retail shopping experience. It will leverage the strengths of AVAAN for integration of RFID technology into the point-of-sale process. This positions Tally in the high-growth segments of the retail industry. ...

Tally creates partnership to integrate RFID into the POS retail experience ...

... "Tally announced its alliance with AVAANA, an Innovation and Integration Services Company focused on the high growth RFID market. The Tally-AVAANA alliance is to RFID-enable Tally Products and establishes AVAANA as Tally's Preferred RFID partner. AVAANA will be providing the RFID enablement for the TallyShoper Retail POS (Point-Of-Sale) of India's largest product software company. This targets the high-growth Retail industry. This will also be deployed in an upcoming industry RFID pilot. RFID is a data collection technology that provides suppliers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors with up-to-the-minute supply chain visibility, from inventory and logistics to freshness dates. RFID is powerful because it provides a unique identifying serial number to each and every item, unlike bar codes that typically have a unique number for a set of similar items. " ...

Via Tally Solutions: TALLY and AVAANA sign MOU for RFID As Tally's Preferred RFID Partner, AVAANA's RFID technology enables Shoper for Retail industry ...

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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Walmart RFID: Gen2 Tag Implementation ...

Walmart will continue its implementation of RFID technology as it expands the number of targeted stores and plans conversion to Generation 2 tags. ...

Walmart RFID implementation keeps chugging along ...

... "WalMart Stores, Inc. will bring another 500 stores and clubs online with its RFID (radio frequency identification) initiative by the end of this fiscal year, bringing the total number of its retail locations using the technology to more than 1,000. The company has more than 3,900 locations in the United States.

The benefits of RFID, especially with regard to reducing out-of-stocks, as well as reducing excess inventory, have been documented in a 2005 study by the University of Arkansas. Ford noted that all WalMart installations moving forward would only read Gen 2 tags. As the remaining pallets and cases with Gen 1 tags make their way through the distribution network, WalMart will convert all of its systems to only read Gen 2 tags.

As predicted by industry experts, the cost of the technology continues to fall while performance continues to improve. WalMart expects this trend to continue as users adopt the Gen 2 tags, which, as envisioned, are becoming the industry's global standard thanks to significant work by EPCglobal and its members. Ford said that WalMart continues to work with its next 300 largest suppliers, which are expected to begin shipping test cases in October. These suppliers will go live with their shipments in January 2007, bringing to more than 600 the number of supplier companies using RFID technology in concert with WalMart. " ...

Via Walmart Stores: WalMart Continues RFID Expansion

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Saturday, August 12, 2006

RFID Retail: Apparel Payback ...

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

RFID will be demonstrated for use in the apparel industry ...

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

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

Retail RFID applications are discussed ...

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

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.

RFID data standard tested by T3Ci with IBM at Unilever ...

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. "

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Sunday, June 18, 2006

Metro RFID: Gen2 Supplier Mandate ...

MetroGroup transitions suppliers to RFID Gen 2 ...
Metro starts transition to Generation 2 RFID standards with suppliers. ...

... "Germany's Metro Group, a European retail giant, has started using an updated international standard for radio frequency identification (RFID) in some of its stores ... " ...

Metro RFID: Gen2 Supplier Mandate: Via FreshPlaza: Metro's suppliers face deadline on updated RFID standard ...

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Wednesday, June 14, 2006

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

Tower Seimconductor will supply Alien Technology with RFID chips based on generation 2 ...
Tower Semi will manufacture Generation 2 RFID chips for Alien Technology. ...

... "Tower Semiconductor Ltd., a pure-play independent specialty foundry, announced that it is the manufacturing supplier for Alien Technology's internally-designed Gen 2 RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) integrated circuits. These ICs recently achieved the EPCGlobal certification mark. The RFID ICs are produced at Tower's Fab2 in an advanced 0.18-micron manufacturing process. Market analysts forecast the RFID IC's market to grow significantly to between $500 millions and $1 Billion by 2010, mainly due to the Gen 2 impact. RFID tags help enable supply chain efficiency, visibility and security and are being deployed in retail, defense, transportation and health markets. Some of the implementation initiatives are being led by major US retailers. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 13 federal agencies are already using or plan to deploy RFID technology. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has mandated RFID's use across its suppliers for increased supply chain visibility and improved forecasting. The newly certified Alien Gen 2 RFID chips include some new CMOS devices which were jointly developed with Tower. IC development efforts focused on the low-power requirements for such an RFID tag which draws its power solely from transmitted Radio Frequency energy. " ...


RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien: Via Tower Semiconductor: Tower Semiconductor Manufactures Gen 2 RFID Tags for Alien Technology ...

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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

RFID Shelf Edge Management ...

IBM RFID retail store architecture ...
Vue, Pricer, and IBM collaborate to deliver RFID technology that supports shelf edge management. ...

... "Vue Technology, the leading provider of item level RFID solutions, and Pricer AB, the leading supplier of electronic display and information systems, announced that they have collaborated with IBM to provide retailers with a breakthrough solution for RFID enabled shelf edge management. The new solution leverages real time item level data collected via RFID to expand the use of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) beyond static price and stock displays. The new innovation will be on display in IBM's booth at the Retail Systems 2006 Conference & Exposition, May 22-24. The shelf-edge management solution enables retailers to consistently deliver the right item level inventory information to their store associates and customers; and for suppliers it is an opportunity to ensure that their new products are not sitting in the store back room. Through the integration of Vue Technology's TrueVUE RFID Platform, Pricer's integrated ESL solution, and IBM's Store Integration Framework, retailers can now cost effectively deploy a seamless solution for item-level inventory tracking and shelf-level management. Displaying critical retail store information directly at the shelf edge enhances the overall customer experience while reducing out-of-stocks and increasing sales.

