Wednesday, December 12, 2007

RFID Mobile Resource Management in Education

AT&T integrates radio frequency identification (RFID) and GPS-based mobile resource management (MRM) for application in the K - 12 education market segment, where visibility to transportation and assets will increase efficiency and safety. ...

... "AT&T is the first network services company to provide comprehensive and integrated RFID and MRM solutions for the education marketplace. AT&T's RFID application works in conjunction with MRM location-based services that use GPS technology, AT&T's wireless data network and specialized hosted and managed applications. These applications enable K - 12 institutions to track school bus locations, monitor their speed and condition while on the road and report on events within vehicles. The service enables school districts to improve student safety and to save money by routing their school buses as efficiently as possible - cutting down on fuel, maintenance and labor expenses. MRM relays vehicle location, speed and other data across the AT&T wireless data network and sends it to a secure Web site portal. Both RFID and MRM data are available to designated educators and administrators who have access to a Web browser. " ...


AT&T- News Room

Labels: , , , , , ,





Thursday, January 25, 2007

RFID Transportation Logistics Solution

Datatrac adds Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) collection capabilities to the eTrac shipment tracking system in partnership with Psion Teklogix and KonaWare to enable real-time track and trace capabilities for logistics. ...

... "By leveraging cutting-edge RFID equipped handheld computers from Psion Teklogix and KonaWare's Mobility Platform, Datatrac's eTrac system automatically tracks complete shipment information in real-time from order entry through delivery, invoicing, reconciliation and settlement. Users can now track packages with increased accuracy and obtain specific shipment custody information. Moreover, the RFID capabilities work seamlessly with existing Datatrac systems. " ...


Via TechLinks: Datatrac Enhances Transportation Logistics Solution with RFID Technology ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Healthcare RFID MayoClinic

3M and Mayo Clinic demonstrate pilot installation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Mayo Clinic's endoscopy surgical suites for management of the collection and tracking of patient tissue samples. 3M RFID system was configured to enable Mayo Clinic's business processes for specimen management. ...

... "Utilizing 3M Track and Trace Technology, this RFID system enhances Mayo Clinic's ability to manage specimen and tissue samples from the collection stage to the pathology laboratory. Collecting and analyzing patient tissue is a crucial medical procedure. Mayo Clinic continues to take a leadership role in health care's effort focused on patient safety and care. Multiple 3M technologies were brought forward during the five-month pilot project at Mayo Clinic. Results demonstrated quantifiable operational efficiencies in the specimen-management process, accurate communication of data, and verification of information. Expansion of the Track and Trace system within the endoscopy practice will take place in planned, controlled phases. 3M and Mayo Clinic expect this rollout to be completed in early 2007. " ...


Via 3M: Two Minnesota Institutions Advance RFID Technologies in Health Care

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, November 14, 2006

RFID Pharma Supply Chain: Track and Trace EPCIS Pilot

AmerisourceBergen announces innovative Track and Trace Program that will benefit the pharmaceutical supply channel. Its pilot program connects AmerisourceBergen's EPCIS directly to other business partner EPCIS systems and to specific pharmaceutical manufacturer systems. In Q1-2007, VeriSign will provide authentication services and enable visibility across multiple EPCIS systems. ...

... "AmerisourceBergen has been a leader in protecting the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply channel, first by pledging over one year ago to purchase 100 percent of its pharmaceutical and other products directly from the product manufacturer, and now by launching a unique Track and Trace initiative which will utilize RFID and Electronic Product Code Information System (EPCIS) technology to track and trace products throughout the entire distribution process. AmerisourceBergen plans to formally launch the Track and Trace pilot program at its largest distribution center in California by the end of 2006. In the pilot, AmerisourceBergen will use IBM's RFID middleware and embedded software on readers to read RFID tags currently used by certain pharmaceutical manufacturers as those products enter the distribution center. The unique product ID from each RFID tag will be electronically stored in IBM's EPCIS, which will be the platform for secure electronic communications back to the product's manufacturer. This secure information exchange will allow AmerisourceBergen and its trading partners to work collaboratively to share transaction information and further secure the supply channel. As new orders come into the AmerisourceBergen distribution center, the RFID system can monitor product placed in shipping totes as they move through the picking, packing, and shipping processes. As each tote leaves the distribution center the EPCIS software will record the time and location of each unit leaving the premises as well as its intended destination so that AmerisourceBergen has a complete record of the history of all RFID tagged drugs. " ...


Via AmerisourceBergen: AmerisourceBergen Announces Innovative Track and Trace Program for the Pharmaceutical Supply Channel

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, October 24, 2006

RFID Track Trace System ...

Infosys has successfully implemented SAP RFID solution to enable CHEP's Global Track and Trace System. CHEP will use this system to provide real-time visibility to its customers for their products and to track the shipping assets. CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services and serves many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. CHEP manages over 280 million pallets and containers through a global network of service centers. It identified product and asset visibility as a significant opportunity to leverage RFID technology. The Global Track and Trace System at CHEP enables vendor managed inventory (VMI), yields increased asset control, and optimizes inventory management. ...

... "This project is a significant step forward for global RFID adoption, combining SAP's RFID platform and applications with Infosys' strong thought leadership and robust implementation model for the RFID-enabled enterprise. By delivering innovative, value-added solutions with a low total cost of ownership (TCO), Infosys and SAP aim to help organizations adopt RFID technology to both enhance their existing business models and pursue new ones. " ...


Via Infosys: Infosys Deploys SAP Solutions for RFID for CHEP's Global Track and Trace System

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, October 01, 2006

Singapore RFID Cooperation ...

Singapore companies collaborate to develope RFID track and trace solutions in order to take advantage of Singapore's role as a trade hub for Southeast Asia. ...

Singapore organizes for develop RFID technology solutions

... "The National RFID Centre was launched on Friday, in a bid to boost the adoption of the technology among Singapore companies. " ...

Via Channel News Asia: National RFID Centre set up to boost adoption of technology in industries ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, August 08, 2006

IBM RFID Pharma: Drug License Plate ...

IBM unveils RFID system that creates a digital license plate for drugs through the pharmaceutical supply chain. The system is comprised of software and services that leverage RFID technology to provide unique identification as the item and sku level. The identifier instantly connects the item to the proper pharmaceutical data. ...

IBM RFID system enables the Pharma supply chain ...

... "The system makes it more difficult for counterfeit drugs to get to market, protecting consumers by helping ensure the drugs they receive match the prescription from their physician. With nearly 8 percent of the world's prescriptions proving counterfeit each year, the US Food and Drug Administration has cited RFID as the most promising technology to ensure that the medicine in the bottle is exactly what the doctor ordered. The global pharmaceutical supply chain is highly complicated. From the point of manufacture to the point of sale, drugs can change hands as many as ten times. IBM's software and services are designed to help manufacturers protect product from theft and fraud and avoid replacement costs for product recalls and tarnished brand value. The IBM RFID system for pharmaceutical track and trace uses blended RFID software and services to automatically capture and track the movement of drugs through the supply chain. RFID tags are embedded on products at the unit, case and pallet level and authenticate the product from manufacturer to wholesalers to hospitals and pharmacies. Each tag contains a unique identifier -- like a license plate -- that can be linked back to descriptive product information such as dosage and strength, lot number, manufacturer and expiration date. " ...

IBM RFID Pharma: Drug License Plate: Via IBM: IBM Taps RFID for Pharma Industry ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, June 11, 2006

RFID Drug Pedigree Accelerates ...

FDA accelerates the use of RFID technology to support the electronic pedigree for drugs. ...

... "Among other new measures, FDA will fully implement regulations related to the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987, which requires drug distributors to provide documentation of the chain of custody of drug products -- the so-called pedigree - throughout the distribution system. FDA had placed on hold certain regulatory provisions because of concerns raised at the time about the impact on small wholesalers. Most recently, in early 2004, FDA delayed the effective date of certain regulatory provisions regarding pedigrees to allow the industry time to adopt electronic technology for tracking drugs through the supply chain.

Based on information from drug supply stakeholders, the FDA had expected this technology to be in widespread use in the drug supply chain by 2007, but it now appears that these expectations will not be met. Further, FDA has not heard that the concerns raised in the past regarding the impact on small wholesalers remains, and in fact, FDA was encouraged by most drug stakeholders to allow the hold to expire. Doing so would also provide clarity in the drug supply chain regarding who is and is not required to pass a pedigree. Continuing the hold would perpetuate the current confusion and further allow opportunities for counterfeit and diversionary practices. FDA has, therefore, determined that it can no longer justify not implementing these regulations. Accordingly, the hold, which will expire in December, will not be continued.

