RFID Manages Metro Shrinkage

Metro partners with Checkpoint to implement RFID source tags to reduce shrinkage across a significant number of stores across multiple countries. ...

... "The strategic agreement, which includes worldwide store installation of NDRF (New Digital Radio Frequency) technology and source tagging, will help METRO Cash & Carry to minimize shrinkage and reduce operational costs by using only one supplier, Checkpoint Systems, and implement source tagging, with the ultimate aim of improving their customers' shopping experience. Installation of 3G NDRF (called Liberty PX in North America) antennas and deactivators is planned for the more than 425 Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in 28 countries, making it the most international EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) roll out of its kind. The global shrink management solution provides METRO Cash & Carry (under METRO and MAKRO brand names), with product protection throughout the entire supply chain, from manufacturing and distribution to the point of sale, where the RF tags on the item are deactivated. This eliminates the need for employees to spend time physically securing the tags in-store or removing them at point of sale. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: METRO Cash & Carry Selects Checkpoint Systems as Their Exclusive Shrink Management Global Partner

RFID Security: NSF Funds Smart Tag Research ...

National Science Foundation, NSF, provides funding to increase the privacy and security of RFID smart tags, through better cryptographics.

... "Strengthened security for smart tags - the wireless devices that allow drivers to zip through automatic tollbooths or pass a security desk with the flash of a card - is the aim of a new initiative that has received $1.1 million from the National Science Foundation. Led by Kevin Fu of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the researchers are developing much-needed cryptographic protocols, hardware and applications for the increasingly common devices. Millions of consumers already use smart tags—wireless devices that use radio waves to identify and authenticate people and things - and they will become more numerous, says Fu.



Smart tags - which include Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags—are already used to track items from library books to merchandise to cattle. Increasingly, they are replacing the magnetic stripe cards used in security badges and mass transit cards, sometimes also serving as electronic cash. The tags will soon be incorporated into documents such as passports; their use is being explored for tracking medical records and prison inmates. But the tags, which also include contactless smart cards and low-resource sensors, are a technology that has crept in from the edge of the Internet and they present new challenges in terms of security and privacy issues, says Fu.

The unique environment presented by smart tags - they can operate without human intervention and without a physically connected power source - presents unique security concerns, says Fu. Smart tags automatically respond to the device that reads them, so human users don't have the traditional means of giving or denying consent to the reader. This infrastructure of untrusted readers and tags requires an approach that preserves privacy while maintaining the flexibility and convenience that the tags offer.

The new consortium, dubbed the RFID ConsortiUm for Security and Privacy (RFID-CUSP), takes these operating conditions into account and is designing new cryptographic definitions, algorithms and models that will lay the solid foundation on which secure applications can be built. As part of their project, the researchers are working with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The project will result in the first completely open, publicly available software for experimenting with RFID security and privacy. " ...

UMass Amherst: UMass Amherst-Led Research Will Protect Consumers by Ramping Up Security for Smart Tags

Kevin Fu: "Open cryptanalysis of existing RFID protocols will give assurance in the soundness of reliable RFID technology. At UMass, we are investigating how to build secure RFID-based systems. "

The Sensor Revolution: Industry & Commerce: "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stands among the fastest-proliferating sensor technologies. RFID systems combine electromagnetic sensing with radio communications. RFID tags and interrogators can be used to track inventory in a warehouse or collect tolls from moving cars. "

Understanding Contactless Smart Card Technologies and Some of the Leading Reader/Card Product Providers (PDF): "That transmission could then be replayed to a reader to gain access illicitly at some time in the future. In contrast, today’s secure contactless cards and readers (such as XceedID ISO-X and HID iCLASS) employ a myriad of cryptographic techniques. These techniques encrypt data in ways that render it useless to an illicit user. Thus, traditional proximity cards and readers provide inferior communication security when compared to secure contactless smart cards and readers. "

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

Dairy Fresh implements Xterprise RFID automation system to support supply chain performance. ...

... "Dairy Fresh chose Xterprise to deploy the XARM 4000 solution on two manufacturing lines so that supply chain strategies and their customer mandates could be met in a timely manner, without the need for added labor to accomplish the RFID tagging requirements. The XARM 4000 is a fully integrated, automated, RFID application solution that enables Dairy Fresh to easily transition from non-tagged production line packaging to RFID tagged production line packaging. The XARM 4000, designed and built by Carrollton, Texas based Xterprise, is designed around a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of the complex production line material handling system and RFID printer applicators and verification readers. The system can accommodate full pallet single SKU tagging (case and pallet) and pallet only tagging for their various retailer’s requirements. In addition to using the latest technology to ensure maximum readability of RFID tags in the retailers supply chain, the Xterprise automated solution also provides the lowest cost per case application and the highest case per minute throughput in the industry. " ...

Via Xterprise: Dairy Fresh Deploys Xterprise RFID Source Tagging Solution: WalMart Beverage manufacturer chooses automated solution for RFID case and pallet tagging ...

RFID Retail: Apparel Payback ...

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

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

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

Retail RFID applications are discussed ...

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

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

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

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

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

RFID Secure Personal Transactions ...

Broadcom creates secure processor that integrates RFID technology for use in contactless payments. ...

... "Broadcom Corporation introduced the world's first secure processor with integrated radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, as part of the company's Trusted Authentication Initiative. The new device is designed to secure personal authentication transactions associated with physical access, logical access (into a PC or network) and contactless payment applications. The secure processor also enhances the use of currently deployed authentication technologies, such as biometrics and contactless technologies, by eliminating some of their inherent security vulnerabilities. The BCM5890 secure processor features an ARM-based processor that is FIPS Level 3-compliant and can run both secure and non-secure applications. The embedded contactless RFID tag capability enables usage in systems that utilize either the 13.56 MHz (ISO14443 and ISO15693) or 125 kHz frequencies. " ...

RFID Secure Personal Transactions: Via Broadcom: Broadcom Launches World's First Secure Processor with Integrated RFID to Secure Personal Authentication Applications ...

RFID Analytics Software ...

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

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

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

Successful RFID Container Tracking Trial ...

OxLoc meets with success in global tracking of hazardous material containers using RFID asset management system. ...

... "The trial supports the growing need for monitoring location and condition of containers in transit and beyond the ship or the port. Based on GPS technology for location and GSM for data communication, the OxLoc asset alert is completely self-contained with a battery source capable of up to 3 year operation, can be installed within 15 minutes and is capable of supporting a range of sensors to monitor condition during transit and RFID readers for individual consignment tracking. " ...

Successful RFID Container Tracking Trial: Via OxLoc: Successful Global Trials for Container Tracking from USA, to Europe and the Far East ...

RFID Gen2 Tag Benchmark ...

ODIN Technologies and Unisys create Gen2 RFID tag benchmark. ...

... "ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID testing and deployment, released the RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark, sponsored by Unisys. The report presents analysis of eleven of the leading EPC (electronic product code) compliant Gen 2 RFID tags. The benchmark was developed to provide end users with objective insight into how well tags actually work in the field and what criteria should be evaluated when making tag selection, placement and orientation decisions. The Benchmark is the first scientific and objective comparison of how Gen 2 RFID tags work with various standard materials such as corrugate packaging, water and metal. ODIN technologies President and CEO Patrick J. Sweeney II commented, Gen 2 is the foundation for the rapid growth of RFID. ODIN technologies is proud to once again lead the way in RFID by producing the industry's first and most comprehensive, scientific analysis of Gen 2 RFID tags. The RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark can save end users time, money and hassle during this important technology transition. ODIN technologies RFID Benchmark Series is the most read and referenced source for independent evaluation of leading RFID tags and readers. ODIN leverages its scientific lab combined with the industry's most experienced RFID deployment team to test products from an end user's perspective. The RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark is designed to be an end user's trusted source for comparing the performance of leading RFID tags. " ...

RFID Gen2 Tag Benchmark: Via ODIN Technologies: ODIN Releases Industry's First RFID Gen 2 Tag Benchmark: Unisys sponsors the first objective, scientific analysis of Gen 2 RFID Tags ...

RFID SupplyChain Visibility Security ...

Universal Guardian sees increased revenue from new products, such as its RFID-enabled global supply chain visibility and security system. ...

RFID SupplyChain Visibility Security: Universal Guardian Records 5th Consecutive Quarterly Revenue Increase and Largest Quarterly Revenue to Date ...

... "We also launched our ISR Systems Trusted Shipper™ global supply chain security program with two new ground-breaking systems: The SupplyChain Guardian™ source-based RFID global supply chain security and visibility system and the Container Guardian™ integrated and interoperable internal container tracking system. " ...

ISR Systems, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc., provides multi-level secure, security systems that facilitate surveillance, threat detection and tracking to protect inter-modal transportation, seaport and airport facilities, and critical infrastructure from asymmetrical terrorist and security threats. ISR turn key sourced-based SupplyChain Guardian™ RFID systems and Container Guardian™ systems provide increased supply chain efficiencies, visibility and security with automated monitoring and decision support from command and control centers in North America, Europe and Asia to coordinate notification to shippers, customers and tactical responses among multiple agencies to interdict or respond to potential security threats.

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals

Animal RFID tags are based on passive tag technology. ...

RFID Electronic Identification Technology: Animals: Via USDA: Animal Electronic Identification

... "All transponders contain a microchip and an antenna. Transponders can be classified as active or passive depending on whether their power source is internal or external. Passive transponders are used in livestock because they get their power from the reader device (antenna). The power antenna transmits radio frequency bursts and the passive transponder returns a coded signal to a separate antenna. A transmission link, via radio waves, is established between the transponder and the reader device (antenna). Animal electronic identification technology uses passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) because it is cost effective and offers the characteristics desired for animal identification. RFID technology does not suffer from signal absorption by tissue or moisture, and it can be packaged differently without affecting performance. " ...

RFID Training Initiative: RFID4U Printronix Collaborate

Printronix contributes its real-world knowledge of RFID technology applications to RFID certification training initiative. ...

RFID Training Initiative: RFID4U Printronix Collaborate: Via Printronix: Printronix Expands RFID Education Initiative With RFID4U Alliance: RFID4U Prepares Supply-Chain Leaders for CompTIA's RFID+ Certification While Printronix Imparts Real-World Knowledge Gleaned From Pilot Implementations ...

... "Printronix Inc. (Nasdaq: PTNX), the leading integrated supply-chain printing solutions manufacturer, and RFID4U today aligned to help train tomorrow's supply-chain leaders on radio frequency identification (RFID). RFID4U is a division of eSmart Source Inc. and a worldwide leader in vendor-neutral RFID learning solutions. The company delivers training content in a range of formats tailored to individual learning styles, including online courses, instructor-led training and publications. Printronix will contribute content to RFID4U's curriculum and offer its RFID demo center to students as a hands-on learning lab. RFID4U will incorporate Printronix's handbook, RFID Labeling: Smart Labeling Concepts and Applications for the Consumer Packaged Goods Supply Chain, into its program. The training provider also will engage Printronix's chief technology officer, Andy Chapman, who is one of the authors of 'RFID Labeling,' in an interactive ask the expert column. " ...

SAS RFID: Retail Data Management Opportunity ...

SAS RFID: Retail Data Management Opportunity: Via SAS: SAS open for RFID business in retail

... "SAS, the leader in business intelligence, highlighted its radio frequency identification (RFID) offerings for the retail industry at BetterManagement LIVE. SAS also gathered a group of major retail customers and industry thought leaders to explore current and future RFID deployment efforts and adoption strategies. With its strengths in data integration, business intelligence and analytics, SAS is uniquely equipped to help companies deliver on the promise of RFID today. RFID data is another source of operational data to be integrated for merchandise and customer lifecycle visibility. SAS specializes in delivering business insight out of vast volumes of internal and external data. The adoption of RFID technology in retail will place unprecedented demand on the management and use of data. Results of early RFID pilots point to reduced operating costs and improved operational efficiencies and accuracy. This, along with decreasing costs for tags and readers, will drive widespread adoption and expansion of RFID technology. The need to organize, harness, analyze and interpret RFID data will continue to grow in importance as critical components of any RFID technology infrastructure. " ...

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry ...

Partnership aims to sustain RFID innovation in Canadian grocery industry ...

RFID Innovation: Grocery Industry: Via Grocery Innovations Canada 2005: Global Standards Organization GS1 Canada Joins Grocery Innovations Canada ...

... "John F.T. Scott, President of CFIG said, CFIG’s partnership with GS1 Canada, who is responsible for EPC/RFID standards in Canada, sends a clear signal to the industry that GIC continues to grow and remains the place for the grocery industry to converge and learn about the very latest in technology, new product development, innovative retail strategies and upcoming trends that influence and impact the grocer’s day-to-day business. " ...

Grocery Innovations Canada 2005 (GIC), is Canada’s premier grocery industry exposition and conference. The event is considered a must-attend by key industry players and attracts more than 6,000 industry attendees. GIC runs October 24 through 25 at the Toronto Congress Centre. GIC 2005 is produced in partnership by Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG); with the Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC); and the Canadian Association of Sales and Marketing (CASMA) with support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Grocer. These organizations represent the strength, innovations and leadership behind Canada’s $70.1 billion grocery industry.

GS1 Canada is a not-for-profit organization that promotes and maintains global standards for the identification of goods, locations and related e-commerce communication, such as bar code issuance and maintenance. GS1 Canada is the only authorized source for globally unique company prefixes in Canada, a standard term and condition of trade globally. It provides a range of educational opportunities, maintains ECCnet Registry, Canada’s national product registry, and offers one-stop access to product images and dimensions. As technologies like Electronic Product Codes (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) continue to drive the e-commerce revolution, GS1 Canada will provide the leadership to help ensure that Canadian companies can participate competitively.

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.

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility

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

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

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

RFID Data Concentrators: Effective Management Techniques

Via Enterprise Systems: Seven Principles of Effective RFID Data Management (Part 1 of 2)

Mark Palmer, in article, on Effective RFID Data Management, examines seven principles to help manage RFID data ...

... "An RFID data concentrator is software that collects and processes raw RFID event flows close to the source of the data (principle 1). There are three primary elements: RFID middleware, event processing, and an in-memory data cache. " ...

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest ...

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

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

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

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

RFID Golf technology Goes to Market ...

RFID Golf technology Goes to Market: RadarGolf Launches New Golf Technology with The Sharper Image

... "RadarGolf Inc. announced the company has entered into an exclusive agreement with The Sharper Image to offer the company's RadarGolf system, featuring Ball Positioning System technology. RadarGolf's BPS technology helps golfers quickly locate lost golf balls. " ...

RadarGolf Inc. produces a findable golf ball system using BPS™ technology. The system is powered by a radio-frequency microchip that is embedded in the core of the ball. The RadarGolf Ball has been benchmarked favorably against leading premium golf balls for both distance and spin and is included on the USGA list of conforming golf balls. RadarGolf is headquartered in Roseville, Calif. with a primary operations facility in San Ramon, Calif.