With critical item level retail information now available at the shelf edge, through the integration of RFID and ESL technology via IBM's Store Integration Framework, sales associates can quickly and efficiently identify exact inventory needs and expedite restocking while business operations staff can remotely monitor inventory levels across stores and generate critical inventory alerts. At the same time, the TrueVUE RFID Platform provides visibility for the IT operations staff to remotely monitor and maintain the RFID network. " ...

RFID Shelf Edge Management: Via Vue Technology: Vue Technology and Pricer AB Team with IBM to Deliver Breakthrough in Shelf Edge Management for Retail ...

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

RFID: RealTime Promotion Execution

RFID technology is applied to the management of promotions ...
OatSystems and ADT combine to deliver a real-time promotion execution process, enabled by RFID technology. RFID applied to the execution of promotions, help track the inventory used in promotions in real-time and create immediate feedback for marketers. ...

... "OATSystems, Inc. and ADT, a unit of Tyco Fire & Security, announced a proof of ROI program designed to validate the return on investment from standards-based RFID-enabled promotions and ignite the next phase of RFID deployments. Together with Intel Corporation, the companies will provide RFID hardware, software and services necessary for a 10 store retail deployment to help retailers track promotional products and provide critical information back to suppliers such as Proctor & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark. To help validate the ROI, an independent academic institution of the retailer's choosing will establish the parameters of the study, monitor control stores and deliver a final report on the ROI.

Trade promotion spending by manufacturers is a massive budget item, representing 12%-15% of sales for most companies. Unfortunately, study after study and the day-to-day experiences of manufacturers and retailers show that the returns on trade promotions are far less than satisfactory. Real-time Promotion Execution (RPE) is a new, RFID-centric business process that can help consumer products manufacturers and retailers to dramatically increase promotion effectiveness which may result in increased promotional sales, decreased execution costs, and greater shopper satisfaction. According to Cheryl Perkins, senior vice president and chief innovation officer for Kimberly-Clark, RFID technology can be used as a business tool to help deliver greater value to K-C and its retail customers.

RPE uses RFID-tagged displays and promotion product cases to measure in-store promotion execution by tracking where and when the displays and promotion inventory are in the store. Manufacturers and retailers can track when the items reach the store, when they're moved to the sales floor, and how long they are there - all in near-real time. This information is then integrated across many stores and manipulated with powerful analytic tools. Illustrated by the recently released MIT study on RFID-based promotions, this enables a new business process that is cost-effective and dramatically increases promotion sell-through, correction of poor in-store execution and promotion intelligence, and lowers the cost of promotions management. " ...

Via OATSystems: OATSystems and ADT Announce Promotions-on-Standards Program to Ignite RFID ROI: Leaders Rally Retailers and Suppliers to Validate ROI in Standards-Based Real-time Promotions Execution ...

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Saturday, April 29, 2006

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative ...

VTech implements RFID supply chain pilot to enable Walmert compliance ...

... "Cisco Systems and Intel Corporation announced that VTech (Telecommunications division), a leading supplier of corded and cordless telephones, has selected a radio frequency identification (RFID) solution from Cisco and Intel for its pilot participation in the Hong Kong EPCnetwork initiative directed by EPCglobal Hong Kong. Upon completion, VTech will be able to comply with Wal-Mart's RFID request requiring key suppliers and business partners to become RFID-compliant. This will also help VTech improve the efficiency of warehouse operations and management through automation, as well as serving to enhance visibility throughout the supply chain.

VTech's pilot participation demonstrates that the Hong Kong EPCnetwork of EPCglobal Hong Kong has made significant strides since its launch last year. The Hong Kong EPCnetwork initiative aims to bring end-to-end supply chain visibility to the Pan Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region through the use of a common, standards-based data exchange allowing easy, secure, real-time communication between manufacturers, logistics companies and retailers. Manufacturers and logistics companies in the PPRD can expect to enhance their connections and relationships with retailers worldwide through the EPCnetwork initiative.

The RFID solution, comprising Cisco AON for RFID and Cisco Services for RFID, is based on platforms powered by Intel technologies including Intel Xeon-based servers, RFID readers and PCs. The solution delivers integrated and intelligent RFID capabilities that connect the VTech and Wal-Mart RFID systems. The Hong Kong EPCnetwork project will enable VTech to take advantage of next generation RFID technology to track telecommunications products from the Dongguan factory to Wal-Mart distribution centers in the US. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative: Via Cisco: VTech Selects Cisco and Intel RFID Solution for Supply Chain Pilot ...

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Friday, April 21, 2006

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers ...

Zebra offers guidance on Walmart RFID compliance to the next 300 suppliers ...

... "To help the next 300 companies with their compliance mandates, Zebra offers the following article outlining the top 10 best practices based on successful RFID implementations featuring WalMart suppliers Pacific Cycle, the largest bicycle supplier in North America; Victory Land Group, a large furniture importer; and Beaver Street Fisheries, a distributor of fish and seafood products. " ...

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers: Via Zebra: RFID Top Ten Best Practices

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

RFID Analytics Software ...

Xterprise releases analytics software to support RFID technology. ...

... "Xterprise Incorporated, an industry leading Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Enabled Supply Chain solutions provider and the leader in RFID source tagging solutions, has extended its solution offering with the commercial release of AnalytiX. AnalytiX is a data analytics product targeted to assist retail suppliers shipping RFID products to Wal-Mart and other retailers by monitoring and quantifying the benefits of using RFID within retail supply chains. Unlike other RFID analytics offerings in the market, Xterprise’s AnalytiX product provides the most innovative user interface, the richest retail RFID analytics available in the market and the first of its kind monitoring of production source tagging solution performance. The product is fully compatible with WalMart's Retail Link as well as many Enterprise Systems data interfaces such as SAP. Xterprise is currently working with members of the Wal-Mart top100 in pilots and will demonstrate the product at both the EPC Technology Expo/Wal-Mart supplier forum (Dallas, April 25-26) and RFID Journal Live (Las Vegas, May 1-3). " ...

