ODIN RFID Weapon Accountability

Airbus Ubisense RFID Manufacturing Initiative

Ubisense is selected as strategic real-time location partner for Airbus. The company's location solutions will enable Airbus with a real-time visibility of business operations by tracking components and assemblies. http://bit.ly/dc5c2q

RFID Container Monitoring Creates Asset Visibility

Australian logistics firm, Townley Group, chooses Wavetrend RFID technology to create visibility into its assets in the supply chain. The RFID technology will be deployed on a number of challenging logistical scenarios for the companies. ...

... "The combination of high-performance fixed infrastructure and mobile handheld device field technology combined with asset monitoring software made Wavetrend the clear choice for Townley Group and its customers in the region. The ability of Wavetrend’s active RFID network to deliver unprecedented asset visibility and perform at a high-level under harsh conditions ensures that it will meet all requirements for Townley Group’s applications. " ...

Via Wavetrend: International Container Monitoring and Security with Australia's Townley Group

RFID Brewery Keg Fleet Visibility

New Belgium Brewing Company will implement Fluensee RFID-enabled asset tracking system to better manage the utilization of brewery’s kegs through its supply chain. ...

... "New Belgium Brewing has implemented the browser-based Fluensee AssetTrack application and passive RFID technology to provide better visibility to its keg fleet. On its fill line New Belgium installed passive RFID readers that capture data on all tagged beer kegs, sending RFID data to Fluensee AssetTrack. Fluensee's AssetTrack solution and RFID provide the brewer with up-to-date information about which kegs are being filled most often and with what brand of beer. This information will help New Belgium to increase the utilization of its existing kegs through improved visibility throughout the fill-to-fill process. " ...

Via Fluensee: New Belgium Brewing RFID Solution

RFID Supplier Visibility

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

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

Via Omnitrol: Automated real-time supplier visibility network

RFID Future Factory

RFID and automated data collection will enable the future factory to operate efficiently and more fully embrace lean manufacturing principles. Shop floor transactions and supply chain material movements will be visible through RFID technology. ...

... "Pushing new manufacturing processes through the above mentioned bottlenecks are Radio Frequency based hardware and software solutions. These do not require line of site and manual intervention anymore to read information on fast moving objects or groups of items in large quantity. " ...

Via PCQuest: Future State for Factory Efficiency

RFID Supply Chain Information

Satellite RFID Tag Provides Global Visibility

Numerex and Savi will collaborate to develop an asset and shipment monitoring capability that integrates Global Satellite Positioning, active Radio Frequency Identification and Satellite Communications into a hybrid RFID tag, the ST-694 GlobalTag. ...

... "The satellite-based global RFID device will be designed to provide tracking information in the harshest environmental conditions, be scalable, flexible, and deliver real-time visibility to those who need it, on a near global basis. The partners will work together to ensure that the ST-694 GlobalTag becomes HERO (Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance) certified, and based on the ISO 18000-7 standard for active RFID, which will help promote interoperability with compatible networks and devices. Savi has provided the active RFID products for the U.S. DoD's In-Transit Visibility network, which is the world's largest RFID network that tracks about 35,000 conveyances daily across more than 4,000 locations and 40 countries. Asset owners, chemical, retail, defense, transportation companies, rail, suppliers faced with customer RFID mandates, ocean ports and terminal operators, exporters, importers and logistics service providers benefit from Savi's real-time solutions. " ...

Via Numerex: GlobalTag Combining GPS, RFID and Satellite Communications

RFID Drug Traceability Pilot

A pharma track and trace RFID system is successfully piloted in a live operating, global supply chain. ...

... "Data carriers, including GS1 bar codes (data matrix) and EPC/RFID tags, were used in the pilot to enable the full traceability of every single drug product in the supply chain on all levels of packaging and to monitor the progress of its transportation lorries. The implementation of a 4 string data set which included the product code, serial number, expiry date and batch number enabling mass serialisation of packaging items, together with the EPCIS system, delivered the necessary traceability information which was recorded in and out of each supply chain participants’ custody. All data stored in the EPCIS system provided real time visibility of the tracked products such as where the product is, which company has it now and how long have they got it for, as well as historical data. " ...

Via GS1 UK: First drug traceability pilot

RFID Real-Time Supply Chain Edge Solutions

Omnitrol Networks will enter into collaborative relationship with BT Global Services to create real-time supply chain solutions using RFID technology. ...

... "The collaboration will enable BT Supply Chain Solutions to deliver enhanced and highly scalable real-time supply-chain, asset and operational visibility solutions utilizing next-generation Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), wireless and sensor technologies based on the Omnitrol Networks platform. The OMNITROL platform integrates a powerful Edge Application and Service Creation Engine, EASE, for delivering integrated real-time asset and work-in-process visibility solutions at a very competitive total cost of ownership. " ...

Via Omnitrol: Real-Time Edge Intelligence

RFID III Contract Awarded to Unisys

Unisys is selected by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office-Enterprise Information Systems to participate in an indefinite quantity contract for the Radio Frequency Identification III program, RFID III.

... "Under the new RFID III contact, Unisys will be able to provide the DoD and other federal agencies with RFID technology as well as services. RFID III is the successor to the Army’s RFID II contract, awarded in January 2003, and represents a move within the U.S. Department of Defense towards a competitive approach to RFID technology procurements, based on international standards. Currently, RFID tags are attached to approximately 125,000 shipments of military supplies each week. As shipments pass through field locations, fixed and handheld readers send and receive data to and from the tags. This data is made available to the military for greater visibility into the location and status of shipments. " ...