A potential new measure to safeguard the drug supply is the use of electronic track and trace technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), which creates an electronic pedigree (e-pedigree) for tracking the movement of the drug through the supply chain. The FDA had expected this technology to be in widespread use in the drug supply chain by 2007. In early 2004 FDA delayed the effective date of the regulatory provisions regarding pedigrees to allow the industry time to adopt this technology. However, it now appears that FDA's expectations for adoption of the technology by 2007 will not be met. FDA therefore has determined it can no longer justify delaying implementation of the pedigree regulations. " ...

RFID Drug Pedigree Accelerates: Via FDA: FDA Announces New Measures to Protect Americans from Counterfeit Drugs

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, February 12, 2006

RFID Asia Partnership ...

RFID partnership will address needs in Asia, namely China, for electronics manufacturing applications ...

... "With this new addition to our product line we now have the ability to offer end-to-end RFID solutions, starting with closed-loop factory automation and later expanding into global supply chain applications. The first phase of RFID implementation includes the ability to track, trace and control all materials and tools on the shop floor. This will significantly accelerate the deployment and the ROI for our customers, while providing a roadmap to extend RFID applications from the production floor to the warehouse and the supply chain. There are two strong market drivers for RFID in the China electronics manufacturing industry. The first and most significant is the ongoing pressure for cost-reduction. Despite the low cost of labor in China, it is important to remember that 80 to 90% of the cost of a finished electronic product is the sum of its electronic components. As a result the ROI for improving material control by achieving real-time visibility and eliminating human errors on the production floor is extremely short. The cost of the RFID tags is not even critical when you keep re-using the same tags inside the four walls of a factory. " ...

RFID Asia Partnership: Via Cogiscan: RFID Smart Material Control: SchmidtRFID partners with Cogiscan to offer RFID solutions for electronics manufacturers in Asia ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, February 08, 2006

RFID Jewelry Inventory Management ...

De Grisogno implements Tagsys RFID for inventory management in its extended supply chain ...

... "TAGSYS, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, announced that Geneva-based watchmaking and jewelry company de GRISOGONO has adopted the company’s RFID track and trace solution for inventory management across its stores worldwide. Under the terms of the rollout, the luxury retailer will utilize TAGSYS' Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) High-Frequency RFID readers and tags in its efforts to reduce theft and minimize loss of its valuable jewels and watches. The project begins immediately in the company's Paris and Geneva branches, with future deployments in the company's European, Asia-Pacific and North American outposts, expected at the rate of one store every two months. De GRISOGONO initially considered the use of traditional bar codes as a means to track individual items, such as gems, from its distribution center through the shipment process to the retail shop. However, the threat of theft or loss of assets required the deployment of a near errorless tracking technology. By leveraging the tagging capabilities of TAGSYS' RFID jewelry application, developed in conjunction with system integrator SOLID, the accessories company has enabled a real-time RFID-based detection system that monitors stock location at any point in the supply chain. " ...

RFID Jewelry Inventory Management: Via TAGSYS RFID: De GRISOGONO Finds a Gem of an Inventory Management Solution With SOLID and TAGSYS Item-Level RFID Jewelry Application: Item level track and trace technology minimizes threat of theft, loss and counterfeiting of luxury accessories ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Monday, January 09, 2006

FDA RFID Anti-Counterfeit Drug Workshop ...

Upcoming FDA workshop on RFID anti-counterfeiting for drugs ...

... "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a public workshop and vendor display on the use of electronic track and trace technology to combat counterfeit drugs. The purpose of the meeting is as follows: To identify incentives for widespread adoption of radio-frequency identification (RFID), as well as obstacles to the adoption of RFID across the U.S. drug supply chain and possible solutions to those obstacles; to solicit comment on the implementation of the pedigree requirements of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA) and the use of an electronic pedigree (e-pedigree); and to learn the state of technology development related to electronic track and trace and e-pedigree technology solutions. To address these issues, we are inviting interested individuals, organizations, and other stakeholders to present information to FDA's Counterfeit Drug Task Force. We are also inviting vendors of track and trace technologies and e-pedigree solutions relevant to the drug distribution system to display their products for the educational benefit of FDA and attendees. (For this meeting, we are only interested in displays from vendors of track and trace technology and e-pedigree solutions for the PDMA requirement, as opposed to covert or overt counterfeiting technologies, such as holograms or colorshifting inks.)

2 DATES AND TIMES: The public workshop and vendor display will be held on February 8 and 9, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. See section V of this document for information on how to register to attend, present at the workshop, or participate in the vendor display. If you would like to present at the workshop or participate in the vendor display, you must register by January 27, 2006. " ...


Via FDA: Anti-Counterfeit Drug Initiative Workshop and Vendor Display ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, January 06, 2006

Pfizer RFID Combats Counterfeit Drugs ...

Pfizer implements RFID tags to combat drug counterfeiting. ...

... "In its latest initiative to promote patient safety by combating pharmaceutical counterfeiting, Pfizer Inc has begun to ship its first product containing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to its customers in the United States. RFID technology is being added to all Viagra (sildenafil citrate) sold in the U.S. to enable pharmacies and wholesalers to verify the unique electronic product code, or EPC, on Viagra packaging. Pfizer is the first pharmaceutical company to put in place a comprehensive program of this type focused on EPC authentication as a means of deterring counterfeiting. Viagra was selected for the RFID project because it has been a major target for counterfeiters. Pfizer has invested several million dollars to date in the technology, which discourages counterfeiting because it is both difficult and expensive to duplicate. RFID tags incorporate the EPC into each package, case and pallet of Viagra. Pharmacists and wholesalers use specially-designed electronic scanners that communicate the code over the internet to a secure Pfizer website. The company's application of RFID is not yet capable of tracking and tracing medicines through the distribution system. Track and trace requires that all parts of the supply chain invest in compatible technology and agree to capture and share information about product movement. Pfizer will continue to explore the uses of this technology—including track and trace—during the coming year. " ...

Pfizer RFID Combats Counterfeit Drugs: Via Pfizer: Pfizer Introduces Radio Frequency Identification Technology to Combat Counterfeiting, Protect Patient Health ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





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 ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, December 17, 2005

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain ...

NATO awards Savi contract to sustain operations of its RFID-based network, built to track the supply chain between Europe and Afghanistan. ...

... "The contract followed a year-long assessment of the RFID backbone Savi deployed for NATO. The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The contract calls for purchase of additional data-rich active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers as well as network wide software enhancements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) supply chain, stretching from the Netherlands and Germany through Uzbekistan to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The new NATO contract calls for additional units of Savi’s readers (Savi Reader SR-650) to be placed at key transportation nodes along the ISAF Network, more Savi tags (ST-654) to be affixed to containers and air pallets, and for a network wide software upgrade to CMS 1.0, which will be hosted at NC3A’s facility in The Hague, Netherlands, where CMS will interface with the NATO LOGFAS Logistics IT system. " ...

DataRich Active RFID: Nato SupplyChain: Via Savi Technology: NATO AWARDS SAVI TECHNOLOGY A NEW CONTRACT FOR RFID NETWORK UPGRADES TO TRACK DEFENSE CONSIGNMENTS: Savi’s New SmartChain® Consignment Management Solution Brings Real-Time Visibility of Joint Force, Multi-National Shipments from Europe to Afghanistan ...

Additional references on the NATO RFID supply chain network:

Focus on DLA: "In fact, asset tracking has become a NATO interest item with the recognition of the inability of traditional materiel management techniques to trace individual assets accurately. The 1998 NATO Ministerial Guidance prioritized the achievement of a common standard asset tracking system through the establishment of the Asset Tracking Interservice Working Group. "

International Asset Tracking & Materials Handling Standardization: "The aim of NATO standardization is to enhance the Alliance's operational effectiveness, achieve the closest practicable cooperation among forces, and to improve efficiency in the use of available resources. LOGSA PSCC supports NATO standardization under the NATO Standardization Agency for asset tracking and materials handling as to increase multinational force compatibility (MFC). As our defense resources diminish, we can make more efficient use of resources through MFC. Our prime goal is to establish Standardization Agreements (STANAGs), which are agreements among several or all 19 member nations to adopt like or similar military equipment, ammunition, supplies, and stores; and operational, logistic, and administrative procedures. "

Supply Chain Systems Transformation - Portfolio Management - Milestones: "IUID STANAG ratification by NATO Asset Tracking Working Group"

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, December 04, 2005

RFID Transformation Underway ...