Sharper Image is a specialty retailer that is nationally and internationally renowned as a leading source of new, innovative, high-quality products that make life better and more enjoyable. A significant portion of sales are of proprietary products created by the Company's product development group, Sharper Image Design. The Company's principal selling channels include 185 Sharper Image specialty locations throughout the United States; the award-winning Sharper Image monthly catalog with annual circulation in excess of 98 million.

RFID Application and Education ...

RFID Application and Education: Ohio Governor Bob Taft - News Release

... "Development Research Corporation (Kettering, Montgomery County) received more than $2.3 million to establish the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Application and Education Center (REAC). The REAC will serve as a source for RFID solutions for both end customers as well as suppliers. RFID tags, which consist of silicon chips and an antenna that can transmit data to a wireless receiver, could one day be used to track everything from soda cans to cereal boxes. Unlike bar codes, which need to be scanned manually and read individually, radio ID tags do not require line of sight for reading and hundreds of tags can be read per second. The project expects to achieve annual sales of $10 million and create 100 new jobs within 3 to 5 years. Collaborators on this project include Alien Technology Corp., Sinclair Community College, Miami Valley Venture Funds, Development Project Inc., NCIC Capital Fund and Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. " ...

UHF RFID Product Family ...

UHF RFID Product Family: Consortium launches comprehensive UHF supply chain solutions ...

... "Intellident announce the launch of a range of high performance UHF RFID products for the supply chain, developed within a consortium of leading RFID technology vendors, including Philips Semiconductors, UPM Rafsec and Feig. The Consortium was led by Intellident, in partnership with rfiq solutions. " ...

Intellident are the UK's leading RFID solutions provider specialising in the design and supply of software driven asset tracking and recording systems, with over 8 million items already RFID-enabled. Combining the latest in RFID automatic data capture techniques and equipment with unique Vision software platform, Intellident provide powerful single-source solutions. This approach has resulted in Intellident's successful design, management and roll-out of the world's largest supply chain RFID implementation to date. With over 20 years experience in the design and integration of automatic data capture solutions Intellident's strategy is simple - to be the leading systems integrator of RFID technology. Intellident work in a range of diverse sectors, including supply chain logistics, library solutions, mobile asset tracking and barcode print supplies. Intellident is part of the LINPAC Group, a diversified packaging group with global turnover in excess of £1.4 billion and manufacturing facilities in five continents. LINPAC is the UK market leader in the production of returnable plastic materials handling products.

RFID Policy DOD Materiel

RFID Policy DOD Materiel: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, Home page

... "The new policy addresses two general types of RFID tags: (1) active, which contains an internal power source, enabling the tag to hold more data and has a longer read range and (2) passive, which does not contain any power source, holds a minimum of data and has a shorter read range. " ...

RFID EAS RF Readers

RFID EAS RF Readers: Checkpoint Systems Introduces the Liberty CFX Floor System; Provides Superior EAS Security in an Invisible Floor System ...

Checkpoint introduces RFID readers for the high-end retail market ...

... "The Liberty CFX system, designed with high-end apparel and specialty retailers in mind, is the latest addition to Checkpoints successful Liberty family of radio frequency (RFID) readers. These retailers often have very specific requirements when it comes to store design and decor. The Liberty CFX, a transceiver-based single antenna system, is installed into the floor and is available to span the retailers specific door opening. Checkpoint will work with the retailer to provide the best EAS system for their specific needs. This system is the only hidden EAS system capable of detecting at heights up to 5 feet with a variety of 8.2MHz tags and labels including integrated RF-EAS labels. Used with RF source tagging and Checkpoints non-contact deactivation technology, the Liberty CFX is the ultimate EAS solution for todays image-conscious retailer. " ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency (RF)-based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the worlds top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoints end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of more than 25 service bureaus located in the worlds apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoints technology solutions include digital RF-EAS systems, RF source tagging, RFID solutions, barcode-labeling systems, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems.

Accelerated Animal RFID Plans

Accelerated Animal RFID Plans: DIGITAL ANGEL CORPORATION ACCELERATES PLAN TO INTEGRATE NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION COMPLIANT DATABASE: Database to Work with All Electronic RFID Livestock Tags;Company Plans to Integrate Database as Standard Procedure within Next Six Months ...

Digital Angel accelerates its RFID-based animal identification plans ...

... "Digital Angel Corporation (Amex:DOC) an advanced technology company in the field of rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets, announced today that it has accelerated its plans to introduce a national database system that will provide for the registration, tracking and source verification of all livestock tagged with electronic radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags throughout the United States. " ...

Digital Angel Corporation develops and deploys sensor and communications technologies that enable rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets. Applications for the Company's products include identification and monitoring of pets, humans, fish and livestock through its patented implantable microchips; location tracking and message monitoring of vehicles and aircraft in remote locations through systems that integrate GPS and geosynchronous satellite communications; and monitoring of asset conditions such as temperature and movement, through advanced miniature sensors. Digital Angel Corporation is majority-owned by Applied Digital Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSX).

RFID National Animal Identification System NAIS

RFID National Animal Identification System NAIS: Consumer Poll: Food Safety Confidence Will Improve With Mandatory National Animal Identification System ...

... "NAIS provides the potential for the industry to gather and manage information that may help maintain global markets and ensure consumer confidence in the food system. Livestock producers could record the age, source and breeds of their animals, along with feed, animal health, and other production data that may be important to buyers, both domestically and abroad. Information captured using NAIS technologies also can be integrated into retail grocery and foodservice logistics, quality control and traceability processes, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), or bar-coding systems. " ...

ULR RFID Partnership Provides Market Differentiation

Wavetrend Enters into Strategic Partnership with OxLoc - Isis Innovation News

... "Our relationship with OxLoc will provide another differentiating component for both our end customers and Accredited Channel Partners, who are always looking to push the boundaries of active RFID, for which we are internationally recognised as being a world leader. said Chris Bishop, Sales and Marketing Director of Wavetrend. " ...

Headquartered in the UK, Wavetrend Technologies Limited is a world leader in the innovation of Ultra Long Range (ULR) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The Company was established in 1997. The design, engineering and manufacturing operations are based in Johannesburg, South Africa while the North American sales operation, Wavetrend Technologies Inc., has offices in Bellevue, WA and Washington DC. The Company's primary focus is the innovative design, research, engineering and manufacture of an extensive technology platform of hardware, software and infrastructure components. The entire platform is based on a beacon type operating principle and operates in the 433.92 MHz band. The technology platform is protected by a number of global patents and has also achieved significant certification and safety credentials around the world. Wavetrend uses an extensive partner network to deliver its technology and has formal distribution relationships across the globe. In addition, Wavetrend has more than 125 System Integrators and VAR’s worldwide.

OxLoc Ltd supply battery powered data collection products to provide asset management solutions to the sector of the Telematics market where there is no access or limited access to a power source. Using autonomous battery powered GPS/GSM hardware and web based data access, assets can be monitored for location and condition for periods of up to 3 years without the need to replace or recharge the battery. OxLoc is based at the Begbroke Business Park on the outskirts of Oxford.

Open Source RFID Software: iKonect

Open Source RFID: i-Konect Announces Singularity: A Complete Open-Source EPC-IS Solution ...

... "i-Konect announced the formation of Singularity, an open-source initiative for a complete Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Solution that includes RFID middleware and Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPC-IS). This software is designed to provide integrators and users the ability to more rapidly deploy RFID technology and significantly advance the realization of a return on investment. " ...

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.

RFID Shrink Management ...

RFID Shrink Management: Checkpoint Launches VAR Channel Partner Program to Serve Smaller Retailers

Checkpoint RFID shrink management solution meets the retail market through the VAR channel ...

... "Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers worldwide, announced the launch of its Reseller Channel Partners VAR program designed to increase the availability of Checkpoint electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions to smaller retailers nationwide. " ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency (RF)-based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the worlds top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoints end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of more than 25 service bureaus located in the worlds apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoints technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, bar code labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems.

Open Source RFID Software ...

Open Source RFID: Open Source RFID Software Foundation Formed ...

RFID software supported by open source consortium ...

... "The formation of the RadioActive Software Foundation was announced in Toronto today by its founding members, N4 Systems and Refactored Networks. The goal of the Foundation is to develop freely available, mission critical class software for the entire suite of EPCglobal RFID standards. ... With over 30 active participants from 10 countries, the predecessor of the RadioActive Software Foundation has existed as an open source RFID middleware project for over a year. Recent donations of higher level data exchange software and the imminent publication of the EPC Information Service standards prompted the move to a larger mission. " ...

The RadioActive Software Foundation provides organizational, legal, and financial support for RFID and EPCglobal Network related open-source software projects. The Foundation is incorporated as a membership-based, not-for-profit corporation. It's purpose is to ensure that the RadioActive projects are supported beyond the participation of individual members, to enable contributions of intellectual property and financial support, and to provide a vehicle for limiting legal exposure while participating in open-source projects.

Zigbee RFID: Efficient Power Source ...

Zigbee RFID: Applied Digital Completes Development of Next-Generation Thermo Life™ that Creates More Efficient Power Output ...

... "The new Thermo Life™ design creates a more efficient power output and contributes to higher conversion efficiency. The new design also increases potential applications for Thermo Life™ such as a viable energy source for active RFID tags, ZigBee Chipsets, wearable electronics, medical devices and micro-sensor systems. With the recent acquisition of eXI wireless, VeriChip Corporation now offers active RFID tags in a healthcare-security environment. As VeriChip - an RFID Company for People – evolves, Thermo Life™ can be used as an alternative power source for external RFID tags in a healthcare environment providing a lifetime power source and negating the need for a change of batteries. The new wireless standard of 802.15.4, called ZigBee, offers, for the first time, a standards-based wireless platform optimized for the unique needs of remote monitoring and control applications including simplicity, reliablitiy, low-cost, and above all, lowpower. " ...

Applied Digital develops innovative security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. The Company's unique and often proprietary products provide security for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as the leader of Security Through Innovation. Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC).

Radio Frequency Identification: RFID Hardware

Radio Frequency Identification: RFID: MEP Source For Manufacturers

... "RFID systems consist of hardware and software. The hardware includes RFID tags, which can be active (i.e., they have a battery-operated transmitting device on board) or passive (the tag only transmits its data when energized by antenna radiation). RFID tags come in many shapes and sizes and broadcast in different frequencies, depending upon the application. RFID readers are matched to the tag types, and translate the information on the tag into digital form that is converted for use in software. The software sends the information to the business system, which stores the information in a database or displays it on a screen for human decision making. " ...

Low Cost RFID Compliance

Low Cost RFID Compliance: HighJump Software Extends Offering With Introduction of Low-Cost RFID Compliance Solution to Meet Retail and Department of Defense Requirements

... "HighJump has helped numerous organizations meet RFID compliance initiatives of major retailers, the U.S. Department of Defense and others. Based on this experience and the discovery of unique ways to drive cost out of projects, HighJump developed Compliance Advantage Select. By combining a faster implementation methodology with a focused set of the most common workflows, this offering helps companies meet their RFID requirements quickly and within budget. With a total price starting at $70,000, HighJump's Compliance Advantage Select features everything needed for full electronic product code (EPC) compliance, including: software, RFID reader and printer hardware, implementation services, product testing and training. " ...

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality; a best practices-based implementation methodology; and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry's lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. As an independent subsidiary in the 3M family of companies, HighJump leads the SCE software industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers.

RFID Asset Visibility ...

ACC: Acquisition Community Connection

... "Asset identification, visibility, and tracking can be significantly improved through utilization of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RFID is a wireless technology that includes passive, semi-passive and active tags. Active RFID systems have the ability to store large amounts of information using an internal power source within the tag. Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source and obtain operating power generated from the tag reader. Semi-passive RFID uses an internal power source to monitor environmental conditions, but requires RF energy transferred from the reader/interrogator similar to passive tags to power a tag response. RFID tags can contain various amounts of data ranging from a simple item number to detailed instructions on how to assemble an item. " ...

High Frequency RFID Reader ...

High Frequency RFID Reader: Improved Data Capture Capability: Psion Teklogix Enhances WORKABOUT PRO Product Line to Provide Customers with Greater Flexibility and More Application Options: Global mobile computing customers and partners now have access to 1D and 2D image readers, PC Card Kit and Windows Mobile platform to meet the needs of field service, asset tracking and route accounting markets ...

Psion Tek integrates high-frequency RFID reading into the software enhancement cycle for its Workabout Pro software ...

... "Psion Teklogix, (LSE: PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, RFID and wireless data collection, is continuing to improve flexibility and data capture capabilities for customers with a range of features that are available on the WORKABOUT PRO. Recent enhancements include 1D and 2D image readers, a high-frequency RFID reader, a wide area wireless communications PC Card Radio Kit, and Windows Mobile as an alternative platform to Windows CE .NET. ... A high-frequency RFID reader is now available, further enhancing the multimedia data capture capabilities of the WORKABOUT PRO. Operating at 13.56 MHz, high-frequency RFID is often used in applications such as asset tracking or closed-loop supply chain logistics. " ...

Psion Teklogix is a global provider of solutions for mobile computing, wireless data collection and RFID. The company's fully integrated mobile computing solutions include rugged hardware; secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services and exceptional support programs. Psion Teklogix is committed to helping its customers reap the benefits of new and emerging technologies, such as RFID. The company continues to introduce new RFID technologies that show tremendous potential across a wide range of markets. With over three decades of industry experience, Psion Teklogix has customers in more than 70 countries around the world, and over 36 sales and support offices in 17 countries. Psion Teklogix is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with additional corporate offices located in the United States, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Psion Teklogix is the operating business of Psion PLC, which is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange (PON.L).

Additional references on high-frequency RFID readers ...

One-Source™ for Radio Frequency Identification ... ... High Frequency RFID Readers are designed to read and write information to High Frequency “Smart Labels”, typically operating at 13.56 MHz. ...

E* Tag ... ... The e*Tag® series of high frequency RFID readers and reader/writers utilize 13.56 MHz, a worldwide standard for radio-frequency identification ...

Solutions - Overview ... ... All RFID readers have the same basic architecture: an antenna (a coil of wire ... High-frequency RFID systems are suitable for applications requiring a ...

RFID Identification System Web Services ...

Ag-Id Tags Optimiser For Digital DNA Registry: Optimiser Digital Management Technology To Handle Unique Livestock RFID Identification System ...

... "Optimiser's Ozone consulting team will build and deploy Ag-Id's Web-service interfaces and data repositories, integrating them with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tagging and scanning devices, as well as the DNA analysis tools and software applications used by farmers, abattoirs, purchasers and retailers. The integrity and safety of the digital codes generated by Agri-Scan's novel DNA analysis will be secured, as will the credentials of users of the system, by Optimiser's ground-breaking Digital Management Zone. " ...

Optimiser, founded in 1996, is the creator of a unique, patent-pending Web service infrastructure that provides comprehensive Digital Management capabilities to owners, publishers and vendors of digitally-stored Intellectual Property. Assessed by BT Exact as "completely unique and original", Optimiser's service platform is an open source-developed Authoritative Metadata Engine - or AME - that meets the metadata framework requirements for administrating digital assets and rights, as defined by such bodies as the World Intellectual Property Organisation and the European Commission, in its Indecs 2000 Report. Authoritative metadata frameworks are seen as the backbone of future electronic mercantile systems.