Via Unisys: U.S. Department of Defense RFID III Contract

Checkpoint RFID Strategy Gaining Traction

Checkpoint discusses quarterly results and sees the Oatsystems integration proceeding as planned. ...

... "Our Evolve RF and RFID-enabled product line continues to be well received by our customers and is gaining traction in the marketplace. The addition of OATSystems puts key aspects of Checkpoint's developing strategy for RFID EAS in place as the combination of Checkpoint and OATSystems uniquely positions us as a one-stop-shop for solutions that enable retailers and their supply chains to gain deeper inventory visibility, further reducing shrink and increasing bottom-line profits by enhancing on-shelf merchandise availability for consumers. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: Integration of OATSystems progressing as planned

RFID Tracking in PCB Manufacturing

Omnitrol Networks and Texas Instruments have formed an alliance that will deliver radio frequency identification (RFID) to enable real-time traceability in applications for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. These RFID solutions will enable visibility to location, status, and time information on PCB items in the production process. TQ Components is piloting the RFID-enabled PCB tracking solution in Germany. ...

... "The new offering, which integrates Omnitrol Networks' Work-in-Process visibility software and TI's Gen 2 chip technology, provides electronic and contract manufacturers a highly automated method of simultaneously identifying and tracking PCBs from the manufacturing floor to customer delivery. The demand for higher quality, flexibility and efficiency in PCB manufacturing is driving the need for non-line of sight RFID work-in-process tracking that offers several improvements over relatively large, fixed memory barcodes. RFID's small chip size can effectively be used on increasingly scarce board real estate, and its programmable memory allows PCB manufacturers real-time work-in-process visibility into parts, labor and finished goods throughout their manufacturing operations. In addition, RFID solutions provide a highly accurate and comprehensive view of manufacturing data throughout the product lifecycle which can help reduce warranty, safety and liability costs. The complete solution integrates Omnitrol Networks' award-winning Work-In-Process (WIP) visibility software and industrial sensor integration appliance, Gen 2 RFID readers and Texas Instruments' RFID Gen 2 UHF chips." ...

Via Omnitrol: Real-time RFID traceability to printed circuit board manufacturing

RFID Solution Solves Reusable Item Tracking in Europe

Xterprise releases its RFID solution for Reusable Transport Items (RTIs) into the European supply chain market. ...

... "Reusable transport items play a critical role in many environments to help ensure the timely, continuous flow of materials and products to production lines, distribution and ultimately customers. Xterprise and third-party research indicates that more than 50 million RTIs are lost, damaged or otherwise removed from service each year at an estimated cost, globally, of close to $1 billion – a significant portion of which are in Europe. Without proper visibility and management of these valuable assets, stockpiling occurs at artificially high levels at critical choke points, resulting in unnecessary replenishment to meet demand. Xterprise has purposely built the Clarity RTI application to address the unique uses and resulting challenges of managing RTIs as they move between stakeholders in closed-loop environments typically found in retail, 3pl, and manufacturing organisations." ...

Via Xterprise: RFID-Enabled Reusable Transport Item (RTI) Application

RFID Handles Retail Supply Chain Final Mile

Handleman Company is collaborating with epcSolution to demonstrate how RFID can serve the last 100 feet in retail, from the back room to the store shelf, enabling successful product promotions, new product launch, and improved store merchandise. ...

... "Handleman and epcSolutions saw an opportunity to combine their existing core competencies, together with RFID, to provide retailers and suppliers with increased visibility for the last 100 feet of the retail supply chain. The combined offering, known as Tag it, Ship it, Find it, Merchandise it, Return it (TM) is a solution that uses existing Handleman technology, epcSolutions RFID software and solutions, as well as the existing in-store merchandisers to provide a real solution. Join Handleman and epcSolutions as they discuss this breakthrough technology on February 20th at 2:00 pm ET during a free webinar that is open to all. This webinar will feature keynote speakers Khaled Haram and Kevin Kail. We encourage you to register today for this exciting and informative webinar. " ...

Via Handleman Company: Last 100 Feet of the Retail Supply Chain

Savi RFID Pilot Tracks Automotive Assets in the Supply Chain

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

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

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

West Midlands Automotive Cluster

RFID Medical Center Asset Tracking Implementation

Southern Ohio Medical Center implements RFID-enabled asset tracking solution from Radianse, called Reveal. The medical center is realizing the benefits of streamlined equipment inspection processes, quick device recall, improved asset utilization, and enhanced regulatory compliance through quick asset location and better management systems from increased visibility. ...

... "SOMC will use the application to better find and manage 1600 medical devices and equipment across four floors. Moving forward, as part of its $110 million facility expansion, the hospital expects to use additional Radianse Reveal applications to improve patient flow and overall safety from admission to discharge. SOMC is adding more than 100 rooms, a new emergency services area as well as same day surgery and other facility and service additions.

SOMC originally planned to start smaller, but the response was so positive, and the potential so great, it opted to go hospital-wide right away, according to Cooper. The hospital chose a mix of room- and zone-level coverage. With Radianse, room-level accuracy is typically within three feet. " ...

Via Radianse: Southern Ohio Medical Center implements RFID Asset Tracking

RFID Product DNA Creates Asset History Through Its Life

HP uses Oatsystems RFID solutions to track printers through their manufacturing process and into the supply chain. HP is recognized for its innovative application of RFID technology. ...

... "HP tracks its printers using OATSystems' Asset Tracking Solution integrated with existing SAP and Baan ERP systems as well as HP's proprietary manufacturing execution system. The system tracks each printer from its origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to its eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product DNA, storing unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer's history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently. HP estimates that RFID-enabling its printer manufacturing operations has reduced the company’s printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. " ...

