Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Checkpoint RFID Metro Pilot Implementation Solves Technical Challenges

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

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


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

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Monday, December 18, 2006

RFID Adaptive Supply Chain Networks

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

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


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

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

RFID Supports Nissan Continuous Improvement Initiative

Nissan implements a continuous improvement initiative to target vehicle labor cost reduction, increase logistics throughput accelerating customer service, and enhance vehicle quality through defect elimination early in the product lifecycle. The initiative will be enabled by a wireless architecture and active RFID technology in the Nissan Canton MS manufacturing facility, supplied by WhereNet. ...

Wherenet active RFID tags support Nissan continuous improvement

... "As part of a continuous improvement initiative at its four-million square foot assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, Nissan will leverage a single wireless architecture to run multiple WhereNet applications, including the WhereSoft Yard Management System (YMS) and Vehicle Tracking and Management System (VTMS), to improve production velocity and throughput, labor productivity, and vehicle quality. Nissan's Canton assembly plant has the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles per year, including the Altima sedan, Armada full-size sport utility vehicle, Infiniti QX56 full-size sport utility vehicle, Quest minivan, and Titan full-size pickup truck.

Deploying the WhereNet single wireless infrastructure over the entire Canton complex will take less than 90 days. The hardware consists of 1500 active RFID WhereTag transmitters, which are temporarily attached to new vehicles as they roll off the assembly line as part of the WhereNet VTMS system; 700 WhereTag transmitters that are permanently fixed to trailers belonging to Nissan's dedicated suppliers or temporarily attached to others as part of the WhereSoft YMS application; 120 WherePort magnetic exciters positioned between gates and at key choke points across the complex; and a local infrastructure of 80 wireless WhereLAN locating access points.

Nissan also plans to deploy the WhereNet automated gate check-in/out solution known as Fast Gate that supports 24x7 sequenced parts deliveries from Nissan suppliers. Fast Gate senses when a truck is approaching the gate; cross-references detailed information about the truck in a database; and, if authorized, automatically opens the gate to grant entry. Then, based on business rules loaded into the WhereSoft yard management application, the system instructs drivers and yard personnel to deliver the inbound load to the appropriate dock door for just-in-time sequencing of parts based on the assembly line build plan for that work shift.



When new vehicles roll off the Nissan assembly line, each vehicle is assigned an active RFID WhereTag transmitter that is married to the vehicle identification number (VIN). The WhereTag remains on the vehicle until it has been processed and is ready to ship to its final destination. Nissan uses the WhereNet VTMS in off-line areas to manage post-assembly verification and test processes, as well as quality repair, containment and shipping zones. The system includes a logical hierarchy of rules that manages the processing of every vehicle in accordance with its assigned status so that critical orders are processed before lower-priority units. " ...


Via Wherenet: NISSAN SELECTS WHERENET'S LOCATABLE, ACTIVE RFID SYSTEM TO AUTOMATE INBOUND SUPPLY CHAIN AND OUTBOUND DELIVERY CHAIN ...

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Monday, October 23, 2006

RFID Out-of-Box Solution: SMB Market

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

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


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

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Monday, October 09, 2006

RFID Case Tracking: BestBuy Compliance ...

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

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

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


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

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RFID Podcast: Technology for CEOs ...

Podcast on RFID technology for CEOs ...

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

Via Business Week: The CEO's Guide to RFID

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Sunday, September 24, 2006

RFID Retail Solutions POS

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Walmart RFID: Gen2 Tag Implementation ...

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

Walmart RFID implementation keeps chugging along ...

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

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

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

Via Walmart Stores: WalMart Continues RFID Expansion

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Saturday, August 12, 2006

RFID Retail: Apparel Payback ...

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

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

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

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

Retail RFID applications are discussed ...

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Unilever RFID: Open Standard Supply Chain Data ...

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

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

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

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

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

EPCIS standard ...

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

Background on Unilever ...

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

Info on T3Ci ...

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

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Sunday, June 18, 2006

Metro RFID: Gen2 Supplier Mandate ...

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

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

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

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Wednesday, June 14, 2006

RFID Gen2 Chip Supply for Alien ...

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

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


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

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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

RFID Shelf Edge Management ...

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

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

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

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

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

RFID: RealTime Promotion Execution

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

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

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

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

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

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Saturday, April 29, 2006

RFID Supply Chain Pilot: China EPC Initiative ...

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

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

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

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

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

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Friday, April 21, 2006

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers ...