Via Xterprise: Xterprise Announces Most Comprehensive RFID AnalytiX Product in the Market ...

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Monday, April 17, 2006

RFID Supply Chain Future ...

RFID has future in the secure global supply chain ...

... "Assuring that your suppliers are handling your cargo in a secure way will require greater visibility into the supply chain. Someday, this will be done through RFID, smart containers and other emerging technologies. " ...

Peering Into Your Supply Chain: Via CSOonline ...

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Monday, March 20, 2006

Walmart RFID Payback ...

Walmart discusses the payback of RFID technology ...

... "Retailer WalMart Stores continues to build momentum around its radio frequency identification (RFID) tag initiatives, adding new uses for the supply chain technology and getting more suppliers and partners to comply with its RFID mandates. " ...

Walmart RFID Payback: Via Techworld: RFID pays for itself, says Wal-Mart

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Thursday, March 02, 2006

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate ...

Sun and SAP collaborate to enable seamless RFID solutions ...

... "Sun Microsystems, Inc. expanded its relationship with SAP AG to integrate and standardize RFID technology based on the SAP(R) Auto-ID Infrastructure component of SAP NetWeaver(R) and the Sun Java System RFID Software. This collaboration will enable RFID data network communication between Sun and SAP RFID technology (part of the mySAP Business Suite solutions), allowing for seamless data flow from any RFID-enabled device to the mySAP Business Suite. The technology integration has been tested and certified by SAP. Customers in a broad range of industries, including retail and manufacturing, are looking to RFID technology to help them gain insight into multiple facets of the logistics process, including maintaining inventories, interacting with suppliers, improving customer service and tracking orders. The collaboration between SAP and Sun will help speed time to deployment for customers looking to integrate RFID data into their back-end systems. The Sun Java System RFID Software provides centralized monitoring and management capabilities for large numbers of distributed RFID devices and delivers Jini technology-based dynamic networking capabilities, which help ensure that RFID data can continue to be transmitted to the SAP applications under demanding production environments. " ...

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate: Via Sun: Sun and SAP Collaborate to Simplify Deployment of RFID Solutions on SAP NetWeaver ...

Additional references on SAP and RFID ...

Via SAP - Components & Tools of SAP NetWeaver: SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure: "SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, the key component of SAP NetWeaver that provides RFID capabilities, provides SAP applications with a gateway into RFID data. "

Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: "SAP NetWeaver provides companies with a powerful platform to manage, integrate and leverage RFID data within their SAP and non-SAP business applications. By integrating a combination of SAP NetWeaver components with core business applications, such as enterprise resource planning or supply chain management, customers can RFID-enable their business processes. The implementation of SAP RFID technology was facilitated by Annin's implementation partner CIBER Novasoft. The integration of SAP RFID technology and the pre-existing SAP IT infrastructure means information captured from the RFID tags for the more than 500,000 master cartons shipped annually can be accessed directly in the enterprise SAP system. Retailers can track and report on the movement of Annin's inventory tagged with RFID through warehouses and stores. By creating this real-world aware network, Annin has laid the groundwork for shipping items using RFID and developing an integrated and scalable approach to the technology, providing benefits beyond merely meeting the Wal-Mart requirement. "

Via SAP: SAP Forges Next Generation of RFID-Enabled Business Solutions with Kimberly-Clark: "SAP and Kimberly-Clark will continue to leverage EPCglobal efforts to promote standards based solutions to the marketplace. SAP is bringing to bear the state-of-the-art Auto-ID, analytical and event-driven technologies provided by the SAP NetWeaver platform to collect, analyze and act on EPC (electronic product code) data shared among Kimberly-Clark and its trading partners. Kimberly-Clark has already deployed SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure as the system of record of enterprise-wide EPC information and as the interface that controls all EPC information flowing into mySAP ERP. "

Via SAP: SAP Enables Fraport AG to Reduce Maintenance Costs and Increase Safety at Frankfurt Airport with Mobile Asset Management: "Before the mobile deployment, service engineers had to fill out lengthy forms during equipment checks, then enter the data manually into the central ERP software. Service technicians now use PDAs to access daily maintenance plans and carry out work orders. The PDAs read maintenance-relevant information from the RFID tags installed on ventilation shutters and act as clients to the ERP software for reporting and archiving. Because the PDAs can read tags only at a distance of three centimeters or less, the mobile scenario confirms that service technicians duly checked each vent on their work orders. In addition to safeguarding maintenance processes and generating reports in compliance with federal regulations, the solution helps the company maintain a complete view across the entire asset life cycle and more quickly locate reoccurring faults. "

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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

RFID Generation 2 Technology Standards ...

Manhattan Assoc supports compliance with the Generation 2 RFID Technology Standards ...

... "This latest evolution in RFID technology and standards, commonly referred to as Generation 2, is being adopted by Wal*Mart and Target. The two retailers plan to have their suppliers begin using these new standards to move goods through their supply chains. Suppliers to the two companies are expected to make this transition by mid-year. Manhattan Associates supports the migration to these latest RFID standards and can help companies with new RFID deployment. Generation 2's major goal is to ensure interoperability between all EPC Global Generation 2-compliant devices and tags. " ...