RFID Automated Data Collection ...

Checkpoint Systems Expands Automated Data Collection Capabilities to Help Retailers Control Shrink; Provides Actionable Information for In-store Loss Prevention Processes ...

Checkpoint acquires security solutions to complement their RFID and EAS capabilities ...

... "Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers worldwide, has expanded its automated data collection capabilities with the acquisition of three asset protection solutions from Security Source, Inc., a provider of loss prevention solutions to the retail industry." ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency (RF)-based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the worlds top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoints end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of more than 25 service bureaus located in the worlds apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoints technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, bar code labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems.

RFID Location Sensors: Children's Study ...

Final Report Use of 1) Sensors and 2) Radio Frequency ID (RFID) for the National Children’s Study ...

... "Location sensors are mostly used by commercial agencies for tracking their goods and products during shipping and storage. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are the most common type of location sensor, due to their low cost and small size. RFID tags essentially serve as a barcode that can be read by radio frequency transmission. These tags can carry all sorts of information about the product, such as the serial number, model number, color, location, or any other relevant information. The RFID tags will identify themselves when they detect a signal from a compatible device, such as an RFID reader. RFID tags can be active, passive, or semi-active. The passive tags are cheaper ($0.05 to $0.50) and smaller, but do not contain their own power source and are powered by the RFID reader through an antenna. Because these tags do not rely on battery power, they can last indefinitely. Active tags have their own battery and can transmit a signal to an RFID reader antenna, but are significantly more expensive at around $20. It is projected that active tags will eventually cost about $5 by 2005, however. Semi-active tags are a compromise between passive and active tags and cost around $1. " ...

Low Cost RFID Electronics ...

Sirenza Microdevices Reports First Quarter 2005 Results ...

... "Production release of medium-power discrete LDMOS products in low cost, "green" configured or environmentally responsible SOIC2 packaging for wireless infrastructure and RFID applications; these products use Sirenza's patented tungsten plug semiconductor technology to provide outstanding gain and linearity performance, along with internal ESD protection." ...

Headquartered in Broomfield, Colo., with design centers throughout the U.S., Sirenza Microdevices is a leading designer and an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System certified (registered by QMI) supplier of high performance radio frequency (RF) components for the commercial communications and A&D equipment markets. Sirenza's integrated circuit (IC) and multi-chip module (MCM) product lines include amplifiers, power amplifiers, transceivers, tuners, discrete devices, RF signal processing components, signal source components, government and military specified components, and antennae and receivers for satellite radio.

RFID Product Information Management RFID-PIM ...

RFID Product Information Management RFID-PIM: AAFES Expects to Decrease Operating Costs with GXS’ Product Information Manager ...

GXS PIM system will be used to manage information through the AAFES supply processes into customer systems, leveraging the DOD RFID technology ...

... GXS, a leading provider of B2B e-commerce solutions, today announced that the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has selected GXS’ Product Information Manager (PIM) Retailer Edition to integrate inbound product information from its suppliers into its customer facing systems. ... In addition, the PIM solution establishes a single source for product data, creating consistency across departments and disciplines. For AAFES, PIM Retailer Edition will be the foundation for price and promotion synchronization, scan-based trading and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The U.S. Department of Defense now requires that RFID be implemented by all military vendors. ...

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) brings a tradition of value, service and support to its 11.5 million authorized customers without regard to where they may be stationed. AAFES operates 12,000 facilities in more than 35 countries and in all 50 states. These include 3,150 retail facilities, of which 160 are main stores on Army, Air Force and Marine installations throughout the world.

GXS (Global eXchange Services) is a leading worldwide provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration. Organizations worldwide, including over half of the Fortune 500, leverage the GXS Trading GridSM to achieve the perfect balance of supply and demand. Active in the global standards arena, GXS solutions enable customers both large and small, to connect with global partners, synchronize product information, optimize inventory levels and demand forecasts, and accelerate the execution of supply chains. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., GXS provides sales and support to businesses and their partners worldwide.

RFID Presentation Sunnyvale California ...

Upcoming RFID Presentation at IEEE Seminar ...

... eSmart Source, RFID solutions and training provider, announced that Mr. Sam Patadia, Vice President of Engineering at eSmart Source will be giving an RFID presentation at the IEEE Communications Society in Sunnyvale. California on April 13.2005 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the National Semiconductor Building. Mr. Patadia’s presentation will be available on the eSmart Source website at www.esmartsource.com as well as eSmart’s training division RFID4U’s website www.rfid4u.com once it has been presented. ...

For over six years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

Ohio RFID Application Education ...

Newsroom | Ohio Department of Development

... "Development Research Corporation (Kettering, Montgomery County) received more than $2.3 million to establish the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Application and Education Center (REAC). The REAC will serve as a source for RFID solutions for both end customers as well as suppliers. RFID tags, which consist of silicon chips and an antenna that can transmit data to a wireless receiver, could one day be used to track everything from soda cans to cereal boxes. Unlike bar codes, which need to be scanned manually and read individually, radio ID tags do not require line of sight for reading and hundreds of tags can be read per second. The project expects to achieve annual sales of $10 million and create 100 new jobs within 3 to 5 years. Collaborators on this project include Alien Technology Corp., Sinclair Community College, Miami Valley Venture Funds, Development Project Inc., NCIC Capital Fund and Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. " ...

RFID Enables Travel Information System

Data Fusion For Delivering Advanced Traveler Information Services ...

... "Another source of traveler information comes from vehicular tags (RFID devices) that can be read by roadside readers on public roadways for the purpose of charging a user fee (toll tag), identifying vehicles (CVO registration or transit vehicles) or verifying credentials (WIM specifications). This information is usually available only to the public agency responsible for collecting a fee or processing traveler information. The information would be valuable for developing an improved understanding of trip distributions, but currently there are no institutional arrangements that allow for sharing this user information with ATIS service providers, public or private. Other sources of traveler information come from GPS-based systems, including certain types of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems employed in certain transit systems and GPS-enabled probe vehicles. " ...

RFID Training and Certification By OTA ...

OTA Training - Your Global Source for RFID Training

... Highly experienced and RFID savvy OTA trainers will teach these courses alongside IP trainers, who have real-world experience with RFID design and implementation. OTA has proprietary and proven RFID courseware that goes beyond the basics offered by other boot-camp lecture courses with its comprehensive, hands-on, vendor-neutral and cross-functional curriculum. The target audience for these courses will be large supply chain customers, including customers of International Paper. OTA Training, LLC offers RFID extensive training and certification that covers RFID systems from a high-level executive perspective, to a detailed systems approach for implementing RFID. The three-day systems approach course is a series of sessions that allow students to put the courseware into practice at IPSP's Customer Solution Center. ...

RFID Course Curriculum Expands ...

RFID Course Curriculum Expands: eSmart Source Training Division RFID4U Dramatically Expands RFID ...

RFID4U increases the depth of its RFID curriculum, with additions to accelerate quick learning events and enable live virtual learning events ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... training division of eSmart Source) announces several new course curricula to meet the training needs in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at ...

... RFID4U (training division of eSmart Source) announces several new course curricula to meet the training needs in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology at all levels. Course offerings now include: One day RFID Made Easy, two days RFID workshop and three days RFID implementation training. These courses are offered onsite as well as in company’s training facility. In addition company also announced twelve online courses which are available with live instructors via web and offers significant saving in resource travel cost. Company has plans to introduce more courses next quarter. ...

For over six years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

Successful RFID Compliance Implementations ...

Successful RFID Compliance Implementations: HighJump Software Customers Successfully Meet January Timelines ...

HighJump Software supports successful RFID compliance programs ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... HighJump's RFID product line includes solutions for compliance, warehouse management, manufacturing, and mobile asset tracking. ...

... HighJump Software, a 3M company, the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions, today announced that all HighJump customers that selected its RFID compliance solution were fully operational by the January compliance timelines. Each of these companies successfully deployed HighJump's Compliance Advantage RFID solution, a comprehensive, scalable application specifically designed to meet the RFID program requirements of major retailers and the Department of Defense. These implementations, in industries such as third-party logistics, consumer packaged goods, and food and beverage, provide RFID-based inventory tracking of cases and pallets between HighJump's customers and their trading partners. ...

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality; a best practices-based implementation methodology; and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry's lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. As an independent subsidiary in the 3M family of companies, HighJump leads the SCE software industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers.

SAW RFID: Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Device Applications

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Device Applications

... "Passive Remote Sensing Passive RFID Tags: Miniature SAW correlators have been used to fabricate coded tags at microwave and RF frequencies. These can provide an unpowered means of wirelessly identifying tagged objects. SAW filters have been developed for passive remote sensing applications, where the sensor has no local power source available." ...

Firefish and SensorML ...

Firefish - Welcome

... "In the working prototype, applications get to focus on domain specific plugins. For example, the data source can be anything that produces arbitrary XML data. An example data source is an XML file. Another example data source is a program that takes some input and produces SensorML XML output on-the-fly. Yet another example data source is a relational database (e.g. MySQL) that takes a SQL query and wraps the query output into XML. Another transforming query such as a complex XQuery can then be executed against the wrapped XML output. " ...

RFID Enables Manufacturing Facility ...

RFID Enables Manufacturing Facility: CapTech Improves Fisher & Paykel Manufacturing Process Using ...

Manufacturing processes are enabled by creative application of RFID technology ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Fisher & Paykel has successfully deployed CapTech's TagsWare(TM) RFID software within a manufacturing facility ...

... Fisher & Paykel has successfully deployed CapTech's TagsWare(TM) RFID software within a manufacturing facility, integrating RFID data within their manufacturing systems to improve their customized product production process. Fisher & Paykel is a high-end appliance manufacturer that innovated flexible manufacturing (every model made every day). The implementation of the TagsWare(TM) RFID software provides Fisher & Paykel with the opportunity to ensure proper product customization and provide a higher level of customer satisfaction. TagsWare(TM) was chosen to meet Fisher & Paykel's RFID software requirements based on its data integration features, flexible deployment configuration, and support of existing EPC and ISO RFID standards. ...

CapTech is a consulting firm that manages, designs and builds information systems. The mission critical solutions we develop are built on the partnerships that we have established with industry leaders such as IBM(R), BEA(TM) Systems, Oracle(R), Microsoft(R), Sun Microsystems, and Open Source products. The driving force behind our success is the close relationship that we develop with our clients, getting to know their businesses and the vision that guides them. From Fortune 500 companies to regional market leaders, CapTech can help your company manage technology and achieve results for growth.

RFID One-Day Training Event in March ...

RFID One-Day Training: eSmart Source Announces RFID Made Easy Training in Phoenix Arizona

RFID Made Easy Training Event is coming up soon ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... eSmart Source, a leading RFID solutions and training provider announced today that the firm will conduct one of their popular RFID Made Easy training events in ...

... eSmart Source, a leading RFID solutions and training provider announced today that the firm will conduct one of their popular RFID Made Easy training events in Phoenix, Arizona. RFID Made Easy is a class room style one-day course that familiarizes participants with the hardware, middleware, software and other key elements necessary for successful RFID deployment. This day-long event will be conducted on Wednesday March 23rd at the Fiesta Inn Resort in Tempe, Arizona. ...

For over five years, eSmart Source has been an IT partner committed to helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers a multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware and printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

RFID Company Stock Poised to Benefit From Market Growth ...

RFID Company Stock Poised to Benefit From Market Growth: Zacks.com Announces That Paul Tracy Highlights the Following Stock ... RFID companies are identified for stock investment by Zack's. These RFID technology companies hsould benefit from the expected market growth. ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... may well have trouble meeting earnings estimates throughout the latter part of 2005, stocks leveraged to radio frequency identification (RFID) are likely to ...

... While the technology sector overall may well have trouble meeting earnings estimates throughout the latter part of 2005, stocks leveraged to radio frequency identification (RFID) are likely to see strong growth this year. RFID tags allow retailers to control their inventories more effectively and save considerable time for consumers. In today's "Feature Article" Paul Tracy and his staff take a closer look at this technology and will highlight two stocks that look poised to benefit from the rapid adoption of RFID in coming years. Checkpoint Systems (NYSE:CKP) produces inventory management and theft-prevention systems for retailers. The company's electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are small RFID devices that can fit onto almost any product and activate an alarm if an item is stolen. The company also makes RFID tags used to help identify items and manage inventories. ...

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 to compile, analyze, and distribute investment research to both institutional and individual investors. The guiding principle behind Zacks work is the belief that investment experts, such as brokerage analysts and investment newsletter writers, have superior knowledge about how to invest successfully. The goal is to unlock these pros' profitable insights for individual investors hard-pressed to find this valuable information in one source. A free subscription to "Profit from the Pros" weekly e-mail newsletter provides the best way to use these experts' insights for more profitable investing.

Construction Applications For RFID ...

Construction and Operations Applications For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

... "A young technology with considerable commercial buzz, RFID – radio frequency identification – allows rapid and accurate reading of tags which, unlike UPC bar codes, can be read from a distance, in harsh environments, and through many materials without a direct line of site required. In uses that employ the small and increasingly inexpensive RFID tags, the radio signal sent in search of tags provides energy sufficient for a response from the tags, thereby eliminating the need for an internal tag power source. More intriguing and pertinent to highway construction is the use of RFID tags to monitor material properties. A materials engineer with Michigan DOT turned to the private sector for help developing concrete monitoring applications. A tag is embedded in concrete and monitors temperature, which data can be used to assess developing strength and curing rates for quality control." ...

Global RFID Emerging Technology Manager Position ...

Global RFID Emerging Technology Manager Position: Checkpoint Systems Names Saleem Miyan to Management Team; New Post ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... package goods manufacturers worldwide, announced that Saleem Miyan has joined the company as Vice President and General Manager - Global RFID and Emerging ...

... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of radio frequency-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers worldwide, announced that Saleem Miyan has joined the company as Vice President and General Manager - Global RFID and Emerging Technologies, a new position. Mr. Miyan is based in Checkpoint's London office. ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency (RF)-based shrink management solutions to the global retail industry, including over half of the world's top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoint's end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 80 countries and a global network of 30 service bureaus located in the world's apparel manufacturing capitals. Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source tagging, bar code labeling systems, EAS, handheld labeling systems, and retail merchandising systems.

DoD 2005 RFID Summit Starts February 9 ...

DoD RFID Summit 2005

From CCR, DOD ...

... "2005 DoD RFID Summit for Industry, February 9-10, 2005, Hilton Washington, Washington, D.C.

Hosted by the Office of the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Supply Chain Integration) and the DoD Logistics AIT Office, the 2005 DoD RFID Summit for Industry is the OFFICIAL platform for the DoD to continue to execute the implementation of the DoD RFID Policy. The Summit's agenda is packed with key DoD RFID Policy drivers, industry leaders, and early adopters and will feature over 50 of the leading RFID solution providers in the exhibit hall. Three distinguished Keynote Addresses will take place during the 2-day Summit." ...