Stephanie Irwin explores the transformation that is underway as the tiny RFID chip is adopted in industry by companies, such as Walmart. ...

RFID Transformation Underway: Via Dayton Daily News: Chip off the new block ...

... "Retailers like WalMart have laid out a road map for RFID, the track-and-trace technology that has turned into a hot research field. RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is considered by retailers and their supply chain to be the biggest retail revolution since the first UPC bar code was scanned in a Marsh Supermarket in Troy in June 1974. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, October 23, 2005

Military RFID: Innovation DNA

RFID is taking root in the military for supporting the track and trace of inventory to support field visibility. Victor Godinez, The Dallas Morning News, explores the use of RFID in the military and the accleration of RFID adoption through the defense industry, where the DNA for innovative technology exists. ...

Military RFID: Innovation DNA: Via Technology News World: RFID : Military Calling Up RFID ...

... "Duncan McCollum, principal in Dallas at Computer Sciences Corp., said that many defense contractors will be quick to adopt RFID, because they're already comfortable dealing with cutting-edge technology. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





RFID SOA Architecture: OpenSource ...

RFID integration middleware offered in SOA service oriented architecture in an open-source format ...

RFID SOA Architecture: OpenSource: Via i-Konect LLC: i-Konect Announces First Milestone Release of Singularity: An Open Source RFID/Sensory Integration Platform ...

... "Singularity's M1 release focuses on the Middleware component that captures and filters RFID data. Complex event processing, coupled with business context and process control, integrates key information with existing enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, ERP, WMS), as well as new or customized user applications. Singularity also supports standards developed by EPCglobal (e.g., ALE, EPC-IS). The Information Services component is an Enterprise Service that would ultimately reside as a member of a company's Enterprise Service Bus (ESB). Although an ESB is not required, utilizing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a best practice approach for providing EPC event information to the enterprise as well as to external business partners via the EPCglobal Network or the DoD's Wide Area Workflow (WAWF). An SOA approach with Singularity's EPC-IS provides a federated deployment model that enables global Track and Trace visibility with the logical appearance of a single EPC-IS repository. " ...


i­-Konect is a privately owned integrator providing software solutions that promotes the use of open-source development platforms and adheres to the latest industry standards. i-Konect designs solutions to maximize scalability, reliability, as well as improving the ease to adapt, extend, and maintain. The company's expertise includes globally distributed enterprise solution architectures as well as the seamless integration of new technologies such as RFID, smart cards, and mobile devices with legacy systems.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Cephalon RFID Pilot: Drug Tracking ...

Cephalon RFID Pilot: Drug Tracking: Cephalon Selects OAT Foundation Suite for Item-Level Drug Tracking Pilot: OAT Foundation Suite Powers RFID Initiative to Drive Supply Chain Efficiencies and Ensure Patient Safety ...

Cephalon pilots RFID drug tracking as products move through the value chain to market. Broader RFID drug tracking implementation is expected, upon conclusion of the pilot period ...

... "OATSystems®, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, announced that Cephalon, Inc, an international biopharmaceutical company, has selected OAT Foundation Suite as the RFID software platform for use in a pilot program for tracking branded pharmaceuticals across the supply chain. For the pilot, OAT Foundation Suite will deliver end-to-end visibility of Cephalon’s products as they move across owned and outsourced facilities as well as selected drug wholesaler trading partners. Once the pilot project has proven successful, Cephalon will implement RFID utilizing the OAT Foundation Suite. " ...


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.

Additional resources on RFID pilots for drug tracking:

Purdue Pharma announced that it is placing RFID tags on bottles of the pain reliever OxyContin (oxycodone) to make it easier to authenticate, as well as to track and trace the medication. OxyContin, which is a controlled substance, has been subject to abuse, theft, and diversion. Based on the availability of sufficient RFID tags, Purdue also plans to tag bottles of Palladone (hydromorphone), a newly approved product to treat persistent moderate-to-severe pain.

Nine months after an FDA task force promoted the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) on drug packaging and labeling to prevent fake products from entering the supply chain, agency officials on November 15 announced that at least four pharmaceutical makers are participating in pilot projects or studies to test the effectiveness of RFID in combating counterfeiting.

GlaxoSmithKline [NYSE: GSK) announced that it will begin using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in the next 12 to 18 months on at least one product deemed susceptible to counterfeiting in order to more effectively monitor its progress from the company to the patient. GSK is partnering in this pilot project with the US Food and Drug Administration, which is encouraging the use of RFID technology to protect American patients from the growing risk of counterfeit and diverted medicines.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, July 29, 2005

RFID Security Solutions ...

SECURITY SOLUTIONS

... "Intelligent packaging has its limitations and certainly its benefits. RFID used in tags, tickets, ID cards and even security labels affords the user the ability to carry unique data, with the product for a multitude of applications. Real estate on many pharmaceutical labels is limited, however through the use of RFID; information can be brought to users when and where needed with little change to the cosmetic appearance of the label itself. The use of RFID on inserts and outserts provides manufacturers the ability to track and trace products and to identify them for any reason. Reducing mistakes, increasing throughput speed make RFID technology the cutting edge in roll form label applications. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Monday, July 25, 2005

Passive RFID Purchase Agreement: Unisys ODINtech DOD DLA USCG ...

Passive RFID Purchase Agreement: Unisys ODINtech DOD DLA USCG: Unisys | Unisys and ODIN Win U.S. Department of Defense Passive RFID Blanket Purchase Agreement

... "Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) announced today that the Department of Defense has awarded Unisys a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) to connect the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and its suppliers through an integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) infrastructure to track and trace assets. Under the terms of the agreement, Unisys can now be selected by the DLA, or any other agency within the Department of Defense or the United States Coast Guard, to integrate passive RFID infrastructure within their supply chain. Unisys will work with ODIN technologies to leverage its industry-leading passive RFID physics expertise. " ...


Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, June 28, 2005

RFID Network Infrastructure Maintenance: Track and Trace

RFID Network Infrastructure: Track and Trace: Unisys: ODIN technologies Deliver an RFID Industry First for Thomasville Furniture

... "Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) and ODIN technologies announced that they have been chosen by Thomasville Furniture Industries Creative Interiors Division, a full-line furniture manufacturer, to maintain its entire Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) network and infrastructure. The RFID network and infrastructure provides track and trace capabilities for products sent to Thomasville's large retail customers. " ...


ODIN technologies is the leader in the physics of RFID infrastructure testing, deployment and certification. ODIN technologies leverages its team of RF engineers, physicists and software developers combined with its laboratory facilities to provide RFID consulting services to major retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, United States government agencies and other RFID early adopters. ODIN technologies is privately held and has labs and offices in Northern Virginia and a systems development office in Dublin, Ireland.

Unisys is a worldwide information technology services and solutions company. Our people combine expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure and server technology with precision thinking and relentless execution to help clients, in more than 100 countries, quickly and efficiently achieve competitive advantage.

Thomasville Furniture Industries, a division of Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN), is a full-line furniture manufacturer founded in Thomasville, North Carolina, in 1904. Furniture Brands International is the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States. Other FBN brands include: Broyhill, Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Lane, & Maitland – Smith.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, June 22, 2005

RFID Track and Trace

RFID Track and Trace: Edge Dynamics: Join Edge Dynamics and Pembroke Consulting for a Special Webcast: Secure Commerce Practices for Today's Pharmaceutical Channel ...

... "RFID Track and Trace: Edge Dynamics and Pembroke Consulting for a Special Webcast: Secure Commerce Practices for Today's Pharmaceutical Channel, Wednesday - July 13, 2005, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Eastern Time; Edge Dynamics CEO John McGrory and Pembroke Consulting President Adam J. Fein, Ph.D. will present a compelling analysis of the current U.S. drug distribution channel, discuss future trends, and supply a framework to help drug makers protect patients from counterfeits from being introduced into the legitimate supply chain through inventory diversion. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Item Level RFID Tagging: Microsoft RFID ...

Item Level RFID Tagging: BT and Microsoft to Deliver Pioneering Implementation of Item-Level RFID Tagging: The two companies are jointly working on an RFID trial.

... "BT and Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) announced today that they will be working together to provide an RFID managed service to the retail sector. The new offering combines BT's RFID data management and systems integration expertise with Microsoft's proven experience in data capture and analysis to make it easier for European retailers and their suppliers to adopt item-level RFID technology for pilots or full-scale rollouts. The first customer to take up this managed service is Marks & Spencer. In February 2005, BT was selected by Marks & Spencer as the main contractor to extend the RFID trial in its clothing supply chain. " ...