RFID Generation 2 Technology Standards: Via Manhattan Associates: Manhattan Associates Helps Companies Achieve Compliance with Class 1 Generation 2 RFID Technology Standards ...

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Sunday, February 26, 2006

RFID Warehouse Pilot Study ...

RFID technology pilot is planned at The Warehouse ...

... "This year's pilot is likely to involve tagging pallets and cartons containing one undisclosed product category with RFID chips, once they are delivered by suppliers, so they can then be tracked in warehouses and stockrooms. " ...


RFID Warehouse Pilot Study: Via NZ Stuff: Warehouse study paves way for RFID trial ...

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Sunday, February 19, 2006

RFID Technology Strategy for Compliance ...

Suppliers must be ready to satisfy customer requirements for RFID technology ...

... "As the WalMarts and Metros of the world implement new RFID requirements, suppliers, in their efforts to comply, must be prepared to execute the right technology strategy to serve their own business. " ...

RFID Technology Strategy for Compliance: Via Ferret: Manhattan Associates - RFID myths debunked

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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Walmart RFID: EDI RetailLink Integration ...

Walmart begins testing of RFID EDI business process integration through the RetailLink channel with select suppliers. ...

... "WalMart Stores Inc. is testing a way to share data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags through automated electronic data interchange transmissions (EDI). The trial is being conducted with a handful of suppliers and EPCglobal Inc., the standards group spearheading RFID adoption. " ...

Walmart RFID: EDI RetailLink Integration: Via TechWeb: advanced ship notices: WalMart Advances RFID Project ...

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Sunday, January 08, 2006

WalMart Dillman RFID Push ...

Walmart continues to grow and expand. Expect it to push further in the adoption of RFID technology. Linda Dillman keeps the pressure on. ...

... "Another 200 suppliers were to come on board the RFID train this month. As if to show how important the technology is to WalMart, Dillman recently said that the company won't invest any more time in those suppliers who drag their feet in complying with the RFID program. " ...

WalMart Dillman RFID Push: Via The Morning News :: Business Page: Expansion Always In WalMart's Future ...

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Monday, January 02, 2006

Walmart RFID: Next Wave 200 Suppliers in Jan 2006 ...

WalMart brings next wave of RFID-enabled suppliers on-line in January 2006. Anita French explores the highs and lows for WalMart in 2005. ...

... "WalMart proved one set of critics wrong when 100 of its suppliers met the company's January mandate for having radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags pallet- and case-ready. Some detractors said the suppliers wouldn't be able to meet the company's deadline. As of April, WalMart had RFID in use at 104 of its stores, 36 Sam's Clubs and three distribution centers, it said. The next 200 suppliers are to come on board by January 2006. " ...

Walmart RFID: Next Wave 200 Suppliers in Jan 2006: Via The Morning News: Wal-Mart Year A Mixed Bag ...

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Wednesday, December 28, 2005

RFID Visibility Solution for Supply Chain

TNT Express will implement Xterprise’s TraX Visibility, a real-time supply chain execution solution. The system will track high value electronics movement in the supply chain from China to Europe. The solution was piloted in 2004 and will now be expanded. ...

... "Phase II involves deployment of an enhanced TraX Release 2.0 application with multi-stakeholder enterprise system integration, including SAP. In addition, the solution will enable streamlining and higher accuracy sorting at the TNT facilities in Europe and enable Item-level shipment visibility for supply network partners. TraX 2.0 is expected to improve TNT customer service through a higher fidelity Track and Trace features which allows for better inventory planning and management and more accurate shipping performance, resulting in a value-added service offerings to TNT’s customer base. Xterprise technology partners in the project included Alien, Zebra Technologies and Apriso. The introduction of the latest RFID tag antenna designs and new multi-static European RFID readers both from Alien increased the read reliability dramatically. Tests have shown up to 100% read performance of a full pallet of notebooks as they are unloaded through the Xterprise XPort™ RFID reader portals in multiple locations throughout Europe. Xterprise’s TraX RFID enhanced visibility application, built on Apriso’s Flexnet SOA platform, enables customers, suppliers and logistics service providers to view real-time status of shipments around the globe. " ...


RFID Visibility Solution for Supply Chain: Via Xterprise: TNT Express Deploys Xterprise TraX Real-Time RFID Visibility Solution for China-Europe Supply Chain ...

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Thursday, November 10, 2005

RFID Temperature Monitoring in the Cold Chain ...

RFID Temperature Monitoring in the Cold Chain: Via SENSITECH: Sensitech Launches ColdStream™ PTS Plant to Shelf Application, Empowering Retailers and Perishable Suppliers to Reduce Shrink and Increase Profits through Improved Cold Chain Visibility: Radio Frequency-Enabled Solution is First to Provide Temperature Monitoring Within Every Segment of the Cold Chain ...

... "The launch of ColdStream PTS builds on Sensitech's position as the trusted global provider of cold chain management products and services to 15 of the top 20 U.S. supermarkets, and over 3,000 perishable suppliers of produce, dairy, meat and seafood. For more than 15 years, Sensitech has focused its energies and talents on improving the efficiency and reducing the costs of its customers' cold chains through the application of statistical process control. The company distinguishes itself through its emphasis on aggressive research and development, adoption of new technologies such as RF and RFID, and a worldwide customer support organization. " ...

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Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Pharma Industry RFID Opportunity ...

Via Line56.com: Pharma RFID Opportunity ...

... "The FDA has been active in promoting RFID and other forms of Auto-ID, the State of Florida will be a passing a new drug pedigree law in June 2006 to secure and verify the chain of custody of all drugs shipped into the state, and retailer WalMart's RFID mandate extends to suppliers of Class II narcotics. " ...

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Monday, November 07, 2005

IBM RFID MidMarket Solutions ...