Background: On July 30, 2004, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics signed a memorandum outlining policy for the use of RFID within the Department of Defense (DoD). The strategy calls for taking maximum advantage of the inherent life-cycle asset management efficiencies that can be realized with integration of RFID throughout DoD. Leveraging this technology to improve our ability to get the customer the right materiel, at the right time, and in the right condition is a critical part of our End-to-End Warfighter Support initiative. The new policy addresses two general types of RFID tags: (1) active, which contains an internal power source, enabling the tag to hold more data and has a longer "read" range and (2) passive, which does not contain any power source, holds a minimum of data and has a shorter "read" range. Mr. Michael Wynne, Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), announced a new policy on July 30, 2004 for the use of radio frequency identification within the Department of Defense. Radio frequency identification - also known as RFID - will enable hands-off processing of materiel transactions, allowing the DoD to re-apportion critical manpower resources to warfighting functions and to streamline business process.

Checkpoint Systems RFID Applications ...

Checkpoint Systems RFID Applications: Checkpoint Systems, Inc. to Broadcast Fourth Quarter 2004 ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... In conjunction with this release, Checkpoint Systems will host a conference call on the ... Checkpoint is a leading provider of EAS and RFID systems, source tagging ...

... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CKP), intends to release its fourth quarter 2004 results on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 before the market opens. In conjunction with this release, Checkpoint Systems will host a conference call on the same day at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, which will be simultaneously broadcast live over the Internet. George Off, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Craig Burns, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will host the call. ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a multinational company that manufactures and markets labeling systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide value-added label solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint is a leading provider of EAS and RFID systems, source tagging, barcode labeling systems, hand-held labeling systems and retail merchandising systems. Applications include automatic identification, retail security and pricing and promotional labels. Operating directly in 30 countries, Checkpoint has a global network of subsidiaries and provides professional customer service and technical support around the world.

Additional resources on Checkpoint Systems RFID applications ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. : News : Press Releases : Archives: shelf inventory system, a dual technology EAS/RFID perimeter system, and a ... Checkpoint Systems, Inc.s website is located at www.checkpointsystems.com . ...

Checkpoint integrates RFID with EAS technology: said David Donnan, North America president of Checkpoint Systems. ... rang of passive (battery-less) RFID tags can ... to a distributed computing system involved in ...

Checkpoint & Philips alliance supports RFID: edge tag and reader solutions, Checkpoint Systems will also deliver total system integration services that ... the specific needs of deploying RFID into the ...

Freight Transportation Vulnerability, Security, and Productivity through RFID Cargo Seals ...

RFID Cargo Seals Role in Freight Transportation Vulnerability, Security, and Productivity

From Electronic Cargo Seals: Context, Technologies, And Marketplace ...

... "RFID Seals: RFID technologies are most common among electronic seals. Fundamentally, they marry RFID transponders or their components with manual seal components. There are two main types of RFID tags and seals, passive and active. Passive seals do not initiate transmissions--they respond when activated by the energy in the signal from a reader. Interrogated by a reader, a passive seal can identify itself by reporting its 'license plate' number, analogous to a standard bar code. The tag can also perform processes, such as testing the integrity of a seal. The beauty of a battery-free passive seal is that it can be a simple, inexpensive, and disposable device. Although not a formal term, it is useful to think of such devices as 'pure passive'--a term that describes what most practitioners have in mind when they discuss passive RFID electronic seals. Passive RFID seals can carry batteries for either or both of two purposes. The first is to aid communication by boosting the strength of the reflective signal back to the reader. This capability need not add much cost. The second purpose is to provide power so functions can be performed out of the range of readers. One example of the latter is to power a clock, continuously test the integrity of the seal, and record the time of tampering. Adding substantial capability could raise the cost of a passive seal sufficiently that it would be practical only as a reusable product. Practitioners use three different terms to describe passive tags with batteries. They are semi-active, semi-passive, and battery-assisted passive. Since the terms seem to be interchangeable, this is a source of confusion in RFID tag discussions. Alien Technologies began using the term semi-passive and is now transitioning to the term battery" ...

Advanced RFID Reader Data Handling Features ...

Advanced RFID Data Handling Features: Comtrol and CapTech Ventures Unveil Embedded RFID Reader Control ...

From Market Wire (press release) ... have teamed to provide point-of-activity RFID reader control, RFID event filtering, and other advanced RFID functions by integrating the DeviceMaster® ATS and ...

... Comtrol, Inc. and CapTech Ventures, Inc. have teamed to provide point-of-activity RFID reader control, RFID event filtering, and other advanced RFID functions by integrating the DeviceMaster® ATS and DeviceMaster® RTS with TagsWareME™. This device is designed to provide advanced RFID data handling features in close proximity to the RFID activity, eliminating large amounts of unnecessary data from the industrial control network. This RFID solution will be demonstrated in Comtrol's Booth #2253 at ProMat 2005 in Chicago January 10th-13th. ...

Comtrol Corporation, based in Minneapolis, is a leading global provider of device connectivity, data communication, and industrial automation technologies. The company's flagship brands -- DeviceMaster and RocketPort® products -- include in-server serial expansion cards, application and device servers, embedded technologies, and application software.

CapTech Ventures, Inc. is a technology company using software engineering processes to solve complex business problems for a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies and regional market leaders to small businesses and startups. The mission-critical solutions it develops are built on the partnerships established with industry leaders such as IBM®, BEA®, Sun Microsystems® and Microsoft®, as well as Open Source products. The driving force behind CapTech's success is its close work with clients, getting to know their businesses and the vision that guides them. In 2002, CapTech earned the 40th spot on the Inc. 500 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. For the second consecutive year in 2003, CapTech remained on the Inc. 500, list in the 322 spot.

Motorola RFID Enables Liquid Media Future Shown at Consumer Electronic Show CES 2005 ...

RFID Enables Liquid Media Future Shown at Consumer Electronic Show CES 2005: 2005 International CES Opening Day Showcases World's Coolest CE ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Using an RFID tag developed by Motorola, the user can move from the home, to the car, to the office and the live content seamlessly will follow the user from ...

... Powerful and exciting displays of the hottest consumer electronics products, technologies and trends were unleashed on the opening day of the 2005 International CES(R). With heavy hitting keynote speakers and conference sessions featuring the industry's most pressing topics, the 2005 International CES is shaping up to be the biggest and best in history. The 2005 International CES runs January 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the opening morning of, Gary Shapiro president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), delivered an inspiring and exciting State of the Industry Address. Shapiro announced plans for the 2005 SINOCES, which will take place in Qingdao, China in July. "Our mission here is simple," Shapiro said, "to grow the CE industry." ...

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 1,850 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $110 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

Additional resources on RFID liquid media ...

Motorola uses RFID to power ubiquitous media: JC pinned an RFID tag on Mr. Zander and had ... Using a technology called "Liquid Media," four monitors at each station ... play and stop video or audio content when Mr ...

2005 International CES: Attendees: Garriques shows off Liquid Media, an application that allows content to follow its user as it morphs itself to fit the environment. Using an RFID tag developed ...

Motorola Keeps ITunes Client Hidden: frequency identification tag as part of its "Liquid Media" initiative that allows content to follow ... particular tune at home can carry their RFID tag into ...

RFID Company: Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Announces the Redemption of Its Remaining ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Checkpoint is a leading provider of EAS and RFID systems, source tagging, barcode labeling systems, hand-held labeling systems and retail merchandising systems ...

... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) today announced that on December 14, 2004, the remaining outstanding balance of $23.214 million of aggregate principal amount of the 5 1/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2005 (the "Notes") were redeemed for cash. ...

RFID Applications Technology: Tegal Awarded Key Patent for New Magnetron Sputter Source; New ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... examples of devices enabled by Tegal technology are energy efficient memories found in portable computers, cell phones, PDAs and RFID applications; megapixel ...

RFID Middleware: Guangzhou Middleware Research Center Joins ObjectWeb, Expanding ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... including J2EE servers, application development and integration, portals, integrated platforms, security, management, pervasive middleware and RFID middleware. ...

... ObjectWeb, an international consortium dedicated to open-source infrastructure software, and Guangzhou Middleware Research Center (GMRC), a leading Chinese middleware research institute on middleware, today announced that GMRC joined ObjectWeb to reinforce the consortium presence in China. ...

Guangzhou Middleware Research Center is the leading middleware research institute in China. Sponsored by Guangzhou government and hosted by South University of Technology, GMRC is one of the largest research institutes in middleware in China. GMRC's core team contains experts returning from the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. GMRC's main research area include: enterprise application infrastructure, pervasive middleware, RFID middleware, grid Middleware, adaptive middleware and enterprise integration technologies. The LongTeng platform, developed by GMRC, is a unified enterprise application infrastructure platform that integrates application development, operation, integration, deployment and management all-in-one single platform. It provides a highly reliable, available and secure environment for today's ever demanding application requirements.

Founded in 2002 by Bull, France Telecom and INRIA, ObjectWeb is a consortium of leading companies and research organizations from around the world who have joined forces to produce next generation of open-source Middleware. ObjectWeb's goal is to provide Real-Time Enterprises with independent solutions which combine quality and robustness at the best possible performance/cost ratio. ObjectWeb targets alternative solutions to proprietary products for e-business, EAI, data connectivity, grid computing, and enterprise messaging. Based on open standards, ObjectWeb's middleware includes application servers, components, frameworks and tools. Examples of ObjectWeb's "cost killer" platforms are JOnAS - an open-source implementation of the J2EE specification, JORAM - a message-oriented middleware with JMS(TM) / SOAP connectors and Enhydra - a Java/XML application server.

Retail RFID: Sun Microsystems' Survey of Holiday Shopping Habits Puts Retailers ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... A key technology revolutionizing this chain is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) that allows products to be tagged and monitored from source to shelf. ...

... According to a new survey on consumer shopping patterns this holiday season released today by Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), 91 percent of American consumers will walk out of a store and shop elsewhere if they cannot find the particular gift they want. Adults online who plan to shop for gifts this season(1) are equally unforgiving of online retailers that do not have the product they want when they want it -- only four percent would buy a different gift on that same site. Technical hitches on websites are also likely to result in lost revenue for retailers with only 35 percent of consumers indicating that they would
come back and try later. The survey's findings confirm that retailers unable to meet consumer demand and deliver what they want, when they want it, may lose money to competitors. The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Sun Microsystems, Inc. ...

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer(TM)" -- has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of industrial-strength hardware, software and services that make the Net work.

Harris Interactive Inc. (http://www.harrisinteractive.com), the 15th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world, is a Rochester, N.Y.-based global research company that blends premier strategic consulting with innovative and efficient methods of investigation, analysis and application. Known for The Harris Poll(R) and for pioneering Internet-based research methods, Harris Interactive conducts proprietary and public research to help its clients achieve clear, material and enduring results. Harris Interactive combines its intellectual capital, databases and technology to advance market leadership through U.S. offices and wholly owned subsidiaries: London-based HI Europe (http://www.hieurope.com), Paris-based Novatris (http://www.novatris.com), Tokyo-based Harris Interactive Japan, through newly acquired WirthlinWorldwide (http://www.wirthlinworldwide.com), a Reston, Virginia-based research and consultancy firm ranked 25th largest in the world, and through an independent global network of affiliate market research companies.

DOD RFID Summit for Industry ...

From Automatic Identification Technology Office ...

... "February 9-10, 2005 . Announcing the 2005 DOD RFID Summit for Industry to be held at Washington Hilton & Towers in Washington, DC. Make plans now to attend! Registration is now open and reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Date & Location:
February 9-10, 2005
Hilton Washington
Washington, DC, U.S.A.

The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Supply Chain Integration) will host a third industry meeting on February 9-10, 2005 to continue to execute their DOD RFID Policy.
The DOD RFID Policy "establishes policy for the use of RFID within the DOD and initiates a strategy to take maximum advantage of the inherent life-cycle asset management efficiencies that can be realized with integration of RFID throughout DOD." The DOD RFID Summit for Industry Objective:
The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Supply Chain Integration has taken the lead to facilitate the implementation of the RFID policy within the DOD and is hosting the DOD RFID Summit for Industry to provide information on:

The Implementation Plan - review of the roadmap that targets critical distribution functions
within the Defense Distribution Depots, depot maintenance facilities, and strategic aerial ports.
Scheduled implementation timeline and requirements for suppliers based on procurement
methods, classes/commodities, location and layers of packaging.
Technical details on RFID technology compliance.
DFAR Update.
Industry Implementations.
Showcase of RFID technology providers.

On July 30, 2004, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics signed a memorandum outlining policy for the use of RFID within the Department of Defense (DoD). The strategy calls for taking maximum advantage of the inherent life-cycle asset management efficiencies that can be realized with integration of RFID throughout DoD. Leveraging this technology to improve our ability to get the customer the right materiel, at the right time, and in the right condition is a critical part of our End-to-End Warfighter Support initiative. The new policy addresses two general types of RFID tags: (1) active, which contains an internal power source, enabling the tag to hold more data and has a longer "read" range and (2) passive, which does not contain any power source, holds a minimum of data and has a shorter "read" range.

The policy directs the adoption of specific business rules for the active, high data capacity RFID currently used in the DoD operational environment to ensure continued support for ongoing Combatant Commander in-transit visibility requirements and operations. The policy states that DoD will be an early adopter of innovative, passive RFID technology that leverages the Electronic Product Code (EPC) and compatible RFID tags. The policy will require suppliers to put passive RFID tags on lowest possible piece part/case/pallet packaging by January 2005." ...

RFID in Transportation Strategic Plans

From Volpe Center ...

... "NATAP is a notable initiative for the use of advanced communications technologies to facilitate the flow of commercial vehicles, involving collaborative efforts of the US, Canada, and Mexico Customs offices. The prototype efforts have included development of common data elements and processes incorporating EDI, radio frequency identification (RFID), and vehicle roadside communications technologies (VRC) to process commercial cargo shipment data at the Canadian and Mexican land borders. By automating data transmission to obtain cargo clearance, NATAP eliminates redundant cargo clearance data entry across myriad US agencies and their counterparts in Mexico and Canada. A shipper would transmit shipment information via an Internet web site serving the border agencies. Pre-filing the EDI document would allow the customs officials to use internal criteria to determine whether the shipper is in compliance with cargo admissibility criteria while the vehicle is still in transit. As the shipment approaches the border, the RFID/VRC reader transmits a transaction identifier to the Customs computer systems. Upon arrival, the vehicle receives a green light if clearance is granted, or a red light if there are missing data or need for cargo examination. Field demonstrations of NATAP are conducted at Detroit, Buffalo, Otay Mesa, El Paso, and Laredo. " ...

The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is an internationally recognized center of transportation and logistics expertise. Through research and development, engineering, and analysis, the Volpe Center helps decision-makers define problems and pursue solutions to lead transportation into the 21st century. In essence, the Volpe Center is a catalyst for innovation-a source of critical insight necessary to realize transportation's promising future.

Research on RFID in Construction ...

From BFRL: Construction Metrology and Automation Group ...