Via OatSystems: RFID to Reduce Printer Inventory by 17 Percent

Savi RFID Active Reader Order Enables Tracking

Savi Technology received orders of more than $3 million from Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation for more than 6,000 Savi active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader modules, that will be used in tracking applications. ...

... "Comtech embeds Savi OEM active RFID reader modules into Comtech's satellite-based Movement Tracking System (MTS) kit atop the roof of the driver's cab, providing customers with two-way communications to automatically locate, manage and redirect ground shipments. MTS is used by the U. S. Army to automatically read and relay information of stockpiles at depots or in staging areas by driving MTS-mounted vehicles past RFID-tagged containers and supplies, providing mobile communications to the DoDs In-Transit Visibility network, the world's largest RFID-based cargo tracking system. Savi Technology holds a $424.5 million RFID II procurement contract with the U.S. DoD for active RFID products and services. Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation recently announced that it was awarded a new $605.1 million indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract with the U.S. Army for its Movement Tracking System. " ...

Via Savi Tech: RFID-GPS-SATCOM System Orders Surpass 10,000 Unit Mark

Metro RFID Future Store Initiative

Nice video of Metro Group's Future Store Initiative that relies on RFID for supply chain visibility. ...

RFID Pharmaceutical Inventory Management

Avery Dennison and RedPrairie will collaborate on pharma RFID solutions. ...

... "A leading pharmaceutical supplier has chosen the Avery Dennison and RedPrairie RFID solution for visibility and inventory management of its extensive pharmaceutical line. The solution consists of Avery Dennison's industry-leading Monarch 9855TM RFID printer/encoder and RFID supplies combined with RedPrairie's world-class enterprise software. The recent RedPrairie and Avery Dennison partnership helps ensure that RedPrairie's customers have reliable RFID printing/encoding capabilities with Monarch brand printers already pre-integrated into RedPrairie software solutions. " ...

Via Red Prairie: Leading pharmaceutical supplier chooses RedPrairie Enterprise Software and Avery Dennison's Monarch brand RFID hardware and supplies

RFID Business Intelligence Implementation by US Army

US Army's Product Manager, Joint - Automatic Identification Technology (PM J-AIT) implements MicroStrategy Business Intelligence Platform to provide analytics for logistics data from radio frequency identification (RFID) solution created by Unisys Corp. ...

... "The Radio Frequency In-Transit Visibility (RF-ITV) program provides government and contractor personnel across four continents with instant access to critical information on military cargo, equipment, and supplies. MicroStrategy software was selected to improve the ability to access and analyze data, and provide better decisions to enhance the Department of Defense's worldwide logistics tracking system. Timely access to mission-critical information will enable decision makers throughout the logistics pipeline to plan, prioritize, and redirect logistics operations to improve warfighter readiness. " ...

Via MicroStrategy: US Army's PM J-AIT Implements MicroStrategy Software

Airbus RFID ODIN Expertise

Airbus partners with ODIN tech for RFID technology experience. ...

... "ODIN will provide solution design, deployment, testing and support services for the first of three ambitious phases to provide real-time automated visibility across the Airbus value chain. Airbus plans to employ ODIN expertise for numerous projects throughout its supply chain and assembly operations, and make ODIN's RFID services and performance optimization software available to Airbus suppliers and customers. " ...

Via ODIN technologies: Airbus Deal

DOD RFID Contract Continues With Unisys

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards Unisys its follow-on contract to enhance supply chain visibility for military logistics. ...

... "The contract, which includes firm fixed-price and time and materials work, is worth approximately $28 million in the first year, if the government continues to order time and materials work at the current level. The total value of the contract could be approximately $112 million if the government exercises all options and continues to order time and materials work at the current level. In addition, the contract provides for the award of additional fees if performance metrics are exceeded and the imposition of penalties if the metrics are not met. Award of this contract allows Unisys to continue its efforts on the RFID program that began 13 years ago. Unisys has been working with DoD to develop, maintain and enhance an in-transit visibility system utilizing radio frequency identification technology. Providing visibility almost instantaneously into the location of supplies and shipments enables the military to increase its agility to supply units and soldiers with critical supplies in a timely manner, focus on mission-critical activities and respond quickly to mission changes.

Unisys tracks approximately 125,000 shipments of supplies each week, including ammunition, food/rations and water, medical supplies, vehicles, vehicle parts and aircraft. Attached to these shipments are RFID tags that store information vital to the soldier. Unisys tracks shipments across all modes of transportation - truck, rail, ship and air - to their final destinations in combatant commands worldwide. Fixed and handheld readers send and receive radio signals to and from the tags. Because data written to each tag are replicated among five servers, users worldwide have access to the same information on each item. Consequently, decision-makers at all levels of command and throughout the logistics supply chain can plan, prioritize and redirect shipments accordingly and collaboratively. " ...

Via Unisys: Unisys Wins Bid to Continue Operating and Maintaining One of World's Largest RFID Networks for Department of Defense

Mobile RFID Platform Syncs Data to Enterprise

Mobile RFID solution provides store and forward approach to RFID data. ...

... "By leveraging Vue Technology's enterprise application functionality, once the laptop is connected to a network, the RFID data gathered while offline can be aggregated and managed by Vue's centralized management software, providing visibility of the RFID data across the enterprise. " ...

Via Vue Technology: Mobile Version of the TrueVUE RFID Platform Opens New Opportunities for RFID

RFID Zero-Sales Preventer Avoids Out-of-Stocks Through Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility

New Zero Sales Prevention module enables manufacturers to improve the real-time performance of their retail businesses by leveraging RFID-enabled supply chain information to avoid stock-outs and support decision making. ...