The Microsoft Smarter Retailing Initiative helps retailers win today by leveraging current investments, and win tomorrow by easing delivery of new retail experiences. Consisting of Smarter Shopping, Smarter Selling and Smarter Operations, the Smarter Retailing Initiative is designed to close the loop between the retailer's strategy, the in-store execution and familiar technologies already in the consumer's hands.

BT Auto-ID Services is a market leader in the provision of complete, scalable and affordable Automatic Identification solutions including RFID and barcoding. As part of the BT Retail business, it combines the resources of a large corporation with the agility and flexible approach of a new technology start-up. The BT Auto-ID Platform managed service is helping customers manage inventory control, increase sales, provide electronic proof of delivery, and comply with mandatory track, trace and authenticate requirements throughout the supply chain.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Mobile RFID Asset Management

Mobile RFID Asset Management: Managing mobile assets without the paperwork: RedPrairie and BT to offer next generation mobile asset management for businesses using the latest RFID technology ...

RedPrarie partners to deliver mobile, RFID-enabled asset management solutions ...

... "RedPrairie, a global leader in technology solutions that drive business process transformation and BT, a global networked IT services provider and market leader in the provision of RFID technology, announced a partnership to offer RFID enabled Mobile Asset Management as a fully managed service. Many businesses operate fleets of high-value mobile assets such as totes, roll-cages, trailers, beer kegs and medical equipment. Keeping track of these assets as they move between sites can be a real headache. " ...


BT Auto-ID Services is a market leader in the provision of complete, scalable and affordable Automatic Identification solutions including RFID and barcoding. As part of the BT Retail business, it combines the resources of a large corporation with the agility and flexible approach of a new technology start-up. The BT Auto-ID Platform managed service is helping customers manage inventory control, increase sales, provide electronic proof of delivery, and comply with mandatory track, trace and authenticate requirements.

For over 30 years RedPrairie has enabled leading global companies to create competitive advantage through supply excellence. RedPrairie’s comprehensive technology solutions provide rapid and sustainable return on investment by optimizing the performance of people, places and processes. RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for diverse markets, including consumer goods, direct to consumer and traditional retail, food and beverage, high tech / electronics, third party logistics, industrial / wholesale, automotive and service parts, and pharmaceuticals.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, June 10, 2005

Cattle RFID Track Trace: Canada Program ...

Cattle RFID Track Trace: AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL PROGRAM TO ENHANCE CANADA'S CATTLE TRACKING AND TRACING SYSTEM ...

... "The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Andy Mitchell today announced $1.8 million in Government of Canada funding towards the Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader Program. The Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader Program will improve the tracking and tracing of cattle beyond the farm gate using radio frequency identification (RFID) reader technology. " ...


Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has allocated $1.8 million to facilitate the upload of information to the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and Agri-Traceabilité Québec (ATQ) through the purchase of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers. The Canadian Radio Frequency Identification (CRFID) Reader Program will provide assistance up to 50 percent of the purchase price within pre-determined caps, for approved radio frequency identification (RFID) reader(s), to eligible applicants in the cattle industry. The CRFID will improve the tracking and tracing of cattle beyond the farm gate using RFID reader technology. The objective of the program is to ensure that the cattle industry has the necessary equipment to fully participate in the cattle tracking and tracing system initiative.

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





RFID TRACK AND TRACE Conference

2005 TRACK AND TRACE SUMMIT

... "RFID is one of the hottest technologies around. And while you've heard a lot of the noise surrounding RFID coming from vendors and consultants who tout RFID's benefits, what you've really been seeking are actual case studies from companies whose businesses are dependent upon the use of RFID, rather than the sale of the latest RFID technology or expertise. At the Track & Trace Summit, you'll hear real-world case studies from industry leaders. Neco Can, CIO of JCREW, will discuss the way he has employed strategic solutions to cost obstacles. " ...


Track and Trace Summit, October 17-19, 2005
The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club
19999 West Country Club Drive
Aventura, FL 33180-2401

Labels: , , , , ,





Friday, June 03, 2005

Upcoming RFID Conference: Wisconsin

Wisconsin RFID Conference 2005

... "Learn how radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are poised to fundamentally change the way businesses track, trace and manage the flow of products through the supply chain. This Conference is a must-attend for every person involved in developing and implementing RFID strategy. You will learn from the real experiences of companies deploying RFID and gain insight to the current state-of-the-industry for RFID and the future of RFID ... Wisconsin RFID Conference 2005: Lessons From Companies Applying RFID Today: Wednesday June 22, 2005, 830AM to 430PM Waukesha, WI. Registration. " ...

Labels: , , ,





Wednesday, June 01, 2005

Chipless RFID Tags

Chipless RFID Tags: InkSure Technologies Reports Pattent Approvals Involving "Chipless" RFID: Pattents Represent Milestone in Development of Affordable Item-Level Tagging for Secure Logistics and Track & Trace Applications ...

Inksure obtains patents for chipless RFID capability ...

... "InkSure Technologies Inc. (OTC BB: INKS - News), a leading provider of covert machine-readable security solutions for the prevention of counterfeiting, fraud and diversion, today announced that its wholly-owned InkSure RF subsidiary has been awarded two key U.S. patents related to the Company’s ongoing development of chipless RFID tags. " ...

Labels: , , , ,





Monday, May 30, 2005

RFID Animal Traceability Market ...

RFID Animal Traceability Market: ADVANCED ID’S SHEEP TAG DELIVERS STRONG PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIA ...

... "Advanced ID Corporation (OTCBB: AIDO), a complete solutions provider in the radio frequency identification (RFID) and traceability market for the animal industry, delivered results from its field trials in Australia which have exhibited a clear advantage over other identification technology. Advanced ID’s DataTRAC™ 4000 Series tags and readers, specifically designed for the sheep industry, were deployed in a series of field tests beginning in late 2004 with one of the largest sheep processors in the country. " ...

Animal traceability enabled by RFID technology in Australia ...

Trace Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Polymer Direct Australia Pty Ltd, and was created specifically to focus on the development of radio frequency identification (RFID) partner programs in Australia and New Zealand as the exclusive agent for Advanced ID Corporation.

Advanced ID Corporation is a complete solutions provider in the radio frequency identification (RFID) and traceability market for the animal industry. RFID provides a means to positively identify and track animals or objects. Advanced ID markets low frequency RFID microchips, scanners, and its pet recovery database to the companion animal and biological sciences markets. Advanced ID also markets its ultra high frequency DataTRAC™ tags, readers, and software solutions to minimize or eliminate the impact of biosecurity and food safety issues related to the livestock industry.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,





Thursday, May 19, 2005

RFID Track and Trace Technology

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

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


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

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, May 07, 2005

Drug RFID Technology Awareness ...

Pharmaceutical Education Associates Speech in 2005

Remarks by Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., Ph.D., Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs ...

... "In November, 2004, FDA stepped up its effort by issuing a compliance policy guide to facilitate pilot projects for the use of Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) Technology in the pharmaceutical sector. RFID is the cornerstone technology in the fight against counterfeit drugs because of its ability to track, trace and authenticate packages of drugs. Using state-of-art electronic technology on every product, RFID allows the creation of an electronic pedigree from the point of manufacture to the point of dispensing. An electronic pedigree is a record of all the places where drugs have been and who has had it. It will minimize fraudulent mishandling and mischief to occur to tagged drug products. I announced a few months ago that Pfizer and Purdue Pharma have already joined FDA action in implementing RFID and more are following suit. The FDA expects to see widespread adoption of RFID technology by the pharmaceutical industry by the year 2007. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,





RFID Food Safety Applications: Track and Trace ...

Agent QC

... "Agent QC is adaptable for use in RFID applications and for food safety related applications involving tracking and traceability for inventory management. This system, in combination with individual wireless readers, will allow automated inline traceability and troubleshooting with minimal operator supervision. Integratable GPS technology allows in-transport tracking and transportation monitoring via remote web based servers as part of our ongoing leadership role in Total Quality Solution Technology. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Saturday, April 09, 2005

RFID Track Trace Authenticate ...

Drug Importation: The Realities of Safety and Security - U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

Testimony of Mr. John Gray, Health Care Distribution Management Association, Reston, VA, President and CEO, ...