... "The proposed work would involve investigation of 1) the ability of using a LADAR to acquire information (such as color, type of material, distinct patterns, fiducial point identifiers, etc,) about an object in addition to range data, and 2) the fusion of LADAR and other sensors. These other sensors could be a) RFID tags that contain encrypted data about the scanned object, i.e, beam, column, part number, etc., b) micro-reflective sensors arranged in a standardized pattern or at pre-determined fiducial locations on an object to allow for identification, and/or c) a camera to provide a concurrent image of a scanned scene. The additional information from the hybrid LADAR does not identify objects per se, but is used to aid in object identification. Additional intelligence will have to supplied/added to a) pick out and extract the data (points) from a point cloud for further processing, and b) correctly identify the object. In the first instance, user intervention is the most likely source of this intelligence. In the latter instance, the intelligence could be in the form of user intervention, image processing algorithms (if a camera is used), and/or a database containing objects that would most likely be found in a particular scene. " ...

Use of Radio Frequency Identification Devices ...

From HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, REGARDING LOGISTICS READINESS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY, TESTIMONY OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL CLAUDE V. CHRISTIANSON, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G-4, UNITED STATES ARMY ...

... "To enable end-to-end control of our distribution system, we must integrate Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) as an enabling function. The use of new Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) during OIF afforded a much-improved view of the supply chain, but we still lacked complete visibility, especially below the theater level. We intend to integrate RFID/AIT into the distribution process, thereby enabling our process owner with the capability to see and control distribution operations. We will install RFID equipment at a variety of key locations in theater to include supply support activities, movement control elements, and cargo distribution hubs. We will achieve the desired level of visibility by combining the use of RFID equipment in theater with an overarching joint and Army architecture, coupled with a comprehensive joint policy to standardize the tagging and tracking of all defense shipments from the source of supply to the point of need at the tactical level. To facilitate a more rapid throughput of sustainment to our forces, the Army, working with U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), is changing the way we package our supplies in the continental United States (CONUS). " ...

RFID AIT: Integrating AIT Into Ammunition Logistics

From Integrating AIT Into Ammunition Logistics, John Waddick and Jerry Rodgers write ...

... "The use of AIT to track ammunition shipments had been demonstrated already in the European Ammunition Retrograde Program. Using technological improvements resulting from that effort, the ammunition initiative sought to integrate a suite of AIT to automate source data input, incorporate the various automated information systems and business processes at each node in the ammunition pipeline, and provide in-transit visibility of assets. The POP's scope would be limited to tracking shipments from one or two continental United States (CONUS) depots, through a sea port of embarkation (SPOE) on the east coast, a sea port of debarkation (SPOD) in Europe, and an ammunition supply point (ASP) in Europe.
OSC selected Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Indiana as its initial depot for AIT integration; MTMC selected the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, North Carolina, as its SPOE and the Port of Nordenham, Germany, as its SPOD. U.S. Army Europe joined the effort as a stakeholder and selected three sites in Germany the Reserve Storage Activity at Miesau, ASP 1 at Vilseck, and ASP 8 in Weilerbach for AIT integration. A concept of operations based on the class V AIT requirements established by CASCOM for SAAS-MOD was developed, briefed widely, and published. Because of its experience in RFID, radio frequency data collection, and installation of radio frequency systems, Savi Technology, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, was chosen as the integrating contractor. " ...

RFID Data: Potential Uses for RFID Data

From US Army Logistics Management College, Colonel Robert F. Carpenter, USAR, writes ...

... "RFID data also are being used to track unit movement cargo. RFID tag read-and-write capability has been added to the Transportation Coordinators Automated Information for Movement System (TCAIMS II). In the future, if a portable TCAIMS II is adopted, it also will have the capability to read and write RFID tags. An RF write capability is fully integrated into TCAIMS II and already is being fielded. RFID equipment is included in the basis of issue plan. TCAIMS II also should have the capability to read a barcode and generate an RFID tag when necessary. The current use of RFID in DOD discussed above is based on active RFID technology. In active RFID, the tag has its own power source (a battery). In the commercial world, passive RFID technology is used to track items both in transit (very limited use) and in warehousing operations (much more robust use). In passive RFID, the tag is powered by RF energy transferred from the reader to the tag. To better exploit this technology and reduce its cost, major corporations have created the Auto ID Center with research and development facilities at five leading universities in the United States, Australia, England, Japan, and Switzerland." ...

DOD RFID: DOD POLICY MANDATES RFID USE ...

From United States Army Logistics Management College ALOG News ... RFID technology is an application of automatic identification technology that quickly collects and reports item, location, time, and transaction data embedded in tags that are placed on containers, pallets, and packages. The data are collected by readers, or interrogators, equipped with antennas. RFID tags can be either active—the tag has its own power source (a battery) to transmit data—or passive—the tag is powered by energy transmitted by the interrogator ...

... The new DOD policy will require suppliers to place passive RFID tags on the lowest possible part, case, or pallet packaging by January 2005. This tagging requirement will apply to all items except bulk commodities such as sand, gravel, and liquids. DOD components will need to create an initial capability to read tags at key sites in preparation for the January 2005 implementation date. A DOD-level integrated product team will refine the policy, designate initial RFID projects for testing emerging RFID capabilities, and develop a long-term implementation strategy. ...

The United States Army Logistics Management College (ALMC) was established in 1954 with the mission to conduct a 12-week Army Supply Management Course. As one of three U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command colleges, ALMC shares in a common objective to ensure that our Armed Forces stay trained and are ready to fight and win quickly with minimum casualties and loss of resources. Our role in pursuit of this objective is to develop and present quality education programs in logistics science, management science, and acquisition management to personnel of the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, and foreign governments. In addition, ALMC offers research and consulting services that contribute to materiel readiness and improve acquisition and logistics management.

DOD RFID Compliance: Savi Technology Debuts First Quick, Complete and Cost-Effective ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... fewer than 65 working days to meet strict deadlines for their shipments to be tracked automatically by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, suppliers ...

... With fewer than 65 working days to meet strict deadlines for their shipments to be tracked automatically by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) now have a simple "plug-and-play," rapidly deployable solution to meet the new RFID Policy requirements. Savi Technology, the primary source of RFID solutions to the DoD since 1994, introduced today at the EPC Global U.S. Conference a unique and complete solution easily integrated with existing systems to meet the DoD's basic "tag and ship" requirements for suppliers to use RFID technology by Jan. 1, 2005. Called "RFID-ACT: Assured Compliance Today," the basic turnkey solution can be installed and operational within several hours. It enables suppliers to use RFID solutions that automatically link information about their outbound shipments to DoD supply chain management systems to better prepare and plan for incoming supplies. ...

Savi technology is a key enabler to DOD RFID compliance ...

As a long-time leader in providing real-time supply chain visibility, management and security solutions, Savi Technology has worked and partnered with all types of leading AIDC providers and integrated their technologies into legacy or new enterprise-level software platforms or applications. In addition, these solutions have been deployed to track shipments, assets and equipment across and between all modes of transport -- ocean, surface and air. It tracks, on average, 37,000 shipments per day.

With over 15 years of logistics infrastructure experience, Savi Technology is the proven leader in building RFID networks that deliver real-time visibility, asset management, inventory optimization, and global supply chain security. Savi provides supply chain asset management, security and collaboration software that is uniquely integrated with automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems to create scalable networks that enable a new generation of real-time logistics solutions.

Savi has more than a decade of experience implementing solutions around the world that have been proven to enhance operational efficiency and deliver substantial cost savings. The company is the primary technology provider for the world's largest wireless cargo monitoring network for the U.S. Department of Defense, which employs RFID, barcode, cellular and satellite communications systems to track more than 35,000 conveyances daily across a global network of 800 locations in more than 45 countries. Since the late 1990s, through investments in research, development and technology acquisitions, the company has designed and developed a networked software platform, Savi SmartChainTM, for both the public and commercial sectors that's uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to create RFID-based networks that deliver real-time supply chain management.

Founded in 1989, Savi Technology is privately held, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California and offices in Johannesburg, London, Singapore, Taipei, and Washington D.C.

RFID Compliance: Accu-Sort Expands RFID Compliance Product Line

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its tradition of being a
pioneer in automatic identification, Accu-Sort Systems today announced
enhancements to its FAST Tag(TM) RFID compliance line.
The FAST Tag line is a fully integrated and scalable RFID tag applicator
solution to help retail suppliers quickly, reliably and cost-effectively meet
RFID compliance mandates. Through the use of an innovative tag reject
mechanism, customers can be assured that only valid tags enter their supply
chain. With integrated EPC tag serial number management and the ability to
interface with new or existing material handling equipment and IT systems,
FAST Tag makes it easy to meet compliance tagging requirements.
The Accu-Sort FAST Tag line has been expanded to include:
-- Support for new RFID capable thermal printers from Zebra, SATO and Datamax
-- Support of inkjet printers from Videojet for non-contact tag printing and
coding directly on boxes
-- RFID tag placement on the side, front, back or top of cases
-- The ability to operate in batch mode for consistent product mix
-- Additional RFID statistics including:
- tracking the number of non-responding tags per roll
- the number of tag encoding errors for low performing tags
- the correlation of RFID data to bar codes on the case

About Accu-Sort
Accu-Sort Systems, a Danaher company, is a pioneer in auto ID and high
speed/reliable compliance solutions with more than three decades of experience
deploying and supporting scanning and tracking solutions in distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and retailer environments. The company is also an
established provider of RFID and bar code technology convergent systems with
more than 40 RFID installations. 1-877-ASI-RFID or http://www.accusort.com .

SOURCE Accu-Sort Systems, Inc.
-0- 09/15/2004
/CONTACT: Steve Kowalke of Accu-Sort Systems, +1-215-996-8602 or
steve.kowalke@accusort.com, or Jeff Widmer of swb&r, +1-610-866-0611 or
jwidmer@swb.com, for Accu-Sort Systems/
/Web site: http://www.accusort.com/

Healthcare RFID: Wireless Data in Healthcare Study ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com) has announced the addition of Wireless Data in Healthcare: A study tracking the use of RFID, Wireless Sensor ...

... Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com) has announced the addition of Wireless Data in Healthcare: A study tracking the use of RFID, Wireless Sensor Solutions, and Telemetry by Medical Device Manufacturers, Systems Integrators, and Adopters to their offering. Wireless data technologies, including Wi-Fi, ZigBee, packet-based cellular radio, Bluetooth, ultra wideband, and RFID are changing healthcare. This most recent research was conducted to explore the adoption of wireless technologies and RFID in the healthcare arena and how vendors and service providers stand to profit from this trend. This research reveals evidence of moderate to strong growth in clinical and outpatient settings. ...

Research and Markets are the leading source for international market research and market data. They currently hold over 80,000 major research publications from most of the leading publishers, consultants and analysts. They provide businesses with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Research and Markets are a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for market research.

Supply Chain RFID: HighJump Software Announces PeopleSoft Integration Certification

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... HighJump has created a comprehensive, RFID-enabled product suite that tightly integrates with PeopleSoft's industry-leading supply chain solutions," said John ...

... HighJump Software, a 3M company, a global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, today announced that PeopleSoft, the world's second-largest provider of enterprise application software, recently completed certification testing of the integration between HighJump's Data Collection Advantage 5.0 solution with PeopleSoft Enterprise Supply Chain Management 8.8. As a result, HighJump's Supply Chain Advantage integration for use with PeopleSoft 8.8 is the first supply chain execution integration certified by the PeopleSoft Partner Integration Team for the latest version of the PeopleSoft product. This achievement is a direct result of the collaboration between the two companies, which have partnered since 1996 to design, develop and continually enhance their respective integrated product offerings. ...

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality; a best practices-based implementation methodology; and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry's lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. As part of the 3M family, HighJump leads the industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers.

RFID Training Program: eSmart Source Announces RFID Made Easy Training Program

From PR Web (press release), WA ... RFID Made Easy is a one-day course that familiarizes participants with the hardware, middleware, software and everything else necessary for successful RFID ...

... eSmart Source Inc. a leading system integrator of RFID–enabled solutions and a member of EPCglobal US today announced technology training program in RFID to help technical executives and project managers to get up to speed quickly on RFID. RFID Made Easy is a one-day course that familiarizes participants with the hardware, middleware, software and everything else necessary for successful RFID deployment. Training is provided in a technology-oriented manner for those individuals who need an in-depth understanding of RFID. At this intensive training program, our industry experts deliver an in-depth review of design concepts and installation issues. Topics at the classroom course include: RFID Fundamentals; Middleware Requirement; The EPCglobal Network; Integration Issues; Managing the Data to be followed by Live RFID Demonstration. ...

For over five years, eSmart Source has been a committed IT partner, helping companies capitalize on the strengths of IT to achieve value-driven business results. eSmart offers multi-tier suite of solutions and services designed to address end-to-end RFID system needs of companies including assessment, evaluation, integration and training. eSmart focuses on providing leading edge technology and is partnered with best of breed RFID tags, readers, middleware, printer suppliers in addition to providing a suite of software applications for RFID-enabled infrastructure.

Retail RFID: Click Commerce Achieves Status as a GDSN Source and Recipient Data ...

From Wi-Fi Technology (press release) ... that satisfies today's data synchronization requirements, as well as emerging retail technology initiatives including radio frequency identification (RFID). ...

... Click Commerce (Nasdaq: CKCM) announced that bTrade, it's wholly-owned subsidiary, is one of the first companies accepted as both a source and a recipient data pool in the retail industry's Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN). As one of the pioneering GDSN data pools, bTrade and Click Commerce customers receive a comprehensive supply chain offering that satisfies today's data synchronization requirements, as well as emerging retail technology initiatives including radio frequency identification (RFID). ...

Headquartered in Irving, Texas, bTrade delivers e-commerce systems that provide companies of all sizes a scalable suite of product and services to reduce cost and accelerate business processes. bTrade currently hosts more than 2,500 companies, including FedEx, Honda, Citibank, Harley Davidson, Unilever and RCA. Click Commerce (Nasdaq: CKCM) is a leading provider of collaborative extranet solutions that enable global enterprises to optimize their business relationships. The company's collaborative commerce and channel management software helps companies optimize processes, lower costs to serve partners and customers, accelerate revenue, and improve customer service. Leading corporations such as Microsoft, Delphi, Fed Ex, Black & Decker, Carrier, Honda, Harley Davidson, Samsung, BellSouth, Kawasaki, Logitech, Unilever, RCA, Hitachi, and Tellabs, have transformed their business relationships using Click Commerce solutions.

RFID Services: Barcoding Inc. Named Intermec RFID Authorized Partner

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Intermec Technologies Corp. today named Barcoding Inc., an Intermec Honors Partner, to its Intermec RFID Authorized Partner program. ...

... Intermec Technologies Corp. today named Barcoding Inc., an Intermec Honors Partner, to its Intermec RFID Authorized Partner program. Barcoding will work directly with Intermec to help customers develop comprehensive plans for adding RFID capabilities to their supply chain operations. RFID Authorized Partners complete a rigorous qualification and training process that authorizes them to resell Intermec RFID products and services and to specify Intermec RFID solutions. ...

Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, RFID (radio frequency identification), mobile computing systems, bar code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service. Barcoding Inc. is a Baltimore-based technology company that installs and integrates wireless barcode systems utilizing handheld portable computing devices. Barcoding Inc. has provided wireless solutions for many companies within the manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing industries. The company's capabilities range from on-site professional services to the latest in RFID technology. Barcoding's North American offices are in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, California, Colorado, Connecticut and Illinois. European sales and customer service are handled through the Barcoding office in the Netherlands. Barcoding Inc. works with companies to streamline their manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution operations through the implementation of automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) systems. From the stockrooms of small businesses to companies with multiple sites containing a million square feet or more, Barcoding offers solutions for a variety of data capture applications. As the most comprehensive source for the markets it serves, Barcoding acts as a supplier, systems integrator, and service provider, depending upon customers' requirements.

RFID Software: Leading Software Players Focus on RFID Middleware Solutions at ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Shorecliff Communications announced the inaugural RFID Developer Conference, Nov. ...

... Shorecliff Communications announced the inaugural RFID Developer Conference, Nov. 9-10, 2004, in San Mateo, Calif. RFID DevCon is the first technology event focused on a new generation of software and middleware solutions to enable RFID networks. The RFID Developer Conference, produced by Shorecliff Communications LLC, is sponsored by Texas Instruments, KeyTone Technologies and other leading RFID (radio frequency identification) manufacturers and suppliers. The event features speakers from leading software solutions providers including Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, SAP, Hewlett-Packard, ConnecTerra, and GlobeRanger. ...

RFID World Events are a source for information, education and resources to aid in understanding of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and solutions, for a wide variety of enterprise applications.

RFID Developers Conference
Tools, Training and Methods to Build the Next Generation of RFID-Enabled Client Software, Middleware and Server Infrastructure Solutions
November 9 & 10, 2004
San Mateo Marriott
San Francisco Airport

The RFID Developers Conference is designed for software developers and ISVs to create next generation middleware products with specific performance and functionality necessary to handle RFID-generated information. RFID DevCon is the first RFID-focused conference to focus on development tools and methodologies for software and middleware applications in RFID systems. Today, software integration to manage data streams from RFID reader and tag networks is critical for widespread deployment of EPC systems.

EAS RFID: Checkpoint Systems, Inc. Announces 2004 Second Quarter Results

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... regard was the recently announced agreement with CVS, which will allow Checkpoint to outfit all 5,300 CVS stores with our industry-leading RF EAS technology. ...

" ... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP) reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 27, 2004. The Company's second quarter 2004 net earnings were $8.4 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $10.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2003. During the quarter, the company increased its research and development expenses by $3.9 million and selling and marketing expenses by $3.9 million, as compared to the second quarter of 2003. Revenue for the second quarter 2004 was $189.3 million versus $175.7 million for the second quarter 2003, an increase of 7.7%. Foreign exchange had a positive impact on revenue of approximately $7.6 million or 4.3% in the second quarter 2004, as compared to the second quarter 2003. ... "

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is a multinational company that manufactures and markets labeling systems designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide value-added label solutions for customers across many markets and industries. Checkpoint is a leading provider of EAS and RFID systems, source tagging, barcode labeling systems, hand-held labeling systems and retail merchandising systems. Applications include automatic identification, retail security and pricing and promotional labels. Operating directly in 30 countries, Checkpoint has a global network of subsidiaries and provides professional customer service and technical support around the world.

Retail RFID: Checkpoint Systems Plays Key Role in Metro Group RFID Roll-Out and ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Dr. Gerd Wolfram, Executive Project Manager said, "Checkpoint has a wealth of experience with RF-EAS technology in applying labels at source which are read at ...

" ... Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), the leading provider of RF-based product identification and shrink management solutions for retailers and consumer package goods manufacturers has been selected by The METRO Group, the world's fourth-largest retailer, and the first to deploy RFID technology across the entire supply chain, to form part of an RFID solutions team that will help suppliers implement the technology in their daily operations. Within the scope of the solutions team, Checkpoint has been chosen as the recommended partner for systems integration services, along with IBM. In addition Checkpoint is also recommended as a supplier of RFID labels and antennas. ... "

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. is an international company that specializes in product identification and shrink management solutions for the retail industry and its supply chain. Checkpoint's solutions provide its customers greater efficiencies from the point of manufacture to the point of sale and improve the consumer shopping experience. Listed on the NYSE, the company employs more than 4,000 personnel worldwide, has direct sales in 30 countries, and has distributors in 50 countries. Checkpoint is the world's leading provider of RF (Radio Frequency) technology, producing billions of RF tags and manufacturing and installing tens of thousands of RF antennas.annually. The company's extensive product portfolio includes digital RF/EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, RF source tagging, barcode and labelling systems, including a global network of 30 service bureaus, and solutions for retail merchandising.

Microsoft RFID: Microsoft invites Power Paper into the fold

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... The Israeli printable microelectronic devices firm, Power Paper Ltd, has been invited to join the Microsoft RFID Partner Advisory Council (PAC), which examines ...

The company's PowerID™ division develops next-generation radio frequency identification (RFID) systems that remotely monitor, process, store and transmit data over extended communication ranges. By integrating thin and flexible RFID labels with Power Paper's patented, low-cost, printable power source, PowerID™ systems provide unparalleled reliability and vastly improved functionality and range performance, enabling significant cost savings throughout the supply chain. Radio-frequency identification holds tremendous opportunities in supply chain management for increasing revenues and reducing costs, due to greater automation and inventory visibility. However, in order for manufacturers and suppliers to truly reap the economic benefits of RFID, system vendors must deliver more in terms of reliability and performance.

Power Paper is a leading provider of micro-power source technology, which addresses a growing trend across a wide range of industries towards ultra-thin and flexible micro-powered devices. Power Paper's patented, thin and flexible energy cells can be adapted to fit the size, thickness and form factors required for the design of any product. These environment-friendly, safe batteries require no metal casing, and can be printed cost-effectively directly onto paper, plastics or other surfaces by standard printing equipment. Licensing and know how agreements allow our partners and customers in the United States, Europe and Asia to utilize our award-winning technology to produce millions of cells every year. Based on this technology, the company has developed a number of innovative applications for its PowerCosmetics, PowerNovelties, and PowerID product lines, as well as a line of PowerInks for authorized manufacturers.

Food Industry RFID: Bruce Foods Leverages RedPrairie Functionality to Achieve ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Bruce Foods, a specialty US food manufacturer, will implement industry-leading RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Transportation and Warehouse Management ...

About RedPrairie Corporation: RedPrairie is a leader in supply chain technology solutions that help customers transform their businesses. These global, end-to-end logistics solutions optimize operations across customers' extended supply networks, driving out costs, improving customer service and creating competitive advantage. RedPrairie's RFID-enabled suite of supply chain technology solutions provide the industry's leading transportation, productivity, and distribution management capabilities, enhanced with process management and optimization components for real-time visibility, event management, sourcing, quality control, supplier collaboration and performance management. RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for many 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. Customers include Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Thames Water, Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Panasonic, Georgia-Pacific, Eveready, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Unilever, Exel, GE, TNT Logistics, and many others.

" ... RedPrairie RFID strategy addresses the three issues companies are facing today as they plan for inevitable RFID adoption – how to comply with retail 2005 requirements, how to transition from current barcode environments, and how to move to the ultimate scan-free environments that will be possible as RFID technology matures. Compliance: The RFID Accelerator is designed to enable companies to meet the demands of the large retailers without replacing their existing infrastructure. The application provides agents to collect and verify RFID tag information, retrieve related inventory data and pass this combined information to the retailers in advanced shipping notices (ASNs). This will provide the pallet and case RFID-based information that Wal-Mart and Target will require. Transition: Because taking full advantage of RFID technology will entail a fundamental change to distribution operations, companies will need to transition to this stage over a period of time while continuing to leverage their existing investments in RF and barcode infrastructure. To facilitate this dual mode of operation, RedPrairie has integrated RFID functionality with traditional processing so that distribution operations are independent of the data capture source. This will enable customers to take early advantage of RFID benefits, such as increased inventory visibility and accuracy, reduced labor costs and faster cycle times, without disrupting existing operations. Scan-Free: As RFID technology matures, it will enable companies to fundamentally redefine distribution operations. Operations currently requiring manual scanning will be replaced by scan-free operations that query, collect, store and transmit inventory information without human intervention. RedPrairie is working with its customers and the RFID Center of Excellence to define these new operational requirements and build support for them into its application suite. This will have positive impact on warehouse efficiency, labor productivity, transportation turnaround times and retail in-stock levels ... "

RFID Partners: eSmart Source Announces Partnership with SATO America for RFID ...

From Emediawire (press release) ... a leading system integrator of RFID–enabled solutions and a member of EPCglobal US today announced they have entered into a product partnership agreement ...

Microsoft RFID: Power Paper Joins Microsoft RFID Partner Advisory Council

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... (Nasdaq: MSFT) to join the Microsoft Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Partner Advisory Council (PAC) focused on RFID technology solutions. ...

Power Paper Ltd., founded in 1997, is a leading provider of next-generation printable microelectronic devices. Power Paper's patented, thin and flexible energy cells can be adapted to fit the size, thickness and form factors required for the design of any product. These environment-friendly, safe batteries require no metal casing, and can be printed cost-effectively directly onto paper, plastics or other surfaces by standard printing equipment. Licensing and know how agreements allow Power Paper's partners and customers to utilize the company's award-winning technology to produce millions of cells every year. Based on this technology, the company has developed a number of innovative applications for its PowerCosmetics(TM), PowerNovelties, and PowerID(TM) product lines, as well as a line of PowerInks for authorized manufacturers.

PowerID™ division develops next-generation radio frequency identification (RFID) systems that remotely monitor, process, store and transmit data over extended communication ranges. By integrating thin and flexible RFID labels with Power Paper's patented, low-cost, printable power source, PowerID™ systems provide unparalleled reliability and vastly improved functionality and range performance, enabling significant cost savings throughout the supply chain. the PowerID™ System contains UHF-based battery-assisted backscatter labels, readers and system software that integrates into and complements existing enterprise software. PowerID™ provides read-only and read/write ranges that are far superior to existing RFID systems. Compatible with EPC, PowerID™ not only guarantees greater accuracy and reliability, but also the simultaneous reading of multiple labels in the toughest of RF environments. PowerID™ also solves the problem of reading labels set at different angles and sandwiched between crates.

RFID EAS: Checkpoint Announces Its Contract With CVS/Pharmacy to Install ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center and a member of EPCGlobal, Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Checkpoint is the leading provider of radio frequency- (RF) based shrink management solutions to the $1 trillion global retail industry, including over half of the world's top 200 largest global retailers. In addition to its shrink management capabilities, Checkpoint's end-to-end supply chain technology helps apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint has a presence in more than 50 countries and a global network of 30 service bureaus located in the world's apparel manufacturing capitals.

Wireless RFID: Mistral Software Eyes Wireless Segment

From Financial Express, India ... Mistral Software Pvt Ltd. “Currently some work is going on in the radio frequency identification (RFID) space. We want to take ...

Mistral Software, an ISO 9001:2000 certified premier product realization company provides end-to-end services for embedded product design and development. Guided by a total commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Mistral is a source for both hardware and software engineering services. Mistral's services address the niche embedded domain, covering a vast spectrum of industries like Digital Consumer Electronics, Telecommunication, Wireless, Defence, Aerospace, Automotive, Office Automation, Semiconductor, Internet Appliances and Industrial Applications. Wireless technology is rapidly evolving, and is playing an increasing role in the lives of people throughout the world. In addition, ever-larger numbers of people are relying on the technology directly or indirectly. Mistral Software offers end-to-end solutions using Wireless technologies like RF (HomeRF, WLAN 802.11, GPS, Bluetooth) and IrDA. The Smart Handheld from Mistral is an excellent example of the exploitation of converging technology. It is a complete communication, organization, and infotainment unit aimed at both the consumer and corporate sectors because of its inherent applicability to the mobile user. Smart Handheld is built around an ARM9TDMI RISC processor from Samsung Electronics.

RFID EAS: Checkpoint Systems to Upgrade CVS to Digital RF-EAS Technology

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center and a member of EPCglobal, Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a $639.5 million multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven integrated solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Established in 1969, Checkpoint today is the world's leading provider of radio frequency (RF) based loss prevention systems to the $1 trillion global retail industry. Its products and services help apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint's new Liberty™ family of antennas is the most advanced EAS solution available to today's retailers. By combining next-generation Digital RF technology with robust communications and remote alarm data-capture capabilities, Liberty antennas deliver superior performance to maximize loss-prevention effectiveness in any store environment. Checkpoint's durable, reusable tags, in a variety of styles, provide maximum protection for high-theft apparel and high-value merchandise. A difficult-to-defeat locking mechanism thwarts shoplifters while allowing easy removal with the POS detacher unit. Checkpoint’s EPC Compliance Center is a dramatic expansion of its well-known RF Source Tagging Design Center. It is focused on emulating the real-world conditions of an EPC implementation and addressing all of the critical design and compatibility requirements necessary for success.

EAS RFID: SenTech EAS Corporation Announces Entry Into Library Security ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... North American distributor of Lucatron (http://www.lucatron.com) disposable RF security labels for retail, library, source tagging and RFID for supply chain ...

SAP RFID: Psion Teklogix First to Receive SAP AID-RH Certification

From TMCnet ... Psion Teklogix (LSE:PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection, including RFID technology, today announced it is ...

Psion Teklogix Inc. is a global provider of solutions that enable enterprises to mobilize their business applications. For over three decades, companies around the world from a broad range of industries have turned to Psion Teklogix and our partners for our expertise in providing mobile computing solutions that deliver real benefit to their business operations. Our solutions empower mobile workforces by increasing efficiency and productivity—critical elements for business growth, profitability and competitiveness. Psion Teklogix is a reliable source for responding to these customer needs, providing them with fully integrated mobile computing solutions that include rugged hardware, secure wireless networks, robust software, professional services and exceptional support programs. Psion Teklogix (LSE:PON), a global provider of solutions for mobile computing and wireless data collection, including RFID technology, today announced it is the first SAP Software Partner to complete the SAP Auto-ID Reader Hardware (AID-RH) certification for SAP(R) solutions for mobile business. Psion Teklogix can work with SAP customers to deploy RFID-enabled mobile computing solutions that seamlessly integrate with SAP Mobile Infrastructure. Customers can now leverage RFID data with the SAP solutions to drive real-time business processes and enable faster and smarter business decisions. Psion Teklogix' focus on SAP business applications has established us as an industry leader in wireless data collection for customers with the mySAP.com™ e-business platform. We have proven our ability to seamlessly integrate with mySAP.com™ business applications. Since 1997, this focus has resulted in developing best of breed solutions to deliver the full functionality of SAP R/3 and mySAP.com™ to mobile workforces throughout the enterprise. TekRF forms the basis of wireless integration systems that extend complete barcode-ready, data collection functionality to mobile workforces of the SAP Logistics Execution System (SAP LES™), mySAP SCM™ and mySAP CRM™ solutions. Deploying TekRF interface software and a wide array of mobile computing devices, allows seamless connectivity of wireless LAN, WAN, and printing technologies to dramatically increase SAP® information access. TekRF systems also incorporate browser technologies that allow SAP® transactions to work with web-enabled appliances.