... "The new service represents a revolutionary advance in how manufacturers use and view RFID data to find supply chain issues, understand root causes and quickly resolve problems to ensure sales are not negatively impacted. Manufacturers such as Ocean Spray Cranberries, an early adopter of the service, are now able to prevent more out-of-stocks and zero sales days because of the visibility provided by TR3's On-Demand RFID Solutions. TR3's Zero Sales Prevention module is a new addition to the company's TR3 On-Demand Solutions suite - currently in use by more than 30 leading manufacturers - that enables product managers to dramatically improve promotions and perishables management and prevent out-of-stock situations. By automatically converting the millions of RFID scans received from retailers on a daily basis, TR3 On-Demand sifts, organizes and extracts critical issues that were previously invisible to product and supply chain managers. Within a single dashboard, manufacturers can view the performance of each product line and have visibility to prioritize and fix supply chain issues in real-time. " ...

Via TR3 Solutions: TR3 Solutions Extends Leadership in RFID Solutions with Release of Zero Sales Prevention Module

RFID Open-Standards Benefits Container Tracking Per Pilot

Recent active RFID pilot project using Oracle and Savi Technology infrastructure validates the need for common standards to realize benefits in port operations. RFID-enabled seaborne shipping containers provide real-time tracking status in the Asian supply chain tested in the pilot, using EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft standard championed by GS1 EPCglobal. The objective of this effort is to enable greater transport visibility across stakeholders, countries and continents. ...

... "The benefits seem clear, but many vendors and end users believe that the prerequisites for greater RFID adoption in this sector are a common nomenclature for RFID data, and a standard framework for the way in which that information is shared via open standards such as EPCIS. The EPCglobal pilot with Savi and Oracle represents a significant step towards the practical realization of a truly useful standard, notes Liard. It is the first real-world demonstration among port operators of the potential created when multiple trading partners and service providers can speak the same language. " ...

Via ABI ResearchContainer Tracking Pilot Highlights the Benefits of RFID Standards in Port Management

RFID Cold Chain Presentations Planned RFID World

Sensitech and Motorola will explore accomplishments of RFID-enabled cold supply chains. ...

... "Sensitech's first session, scheduled for March 26, will focus on Driving Measurable Process Improvements with RFID Cold Chain Visibility. Sensitech's vice president of Business Development and New Technologies, Peter J. Maysek, and Motorola's director of RFID Business Development, Tom Racette, will delve into protecting the integrity of perishables and the complexity of supply chain management. They will examine some cold chain management practices, including a Class 4 active RFID monitoring system. They also provide some insight into what is possible with the evolution of Class 3 tags. Areas to be reviewed will include technology, applications, architecture and the business value of data analysis. The second session, scheduled for March 28, will highlight RFID in the Cold Chain - Leveraging Cold Chain Visibility. " ...

Sensitech Presents with Motorola at Fifth Annual RFID World Conference

Shaw Industries RFID Implementation For Supply Chain Value

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. partners with ODIN to implement RFID technology at 37 of its distribution sites around the United States. This implementation brings the total number of RFID-enabled sites to 40 for Shaw. ODIN helped Shaw to pilot RFID for supply chain visibility and retailer compliance in 2006. Shaw understands the ROI of an RFID-enabled supply chain system and is implementing RFID across its US distribution network. Supply chain visibility will drive operational efficiency and improve customer service. ...

... "ODIN technologies is currently deploying an RFID enabled Master Bill of Lading tracking and visibility system that was originally piloted in 2006. With the system, Shaw has real time visibility into the status of trucks and customer orders in its distribution network. This will allow Shaw to be more effective and also provide their customers with accurate feedback on order shipment status. The Master Bill of Lading system will be deployed at an additional seven primary Distribution Centers (DCs) and an additional 30 regional DCs located across the country. ODIN technologies deployed RFID printers and customized secure RFID enclosures. The acceptance testing protocol documented 100% read rates in the pilot and is fully integrated into MQ Series and Shaw’s legacy systems. " ...

Via ODIN technologies: Shaw Industries RFID Implementation

Hospital RFID Realizes Patient Benefits

HP and Precision Dynamics implement patient management system based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in Taiwan at the Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH). The hospital CIO sees the hospital realizing benefits through a reduction in medical errors, from root causes such as manual processes, compliance to standard operating procedures, and visibility to real-time patient status and medical process exceptions. The system is architected with PDC's RFID wristbands and HP's mobile and fixed RFID infrastructure. Privacy is managed by storing confidential patient information on the RFID chip rather than printing the information on the wristband. ...

... "CGMH implemented the RFID system in its operating rooms to improve patient safety by verifying and positively identifying patients, gathering real-time data, reducing risk of wrong-site and/or wrong-patient surgery, and ensuring compliance with hospital patient safety procedures or standard operating procedures. Since the implementation, CGMH has achieved 100% accuracy in patient ID in the OR. The new RFID system automates many manual functions of the previous operating room processes. The system helps verify that the five rights of medication safety are met - right patient, medication, dose, time, and route - as well as right surgery and surgical site. Automating patient data verification processes has saved CGMH medical staff an average of 4.3 minutes per patient. Also, automated data collection has helped prevent common manual data entry mistakes, which if gone undetected could lead to medical errors." ...

Via HP: Precision Dynamics Corporation and HP Provide Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with RFID System for Patient Management

RFID Asset Track Lifecycle Management

Hexaware Tech and Fluensee partner to deliver RFID solutions through a Center of Excellence. Hexaware will leverage Fluensee technology to track its IT assets. ...