... "As those who seek to introduce counterfeit or adulterated products into the supply chain become more sophisticated, so, too, must the technologies that manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies employ to frustrate and defeat them. We believe technologies employing electronic product codes (EPC)/radio frequency identification (RFID) hold the most promise for tracking, tracing and authenticating a product's movement across the supply chain. Using RFID technology, a tiny radio frequency chip containing essential data in the form of an electronic product code will allow supply chain stakeholders to track the chain of custody (or pedigree) of every unit of medication on an individual basis. By tying each discrete product unit to a unique electronic ID, a product can be tracked electronically through the supply chain." ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,





RFID Authentic Unit Drug Tracking ...

Panel 2--Anti-Counterfeit Drug Initiative--October 2003 Meeting

... "Track and trace technology supports the unique identification of each individual product unit, allowing distributors to easily identify and locate specific items in the supply chain. The technology HDMA believes holds the most promise is radiofrequency identification, or RFID. Using RFID technology, a tiny radiofrequency chip containing essential data in the form of an electronic product code will allow supply chain stakeholders to track every unit of medication in the country on an individual basis. By tying each product unit to a unique ID, any item can be tracked through the entire supply chain with an unalterable electronic pedigree. The EPC chip, which can be thought of as a product's DNA, will be equipped with high-technology security protection that will make it impossible to duplicate or steal the identity of an authentic unit. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





RFID EPC Drug Imports

Comments for the Task Force on Drug Importation: Secure Symbology, Inc. is offering comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Task Force on Drug Importation as charged by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to study what it would take in terms of oversight and resources to safely import drugs ...

... "We recognize that the ultimate goal of RFID, through its data carrier, the Electronic Product Code (EPC™), is to serialize every manufactured product down to the item level. But because of the huge infrastructure costs, high tag costs, questions concerning ISO standards, hacking and privacy concerns, implementation to the items level is, by most standards, 5 – 10 years away. The ability to track, trace and provide an electronic database and an electronic pedigree cannot wait 5-10 years for item level serialization while U.S. states, counties and it’s citizens bring pharmaceutical products in from Canada and other foreign countries. DOD and Wal-Mart driven mandates may elicit some success in the next few years at the container and/or pallet level, but even at this level, data synchronization still is a major issue." ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Monday, March 28, 2005

RFID Visibility: Locate, Track, Trace ...

General Store Newsletter

Arleen Gearhart writes ...

... "The Material Handling Equipment section of DSCP's General & Industrial Directorate's Equipment CBU is purchasing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags - the latest and best technology tool for timely locating, tracking, tracing and deploying military supplies and managing resources throughout the world. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has directed that all containers for Operation Enduring Freedom include RFID tags. The RFID tag is a combination computer, memory, controller and two-way radio. They reduce or eliminate repetitive work and lower manpower requirements and associated costs." ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Saturday, March 19, 2005

Drug Supply Radiofrequency Identification Technology

FDA Announces New Initiative to Protect the U.S. Drug Supply Through the Use Of Radiofrequency Identification Technology

... "Purdue Pharma announced that it is placing RFID tags on bottles of OxyContin to make it easier to authenticate as well as track and trace this pain medication. Based on the availability of sufficient RFID tags, Purdue also plans to tag bottles of Palladone, a newly approved product to treat persistent, moderate to severe pain. Oxycontin, which is a controlled substance has been subject to abuse as well as theft and diversion. FDA also acknowledged the leadership of Johnson & Johnson in establishing standards for RFID technology and participating in RFID pilot studies. Johnson & Johnson will continue to collaborate with industry partners to develop standards for ePedigree." ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





RFID e-Manifest

RFID and e-Manifest: Transparent Tracking of Goods and Personnel

... e-Manifest, or electronic manifest, can be implemented using RFID technology to support track and trace of waste management ...

Labels:





Wednesday, March 09, 2005

RFID Authentication Technology ...

FDA Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force Interim Report Focuses on High-Tech Weapons and Other Promising New Counter Measures

... "Authentication technologies to assure that the drug is the real thing fall into three general groups: overt, covert and forensic. Track and trace technologies to help make sure that a product that finds its way to a consumer is a safe and effective drug include radio-frequency identification and barcodes." ...

Labels: , , , ,





Friday, March 04, 2005

Electronic Product Code (EPC) Supports Authentication Track and Trace ...

... the Auto-ID System can be used to systematically access databases of all companies or entities that have handled the product. This helps build an Electronic Pedigree for the particular product. The Authentication, Track and Trace approaches mentioned above depend heavily on the capability to uniquely identify individual drugs within the supply chain at the primary package level. An Electronic Product Code (EPC) is applied to each primary package unit and this is the basis for Mass Serialization of pharmaceutical product. Using bar code systems to read and account for billions of unique identifiers is laborious. RFID is a more efficient technology to execute Mass Serialization in the supply chain. ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Thursday, February 24, 2005

RFID Supply Chain Mandates Drive Growth ...

RFID Supply Chain Mandates Drives Growth: G-Log Grows Annual Revenue by More Than 15 Percent; Names Former ...

Logistics software growth is attributed to the pace of RFID mandates and other market drivers, such as secure supply chains ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... "Our growth can be attributed to issues such as global trade management, supply chain security, and RFID mandates that are seriously challenging companies ...

... G-Log, the leading provider of global logistics and transportation software, announced today that it posted record revenues for the end of the fourth quarter 2004, highlighted by annual revenue growth of more than 15 percent compared with 2003. Also today, the company announced it has appointed L. Michael Shelton as senior vice president of global sales operations. A former senior executive at Ryder where he drove record net sales growth for its largest division, Shelton is widely recognized for his strong leadership and customer-centric approach. Shelton will lead G-Log's worldwide sales initiatives and spearhead acquisition of additional Global 2000 customers. ...


G-Log is the leading provider of global logistics and transportation software for enterprises and logistics service providers. The G-Log Web-native solution keeps goods in motion through the supply chain in all modes and across all geographies within a single system. G-Log's clients are reducing cycle times, inventory levels, and total transportation costs while satisfying their customers' demands for real-time information and on-time deliveries. The G-Log solution provides a broad range of services in the transportation market, including optimization, order entry, procurement, supply chain event management (SCEM), visibility, track and trace, freight payment, and historical analysis. Recognized as a "Best of the Web" company by Forbes, G-Log clients include Big Lots, Brown Shoe, DuPont, Exel, Family Dollar Stores, Giant Eagle, Halliburton, Kuehne & Nagel, Rohm and Haas, Stonepath Group, Tesco, Toll Solutions, Total Logistic Control, UPM, and Volvo Logistics.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, January 30, 2005

RFID Track and Trace Feasible for Drug Tagging ...

Combating Counterfeit Drugs: A Report of the Food and Drug Administration

From Combating Counterfeit Drugs: A Report of the Food and Drug Administration ...

... "The adoption and common use of reliable track and trace technology is feasible in 2007, and would help secure the integrity of the drug supply chain by providing an accurate drug pedigree, which is a secure record documenting the drug was manufactured and distributed under safe and secure conditions. Modern electronic technology is rapidly approaching the state at which it can reliably and affordably provide much greater assurances that a drug product was manufactured safely and distributed under conditions that did not compromise its potency. FDA has concluded that this approach is a much more reliable direction for assuring the legitimacy of a drug than paper recordkeeping requirements, which are more likely to be incomplete or falsified, and that it is feasible for use by 2007. Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) tagging of products by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers appears to be the most promising approach to reliable product tracking and tracing. Significant feasibility studies and technology improvements are underway to confirm that RFID will provide cost-reducing benefits in areas such as inventory control, while also providing the ability to track and trace the movement of every package of drugs from production to dispensing. Most importantly, reliable RFID technology will make the copying of medications either extremely difficult or unprofitable. FDA is working with RFID product developers, sponsors, and participants of RFID feasibility studies to ensure that FDA's regulations facilitate the development and safe and secure use of this technology. FDA is also working with other governmental agencies to coordinate activities in this area." ...


RFID was cited as being the technology with the strongest potential for securing the supply chain but that it was not ready for widespread commercial use with pharmaceutical products. Many costs, potential benefits, and unresolved issues related to RFID were cited. The potential benefits included the ability to control inventory and conduct rapid, efficient recalls, while costs that could hinder the adoption of RFID included purchase of tags and other hardware, integration into existing information systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., labeling, electronic records). Important unresolved issues included the need to develop standards and business rules for RFID, the need to address database management issues, and the need to determine the effect of RFID on product quality.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, January 28, 2005

Pharma RFID Symposium on RFID Enabling Secure Drug Supply ...