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

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

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

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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

RFID Analytics Software ...

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

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

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

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Monday, April 17, 2006

RFID Supply Chain Future ...

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

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

Peering Into Your Supply Chain: Via CSOonline ...

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Monday, March 20, 2006

Walmart RFID Payback ...

Walmart discusses the payback of RFID technology ...

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

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

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Thursday, March 02, 2006

RFID: Sun SAP Collaborate ...

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

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

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

Additional references on SAP and RFID ...

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, March 01, 2006

RFID Generation 2 Technology Standards ...

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

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


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

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Sunday, February 26, 2006

RFID Warehouse Pilot Study ...

RFID technology pilot is planned at The Warehouse ...

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


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

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Sunday, February 19, 2006

RFID Technology Strategy for Compliance ...

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

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

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

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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Walmart RFID: EDI RetailLink Integration ...

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

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

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

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Sunday, January 08, 2006

WalMart Dillman RFID Push ...

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

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

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

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Monday, January 02, 2006

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, December 28, 2005

RFID Visibility Solution for Supply Chain

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

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


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

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Thursday, November 10, 2005

RFID Temperature Monitoring in the Cold Chain ...

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

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

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Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Pharma Industry RFID Opportunity ...

Via Line56.com: Pharma RFID Opportunity ...

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

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Monday, November 07, 2005

IBM RFID MidMarket Solutions ...

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

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

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

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Friday, October 28, 2005

RFID Compliance Seminar Upcoming ...

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

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

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Tuesday, October 25, 2005

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking

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

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

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

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Monday, October 24, 2005

RFID Tag Production: Dominant Semicon ...

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

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

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


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

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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update

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

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

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

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

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WalMart RFID Program Expands in 2006

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

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

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

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RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers ...

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

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

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

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Monday, September 26, 2005

RFID Technology Automotive Industry Event: November 2005

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

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

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


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

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Monday, September 19, 2005

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility

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

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

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


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Thursday, September 15, 2005

RFID WIP Work in Process ...

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

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


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

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Sunday, September 11, 2005

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits

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

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

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

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Wednesday, August 31, 2005

RFID Cargo: Zero False Tamper Events ...

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

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

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


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

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

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

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Monday, August 29, 2005

RFID Labels Second Generation ...

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

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

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


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

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Saturday, August 27, 2005

RFID Pilot Produce SupplyChain

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

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

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


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

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Wednesday, August 24, 2005

RFID Experience Center Demonstration ...

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

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

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


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

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

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Sunday, August 21, 2005

Radio Frequency Identification Data

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

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


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

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Tuesday, August 16, 2005

RFID Tagging Authentication: Encrypted Shipping Manifest ...

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

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

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


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

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USMarines Mobile RFID Infrastructure ...

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

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

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

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

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

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Zebra TI RFID Gen2 Demonstrated

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

RFID leaders collaborate to demonstrate RFID Gen2 performance ...

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


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

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

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

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Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Lowry RFID Uses TI Gen2 Inlays ...

Lowry RFID Uses TI Gen2 Inlays: LOWRY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FOR SMART TRAC™: EPC GEN 2 LABELS: Lowry is among the first label converters to offer EPC Gen 2 RFID labels ...

Lowry's RFID labels incorporate TI EPC Gen2 inlays to support Walmart and DOD RFID implementations ...

... "Lowry Computer Products, Inc., a leading provider of wireless, RFID-EPC, bar code, and data collection solutions, announced an agreement with Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), a worldwide leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Lowry’s label conversion facility will integrate TI’s Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Gen 2 inlays into its Smart Trac RFID labels for retail and Department of Defense (DoD) RFID supply chain applications. " ...


Lowry Computer Products, Inc. is a synergistic organization made up of manufacturing, services, and systems integration, enabling the company to provide complete wireless, RFID, bar code, and data collection solutions in the vanguard of technology, equipment, and industry compliance. Lowry is a manufacturer of Print, Encode & Apply™ systems for case and pallet RFID labeling applications and Smart Trac™ RFID labels with tag inlays from leading suppliers, and a systems integrator of RFID printers, encoders, scanners and middleware from best-inclass partners. Lowry’s experienced professional services team has the skill set to conduct site surveys, recommend and install products, and determine optimal tag selection and tag placement for RFID supply chain applications. The company’s nationwide service network ensures that hardware is well maintained, whatever the location, and Lowry’s service team conducts authorized on-site and depot repair. Comprehensive service and media programs are available to customers. Lowry is a Founding Solution Provider of EPCglobal and a member of AIM Global, the organization for Automatic Identification and Mobility.