IBM scales its RFID solutions to the mid-market in a business firndly way. Bob Tarzey explores IBM's express managed services for businesses in the mid-market, where solutions such as RFID technology, can be sourced with a favorable payment plan. ...

IBM RFID MidMarket Solutions: Via IT Week: Managed services key for IBM future ...

... "The third IEMS announced this month is called radio frequency identification (RFID) Solution for Mid-Market, allowing small suppliers to more easily meet the demands on their large customers to interface to supply chain management systems based on RFID-ing of goods. " ...

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Friday, October 28, 2005

RFID Compliance Seminar Upcoming ...

RFID Compliance Seminar Upcoming: Via RSI ID Tech: RFID Compliance & Implementation Seminar ...

... "RFID Compliance & Implementation Seminar, November 30, 2005 8:00am to 3:00 pm, La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, CA, Retail Suppliers, Department of Defense Suppliers, & Organizations looking to learn about the benefits and the keys to implementing RFID ... " ...

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Tuesday, October 25, 2005

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking

On Novermber 14, the next wave of DOD RFID compliance goes into effect for suppliers. John Johnson explores the success of RFID technology implementation in the DOD to track supplies, reduce inventory, and increase fill-rates. ...

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking: Via John R. Johnson's RFID Watch Weekly: DOD: RFID reduces costs, gets supplies to troops in Iraq faster ...

... "On Nov. 14, new contracts going out to bid require that certain DOD suppliers, like those for WalMart, start shipping cases and pallets of selected products to the DOD with RFID tags. " ...

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Monday, October 24, 2005

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon ...

Dominant Semicon offers RFID tag production services, including conversion process, across a range of tag frequencies. ...

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon: High Quality RFID Tags from DOMINANT ...

... "Featuring an international certified quality assurance acclaim, DOMINANT now provides a total solution for the production of RFID tags. This includes the converting processes such as inlay assembly, lamination and test from raw materials to finished goods such as smart labels, smart tickets and tags. There are three kinds of tags are available in DOMINANT. There are categorized by the radio frequency: High Frequency tags (13.56MHz), Ultra High Frequency (860MHz – 960MHz) and Microwave (2.45GHz). By adopting RFID technology, companies are able to optimize the accuracy of data collection – something that is not always possible with traditional systems. As a result, it undoubtedly hold a lot of promise and RFID have the advantage over barcode systems as they have ability to be read without line-of sign and it can be read through in a environmentally challenging conditions such as around water or metal. " ...


DOMINANT Semiconductors is an excellence-driven organization, offering a comprehensive variety of product range and selection for diverse industries and applications. With extensive industry experience and relentless pursuit of innovation, DOMINANT Semiconductors, with its state-of-the-art manufacturing, research and testing capabilities, has become a trusted and reliable brand across the globe. Established in 2001 DOMINANT is one of the leading suppliers in RFID Tags. It develops and manufacturers high quality RFID (radio frequency identification) tags used in automatic identification, tracking and supply chain management, which are specialized in high quality, high volume production.

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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update

Linda Dillman shares interim results on the Walmart RFID program ...

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update: Via WalMart Stores, Inc.: WalMart Improves On-Shelf Availability Through the Use of Electronic Product Codes

... "WalMart customers found items they wanted in stock more often due to the retailer's use of electronic product codes (EPCs) powered by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology when compared to control stores. This is according to an independent University of Arkansas study's initial findings. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found a 16 percent reduction in out-of-stocks. Additionally, the study also showed that out-of-stock items with EPCs were replenished three times faster than comparable items using standard bar code technology. Equally important, WalMart experienced a meaningful reduction in manual orders resulting in a reduction of excess inventory. This is no longer a take-it-on-faith initiative, said Linda Dillman, executive vice president and CIO for Wal-Mart. This study provides conclusive evidence that EPCs increase how often we put products in the hands of customers who want to buy them, making it a win for shoppers, suppliers and retailers. ...

As part of its standard processes, WalMart has focused on driving improved product availability for its customers through a series of initiatives unrelated to RFID technology. The research was structured to isolate the impact of RFID to be able show the improvements directly attributable to the RFID process improvements. The study showed RFID-enabled stores were 63 percent more effective in replenishing out-of-stocks than the control stores, Dillman said. The WalMart RFID team knew that this technology would have a huge impact on out-of-stocks. Now we have an independent study that confirms RFID has a significant impact in retailing, Dillman continued. However, we are not stopping there. This is only one of many changes that RFID will bring. We are already working on initiatives and enhancements that will build on this success. The 16 percent reduction in merchandise out-of-stocks was determined by physically scanning out-of-stocks at the shelf every day. A baseline was established and this was then compared to the number of out-of-stocks in both sets of stores once the RFID technology was enabled in the pilot stores, explained Hardgrave. The net result of the impact of RFID, removing any other influences, was a reduction of 16 percent in the occurrences of products being out-of-stock on the shelf. " ...

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WalMart RFID Program Expands in 2006

Walmart works with suppliers to expand scope of RFID program in 2006. Mark Roberti provides status update on the Walmart RFID program and their near term plans.

WalMart RFID Program Expands in 2006: Via RFID Journal: WalMart To Expand RFID Tagging Requirement ...

... "WalMart announced that it would continue its rollout during 2006, doubling the number of its RFID-enabled stores, as well as RFID-enabling the distribution centers servicing those stores. " ...

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RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers ...

Walmart plans shift to EPC Generation2 RFID tags in January 2006, when it will expand RFID-compliance suppliers. Shea Van Hoy explores the realization of RFID technology benefits at Walmart and the next phase of suppliers, faced with RFID compliance in Jan 2006 ...

RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers: Via The Morning News: UA Says RFID Working For WalMart Study: Out-Of-Stock Items Drop 16 Percent At RFID Stores ...

... "WalMart will begin accepting Generation 2 tags in January at RFID-networked stores and distribution centers, the company said. That month, the company plans to add 200 more suppliers shipping products with RFID tags to its current roster of 100. " ...

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Monday, September 26, 2005

RFID Technology Automotive Industry Event: November 2005

RFID Technology Automotive Industry Event: November 2005: Via AIAG: AIAG Event Explores the RFID Wave in Automotive Industry ...

AIAG event on RFID technology in the automotive industry is planned for November ...

... "Something that can be half the size of a grain of sand is transforming the automotive supply chain. These radio frequency identification (RFID) chips (as part of a complete RFID system) are used to quickly and reliably detect, identify and track different automotive parts. The Automotive Industry Action Group’s (AIAG) second annual RFID Summit event will explore how the most-talked about technology in years is shaping the automotive industry on Nov. 3, 2005 at the Burton Manor in Livonia, Mich. The full-day program will feature some of the early adopters of RFID who will share automotive implementations, case studies and end-user applications. Retail, defense and research organizations also will share their experiences. " ...


Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG’s goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its more than 1,500 member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry.

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Monday, September 19, 2005

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility: Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS LAUNCHES SAVITRAK WITH 1ST RFID-TAGGED CONTAINERS FOR MAJOR SUPPLIER OF CONSUMER GOODS FROM ASIA TO THE U.S. : Network-Enabled Active RFID Container Tags and EPC Compliant Carton Tags Offer Japanese CPG Manufacturer Source Tagging and Nested Visibility: Network Solution Designed to Help Major Consumer Goods Supplier Meet and Exceed RFID Mandates While Providing Logistics and Security Value ...

SaviTrak enables RFID compliance while adding value through source tagging and nested visibility of intransit container shipment ...

... "Savi Networks LLC, a provider of RFID-enhanced information services for global container shipments, today announced the operational launch of its SaviTrak information network with the first commercial shipments of consumer product goods from a factory in China to a distribution center in Southern California. Savi Networks and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. (Mitsui USA) are providing real-time information and logistics services within the Network to a large Japan-based supplier of consumer goods to major U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart. The shipments, currently on the water, are proving the commercial benefits the Network brings to major consumer goods suppliers in meeting and exceeding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) compliance mandates while improving security, logistics data accuracy, visibility, and the operating metrics of containers and their contents. The information services, called SaviTrak, are provided on a per-container trip basis. " ...


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Thursday, September 15, 2005

RFID WIP Work in Process ...

RFID WIP Work in Process: Via IBM: IBM Introduces New Work In Process and RFID Express Solutions ...

... "RFID for Work in Process helps manufacturers accelerate materials management within a plant floor environment. The SOA-based solution can help a manufacturer better manage assembly automation, track plant floor assets, and manage inventory by integrating applications inside a company, as well as externally with customers and suppliers. It offers customers real-time visibility of key assets to improve the identification and tracking of tools and equipment and also to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley and other mandates. The solution includes IBM's WebSphere RFID middleware, tags and readers from IBM Business Partners, as well as IBM's Global Services expertise implementing manufacturing and Work in Process solutions. " ...


IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate. Drawing on resources from across IBM and key business partners, IBM offers a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that enable companies to take full advantage of the on demand era.

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Sunday, September 11, 2005

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits: Via The Morning News: More Than Meets The Eye: Automation Transforms Chicken Industry Quality, Safety, Efficiency ...

Shea Van Hoy writes about the benefits of automation, through technologies such as RFID ...

... "Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has its top suppliers, including Tyson, implementing RFID technology at some of its distribution centers and stores. " ...

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Wednesday, August 31, 2005

RFID Cargo: Zero False Tamper Events ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY'S 3rd-GEN RFID INTRUSION DETECTION TAGS AND E.J. BROOKS' ELECTRONIC BOLT SEALS PROVE SUCCESSFUL IN TRANSPACIFIC CARGO CONTAINER FIELD TRIALS WITH MITSUI: Plans Call for Commercial Availability in November of ISO-Based RFID Devices to Track Worldwide Container Shipments and Detect Security Breaches ...

Partnership demonstrates the effectiveness of RFID for maritime cargo with zero false tamper events during ocean voyage trials ...

... "Two leading providers of supply chain security solutions and systems - Savi Technology and E.J. Brooks - announced in collaboration with Mitsui that they have successfully completed rigorous transpacific field trials of active RFID devices that automatically detect cargo door intrusions and security breaches while communicating their location and condition. Mitsui, a global leader of import and export activities, determined that all 65 tags proved effective and there were zero false tamper incidents while they automatically communicated with an RFID reader network throughout their end-to-end supply chain journey between Los Angeles and Hong Kong . The over-the-ocean container field trials, which followed extensive performance testing, evaluated 50 of the Savi Tag ST-676 ISO Container Security Tags and 15 of the E.J. Brooks E-Seals, clearing the way for their commercial availability in November. " ...


Mitsui USA, incorporated in 1966, is engaged in import, export, offshore trade, and domestic wholesale. Aspiring to be "Your Global Business Partner®," the company is committed to be a global business creator and problem solver with distinct service capabilities by innovative combinations of Information Technology (IT), Financial Technology (FT), and Logistics Technology (LT). Mitsui USA's New York Headquarters has 11 divisions across industries. Other offices are located in Chicago , Cleveland , Detroit , Houston , Los Angeles , Nashville, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Its parent company, Mitsui and Co. Ltd., Japan , is one of the world's most diversified and comprehensive trading and service companies. Headquartered in Tokyo, it maintains a global network of 183 offices in 80 countries, and has 723 subsidiaries and associated companies worldwide.