Pharma RFID Symposium on RFID Enabling Secure Drug Supply: Pharmaceutical Technology Congress Highlights Discussion of ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Three pre-conference symposia focus on RFID: Maintaining secure drug supply through systems integration, information security and regulatory compliance, ERP ...

... On March 14-16, hundreds of business process owners from sales and marketing, supply chain, clinical development, and IT professionals from around the world will meet in Philadelphia to discuss how they will address the upcoming regulatory scrutiny. Senior IT and business process technology users benchmark integrated platform and technological tools to improve pharma and biotech compliance programs across the enterprise. New discussion topics include which regulatory mandates are on the horizon and how major pharmaceutical companies are gearing up their compliance efforts. ...


The Institute for International Research (IIR) is the world's leading knowledge and skills transfer company with a global network of 44 companies and 109 operating units. IIR works with more than 600,000 business executives annually, providing them with knowledge and skills through training, conferences, seminars, e-learning, blended solutions, publications, exhibitions, consulting and mentoring.

Additional resources on a secure drug supply enabled by RFID technology ...

Comparing HF and UHF RFID technologies: that can keep the drug supply safe and secure. ... a built-in anti-collision feature that enables multiple simultaneous ... Data is stored on the RFID tag instead of ...

Track and Trace Solutions for the Life Sciences Supply Chain: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Building track-and-trace systems with secure bar code and RFID labeling techniques enables companies to benefit from their marking efforts. ...

Drugmaker Ships RFID Tags With OxyContin: group charged with monitoring RFID adoption within ... for IT Changes Tripwire software enables organizations to ... Provides speedy, secure remote PC access, dynamic ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Food Safety RFID ...

Food Safety RFID: Syscan, Navigant Consulting Bring Safety Initiatives to US Market

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Mr. Axel Striefler, President of Syscan said, "We are pleased that our RFID based food safety applications have been validated by ...

... Syscan International (TSX VENTURE:SYA) today announced that it will team with Navigant Consulting (NYSE:NCI) to bring a complete range of food safety related services and solutions to the meat industry in North America. Navigant Consulting brings expertise to the food industry in regulatory matters governed by HACCP, and the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Act). Under HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines, processors implement safety related controls throughout production. The implementation of these controls allows operators to react swiftly to prevent any potential food safety hazards before they occur. There are over 6,000 HACCP governed plants in the U.S. Navigant Consulting provides HACCP reviews and the independent verification of product and product traceability required under the Act prior to its entry into the U.S. ...


Syscan specializes in delivering RFID based business efficiency solutions to a wide variety of industries that characteristically function in harsh and difficult operating environments. Its standardized solutions include asset tracking and quality control methodologies for meat processing, transportation, automobile production and industrial gases. The company also produces and distributes its proprietary rugged in-vehicle and portable printers to corporations and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:NCI) is a specialized independent consulting firm providing litigation, financial, healthcare, energy and operational consulting services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. The Company focuses on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations. "Navigant" is a service mark of Navigant International, Inc. Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NCI) is not affiliated, associated, or in any way connected with Navigant International, Inc. and NCI's use of "Navigant" is made under license from Navigant International, Inc.

Additional information on RFID Services and Solutions applied to Food Safety ...

RFID | Food Safety, Food Supply Chain: According to the Top of Mind surveys in 2002 and 2003 from CIES - The Food Business Forum, global retailers and manufacturers currently rank food safety as one ...

RFID and Food Safety: RFID and Food Safety. The road to regulatory ... What are the long-term benefits of RFID in food safety applications? On one hand, retailers ...

RFID > PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety: PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety Jan. 12, 2004, ... Matched with RFID technologies, PLM software helps companies track and trace raw food materials through ...

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, November 30, 2004

RFID Electronic Pedigree for Drugs ...

From DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR Part 203, [Docket No. 1992N-0297] ...


... "To summarize, FDA has concluded that an electronic pedigree should accomplish and surpass the goals of PDMA and is potentially a more effective solution to tracing the movement of pharmaceuticals than a paper pedigree. As stated previously, it appears that industry will migrate toward and implement electronic track and trace capability by 2007. Therefore, to allow stakeholders to continue to move toward this goal, FDA has decided to delay the effective date of Sec. Sec. 203.3(u) and 203.50 until December 1, 2006. Before the effective date, FDA intends to evaluate the progress toward implementation of the electronic pedigree and its capacity to meet the intent of PDMA, and determine whether to further delay the effective date of the regulations or take other appropriate regulatory action." ...

Labels: , , , ,





Sunday, November 28, 2004

RFID Privacy and Security in Drug Track and Trace ...

From Importation of Prescription Drugs, U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Testimony of Philip Lee, M.D., Former Chancellor University of California, San Francisco, Professor Emeritus, San Francisco University, and Former HHS Assistant Secretary for Health ...

... "add a word of caution about the track and trace technologies. These are based on radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging of products by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. This appears to be the best approach available and there is an enormous literature on this topic. A web search of this issue for pharmaceuticals leads to more than 100,000 hits, and there are professional journals and trade publications solely devoted to RFID. I believe two issues still need to be fully addressed: (1) security and (2) privacy, particularly when large databases link products purchased by individual patients. I am not an expert in either of these areas, but this committee may wish to review the whole matter after it receives the Secretary's report on importation." ...

Labels: , , , , ,





BSE RFID: Animal Sensors ...

From DORGAN TOURS HIGH-TECH ANIMAL ID PROJECT WITH DSU, NDSU RESEARCHERS: Senator secured $3 million for Dickinson State, NDSU role in research corridor ...

... "the research teams plan to tag up to 10,000 calves with tiny RFID chips that will track and record data including an animal's movement, diet, body temperature, and vaccination history. The project has taken on new significance with the discovery of a Washington state dairy cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or Mad Cow disease. If an animal is contaminated, RFID technology can be used to accurately trace where it has been and identify other animals that might be infected. " ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Friday, November 26, 2004

RFID Technology: HHS Task Force on Drug Importation

From Health and Human Services, Stakeholder Meeting, HHS Importation Task Force ...

... "In tracing, the Auto ID system can be used to systematically access databases of all companies or entities that have handled the product. This helps us build an electronic pedigree for that particular product. The authentication track and trace approach, as mentioned above, depend heavily on the capability to uniquely identify individual drugs within the supply chain at the primary package level. The electronic product code is applied to each primary package unit, and this is the basis for mass serialization of pharmaceutical product. Using bar code systems to read and account for billions of unique identifiers is laborious, and RFID holds out the promise holds out the promise of a more efficient technology to execute this mass serialization in the supply chain. In conclusion, the Auto ID system holds promise of making pharmaceutical products in the supply chain much more secure than they are today. The EPC community and Auto ID labs are committed to doing all that is possible to remove the barriers to the widespread global adoption of this technology." ...

Labels: , , , , , , , ,





Sunday, November 21, 2004

RFID Technology in Combating Counterfeit Drugs ...

From Report of the Food and Drug Administration ...

... "The adoption and common use of reliable track and trace technology is feasible in 2007, and would help secure the integrity of the drug supply chain by providing an accurate drug 'pedigree,' which is a secure record documenting the drug was manufactured and distributed under safe and secure conditions. Modern electronic technology is rapidly approaching the state at which it can reliably and affordably provide much greater assurances that a drug product was manufactured safely and distributed under conditions that did not compromise its potency. FDA has concluded that this approach is a much more reliable direction for assuring the legitimacy of a drug than paper recordkeeping requirements, which are more likely to be incomplete or falsified, and that it is feasible for use by 2007. Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) tagging of products by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers appears to be the most promising approach to reliable product tracking and tracing. Significant feasibility studies and technology improvements are underway to confirm that RFID will provide cost-reducing benefits in areas such as inventory control, while also providing the ability to track and trace the movement of every package of drugs from production to dispensing. Most importantly, reliable RFID technology will make the copying of medications either extremely difficult or unprofitable. FDA is working with RFID product developers, sponsors, and participants of RFID feasibility studies to ensure that FDA's regulations facilitate the development and safe and secure use of this technology. FDA is also working with other governmental agencies to coordinate activities in this area. b. Authentication technologies for pharmaceuticals have been sufficiently perfected that they can now serve as a critical" ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Monday, November 15, 2004

FDA RFID Compliance: FDA Encourages Radio Tags on Drug Bottles

From Yahoo News ... The chips, called radio frequency identification or RFID tags, can be attached to packaging to track products or check their authenticity. ...