RFID Compliance: American Port Services Selects HighJump Software's Flexible and ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Specifically, APS will implement Compliance Advantage at its distribution center in Norfolk, Va., to manage RFID tag application for pallets and cases whenever ...

HighJump Software, a 3M company, is the global leader in providing highly adaptable, best-of-breed supply chain execution solutions that streamline manufacturing and distribution from the point of source through consumption. HighJump's tightly integrated solutions empower operational excellence in the warehouse and optimize the flow of inventory throughout the supply chain by facilitating collaboration with customers, suppliers and trading partners. These comprehensive solutions combine robust, standard functionality, a best practices-based implementation methodology, and a uniquely adaptable architecture that facilitates fast, cost-effective system modifications. The result: the industry's lowest total cost of ownership for more than 700 satisfied customers worldwide. As part of the 3M family, HighJump leads the industry in financial strength and delivers on an unmatched commitment to innovation and quality. HighJump leverages these advantages to continually expand its solution footprint and empower operational excellence for domestic and multinational customers. For more information about HighJump, visit www.highjump.com. Compliance Advantage™ is the only pre-packaged, fully configurable RFID solution that offers the ability to comply with current mandates from retailers such as Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense—while easily adapting to future requirements. This solution can be implemented on either a stand-alone basis or in conjunction with existing fulfillment systems to tag items, cases and pallets, as well as generate accurate advance shipping notices (ASN) for customers.

RFID Advances: Is open source the right move for Sun's Solaris?

From Silicon.com, UK ... server co-development and selling deal with long-time ally Fujitsu, came up with 'per citizen pricing' for some of its software, made RFID advances, updated ...

RFID Readers: Sirenza Microdevices Raises Second Quarter and Fiscal Year 2004 ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... such as coaxial cable and fiber optic networks, cable television set-top boxes, remote meter readers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and ...

Sirenza Microdevices, an ISO 9001:2000-certified supplier (registered by QMI), is a leading designer and supplier of high-performance RF components for wireless and wireline communications equipment manufacturers. Our product lines include amplifiers, power amplifiers, discrete devices, RF signal processing components, and signal source products, mil/aero components, and high-performance multi-component modules (MCMs) for transmit and receive applications.

RFID Computers: InfoLogix Announces Intelligent RFID Micro Super Rugged SR(R) ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... BENSALEM, Pa., June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoLogix has announced one of the first available wireless, full-function, Ruggedized RFID computers. ...

InfoLogix provides end to end product and services solutions within enterprise mobility. Enterprise mobility is defined as the mobile computing and wireless communications systems, and critical I/O technologies, that support real-time, distributed transaction processing throughout the entire enterprise. That enterprise could be a hospital, retail store, manufacturing plant, distribution facility, sports arena, warehouse or public sector installation. InfoLogix is uniquely positioned to provide all the components necessary for a complete end-to-end enterprise mobility solution.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a powerful Auto ID solution that can significantly increase efficiency and productivity. However, implementing an RFID solution requires a thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of this emerging technology. With so much on the line, trust the proven leader in Automatic Identification and Data Collection integration...InfoLogix, Inc. As industries demand increased efficiencies in logistics, distribution, asset management, and tracking, InfoLogix is your source with RFID Radio Frequency Identification solutions. With mandates from Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense (DoD) driving hundreds of product manufacturers toward the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on their shipments, 2004 has been touted as the year of RFID. InfoLogix offers RFID consulting services to enterprises looking to specify RFID system components to satisfy their system performance requirements. Intermec Technologies Corp. just introduced the RFID-ready CV60, the first rugged vehicle mount computer to integrate RFID with both Bluetooth(TM) technology and a wireless base station. This communication integration allows easy upgrading to RFID, eliminates the need for an external base station to communicate with wireless scanners, simplifies installation, reduces lifetime cost of ownership and provides a safer and less cluttered workspace for vehicle operators. The CV60 is the second generation of RFID forklift readers from Intermec. The CV60 and its predecessor, the 5055 vehicle mount terminal, are designed for data collection applications in warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, transportation and customer service.

RFID Technology: CapTech Delivers TagsWare(TM) RFID Solution Version 1.1

From PR Newswire (press release) ... RICHMOND, Va., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- CapTech has made it easier for businesses to implement RFID technology by releasing its latest version of TagsWare(TM ...

TagsWare™ is a software solution designed to expedite the integration of RFID technology into enterprise systems. CapTech designed TagsWare™ to help companies speed compliance to Walmart and DoD initiatives, provide tag, reader, and platform independence, and protect companies from changing RFID standards. CapTech's professional consulting team is working on several pilots of the software and can assist companies looking to increase the business case value for deploying RFID. TagsWare™ easily integrates with RFID readers from many different manufacturers and supports divergent RFID tag types. TagsWare™ abstracts the interfaces and tags so that the enterprise application need not be aware of hardware details.

CapTech is a technology company that uses software engineering processes to solve complex business problems for a wide range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies and regional market leaders to small businesses and startups. The mission critical solutions we develop are built on the partnerships we have established with industry leaders such as IBM®, Borland™, BEA™ Systems, Oracle®, Microsoft®, Sun Microsystems, and Open Source products. The driving force behind our success is the fact that we work closely with our clients, getting to know their businesses and the vision that guides them. CapTech sees RFID technology as a leading catalyst for innovation in information technology and supply chain management. RFID projects require the integration and engineering skills that CapTech has honed since its inception.

RFID Technology: One-on-one with Red Hat CEO Matthew Szulick

From IT Manager's Journal, CA ... software/middleware, data networking and telecom equipment, optics, semiconductors, semi capital equipment, and various niche technologies (RFID, WiMax, VOIP ...

Red Hat is the premier Linux and open source provider. The most recognized Linux brand in the world. We serve global enterprises through technology and services made possible by the open source model. Solutions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating platforms, sold through a subscription model, and a broad range of services: consulting, 24x7 support, Red Hat Network. Red Hat's global training program operates in more than 60 locations worldwide and features RHCE, the global standard Linux certification.

RFID Technology: Miles Technologies Announces their Executive Briefing Tour on ...

From Emediawire (press release) ... The topics are: RFID, WMS Wireless Applications and Warehouse Management Solutions. Lake Zurich, IL (PRWEB) May 22, 2004 -- Miles Technologies, Inc. ...

Miles Technologies is a nationwide provider of wireless inventory control, barcode printers and RFID solutions. Miles' clients have partnered with us for over 20 years to optimize their inventory and warehousing efficiencies. From large, highly visible retailers, 3PL's, manufacturers and health care facilities to smaller local businesses, Miles helps businesses find the right solution integrating barcode scanners, RFID, wireless networks, barcode and label printers, labels and inventory control software.

RFID - Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID tags and RFID readers) allows tagged objects to be read, many at once without line of sight to a reader; no human interaction. common applications are: Inventory Control Shipping and Receiving, Parts Tracking and Identification, Product Stage Tracking and Identification, Quality Control Hospital Tracking and Identification, Compliance from Walmart, DOD and others...

RFID Tags are either passive or active. "Active Tags" are RFID Tags that have their own power source via a battery. "Passive Tags" are RFID Tags that have no independent power source and is powered from the reader when activated. Alien RFID Tags are being used today. RFID chip is another term for tags. RFID Chips are actually imbedded into the tag and store the product information.

DOD RFID: SAVI Technology and SAMSys Technologies integrate RFID solution to bolster security at U.S. Army ammo depots

SUNNYVALE, CA and TORONTO, ON - Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset management and security, in partnership with SAMSys Technologies (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), an international provider of RFID hardware solutions, announced the successful design, integration, and delivery of a passive RFID tracking solution for the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC).

The Check-It-Out Key Management System automatically monitors and tracks the details of each key issue and return transaction for thousands of high-security keys, virtually eliminating the need for manual record keeping. Check-It-Out links with the U.S. Army’s existing legacy inventory management application and updates transaction details in order to determine when to unseal buildings for inventory. The Check-It-Out solution, designed by Savi Technology, can be configured for all kinds of “check-in and check-out assets”, from tools to cell phones.

“The implementation of Check-It-Out at just one U.S. Army depot in Utah, which consists of more than 1,200 buildings and 2,500 keys, has successfully reduced the number of hours required for manual check-in and check-out procedures by 25 percent,” said Mazie Angus, JMC’s Inventory Team Leader. “Our employees are working more efficiently and productivity has increased. We are very pleased with this solution and look forward to working with Savi in the future.”

Check-It-Out eliminates manual data input errors, provides 100% data accuracy, reduces bottlenecks during heavy check-in and checkout times, and provides real-time status reports. Its comprehensive internal database enables it to operate as a stand-alone application or as a front-end data source for the existing Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program.

“This solution instantly and accurately documents and ensures the security of thousands of daily key transactions occurring at US Army ammunition depots,” said Jerry Bredesen, Program Manager for Savi Technology who oversaw software design and system implementation. “Based on the success of this solution, it is easy to foresee it being replicated for other government and commercial sector applications, including equipment rental, shared radios and cell phones, test equipment tracking, and even book tracking systems in libraries.”

Following a thorough evaluation of RFID reader vendors, Savi selected SAMSys to supply the hardware components because of the company’s integration support and the ease with which the hardware could be integrated into the Check-It-Out solution. SAMSys components include high-frequency passive tags and SAMSys fixed proximity readers with external flat antenna.

“SAMSys has extensive experience and success in the implementation of RFID solutions for various industries and environments and we are delighted to have been selected to participate in this innovative installation,” says Cliff Horwitz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SAMSys. “We are pleased to support both Savi Technology and the U.S Army on this important implementation. The reader hardware we provide is at the forefront of RFID advancement and will provide the necessary platform for future tag protocol and Standards migration.”

Each key is fixed with a small, rectangular, RFID tag embedded key chain containing “license plate” information on the key’s identification. Savi’s software and a localized relational database marry the tag’s ID with users and their privileges, authorized custodians, its corresponding building number, and conditions that must be met before the key is issued. When the key chain is scanned, all of this information displays on the key custodian’s computer screen for verification.

“The initial preparation and integration of this solution took only three days and within the first two days of operation we recovered four man-hours,” said Bruce Banks, a Key Custodian at Tooele Army Depot in Utah. “In the first version of this program it has worked flawlessly and demonstrated impressive results. It has also been easy to learn and train others.”

The Check-It-Out solution builds on and augments an earlier solution Savi Technology developed called The Stockpile Inventory List Comparator (SILC) suite, which was announced about a year ago. SILC, using a special cross-laminated material for 2-D barcodes, also seamlessly integrated Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT) and software applications into the Army’s Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program to enhance the speed, productivity and accuracy of managing ammunition inventory data. SILC already has been implemented at every major ammunition storage depot in the United States and several overseas. Check-It-Out is currently being fielded to two more U. S. Army locations, and should be fully implemented at all U.S. ammunition depots by Fall.

About Savi Technology
With over 15 years of global logistics infrastructure experience, Savi is the proven leader in global supply chain security and asset management. The Savi SmartChain™ suite of asset management, security and collaboration software applications is uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to provide real-time logistics management solutions. Savi Technology works with leading freight transportation carriers, shippers, service providers and owners of supply chain assets to create unique solutions that ensure vastly superior management, visibility, and security of shipments. For more information please visit: www.savi.com.

RFID Partners: Manhattan Associates and Matrics Announce Alliance to Aid RFID Adoption

Partners to Deliver Best-in-Class RFID Solutions to Consumer Goods Industry

ATLANTA, April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, and Matrics Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of electronic product code (EPC)-compliant Radio Frequency identification (RFID) systems, announce an alliance to accelerate adoption of RFID technology throughout the consumer goods supply chain.

The primary goal of this alliance is to help clients reduce overall costs and increase profitability by combining RFID tag and reader technology, with RFID-enabled supply chain execution solutions. The benefits to customers include improved accuracy and distribution efficiencies, shorter order cycle times, elimination of unnecessary handling and expenses and enhanced customer satisfaction, for an overall competitive advantage.

Manhattan Associates offers a variety of Integrated Logistics Solutions, including RFID. As the first supply chain software provider to join the Auto-ID Center (now EPCglobal), Manhattan Associates was an early adopter of EPC-compliant technology. The company has continued to build a solid leadership position with the development of its RFID in a Box solution(TM), which incorporates Integration Platform for RFID, RFID-enabled SCE applications and Implementation Services for RFID. Manhattan Associates has partnered with best-in-class RFID suppliers such as Matrics in order to leverage its solutions to its target markets.

"Teaming with Matrics allows us to offer the consumer goods industry a smart, reliable choice for complete RFID solutions," commented Greg Gilbert, RFID strategist for Manhattan Associates. "By aligning our RFID solutions with Matrics tag and reader functionality, we can ensure that customers who face pending compliance mandates meet deadlines, while realizing the added benefits of source to consumption supply chain operations."

RFID technology uses tags or transponders to transmit EPCs and communicate wirelessly to readers over radio frequency waves. Attached to physical objects, including items, cartons, pallets and containers, the tags uniquely identify objects. Readers receive data from the RFID tags via radio frequency waves once the tags are within reading range. This data is captured, accepted and executed against by RFID solutions, such as those offered by Manhattan Associates.

The Matrics RFID system is comprised of EPC-compliant RFID tags (Class 0 read only and read/write) and its new, multi-protocol reader (AR 400 RFID Reader), which is designed to enable real-time, seamless tag reading and writing capability for all EPC-compliant tags including Class 0 and Class 1. Matrics' RFID technology reads farther and faster and costs less than comparable systems, providing unsurpassed real-time visibility into products and assets in factories, distribution centers and retail outlets.

"We are pleased to be partnering with Manhattan Associates, a leader in the supply chain execution space," said Bob McFarland, senior vice president of supply chain sales for Matrics. "Manhattan's pioneering approach to RFID, now combined with Matrics' tags and readers, will deliver a higher return on investment to our joint customers."

About Manhattan Associates, Inc.: Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution solutions. We enable operational excellence through our warehousing and distribution, transportation and trading partner management applications. These integrated 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. For more information about Manhattan Associates, visit http://www.manh.com .

About Matrics, Inc.: Matrics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of EPC-compliant RFID systems and the recipient of the Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company for 2004. Matrics along with its partnership network provides RFID solutions to many of the Fortune 1000 companies, government, as well as international businesses. Current customers include International Paper and McCarran Airport. For more information visit Matrics on the web at http://www.matrics.com .

RFID Lab: ACNielsen Opens RFID Learning Lab

Business Wire (press release) ... ACNielsen US, an operating unit of ACNielsen, a VNU business, today announced that it has opened a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology learning ...

BOCA RATON, FL — 15 April 2004 — ACNielsen U.S., an operating unit of ACNielsen, a VNU business, today announced that it has opened a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology learning lab at its Schaumburg, Illinois, office.