... "Fluensee AssetTrack is a proven, cost effective RFID-enabled software solution that allows companies to significantly improve asset visibility, security and utilization. AssetTrack can be integrated with existing operational systems to provide more timely, accurate and comprehensive information on the state, condition and location of assets and their utilization within the business. AssetTrack can be implemented on a stand-alone basis or easily interfaced to existing systems as required. AssetTrack identifies deviations from expected asset location or condition, triggers exception-based alerts or specific warning notifications, provides full asset life-cycle management, improves asset utilization and delivers the security and control over enterprise assets that customers demand. " ...

Via Hexaware: Hexaware Selects Fluensee as Partner for RFID-Enabled Asset Tracking Solutions ...

RFID Optimize Accuracy: ODIN Patent Award

ODIN tech receives U.S. patent for software and hardware that enables the accuracy of RFID technology to be optimized. The patent covers the technology design centered on its RFID reader software. ...

... "ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID for solution design, deployment, and optimization software, announces the award of a broad patent relating to the use of software and equipment to improve RFID performance accuracy and visibility. Patent number 7,132,948 was granted on November 7, 2006 and covers a system and method for optimally placing RFID tag and reader antennas. The intellectual property behind the patents is one design component that forms the foundation of ODIN's EasyReader software. ODIN technologies' patent portfolio is centered on intellectual property, innovative software, algorithms, and methodologies which automate the RFID system life-cycle from installation and design to trouble-shooting and maintenance. ODIN technologies' pioneering physicists and RF engineers began developing solutions to challenging RFID performance problems many years ago and have worked with scores of clients to prove out those strategies. Based on RF physics, ODIN's portfolio of solutions and methodologies provide rapid insight into why certain approaches will be successful and why other approaches fail. This saves end users time and cost, helps avoid predictable pitfalls and improves system performance. " ...

Via ODIN technologies: ODIN technologies Awarded U.S. Patent for RFID Accuracy Optimization ...

RFID Adaptive Supply Chain Networks

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

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

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

RFID Supply Chain Visibility

Aberdeen Group reports on RFID in the supply chain and provides insights into the use of radio frequency identification among the multiple participants. Aberdeen is seeing disparity among supply chain partners and sees potential for less collaboration. ...

... "Aberdeen Group reveals that RFID costs a distribution company nearly 30% more than it costs a manufacturer and more than twice what the average retailer spends. It is a rare technology that can address the myriad objectives and constraints of a cross-enterprise RFID initiative. " ...

Via Yahoo! Finance: Achieving Total Supply Chain Visibility with RFID ...

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.



Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...

Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

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

RFID Pharma Fraud: Aegate RealTime Communication System

Item level drug traceability is enabled through RFID technology. Aegate solution automates tracking, authentication, and information visibility. ...

... "Aegate provides drug manufacturers, pharmacists and their patients with a real time communication system that operates at individual item level. Each pack of medicine is given a unique machine-readable identification number, known as unique serialisation. Using one of a number of technologies, including RFID, 1D or 2D barcodes, items are scanned as they are dispensed. The system allows the pharmacist to check expiry dates and recall information, and provide updated patient care advice. This ensures pharmacists receive product safety information more rapidly. Currently, communications are achieved by fax or post and can reach pharmacies after drugs have been dispensed. The system also allows the authentication of the origins of medicines, thereby protecting against stolen and fake drugs. Patient safety is an increasingly important issue and counterfeit drug sales are forecast to reach $75billion globally by 2010 if action is not taken. Aegate provides drug manufacturers, pharmacists and their patients with a real time communication system that operates at individual item level. Each pack of medicine is given a unique machine-readable identification number, known as unique serialisation. Using one of a number of technologies, including RFID, 1D or 2D barcodes, items are scanned as they are dispensed. The system allows the pharmacist to check expiry dates and recall information, and provide updated patient care advice. This ensures pharmacists receive product safety information more rapidly. Currently, communications are achieved by fax or post and can reach pharmacies after drugs have been dispensed. The system also allows the authentication of the origins of medicines, thereby protecting against stolen " ...

Via Qinetiq: QinetiQ awarded GBP 1.6m Aegate secure hosting contract ...

WalMart RFID Compliance: Shaw Implements ODIN Tech ...

Shaw will implement ODIN's RFID technology solutions to comply with Walmart's RFID requirements. ODIN technologies is a leader in the physics of RFID solution design, deployment, and installation optimization software. ...

... "Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the world's largest supplier of carpets and rugs, selected ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID deployments, testing, and optimization software to design, and install an RFID system for supply chain optimization and to also comply with WalMart's mandate. Shaw is part of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio and plans on leveraging RFID technology to solve multiple business issues. ODIN will be designing and deploying two RFID systems which will provide Shaw with supply chain visibility, efficiency and WalMart compliance. The initial deployment will take place in 3 facilities. " ...

Via ODIN Tech: Shaw Industries Selects ODIN for RFID Supply Chain and Compliance Pilots ...

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

RFID Enterprise Service Upgrade ...

BEA WebLogic RFID product family is a component of the BEA's service oriented architecture. RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 is available for download. The RFID system's event repository is interoperable with the Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standards. ...

... "A core component of the BEA WebLogic RFID product family, BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server is designed to help enable central management of RFID data collected at the edge of an enterprise, i.e. inside a retail store, warehouse or data center. With enhanced support for industry standards and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the 2.0 release of BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server provides a suite of six services that can help manage and coordinate RFID data and edge operations globally. BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 complements the BEA WebLogic Edge Server and BEA WebLogic Compliance Express products, and is designed to make it easier to bridge the gaps between people, processes, applications and systems across enterprise and trading partners. BEA WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server 2.0 can provide customers unprecedented visibility into product movement data, and is designed to help enable them to derive business value more quickly from RFID data collected at the edge. " ...