... Viagra, Oxycontin and some AIDS (news - web sites) drugs will be among the first to carry radio chip tracking devices under a new Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) initiative to prevent theft and counterfeiting announced on Monday. The FDA (news - web sites) said it was lifting restrictions on labeling that may have discouraged companies from testing out the little antennas, which can be used to trace drugs from factory to pharmacy. ...

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Monday, October 11, 2004

SAP RFID: SAP Helps Companies Drive Maximum Performance with Adaptive ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... six sigma, compliant manufacturing (based on 21 CFR Part 11 stipulations*), performance management and radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption for the ...

SAP is investing in keeping its ERP software at the forefront of the industry through investments in six sigma and RFID ...

... SAP AG (NYSE: SAP - News) today announced new and enhanced capabilities to mySAP(TM) ERP, its world-leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that will help customers gain new insight to better manage their manufacturing businesses. These capabilities will allow customers to gain improved visibility across plant floor operations and thereby better enable processes in the areas of lean manufacturing, track and trace, six sigma and compliant manufacturing. ...



SAP is the world's leading provider of business software solutions. SAP® solutions are designed to meet the demands of companies of all sizes-from small and midsize businesses to global enterprises. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver(TM) open integration and application platform to reduce complexity and total cost of ownership and empower business change and innovation, mySAP(TM) Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. The unique core processes of various industries, from aerospace to utilities, are supported by more than 25 SAP industry solutions. Today, more than 23,400 customers in over 120 countries run more than 79,800 installations of SAP® software. With subsidiaries in more than 50 countries, the company is listed on several exchanges, including the Frankfurt stock exchange and NYSE under the symbol "SAP."

Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, September 24, 2004

RFID Track and Trace Technology: The Gambrinus Company Announces License Agreement With ORBID ...

From dBusinessNews San Francisco (press release), CA ... In this capacity, it complements emerging technologies such as RFID, providing redundancy and a very cost-effective unique keg ID. ...

... The Gambrinus Company will use the patented 2DMI technology for keg tracking and tracing in its overall asset management and protection strategy. 2DMI's innovative technology, ease of deployment, scalability, and use of off-the-shelf imaging technology not only lend themselves easily to asset management, but they also address long-unanswered issues, such as the unique identification of kegs, raised by legislative bodies. Furthermore, 2DMI is extremely durable and can be accurately read with 30 years of wear and tear, thus providing a freshness guarantee and other valuable data to The Gambrinus Company. ...


ORBID Corporation is a provider of marker solutions that secure, verify, and identify all forms of products and data. ORBID Corporation holds patents for two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital rights management marker technologies. ORBID's customers employ the 2DMI, 3DAS, and 4DRM systems for brand protection, anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, and document, product and data security purposes. ORBID Corporation is a U.S.-based company headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., with international offices in Ireland, and The Netherlands.

Labels: ,





Wednesday, August 25, 2004

SMARTCODE™ CORP. teams up with Microsoft corp.

SMARTCODE™ CORP. Joins Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner Program – Company to Offer world leading EPC RFID solutions supporting Microsoft's platform

Membership highlights the quality and innovation of SmartCode Corp.'s Low Cost, standard based Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID solutions supporting Microsoft's platform for Wal Mart, DoD, Tesco, METRO, Target and Albertson’s

New York, NY, August 26, 2004 – SmartCode Corp. the world’s leading provider of low cost EPC RFID tags and readers, today announced that it has joined the Microsoft Windows Embedded Partner Program. SmartCode Corp. becomes one of a select group of companies worldwide in this exclusive program; proof to the expertise and solutions SmartCode Corp. brings to the market for Windows-based embedded technologies.

SmartCode Corp. will also join Microsoft’s RFID Council for the acceleration and development of standards-based RFID solutions for the global market. The primary purpose of the Microsoft RFID Council is to research the RFID requirements and advantages of today's RFID technology to make it easier for retailers and manufacturers to track and trace merchandise.

SmartCode Corp.’s relationship with Microsoft will enable new and innovative RFID solutions to the global RFID marketplace. The relationship will enable world-leading retailers such as Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense (DoD), Tesco in the UK and METRO AG in Germany with a standards-based EPC RFID solutions, fully integrated with the Microsoft platform.

"We are very happy to work together with Microsoft,” said Avi Ofer, SmartCode Corp. President "For SmartCode Corp., this worldwide collaboration translates into new revenue streams and product development opportunities, expanded sales channels and broadened reach into new industry sectors," added Ofer.

"SmartCode’s low-cost EPC RFID solutions provide a true added value in implementing large-scale EPC RFID supply chains,” said Javed Sikander, program manager for RFID strategy at Microsoft. “When EPC RFID is implemented throughout the supply chain, the price of these disposable RFID tags plays a major role. SmartCode’s unique low-cost EPC RFID tags and readers enable our mutual customers to enjoy a high-performance RFID solution at a cost-effective price.”

“When building Windows Powered solutions, our customers need to be able to quickly identify third-party offerings that work with our platform,” said Jane Gilson, group product manager of the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. “SmartCode’s high-quality RFID solutions and services can now be easily identified by our mutual customers.”

SmartCode Corp. is a world leader in providing low cost, high performance RFID solutions. Until today, the prices of RFID tags with an average price of 50 cents each have created a cost barrier for companies worldwide to adopt the RFID solution as the replacement of the inefficient barcode technology. With SmartCode™ Corp.’s exclusive patented manufacturing technology, SmartCode™ Corp. can manufacture these RFID tags at a price level of 5-10 cents, in large volumes.

About SMARTCODE CORP.

SmartCode™ Corp. is a leading RFID developer that has developed a revolutionary, patented, and cost effective RFID manufacturing technology. Our Patented technologies enable us to intelligently replace the current inefficient Barcode technology. Our patented technologies enables us to manufacture a very large number of RFID tags at a fraction of the cost of today's traditional RFID. SmartCode™ Corp. introduces a cost-effective approach to dramatically reducing our clients Total Cost of Operation (TCO) and increasing their Return On Investment (ROI).

SmartCode™ Corp. enables companies to receive 100% real time visibility of their products across their entire supply chain. SmartCode™ Corp. is headquartered in New York, NY with offices in London, Silicon Valley, London, Hong Kong and a R&D Center in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Learn more about SmartCode Corp. at www.smartcodecorp.com

SmartCode™ is a Trademark of SmartCode Corp. Other marks used are trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Contact information:

Mrs. Ruth Cohen,
Director, Media Relations
SmartCode Corporation
ruth.cohen@smartcodecorp.com
Tel: + 1-801-999-7632
Fax: +1-801-906-6885

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Pharma RFID: Alternative to RFID in Pharmaceutical Drug Packaging

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Mimicking the future potential of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the ESC(TM) System uses serialized 2D Composite bar codes to encode individual product ...

... Secure Symbology, Inc., a global supply chain solutions company, is announcing the release of its patent-pending Electronic Sequence Code(TM) System (ESC(TM)). The Company is initially targeting the pharmaceutical sector with its ESC(TM) System, which can provide immediate track, trace, anti-counterfeiting and electronic pedigree capabilities throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain. Mimicking the future potential of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the ESC(TM) System uses serialized 2D Composite bar codes to encode individual product information in a very small footprint that can be applied on individual unit-dose drug products or any subsequent packaging level at current production line speeds. ...


Secure Symbology, Inc. is a global corporation specializing in innovative serialized bar code solutions for companies looking to increase profits by identifying and tracking their products as they travel through the supply chain.

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,





Thursday, July 01, 2004

Drug RFID: Pfizer hit by fresh counterfeit Viagra scam

From In Pharma, France ... in common with other drugmakers it is also exploring the use of various track-and-trace technologies, including radiofrequency identification (RFID), to shore ...

Labels: , , ,





Thursday, June 17, 2004

RFID Software: Sun unveils new Java-based RFID application

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Sun Microsystems has released its new Sun Java System RFID Software. This standards-based software simplifies the integration of ...

Sun Java™ System RFID Software helps businesses improve asset visibility and ensure product safety and integrity across the supply chain by enabling real-time asset tracking. Companies today not only need to know where their assets are, they also need to share that information with their trading partners to deliver seamless, efficient, and secure business transactions. Java System RFID Software enables trading partners to track and trace items automatically throughout the supply chain. Java System RFID Software is based on industry standards, such as Electronic Product Code (EPC), Java™ and Java 2 Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE™) technology, and XML, to prevent vendor lock-in... Designed using Java and Jini™ technology for high availability and selfhealing failover of Radio frequency identification (RFID) services.