The announcement was made here during the annual Consumer 360 Conference hosted by ACNielsen, Spectra, and other business units of VNU Marketing Information. Conference attendees can visit ACNielsen's on-site RFID Learning Center to see a live demonstration of how the technology works.

With RFID technology, retailers and manufacturers hope to gain new efficiencies in managing their products throughout the supply chain using microchips on RFID tags that are attached to pallets, cases and potentially specific products. Many believe the technology will eventually replace bar codes.

According to Ted Fichuk, senior vice president, Retail Measurement Services, ACNielsen Global Marketing, "RFID technology has the potential to bring many positive changes to our industry. We're taking a proactive stance, making sure we'll be ready to process information generated by the technology should it gain widespread acceptance. We also want to serve as a source of information about the technology for our clients."

According to Scott Medford, vice president, Business Development, Intermec, one of the primary RFID technology suppliers and a partner in both ACNielsen's Schaumburg Learning Lab and the Consumer 360 conference Learning Center, "As a leader in the marketing information industry, ACNielsen has positioned itself to be to be at the forefront of RFID technology. We are pleased to be providing a complete set of RFID hardware, software and integration support for the ACNielsen demos and look forward to working with the company as it learns more about the technology and its potential applications to the consumer packaged goods industry."

RFID technology is being tested by numerous industries to help track everything from airline baggage to cattle. Several major consumer packaged goods retailers and the U.S. Department of Defense have issued mandates to their vendors, requiring that all product pallets and cases bound for their distribution centers be RFID tagged within the next one to three years.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Auto-ID Center has been the driver of this technology over the past three years and will continue to enhance RFID with Auto-ID Centers in six different regions around the world. The Center's former executive director and co-founder, Kevin Ashton, is a keynote speaker at this year's Consumer 360 conference. As of November 2003, the commercialization of RFID has been turned over to EPCglobal, a joint venture between the Uniform Code Council and EAN International.

ACNielsen, a VNU business, is the world's leading marketing information provider. Offering services in more than 100 countries, the unit provides measurement and analysis of marketplace dynamics and consumer attitudes and behavior. Clients rely on ACNielsen's market research, proprietary products, analytical tools and professional service to understand competitive performance, to uncover new opportunities and to raise the profitability of their marketing and sales campaigns.

Walmart RFID: Provia and Viastore form SCE/RFID provider

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... Provia Software, has aligned itself with its parent company, Viastore Systems, to provide a single-source software and hardware RFID compliance solution for Wal ...

SAVI Technology and SAMSys Technologies integrate RFID solution to bolster security at U.S. Army ammo depots

SUNNYVALE, CA and TORONTO, ON - April 7, 2004 Savi Technology, a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset management and security, in partnership with SAMSys Technologies (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), an international provider of RFID hardware solutions, today announced the successful design, integration, and delivery of a passive RFID tracking solution for the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command (JMC).

The Check-It-Out Key Management System automatically monitors and tracks the details of each key issue and return transaction for thousands of high-security keys, virtually eliminating the need for manual record keeping. Check-It-Out links with the U.S. Army’s existing legacy inventory management application and updates transaction details in order to determine when to unseal buildings for inventory. The Check-It-Out solution, designed by Savi Technology, can be configured for all kinds of “check-in and check-out assets”, from tools to cell phones.

“The implementation of Check-It-Out at just one U.S. Army depot in Utah, which consists of more than 1,200 buildings and 2,500 keys, has successfully reduced the number of hours required for manual check-in and check-out procedures by 25 percent,” said Mazie Angus, JMC’s Inventory Team Leader. “Our employees are working more efficiently and productivity has increased. We are very pleased with this solution and look forward to working with Savi in the future.”

Check-It-Out eliminates manual data input errors, provides 100% data accuracy, reduces bottlenecks during heavy check-in and checkout times, and provides real-time status reports. Its comprehensive internal database enables it to operate as a stand-alone application or as a front-end data source for the existing Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program.

“This solution instantly and accurately documents and ensures the security of thousands of daily key transactions occurring at US Army ammunition depots,” said Jerry Bredesen, Program Manager for Savi Technology who oversaw software design and system implementation. “Based on the success of this solution, it is easy to foresee it being replicated for other government and commercial sector applications, including equipment rental, shared radios and cell phones, test equipment tracking, and even book tracking systems in libraries.”

Following a thorough evaluation of RFID reader vendors, Savi selected SAMSys to supply the hardware components because of the company’s integration support and the ease with which the hardware could be integrated into the Check-It-Out solution. SAMSys components include high-frequency passive tags and SAMSys fixed proximity readers with external flat antenna.

“SAMSys has extensive experience and success in the implementation of RFID solutions for various industries and environments and we are delighted to have been selected to participate in this innovative installation,” says Cliff Horwitz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SAMSys. “We are pleased to support both Savi Technology and the U.S Army on this important implementation. The reader hardware we provide is at the forefront of RFID advancement and will provide the necessary platform for future tag protocol and Standards migration.”

Each key is fixed with a small, rectangular, RFID tag embedded key chain containing “license plate” information on the key’s identification. Savi’s software and a localized relational database marry the tag’s ID with users and their privileges, authorized custodians, its corresponding building number, and conditions that must be met before the key is issued. When the key chain is scanned, all of this information displays on the key custodian’s computer screen for verification.

“The initial preparation and integration of this solution took only three days and within the first two days of operation we recovered four man-hours,” said Bruce Banks, a Key Custodian at Tooele Army Depot in Utah. “In the first version of this program it has worked flawlessly and demonstrated impressive results. It has also been easy to learn and train others.”

The Check-It-Out solution builds on and augments an earlier solution Savi Technology developed called The Stockpile Inventory List Comparator (SILC) suite, which was announced about a year ago. SILC, using a special cross-laminated material for 2-D barcodes, also seamlessly integrated Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT) and software applications into the Army’s Ammunition Inventory Accountability Program to enhance the speed, productivity and accuracy of managing ammunition inventory data. SILC already has been implemented at every major ammunition storage depot in the United States and several overseas. Check-It-Out is currently being fielded to two more U. S. Army locations, and should be fully implemented at all U.S. ammunition depots by Fall.

About Savi Technology
With over 15 years of global logistics infrastructure experience, Savi is the proven leader in global supply chain security and asset management. The Savi SmartChain™ suite of asset management, security and collaboration software applications is uniquely integrated with automatic data collection and identification systems to provide real-time logistics management solutions. Savi Technology works with leading freight transportation carriers, shippers, service providers and owners of supply chain assets to create unique solutions that ensure vastly superior management, visibility, and security of shipments. For more information please visit: www.savi.com.

SAMSys Technologies Inc.
SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services designed to evaluate and recommend optimal RFID solutions to enhance existing business process. SAMSys offers a family of products to simplify the installation and ensure the ongoing performance of the overall RFID hardware infrastructure. SAMSys is a public company whose shares are listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol: “SMY”. The Company has a total of 44.6 million shares outstanding. Visit SAMSys at: www.samsys.com and www.investorfile.com.

The Microsoft RFID Council

Bringing Together Major Partners Delivering RFID Solutions on the Microsoft Platform, Microsoft Announces New RFID Council

REDMOND, Wash., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp.
(Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced the formation of a new Microsoft Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) Council focused on RFID technology. The group
will look at RFID requirements and how to take advantage of today's technology
to make it easier for retailers and manufacturers to track and ship
merchandise. The company also highlighted a growing ecosystem of partners that
are building innovative RFID solutions on the Microsoft(R) platform to enhance
control of key business processes, improve inventory visibility and provide
better customer service for manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )
RFID combines the benefits of the silicon chip and radio frequencies to
provide increased levels of product and asset visibility across the supply
chain. Microsoft is providing a platform on which partners can create RFID
solutions to enable their customers to reduce human error in data collection,
reduce inventories and improve product availability, while at the same time
respecting the privacy expectations and concerns around the use of RFID
technology. The company plans to hold the first Microsoft RFID Council meeting
in April and already has several partners, including Accenture, GlobeRanger
Corp., HighJump Software, Intermec Technologies Corp., Manhattan Associates
Inc. and Provia Software Inc., signed up to participate. As a part of the
Microsoft RFID Council, Microsoft and partners plan to address industry needs
for RFID solutions that are low-cost, simple to deploy and built on a robust
scalable technology stack.
"With RFID in the early stages of adoption, we are continuing to expand
and evolve our partner-driven strategy based on the needs of the industry,"
said Javed Sikander, program manager for RFID strategy at Microsoft. "There is
a wide spectrum of partners building RFID solutions on the Microsoft platform
today; the formation of the Microsoft RFID Council is part of our commitment
to continue to work closely with our customers and partners to ensure they
receive the greatest value and opportunity when building their RFID solutions
with Microsoft technologies."
An ecosystem of partners -- spanning RFID hardware vendors, supply chain
execution retail systems and services providers -- is using the Microsoft
platform today to add value to their RFID solutions through Microsoft
technologies such as Microsoft Windows(R) CE, SQL Server(TM) and BizTalk(R)
Server for collection, management and integration of RFID data. These partners
also are working with Visual Studio(R) and Web Services Enhancements (WSE) for
Microsoft .NET to create Web services-enabled RFID solutions. Microsoft
Business Solutions is also working with RFID partners to extend the
capabilities of financial management and supply chain management solutions for small and midsize businesses.

Microsoft also announced it has joined EPCglobal, an organization that is
leading the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic
Product Code (EPC) Network to support the use of RFID. "RFID is a major initiative for the METRO Group," said Zygmunt Mierdorf, executive vice president for IT and Human Resources at METRO Group. "METRO
will use a number of platforms and is very pleased Microsoft has joined
EPCglobal and is making significant investments to make this technology
available using open standard technologies. Microsoft is working with the
METRO Group to support this first large implementation."

Independent software vendors (ISVs) and technology companies announcing
their support for the Microsoft platform and highlighting the solutions they
are delivering today include the following:

-- Accenture. Accenture is working with Microsoft and Manhattan Associates
to develop a new solution that will help manufacturers comply quickly
with retailers' RFID mandates. The companies will provide a full range
of Electronic Product Code (EPC)-compliant, scalable RFID solution
design, development and integration services that will help
manufacturers realize rapid benefits, including enhanced supply chain
efficiencies and improved warehouse management.

-- GlobeRanger. GlobeRanger provides an innovative Edgeware(TM) platform,
iMotion(TM), that is designed to intelligently connect core enterprise
systems with relevant, real-time RFID information. Built on the
Microsoft .NET Framework, iMotion delivers the ability to manage edge
devices, networks, data and business processes seamlessly.

-- HighJump Software, a 3M Company. HighJump provides a broad collection
of highly configurable, RFID-enabled solutions built on the Microsoft
platform that empower customers to meet a full spectrum of RFID
requirements and manage ever-evolving supply chain processes without
disrupting current supply chain operations.

-- Intermec Technologies Corp. Intermec draws on the utilities and
resources available through the Microsoft Pocket PC platform for the
company's 700 Color Series of rugged, mobile devices with attachable
IP3 RFID handle. The IP3 adds fully functional RFID reader capabilities
to the 700. Both devices are integrated into Intermec's RFID "Ready to
Go" kit, which includes RFID hardware, software and professional
services -- allowing customers to begin implementing RFID into their
own systems.

-- Manhattan Associates Inc. Manhattan Associates is leveraging the
Microsoft platform as a powerful and flexible platform for its
cutting-edge RFID solutions. The company's RFID in a Box(TM) solution
offers a package of source-to-consumption supply chain execution
applications, professional services and RFID technology to simplify
implementation and enable companies to meet compliance requirements
while leveraging the most comprehensive integrated logistics platform
and solutions.

-- METRO Group. Germany-based retailer METRO Group will begin to roll out
RFID across four of its six divisions in November 2004. METRO has been
successfully piloting RFID in its Future Store in Rheinberg, Germany,
and in other locations, and is now ready to take the challenge to move
from pilot to production.

-- Provia Software Inc. Provia Software uses the Microsoft platform to
enable customers to implement supply chain execution and optimization
solutions including RFID-enabled warehousing, transportation, order and
yard management. These solutions seamlessly integrate with Web-based
visibility tools to create a real-time, end-to-end supply chain
execution solution.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services
and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft, Windows, BizTalk and Visual Studio are either registered
trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other
countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Innovative RFID Solutions on the Microsoft Platform

"The potential of RFID combined with retailer mandates make it a question
of when -- not if -- manufacturers will implement the technology into their
organizations. The next 18 months will be the critical period of adoption, and
industry leaders are looking beyond compliance to use RFID as a source of
competitive advantage."
Lyle Ginsburg
Partner, Technology Innovation
Products Operating Group
Accenture

"GlobeRanger delivers the ability to easily develop, deploy and integrate
RFID and mobile solutions for the edge of the enterprise. Powered by the
Microsoft .NET Framework, GlobeRanger's iMotion platform provides the
foundation that enterprise users are looking for to scale standards-compliant
RFID solutions from pilot to full implementation."

John Koenigs
President and CEO
GlobeRanger Corp.

"HighJump provides a broad collection of highly configurable, RFID-enabled
solutions that empower customers to meet a full spectrum of RFID requirements and manage ever-evolving supply chain processes without jeopardizing their operational efficiency, profitability or ability to meet customer
expectations. HighJump fully leverages Microsoft technologies throughout its
RFID solution to facilitate integration and ensure flexibility and scalability
in complex, high-volume manufacturing and distribution environments."

Chris Heim
President
HighJump Software, a 3M Company

"Intermec has added instant RFID capability to its 700 Color Series of
rugged, mobile devices by offering the Intermec IP3 handle reader as an
attachment. With the powerful backbone of Microsoft's Pocket PC and immediate RFID reader capacity, customers now are able to easily integrate RFID into their enterprise systems."
Mike Colwell
Vice President
Intermec

"As a charter member of EPCglobal, Manhattan Associates has continued to
stay at the forefront of providing innovative business and compliance
solutions that solve supply chain execution challenges for manufacturers,
distributors, retailers and their trading partners. Manhattan Associates' RFID
in a Box(TM) solution and our RFID-enabled applications, combined with
Microsoft's powerful and flexible platform, provide our customers with both
stability and ease of deployment. Our joint solutions are enabling companies
worldwide to meet RFID compliance requirements and handle large transactional
volumes."
Eric Peters
Executive Vice President,
Strategy and Business Development
Manhattan Associates

"RFID compliance requirements are quickly evolving. For Provia's RFIDware
product, Microsoft's .NET Platform was the logical choice. It allowed us to
develop a robust solution quickly while providing the flexibly and ease of use
necessary to keep up with these evolving requirements. All our supply chain
execution and optimization solutions deploy rapidly and effectively on the
Microsoft platform today, and we are excited to strengthen our Microsoft .NET
support with the release of RFIDware."
Todd Gage
Vice President
Product Development
Provia Software

RFID: From backroom to boardroom
... Such issues include offshoring, ICT literacy, open-source software, spam, cameras in mobile phones, RFID and ICT work/life issues. ...