Via BEA Systems: BEA Strengthens RFID Infrastructure Software for Enterprise-Grade Deployments ...

DOD RFID Dept of Defense Implementation Enablers

ODIN Technologies shares some of the key ingredients (Accuracy and Implementation Speed) to enabling their successful implementation of RFID technology in the DOD supply chain. The Dept of Defense has strict read rate accuracy requirements that ODIN had to meet with limited technology capabilities at that time. In addition, ODIN perfected an implementation methodology for the DOD that improved the speed of delivery while sustaining performance quality. ...

... "DoD is modernizing its logistics system to better support the warfighter. Passive RFID is at the center of that transformation. It is a core element of the DoD's force transformation initiative designed to create a more agile military. However, if the tags and readers do not communicate reliably, the benefits will not materialize. After years of planning, the DLA needed a highly accurate RFID network established rapidly.

...

Accuracy: DoD expected its RFID system to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than what was currently being deployed. Boundaries relative to read-rates and performance were strict, unlike many retailers who have toyed with trial-and-error methods. Rather than just attempt to read a single pallet tag, the DoD demanded 20 Gen 1.0 and Gen 2.0 RFID tags be affixed to cases and read as they come through a dock door - 100% accurately. This required scientific precision when designing and configuring the RFID network. Each portal was tested 10 times for that performance criteria. The DoD has shown RFID will reduce costs, increase supply visibility and streamline its entire supply chain, from the factory-to-the-foxhole. However, it can only do this if the RFID system is accurate and reliable.

...

Implementation Methods and Speed: Eighteen facilities spanning the continental U.S. (CONUS) were evaluated, solutions designed, installed and tested to 100% accuracy in under 130 days. " ...

Via ODIN Technologies: DOD Case Study (PDF) ...

RFID Army Depot MRO Maintenance Repair Overhaul ...

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

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

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

RFID Retail Solutions POS

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

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

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

RFID Wireless Communications Enables Distribution Visibility ...

Food distibutors implement RFID wireless communications system to support supply chain visibility to temperature compliance. ...

... "Two Los Angeles-area food distributors have recently purchased and deployed the new ReeferTrak Scout units and base stations at their distribution centers. ReeferTrak Scout is an RFID wireless communications system that gives users full two-way command and control capability of their refrigerated truck and trailer fleets when the units are within a several mile range of a base station-equipped distribution center. When the reefers are operating out of range of the distribution center, the Scout unit logs GPS, trip and refrigeration unit performance data and automatically downloads the information to StarTrak's central data center via the local base station upon return to the center. Customers use the data to immediately confirm temperature compliance of the shipment from origin to destination. The base stations' several mile RFID range provides excellent coverage of distribution facilities, allowing customers to achieve significant savings in yard operations, fuel usage and product quality. " ...

Alanco Technologies: Alanco's StarTrak Announces New ReeferTrak Scout RFID Product Line For Local Refrigerated Food Distribution ...

RFID Supply Chain Company Acquired ...

Illinois Tool Works acquires Click Commerce, a growing supply chain software company that leverages RFID technology to create real-time visibility. ...

... "Illinois Tool Works reaches an agreement to make a cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Click Commerce, Inc., a leading provider of on-demand supply chain management solutions. As part of the agreement, ITW would purchase all of Click Commerce's outstanding shares for $22.75 per share. The total value of the transaction, including outstanding stock options, is approximately $292 million. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction.



With trailing 12 month revenues of $74 million, Click Commerce's supply chain software solutions enable millions of users around the globe to collaborate, in real time, with partners across their extended enterprises. The company's range of software products includes B2B e-commerce solutions for demand chain management, real time RFID-enabled supply chain management, service supply chain management providing visibility at all levels of the service network and master data management allowing harmonization of master data across an extended enterprise.

ITW is a $12.8 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 700 business units in 48 countries and employs some 50,000 people. " ...

Via Illinois Tool Works: Illinois Tool Works Inc. to Acquire Click Commerce, Inc. ...

RFID WiFi Active Tag: Asset Tracking ...

AeroScout updates its active WiFi-capable RFID tag with sensor capabilities to upgrade its asset tracking performance. ...

... "AeroScout, Inc., the leading provider of Wi-Fi-based Active RFID visibility solutions, announced several enhanced features and capabilities for its AeroScout T2 Tag which are unique and unparalleled in the market. The T2 tag is the industry's leading Wi-Fi-based Active RFID tag for asset tracking and management, with tens of thousands of units being shipped each month to customers around the globe. New features on the AeroScout T2 Tag include a built-in temperature monitor and motion sensor, for unmatched asset management capabilities. The motion sensor provides transmission control based on movement of the tag, improving real-time location accuracy and enabling a 4+ year battery life in most customer environments. The temperature sensor provides an additional stream of asset management data for environment-sensitive assets, enabling the tag to wirelessly trigger a remote alert if the temperature goes above or below a certain threshold. In addition, advanced call button and LED functions, intrinsically safe and electromagnetic certifications on the tag, and extendable battery life (up to 8 years) all enable customers to further enhance their asset management capabilities. " ...

RFID WiFi Active Tag: Asset Tracking: Via AeroScout: AeroScout Enhances Industry's Leading Wi-Fi-Based Active RFID Tag ...

RFID Live Spain Military ...