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Gen2 RFID inlay references:

Texas Instruments (TI) recently announced a delivery milestone of pre-production samples of Gen2 UHF inlays and straps to label converter and printer customers. TI will begin ramping to volume production in the millions beginning in July 2005, starting with its ultra-high frequency (UHF) EPC Gen2 inlays.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (distributed in Australia through Electro-Com), today announced a delivery milestone of pre-production samples of Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Generation (Gen) 2 inlays and straps to label converter and printer customers.

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Saturday, August 06, 2005

RFID Data Cleansing Synchronization ...

RFID Data Cleansing Synchronization: RedTail Solutions Acquires Xpress Data Synchronization Technology From Computer Horizons Corp.: Suppliers Gain Ability to Meet Requirements of Major Retailers for Clean Data and Adoption of RFID ...

... "RedTail will incorporate the technology into its own electronic data interchange (EDI) offerings to give middle-market and enterprise level companies fully integrated solutions that comply with standards for global data synchronization (GDS) and radio frequency identification (RFID). " ...


RedTail Solutions, Inc., a privately held company, located in Westborough, MA, is a leading provider of electronic trading solutions and services that enables middle market companies to fully participate and compete in the global supply chain. Its proprietary service platform integrates seamlessly with existing business systems for middle-market and enterprise-level companies, providing advanced levels of visibility and control over the supply chain, eliminating transaction errors, streamlining business processes and reducing penalties for non-compliance. RedTail’s solutions incorporate standards for global data synchronization (GDS), electronic data interchange (EDI) and radio frequency identification (RFID) to meet evolving market requirements. The company handles the exchange of thousands of purchase orders, invoices and shipping transactions every day on behalf of its customer base, consisting of small to mid-size suppliers to retail, grocery and industrial segments with more than 200 of the largest retailers and industrial companies.

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Thursday, August 04, 2005

RFID Executive Elected AIMGlobal Board ...

RFID Executive Elected AIMGlobal Board: Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY'S FRASER JENNINGS ELECTED TO AIM GLOBAL'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Savi's Mark Nelson Also Appointed Chairman of AIM Global's Newly Formed Education and Public Policy Committee ...

... "Savi Technology, Inc., a leading provider of RFID solutions for supply chain management and security, announced today that Fraser Jennings, Savi's Vice President of Standards and Regulatory Activities, has been elected to the Board of Directors of AIM Global. AIM Global, a not-for-profit trade association, is recognized as the worldwide authority and professional association for the automatic identification and mobility industry. " ...


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

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Wednesday, August 03, 2005

RFID Innovation Leadership Event ...

RFID Innovation Leadership Event: iNEMI Innovation Leadership Forum, September 15-16, 2005, iNEMI Headquarters, Herndon, Virginia ...

... "Product/market strategy setters for innovative electronic firms: Key current markets: mobility, consumer, communications, computing, automotive; Key emerging markets: medical devices, sensors, RFID, system in package (SiP); Key future markets: nanotechnology, MEMS, energy and disruptive technology " ...


The International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) is an industry-led consortium whose mission is to assure leadership of the global electronics manufacturing supply chain. With a membership that includes approximately 70 electronics manufacturers, suppliers, associations, government agencies and universities, iNEMI provides an environment in which partners and competitors alike can collectively anticipate future technology and business needs and effectively develop collaborative courses of action to meet those needs.

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Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Oracle EPC RFID Metro Package: Accelerated Implementation

Oracle EPC RFID Metro Package: Accelerated Implementation: Oracle Supports EPC-Compliance-Package for METRO Group Suppliers: Oracle, Intermec, SATO, and Schreiner LogiData offer rapid and easy RFID integration using new EPC-Metro-Compliance-Package ...

... "Suppliers to METRO Group looking to expand their use of RFID technology can now take advantage of a new EPC-Metro-Compliance-Package being offered jointly by Oracle, Intermec, SATO, and Schreiner LogiData. The integrated solution - consisting of software, hardware and a service and support package - enables RFID technology to be rapidly and securely deployed in companies today and expanded in the future. Oracle and its partners can implement the entire solution in just five days. " ...

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Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Integrated RFID Data Synchronization ...

Integrated RFID Data Synchronization: RedTail Solutions Acquires Xpress Data Synchronization Technology From Computer Horizons Corp: Suppliers Gain Ability to Meet Requirements of Major Retailers for Clean Data and Adoption of RFID ...