Labels: , , , , , , ,





Sunday, April 25, 2004

RFID Solutions: Applied Intelligence at Markem

Applied Intelligence, a MARKEM group, has been established to provide fully integrated solutions for identifying products with Electronic Product Codes (EPCs), at production line speeds. The newly established organization offers equipment, supplies and services for the printing and reading of EPCs as well as providing the equipment supplies and services for programming and application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels used for "Smart Labels", "Smart Packaging" and for handling both redundant and unique readable EPC codes. Applied Intelligence's equipment can be integrated into high speed production packaging lines where electronic codes will be applied directly onto products at the case identification or pallet labeling stations. In the case of RFID tags, multiple tags can be read at a single time using non-line-of-sight auto identification, enabling better tracking and control of products throughout their entire life cycle.

We are developing strategic partnerships and alliances with targeted customers to develop and deploy customized solutions to meet identified customer needs. At this time, we are very interested in exploring candidate companies with whom we might work to further enhance our understanding and capabilities. Should you have an interest, please contact us at (+1-603-357-8014) to discuss your needs and requirements. We welcome the opportunity to share our thoughts and discuss further how Applied Intelligence's RFID solutions might meet your needs.

MARKEM provides intelligent product identification solutions including equipment, software, supplies and services to meet primary, case coding and pallet labeling applications for industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care and electronics.

Radio Frequency Identification, commonly referred to as RFID, uses radio waves to automatically identify individual items. The technology has been around since the mid 1930's. Work on radar technology led to development of the first RFID transponders for IFF Systems (Identification Friend or Foe) in aircraft.
The basis for the system was a ground-based transmitter, the interrogator, that broadcast a radio signal to the aircraft, and a transponder on the aircraft that could receive and reply to this signal. Interrogations within IFF used very specific types of signals, or modes.

In the late 1960's, the U.S. Government used RFID technology to track nuclear materials.
The technology was released to the public sector in the late 1970’s having initial commercialization in applications for access control and security.

Today the technology is used in many applications visible to consumers.
In application, electronic information is written to and read from RFID Tags. These RFID tags are in effect small microchips. They listen for a radio query and respond by transmitting their unique ID code. Most RFID tags have no batteries: They use the power from the initial radio signal to transmit their response. High frequency tags operate at 13.5 mHZ and are used in security and access applications. Ultra-high frequency tags operate at 900mHz and will be used in logistics applications.

An Electronic Product Codes (EPC), is an Auto-ID Center global standard and globally unique number that allows product tracking and tracing at the item level throughout the supply chain. It consists of three fields: manufacturer ID, product ID and serial number. EPCs can be programmed into an RFID tag and the tags embedded in packaging to allow for "smart packaging". These tags can be read by non-line-of-sight systems to enable real time inventory, increase distribution velocity, protect brands and track/trace out-of-date products.

Applied Intelligence - a group within MARKEM - provides fully integrated solutions for identifying products with EPCs at production line speeds. As RFID technology gains favor over conventional barcodes to identify and track cases and pallets throughout the supply chain, product identification can be achieved with this non line of sight technology. RFID tags programmed with an EPC (GTIN+Serial Number) act as product identifiers instead of (or in addition to) a barcode. Applied Intelligence focuses on providing solutions that help companies comply with RFID and EPC requirements.

MARKEM pallet labeling systems can label up to 3 sides (front, side, rear) of a pallet, using secure data direct from your host system meeting all national and international standards. Flexible system design means these systems will be able to keep pace with changes in logistical, marketing and customer demands.

Stand alone or integrated. Our pallet labeling systems can operate as stand-alone units or as part of an integrated production line. Store infromation and designs locally in the built-in memory, and run the machines from internal control signals while the operator selects products and data. Or link it into the control systems and host system, and select pallet labels automatically via incoming barcodes on products or from the host system.

International standards. Designed for international use and to comply with international standards: ANA/UCC/EAN-128/ European Labeling Standards, and Serial Shipping Container Codes.

Control via 3 methods of operation. Optical sensors across the line, directly from your host system, or linked to your programmable logic control (PLC) system. Timing diagrams available.

We incorporate user feedback and the extensive experience gained from our worldwide installed base to make these the most reliable and functional pallet labeling systems on the market. Their superior reliability helps reduce downtime on your production line, and their crisp sharp codes and text mean information that's always legible and scannable.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,





Friday, April 23, 2004

Walmart RFID: R4 Global Services Answers the Call for WalMart RFID Compliance

From SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2004-- R4 Accelerate(SM) Solution Enables WalMart Suppliers to Meet Schedule II Pharmaceutical RFID Compliance Initiative Requirements

R4 Global Services(TM) (www.r4gs.com), a leading solutions provider of RFID-enabled technology and services, today announced the R4 Accelerate Solution for Schedule II Compliance to meet the needs of the 18 pharmaceutical suppliers working to fulfill the requirements of WalMart's Schedule II RFID initiative. As of the March 30th compliance target date set by WalMart, a number of suppliers had not met the overall requirements for RFID compliance on Schedule II pharmaceuticals. U.S. DEA Schedule II pharmaceuticals are highly regulated prescription narcotics such as Ritalin and Morphine. The R4 Accelerate Solution is a simplified, pre-packaged suite of hardware, software and services that provides all the necessary components required to meet Schedule II compliance in eight weeks or less...

The pharmaceutical market is one of the most attractive application areas for RFID technology due to the relatively high cost of pharmaceutical product and readily apparent benefits to corporations and consumers. For example, a case of Schedule II pharmaceutical product might cost $40,000 - a high enough price point to justify the cost of RFID technology. Additionally, industry analysts estimate that up to 10% of the U.S. drug supply is counterfeit. Thus, the ability to track and trace pharmaceuticals in the supply chain has the potential to save suppliers hundreds of millions of dollars per year, in addition to saving human lives and reducing overall cost.

"Given the timeline, complex nature of suppliers' systems and necessary configuration required to integrate RFID into existing business processes, some delays in RFID compliance were to be expected," said Ryan Lange, senior vice president of sales for R4 Global Services. "At this point, suppliers are looking for complete, pre-packaged solutions versus components of solutions which are time intensive and costly to deploy. Our work with leading suppliers to WalMart, as well as with Schedule II and generic pharmaceutical product lines, gives us the expertise and vendor relationships needed to deliver an efficient, cost-effective solution to pharmaceutical suppliers. We also wanted to dispel the myth that compliance is a 'million dollar exercise' - we are able to deliver a complete compliance package in under eight weeks for less than $100,000, in many cases, depending on the volume of product being shipped to WalMart."

The R4 Accelerate solution for Schedule II compliance addresses both the short-term need for basic Schedule II compliance with WalMart, and the longer term need of developing a scalable plan of attack and technology architecture for the use of RFID in the pharmaceuticals supply chain. Schedule II RFID compliance has several basic requirements, including:

-- ePC compliant UHF RFID tags, applied at the item level

-- The ability to collect and store RFID tag information for future use

-- The ability to synchronize product data with UCCnet

"We believe the overall move towards the use of RFID in the global supply chain, though in its infancy, remains on track," said Jeff Richards, CEO of R4 Global Services. "There have certainly been challenges along the way, but WalMart is an incredibly efficient and focused organization. Schedule II utilization of RFID is an excellent precursor to overall adoption as the benefits to corporations and consumers start to become apparent."

Pricing for the R4 Accelerate Solution for Schedule II compliance ranges from $50,000 - $175,000 depending on the number of shipping locations involved and the volume of product being shipped to WalMart, as well as all hardware, software and services needed to meet compliance requirements. R4 has developed the offering in conjunction with its key alliance partners, including RFID technology vendors Alien Technology and Matrics. Suppliers purchasing the R4 Accelerate package will meet Schedule II compliance requirements in eight weeks or less.

About R4 Global Services

R4 Global Services is a leader in delivering RFID technology solutions to clients in the Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Defense and Pharmaceutical industries. R4 solutions enable clients to realize the full benefits of RFID and RFID-related technologies, including increased sales, increased visibility and control, decreased labor costs, and dramatic improvements in key business processes such as inventory management and supply chain management. R4 and the R4 RFID Lab are headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional locations in Michigan, Virginia and New Jersey. R4 is a sponsor of EPC Global. For more information visit R4 Global Services on the Web at www.r4gs.com or send an email to info@r4gs.com.

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,