Spain's military has gone-live with Savi RFID-enabled consignment management that is interoperable with other NATO forces for integrated supply chain visibility. ...

... "The Spanish Armed Forces (SAF) now is up and running with an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) network and software platform that can be interoperable with similar network solutions deployed by NATO and other allied defense forces. The compatible RFID networks provided by Savi Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, now enable SAF and NATO to automatically track and manage national and multi-national, joint force consignments as they're transported through each other's far-reaching supply chains, extending through Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere worldwide. The RFID platform was installed through the Savi Consignment Management Solution (CMS), which consists of Savi SmartChain Site Manager, Savi SmartChain Enterprise Platform and Savi SmartChain Consignment Management Application. The solution also includes Savi's data-rich, active RFID tags, fixed readers and handheld reader kits based on Echopoint technology - a highly configurable system using dual frequencies for spot-level and wide-area locating of consignments and supply chain assets. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SPAIN'S MILITARY NOW UP AND RUNNING WITH SAVI TECHNOLOGY'S RFID-BASED CONSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTION ...

Active RFID: Aviation Equipment Asset Tracking ...

Qinetiq implements proof of concept using active RFID technology to track high-value aviation assets. ...

... "QinetiQ and the Harrier IPT have just started a one year Proof of Concept evaluation of an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system that automatically tracks critical aircraft equipment between designated zones. The Forward Maintenance Asset Tracking (ForMAT) proof of concept underlines the IPT's drive for efficient assurance of operational capability and through enhanced visibility of assets, will improve aircraft turnaround, reduce stock holdings resulting in financial savings and minimise the effort spent looking for them. Around 1200 high value/critical items, some costing up to GBP50k, including aircraft role equipment, Line Replacement Units (LRU) and Special to Type test equipment, held within the Forward Maintenance areas at RAF Cottesmore, have each been tagged with active RFID devices located within remove before flight flags.



Now when aircraft are scheduled for maintenance, all the necessary modules, components and tools can be easily located anywhere within the designated zones, eradicating time and effort spent hunting for them. Tighter asset control should also result in optimised stock holdings, potentially eliminating the need for the MOD to invest in equipment duplication, thereby freeing up millions for other activities. " ...

Active RFID: Aviation Equipment Asset Tracking: Via QinetiQ: QinetiQ trials Active RFID system to track aircraft equipment

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

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

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



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

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

EPCIS standard ...

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

Background on Unilever ...

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

Info on T3Ci ...

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

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags ...

IEEE works on the IEEE P1902.1 standard, an improvement on the RuBee visibility network protocol. RuBee is a bidirectional, on-demand, peer-to-peer, radiating, transceiver protocol operating at wavelengths below 450 Khz. The RuBee protocol works in harsh environments with networks of many thousands of tags and has an area range of 10 to 50 feet. ...

... "One of the advantages of long-wavelength technology is that the radio tags can be low in cost, near credit card thin (1.5 mm), and fully programmable using 4 bit processors. Despite their high functionality, RuBee radio tags have a proven battery life of ten years or more using low-cost, coin-size lithium batteries. The RuBee protocol works with both active radio tags and passive tags that have no battery. IEEE P1902.1, IEEE Standard for Long Wavelength Wireless Network Protocol, will provide for asset visibility networking that fills the gap between the non-networked, non-programmable, backscattered, RFID tags widely used for asset tracking and the high-bandwidth radiating protocols for IEEE 802.11 local area networks and IEEE 802.15™ personnel area and data networks. " ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags: Via IEEE: IEEE BEGINS WIRELESS, LONG-WAVELENGTH STANDARD FOR HEALTHCARE, RETAIL AND LIVESTOCK VISIBILITY NETWORKS

RFID Oracle EdgeServer Success ...

Noel SA, South American CPG company, successfully uses Oracle RFID edge services to understand the application of RFID to logistics business processes. ...

... "Noel SA used RFID-enabled Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS), part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, as the logistics platform for the pilot, which included tagging 2,000 pallets of Ducales cookies that were sent to the distribution center in Medell? Colombia. Noel SA used Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, to connect and manage all the devices on the RFID system, including tag printers and readers. Data captured from the system was processed by Oracle WMS and synchronized with the Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Each pallet received a passive RFID tag, which included important order information such as the lot number and product expiration date.



The RFID-tagged pallets were read throughout the supply chain from the production floor to the final distribution center to ensure proper delivery of orders. Once the pallet arrived at the distribution center of Medell? it was read again to reconcile the sales order and fulfillment information held in the Oracle order management system. At the conclusion of the pilot, Noel SA uncovered that the bar code process prior to the RFID pilot was being executed incorrectly, rendering inventory and shipment data inaccurate. Noel SA gained valuable visibility into its operations such as inventory management and order fulfillment using RFID. The company plans to begin the roll out of a full-scale RFID system in the future. " ...

Via Oracle: Noel SA Successfully Completes RFID Pilot Based on Oracle Solutions

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

Tower Semi will manufacture Generation 2 RFID chips for Alien Technology. ...

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

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

RFID Shelf Edge Management ...

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

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

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

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

RFID Software Platform: Asset Location Services ...

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

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

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

RFID: NCR Symbol Technologies Collaborate ...

NCR and Symbol collaborate to deliver RFID technology solutions based on Generation 2 standards. ...