Founded in 1873, E.J. Brooks Company an ISO 9001-2000 registered company, is the world's leading manufacturer of tamper indicating security seals, locking devices and metering-related products through its Security Products Group. The company based in Livingston , N.J. , has 14 operating units, including locations in the USA, England, Mexico, China, Spain, Brazil, India and Singapore. Brooks has been involved in developing electronic seal technology for the past seven years.

With over 15 years experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers as well as service providers such as terminal operators, asset owners and third-party logistics providers. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., and offices in Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, Singapore, and Washington D.C.

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Monday, August 29, 2005

RFID Labels Second Generation ...

RFID Labels Second Generation: Via RSI ID Technologies: RSI ID Announces Production of Gen 2 RFID Labels ...

RSI ID begins production of second generation RFID labels ...

... "RSI ID Technologies (RSI), one of the nation's only vertically integrated providers of RFID technology, today announced that is now in the production phase of one of the industry's first batch of EPC compliant second generation RFID labels. Gen 2 RFID promises faster processing speeds and overall increased performance and is expected to drive the widespread adoption of RFID technology. RSI's labels will begin shipping immediately. RSI has experience building more than 20 million RFID tags, and expects to produce approximately 100 million Gen 2 labels in 2006, ramping total production to approximately 300 million labels per year by 2007. " ...


RSI ID Technologies is one of the only vertically integrated providers of RFID technology that enables customers to tag, scan and track information - resulting in increased productivity, reduced operating costs, streamlined operations and immediate ROI. RSI ID Technologies offers a full line of RFID antennas, inlays and labels as well as “smart” shelving and real-time location systems, portals, custom software development and middleware integration. In addition, the company provides a full range of support services, training and consulting. As a systems integrator specializing in process automation and optimization systems, the company’s applications also include asset tracking, warehouse management systems, wireless networks, inventory control, product marking, bar code scanning and thermal printing. RSI ID Technologies’ clients include more than 70 Fortune 500 firms, a dozen of Wal-Mart’s top 100 suppliers, along with hundreds of mid-range companies involved in industries including electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, automotive and aerospace.

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Saturday, August 27, 2005

RFID Pilot Produce SupplyChain

RFID Pilot Produce SupplyChain: Via RedTail Solutions, Inc.: University of Florida Research Center Launches RFID Pilot to Improve Fresh Produce Supply Chain

Univ of Florida CFDR is sponsoring RFID pilot in the produce supply chain to determine impact of increased material visibility ...

... "The University of Florida IFAS's Center for Food Distribution and Retailing (CFDR), Gainesville, FL announced the launch of a research pilot featuring RFID technology and network-based information exchange to improve the distribution of fresh produce. The pilot, named Visibility Validated (V2), will measure the impact of improved supply chain visibility between suppliers and retailers. The V2 project is focused on the publishing of observation events to a virtual test bed simulation of the EPCglobal NetworkTM. It is the hope of the V2 project participants to show how EPCglobal-based RFID technology will and can provide valuable supply chain visibility. The V2 project is being conducted in cooperation with its participating members; suppliers, a retailer, and technology providers. " ...


RedTail Solutions, Inc. is a privately held company that was formed in 2000 and is located in Westborough, MA outside of Boston that provides internet EDI (electronic data interchange) and other managed services for electronic trading designed expressly for middle-market businesses. RedTail handles the EDI mapping and exchange of thousands of purchase orders, invoices, and shipping transactions every month between suppliers and their large customers in retail, grocery and industrial segments. RedTail’s simple-to-use, cost-effective EDI solution works directly with the most popular back-office accounting systems used by middle-market manufacturers and distributors enabling them to fully participate in the global electronic supply chain.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2005

RFID Experience Center Demonstration ...

RFID Experience Center Demonstration: i-Emanate and Lenx will build RFID South China Experience Center together ...

Partners will collaborate to demonstrate RFID in a future experience center in China ...

... "i-Emanate System Consulting and the biggest barcode device supplier Lenx (Guangzhou) sign a cooperation agreement to build RFID South China experience Center, this RFID experience center mainly show the demonstration of supply chain, manufacture, medicine, tobacco, exhibitions, ticket management RFID application, and also service for the customers in great China. i-Emanate System Consulting as the senior consulting expert and middleware supplier in RFID application area, always supply global customers which professional consulting service and mature middleware product. " ...


i-Emanate System Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd. is a famous ERP ( ORACLE , SAP ) and RFID system integration and consulting service company face to global and great china marketing. The company specializes in providing advanced IT system to reduce operation and management cost for factories and service providers. i-Emanate System Consulting (Group) Co., Ltd, is a new milestone in RFID area. Through the alliance with world leading RFID providers, i-Emanate provides high value system and services for enterprise customers.

Lenx was founded in 1999, Its headquarter locate in Guangzhou Tianhe District, Lenx keep ahead in barcode application area, like integrated barcode application, enterprise mobility, RFID, seamless integration for customers. Lenx's aim is intergrated innovative service & solution, creating efficient enterprise mobility work module, and becoming top solution suppliers in automatic identification area.

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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Radio Frequency Identification Data

Radio Frequency Identification Data: Via COPPEREYE GREENWICH: CopperEye Greenwich is a software solution for the storage, management and rapid retrieval of large volumes of read-only business event data ...

... "In addition to the well publicized mandates by the US Department of Defense and Wal-Mart for their top suppliers to use RFID, the US Food and Drug Administration has identified RFID as the technology of choice for enabling electronic drug pedigrees as a means of eliminating counterfeit drugs reaching the market. CopperEye offers a compelling, cost-effective solution for capturing, storing and providing quick access to enormous volumes of data generated by RFID monitoring systems. CopperEye can be implemented either as a standalone solution for historical business event data, or as a complementary solution to improve the performance of an existing data management technology such as a commercial relational database management system (RDBMS). " ...