... "RedTail will incorporate the technology into its own electronic data interchange (EDI) offerings to give middle-market and enterprise level companies fully integrated solutions that comply with standards for global data synchronization (GDS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) This combined platform will serve as the basis for the handling of error-free transaction exchange and extending visibility throughout the supply chain. " ...


RedTail Solutions, Inc., a privately held company, located in Westborough, MA, is a leading provider of electronic trading solutions and services that enables middle market companies to fully participate and compete in the global supply chain. Its proprietary service platform integrates seamlessly with existing business systems for middle-market and enterprise-level companies, providing advanced levels of visibility and control over the supply chain, eliminating transaction errors, streamlining business processes and reducing penalties for non-compliance. RedTail’s solutions incorporate standards for global data synchronization (GDS), electronic data interchange (EDI) and radio frequency identification (RFID) to meet evolving market requirements. The company handles the exchange of thousands of purchase orders, invoices and shipping transactions every day on behalf of its customer base, consisting of small to mid-size suppliers to retail, grocery and industrial segments with more than 200 of the largest retailers and industrial companies.

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Monday, July 25, 2005

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

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

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


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

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Sunday, July 24, 2005

DOD RFID CAGE DODAAC Codes EPC Compatible ...

DOD RFID CAGE DODAAC Codes EPC Compatible: Suppliers to the U.S. Department of Defense Can Now Use RFID Tags Based on EPCglobal Standards to Meet Shipping Requirements: New EPCglobal Tag Data Standard Adapted for DoD’s 60,000 Suppliers ...

... "U.S. Defense Department suppliers may now use Electronic Product Code (EPC) tags to comply with the department's request to integrate RFID into supply shipments by 2007. This new capability comes after the EPCglobal Inc Board of Governors recently ratified a revision of the tag data standard. The revision incorporates the Defense Department's Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and the Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DODAAC), enabling the department's 60,000 suppliers who use CAGE or DODAAC to use those codes to comply with the agency's request to apply RFID tags on all department deliveries by January 2007. " ...


EPCglobal US is an affiliate of EPCglobal Inc serving subscribers in the United States to help foster the adoption of the EPCglobal Network and related technology. The EPCglobal Network combines radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, existing communications network infrastructure, and the Electronic Product Code™ (a number for uniquely identifying an item) to enable accurate, cost-efficient visibility of information in the supply chain. The end result helps organizations be more efficient, flexible, and responsive to customer needs.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2005

RFID Solutions Center: Cold Chain

RFID Solutions Center: Cold Chain: Cognizant and US Cold Storage to Build RFID Solution Center in Dallas: IT Services Leader Teams with US Cold Storage to Meet RFID Mandates by Large Retailers and Suppliers ...

Cognizant partners to construct an RFID solutions center focused on the cold chain ...

... "Cognizant Technology Solutions (Nasdaq: CTSH ), a leading provider of IT services, today announced that it is partnering with a long-time customer, US Cold Storage, a leading cold storage and frozen food logistics provider, to build an RFID Solution Center in Dallas. The RFID Center will implement and manage RFID strategies in a live environment that will enable suppliers to provide RFID-labeled products to major retailers. " ...


Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of IT services. Focused on delivering strategic information technology solutions that address the complex business needs of its clients, Cognizant provides applications management, development, integration, and re-engineering, infrastructure management, business process outsourcing, and a number of related services such as enterprise consulting, technology architecture, program management, and change management through its onsite/offshore outsourcing model. Cognizant's more than 19,000 employees are committed to partnerships that sustain long-term, proven value for customers by delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions through its development centers in India and onsite client teams. Cognizant maintains P-CMM and SEI-CMM Level 5 assessments from an independent third-party assessor, was recently named Forbes' Best Small Company in America for the second consecutive year, and ranked among the top information technology companies in BusinessWeek's Hot Growth Companies.

USCS is a leading national public refrigerated warehouse operator with a network of facilities across the United States comprising over 110 million cubic feet. The company serves a customer base with requirements ranging from primary storage to fully integrated third party logistic solutions for a complete range of perishable food products. United States Cold Storage, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom and Hong Kong based Swire Group in 1982. The Swire Group was founded in the United Kingdom in 1816 and now has substantial investments in refrigerated warehousing, shipping, road transport, soft drink manufacturing, aviation, property and trading in the United States, Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom.

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Sunday, July 17, 2005

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. " ...