... "As leaders in the retail market, Symbol and NCR provide deep industry expertise and high-performance solutions that can help retailers capitalize on next generation data capture technology to significantly improve the customer experience by reducing labor costs, accelerating material handling and increasing visibility within the supply chain. Symbol is a leading global provider of enterprise mobility solutions comprised of advanced data capture products, mobile computers, wireless infrastructure, services, and RFID - including high-performance RFID fixed and mobile readers that are compliant with the EPCglobal Generation 2 standard. NCR delivers end-to-end, global RFID solutions that help businesses solve real business problems. The NCR TransitionWorks portfolio of RFID solutions encompasses thoughtware, hardware, tags, services and software, including data warehouse solutions from Teradata, a division of NCR. " ...

RFID: NCR Symbol Technologies Collaborate: Via NCR: NCR and Symbol Technologies Collaborate to Sell Generation 2 RFID Systems ...

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR ...

NCR provides peel-and-apply RFID technology solution. ...

... "The NCR TagWorks solution provides a turnkey offering to meet EPCglobal standards and major manufacturer, distributor and retailer guidelines. The cost-effective solution addresses the need for businesses to readily access the benefits of RFID-enabled inventory tracking and supply-chain visibility. NCR makes the transition toward RFID more manageable by offering a complete end-to-end solution including tags, hardware, software and services allowing companies to quickly and efficiently begin tagging cases and pallets of product. Touching industries around the world, the NCR TransitionWork portfolio of global RFID solutions encompasses thoughtware, hardware, tags, services and software, including Teradata data warehouse solutions, to help customers solve real business problems.

NCR TagWorks is a stand-alone, fully integrated, peel-and-apply solution including tags, readers, servers, printers and NCR software. NCR installation, training and support services help ensure reliability and disruption-free environments. Because NCR serves as the single point of contact, businesses can avoid the hassle and confusion of dealing with multiple vendors for their RFID solutions. NCR also makes it simple to expand and customize the NCR TagWorks solution by providing a range of additional products and services. As their business grows, customers have the option to incorporate other advanced features such as handheld RFID scanners, conveyor installations, a selection of tag sizes and inlays, and enterprise system integration. " ...

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR: Via NCR: NCR TagWork Provides Essentials for Rapid RFID Implementation ...

Active RFID Tags: Sense Respond ...

Savi introduces active RFID tags that sense and respond to environmental conditions in the global supply chain. ...

... "In addition to RFID components that automatically locate goods in the supply chain, the ST-673 and ST-674 contain sensors that monitor temperature and humidity changes of the container's contents or other supply chain assets. When commissioning the tags, users can set acceptable temperature and humidity ranges tailored to the characteristics of the particular goods to be monitored. The Savi ST-673 and ST-674 are active RFID tags that provide visibility to assets and shipments as they move through the supply chain. In addition, the tags periodically record the environmental status data to an event log in the Savi SensorTag's memory. If the collected data rises or falls outside the acceptable condition range, the Savi SensorTag sends a real-time alarm to a fixed or mobile RF reader, and notification of the temperature or humidity change is escalated via a web application, cell phone or email, allowing the problem to be addressed immediately before spoilage or damage occurs. The complete environmental event logs can be uploaded to handheld readers or to fixed readers at stationary sites such as yards and warehouses in the supply chain. This enables users to identify the time and location of unacceptable environmental conditions, or to confirm that acceptable ranges, and therefore shipment quality, are maintained throughout the journey.

The ST-673 and ST-674 sensor tags are each about 6x2 inches, have memory storage of up to 128K bytes of data and are highly ruggedized for harsh environments. Savi Technology's active RFID tags, which have been deployed to track over two million shipments in over 2,000 supply chain locations for defense and commercial customers, include read ranges of up to 300 feet, beepers for audio location and rugged designs that can withstand the most harsh climatic conditions. Savi's family of active RFID tags are based on Savi's EchoPoint Technology, an innovative technology that combines Ultra High Frequency (433.92 MHz) and Low Frequency (123 kHz) communications for both long-range and more precise spot-level location. This technology also enables data to be written to the tags while they're in-transit, as well as to capture important data about the shipment from mobile readers. " ...

Active RFID Tags: Sense Respond: Via Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY RELEASES NEW RFID SENSOR TAGS TO TRACK AND MONITOR THE CONDITION OF GLOBAL SHIPMENTS: New Mounting Options of Savi Sensor Tags (ST-673 and ST-674) Can Be Affixed to Metal, Plastic, Wood, Cardboard and Other Containers ...

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative ...

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

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

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

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

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

RFID Supply Chain Future ...

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

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

Peering Into Your Supply Chain: Via CSOonline ...

RFID Real-Time Demand Insight

Blue Agave partners to provide RFID-enabled real-time insight into product demand. ...

... "Blue Agave Software, Inc., a provider of software solutions for improving replenishment, demand management and fulfillment execution, and VeriSign, the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks announced a strategic relationship to promote the benefits of integrating real-time RFID product movement data and Point-of-Sale (POS) data from VeriSign's Intelligent Supply Chain Services platform into Blue Agave's Retail Channel Execution applications. The combined solution can provide consumer goods manufacturers with real-time insight into actual consumer demand down to the most granular levels of store and product (SKU) sales, along with the predictive execution capabilities necessary to respond effectively to variability in consumer demand. In the $800 billion retail marketplace, consumer goods manufacturers are continuously seeking to improve visibility and collaboration around critical sales and operational processes. Advancements in technology are driving new levels of information availability to both consumer goods companies and their retail partners, including product movement data from RFID and POS data. Retail Channel Execution applications make this data actionable, enabling decision-makers to respond rapidly to changes in consumer demand in order to preempt revenue-impacting issues like out of stock, excess inventories, forecast variances, promotion variances, and store-level anomalies. " ...

Via Blue Agave Software: Blue Agave Software and Retail Solutions Team Up ...