CopperEye is a provider of enterprise data management software that delivers an order-of-magnitude cost savings for companies needing to capture, store and quickly access business event data where the volume is measured in the tens- or hundreds-of-terabytes. This is increasingly important as corporate data volumes more than double every year and government regulations require companies to keep data longer. Using CopperEye, companies are able to improve global business and implement more powerful business applications at dramatically lower costs than competing solutions. CopperEye's underlying technology is a new, patented indexing approach that delivers a quantum leap in performance over traditional indexing alternatives.

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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest ...

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest: SupplyChain Guardian: Multi-product, Multi-supplier, Multi-retailer and Multi-frequency ...

RFID system supports DOD standards for tagging, authentication ...

... "RFID Tagging and RFID Authentication: SupplyChain Guardian™ provides a complete turn-key solution at the source for a secure and trusted global supply chain. Our EPC compliant RFID tagging and RFID authentication system meets all world RFID commercial and U.S. Department of Defense standards and is double-byte language-enabled with full integration into major ERP platforms such as SAP and Oracle. Our Java-based system generates an encrypted shipping manifest that is securely transmitted via the Internet to suppliers, customers and Customs through network operations centers in the United States, Europe and Asia. " ...


ISR Systems Corporation’s multi-level secure, integrated and interoperable security systems provide surveillance, threat detection, and tracking to protect inter-modal transportation, seaport and airport facilities, and critical infrastructure from asymmetrical terrorist and security threats. ISR systems provide automated decision support from its command and control centers to coordinate notification and tactical responses among multiple agencies to interdict or respond to security threats.

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USMarines Mobile RFID Infrastructure ...

USMarines Mobile RFID Infrastructure: SAVI TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYS NEW MOBILE RFID INFRASTRUCTURE KIT FOR REAL-TIME VISIBILITY OF MILITARY SUPPLIES TO THE LAST MILE: NEW PORTABLE DEPLOYMENT KIT ORDERED BY U.S. MARINES HELPS GET RIGHT SUPPLIES TO THE WARFIGHTER AT THE RIGHT TIME ANYWHERE ...

USMarines will leverage Savi RFID technology to establish a mobile infrastructure in the area of military operations ...

... "Savi Technology, Inc., a leading provider of RFID supply chain solutions, today announced the release of a new compact, highly mobile RFID solution that directly supports the war fighter deployed in the Area of Operations, such as Iraq and Afghanistan . Called the Portable Deployment Kit (PDK), the full solution-in-a-case enables for the first time military logisticians to leverage RFID to track critical military supplies in near real-time into the last tactical mile of operations. The PDK is a self-contained carrying case that delivers a full mobile RFID solution that addresses the long-time military challenge of supply chain visibility directly into the Area of Operations, referred to as the last tactical mile, where there is no RFID fixed reader infrastructure. The United States Marine Corps Systems Command is the first customer and has placed an initial order for 100 units to be deployed in Southwest Asia . " ...

USMarines plan on using an RFID mobile infrastructure in the military theater of operations ...

With over 15 years experience, Savi is a proven leader in RFID solutions for the management and security of supply chain assets, shipments and consignments. Savi's integrated RFID hardware and software solutions drive business value, such as reducing supply chain assets, inventory and operational costs. The company tailors its solutions to the defense, commercial supply chain asset management and global supply chain visibility and security markets. Savi's solutions meet the supply chain needs of defense and government organizations, global shippers, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers as well as service providers such as terminal operators, asset owners and third-party logistics providers. Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., and offices in Johannesburg, London, Melbourne, Singapore, and Washington D.C.

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Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated

Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated: ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES FIRST COMPANY TO SUCCESSFULLY DEMONSTRATE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS’ GEN 2 TECHNOLOGY: Zebra, Texas Instruments and ThingMagic demonstrate Gen 2 technology, proving Zebra’s flexibility to handle RFID tags from multiple sources, to help accelerate the adoption of Gen 2 ...

RFID leaders collaborate to demonstrate RFID Gen2 performance ...

... "Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, recently collaborated with Texas Instruments and ThingMagic to demonstrate EPC Gen 2 tags from Texas Instruments in a Zebra printer/encoder during the EPCglobal Fast Moving Consumer Goods Business Action Group meeting in Houston, Texas. Zebra is the only company to successfully demonstrate printer/encoder communication with Gen 2 inlays from several leading suppliers. Highlighting the meeting’s Gen 2 Live theme, the demonstration featured Zebra’s R110Xi printer/encoder, embedded with ThingMagic’s RFID reader module and Texas Instruments’ EPC Gen 2 inlays incorporated into label rolls. " ...


Zebra Technologies Corp. (Nasdaq: ZBRA) delivers innovative and reliable on-demand printing solutions for business improvement and security applications in 100 countries around the world. More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra-brand printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code, "smart" label, receipt, and card printers, resulting in enhanced security, increased productivity, improved quality, lower costs, and better customer service. The company has sold more than four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, MA, ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID), sensing and embedding computing technologies. Mercury4, ThingMagic’s fourth generation agile RFID reader, builds on and substantially enhances the company’s original platform created for early field tests of the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Designed to meet the business needs of a future where networked objects are pervasive, the Mercury4 line of RFID readers also includes an embedded reader, Mercury4e, and a handheld reader, Mercury4h. Mercury4 RFID readers are the only intelligent, network-ready RFID readers, and the only devices that can read any RFID tag.

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