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Monday, July 11, 2005

RFID DualInterface Smart Card

RFID DualInterface Smart Card: Raak Technologies Joins HID’s Development Partner Program to Supply Strong Authentication Products and Services to HID’s Reseller Channel ...

... "Raak's solution supports HID's dual-interface SMARTS program cards, which combine HID's proven RFID technologies with powerful smart card chips from various contact smart card suppliers. The solution also includes RaakSign, Raak's comprehensive cryptographic middleware package, smart card readers, and deployment services: everything a customer needs to enable strong authentication security for Network Logon, VPN, Citrix, Web Access, WLAN, E-mail and a wide variety of other applications." ...


Based in Austin, Texas, Raak Technologies, Inc. is a privately held firm that provides products and services that enable the deployment of strong authentication. Raak's solution is built around RaakSign, a powerful and cost effective middleware solution for USB Tokens and smart cards. By implementing RaakSign an organization can securely store their digital certificates and keys on a USB Token or smart card for use with any standards based Digital Certificate capable application, including Windows Log On, VPN Authentication, Web Access, WLAN Security and E-mail Signing & Encryption.

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Monday, July 04, 2005

Procter Gamble RFID T3CI Strategic Partnership

Procter Gamble RFID T3CI Strategic Partnership: T3Ci: The RFID Analytics and Applications Company The Procter & Gamble Company and T3Ci Multi-Year Joint EPC/RFID Applications Development Agreement: RFID Expert Steve Rehling of Procter & Gamble Joins T3Ci Customer Advisory Board ...

... "We are honored that Procter & Gamble has selected T3Ci as their strategic RFID partner, said Jonathan Golovin, CEO T3Ci. Procter & Gamble is not only an experienced early pioneer in the exploration of the potential benefits of RFID technology, but has also demonstrated leadership in the development of EPCglobal standards. " ...


T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, develops and markets software and subscription services for leaders of RFID initiatives at major retail suppliers, major retailers and pharmaceutical companies who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include: RFID data analysis services and software, deductions management and authentication/ e-pedigree, representing the most comprehensive RFID application vision in the industry. To date, T3Ci has more experience in analyzing and gaining business value from retailer EPC data than any other company. They recently received AMR Research's 2005 Innovation Award as the most innovative software and services company in America under $10 million. T3Ci's customers include P&G, Gillette, Unilever and HP.

Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Bounty(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Actonel(R), Olay(R), Clairol Nice •n Easy(R), Head & Shoulders(R) and Wella(R). The P&G community consists of about 110,000 employees working in almost 80 countries worldwide.

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Sunday, July 03, 2005

DOD RFID Tagging Requirements 2006 ...

DOD RFID Tagging Requirements 2006: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, RFID tagging will be required for all DoD manufacturers and suppliers who have new contracts, Commencing January 1st, 2006 ...

... "RFID tagging will be required for all DoD manufacturers and suppliers who have new contracts, issued with the appropriate contract clause, according to the following implementation guidelines: The following Classes of Supply will require RFID tags to be placed on all individual cases, all cases packaged within palletized unit loads, and all palletized unit loads (pending appropriate safety certification. " ...

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Tuesday, June 28, 2005

RFID DOD UID Partnership ...

RFID DOD UID Partnership: Cognex And Lockheed Martin Partner To Serve DoD Unique Identification Market

... "The Department of Defense Unique Identification (UID) Compliancy Initiative requires that every piece of equipment purchased by the Department of Defense with a value greater than $5,000, or that requires serialization, be marked with a 2D matrix code which clearly distinguishes each individual item from all others. Cognex is the leading provider of ID readers designed to read and verify 2D Data Matrix codes on a variety of surfaces. Lockheed Martin supplies a flexible and easy to install software application that manages UID-related data, creates a process audit trail, and ensures that the supplier's process meets DoD policy requirements. Together, Cognex ID reading technology and Lockheed Martin's I-GUIDES data management application provide DoD contractors with a total, cost effective solution to meet DoD identification requirements. " ...


Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Cognex Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets machine vision systems, or computers that can "see." Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 250,000 machine vision systems, representing over $1.8 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Cognex's Modular Vision Systems Division, headquartered in Natick, Massachusetts, specializes in machine vision systems which are used for automating the manufacture of a wide range of discrete items and for assuring their quality. Cognex's Surface Inspection Systems Division, headquartered in Alameda, California, specializes in machine vision systems which are used for inspecting the surfaces of products manufactured in a continuous fashion, such as metals, papers, and plastics. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, Cognex also has regional offices and distributors located throughout North America, Japan, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

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Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Item Level RFID Tagging: Microsoft RFID ...

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

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


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

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

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RFID Middleware Market Upswing

RFID Middleware Market Upswing: Mandates Impact Dynamics of RFID Middleware Market

... "The radio frequency identification (RFID) market is likely to grow rapidly following mandates issued by retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Albertsons and other major entities including the U.S. Department of Defense. The mandates insist on suppliers becoming RFID compliant, compelling most suppliers to integrate existing systems with new RFID systems. As a result, the market for RFID middleware is witnessing an upswing. " ...


Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

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Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Europe RFID Test Labs

Europe RFID Test Labs: Manhattan Associates Launches Network of RFID Demonstration Labs across Europe: Labs to Provide Setting for Customers to Evaluate Deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology ...

Manhattan opens RFID test labs in Europe to support demonstration and evaluation of RFID technology configurations and representative business process simulations ...

... "Manhattan Associates®, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, has today announced the opening of five RFID demonstration labs across its key European markets. The labs will showcase Manhattan Associates' award-winning RFID in a Box® solution and provide a representative customer environment in which Manhattan Associates can evaluate various RFID technologies and equipment with clients' products. The opening of the labs has been made possible with the help of Microsoft and several of Manhattan Associates' key alliance partners. The labs, located in Paris, Sophia Antipolis (France), Munich (Germany), Utrecht (Netherlands) and Bracknell (UK), will provide companies with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in RFID and understand how to deploy and begin benefiting from this technology. Suppliers will learn how to meet RFID-compliance mandates including those issued by Metro, Tesco, Wal-Mart and others. " ...


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

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Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Advanced RFID Implementation: Walmart Compliance Experience ...

Advanced RFID Implementation: In today's world of rapidly evolving technologies, quatreD is equipped to assist in implementing advanced touchless technologies such as bar coding, radio frequency (RF), and radio frequency identification (RFID) ...

QuatreD is launched to provide advanced RFID implementation ...

... "Mr. Doyon continues to design, develop, and implement advanced technology solutions for national and international clients. He was at the forefront of the Advanced Technology revolution of the eighties (Radio Frequency, Bar Coding, Fax/ Voice Integration, EDI, etc...) and is currently working on implementing Radio Frequency (RF-also referred to as wireless), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and integrated warehouse/plant floor solutions for his clients. His recent efforts have been focused on implementing RFID at one of the top 100 Wal-Mart suppliers mandated to provide RFID tagged products in 2005. " ...

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Tuesday, June 07, 2005

RFID UID Compliance Mandates: Total Solution ...

RFID UID Compliance Mandates: LOCKHEED MARTIN SIGNS I-GUIDES (TM) UID COMPLIANCY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH WFI

... "UID and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) mandates have converged and become a perplexing reality for many DoD suppliers, said Phil Mattox, senior vice president of Business Development for WFI Government Services, Inc. We believe the addition of the I-GUIDESTM UID software will significantly complement our skill sets in logistics management and RFID implementation, and enhance the Total Solutions Concept we currently deliver to our customer base. I-GUIDESTM is also available through a distribution network across the United States, including several printer manufacturers, direct part-mark device manufacturers and reader/verifier companies in the UID/RFID industry. " ...


Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.

Headquartered in San Diego, CA, WFI is an independent provider of systems engineering, network services and technical outsourcing for the world's largest wireless carriers, enterprise customers and for government agencies. The company provides the design, deployment, integration, and overall management of wired and wireless networks which deliver voice and data communication, and which support advanced security systems. WFI has performed work in over 100 countries since its founding in 1994.

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RFID Testing Benefits Realization

RFID Testing Benefits Realization: ALBERTSONS ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2005 RESULTS: Earnings Increase +93%.....Results Exceed First Call Consensus ...

... "RFID testing continued during the quarter as the company worked closely with top suppliers to gauge the benefits of RFID for supply chain optimization. " ...


Albertsons is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers. The Company's divisions and subsidiaries operate approximately 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. and employ more than 240,000 associates. Its banners include Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, Osco Drug, and Star Market, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently.

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Monday, June 06, 2005

RFID Technology Conference Presentation ...

Don't Gamble -- One Voice RISE! 15th Annual Meeting: RFID Technology in the Industry ...

... "Other topics of interest during the Annual Meeting include a presentation on a new technology that is directly affecting the specialty industry Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). " ...


RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® is a national not-for-profit trade association representing producers and suppliers of specialty pesticides and fertilizers. Established in 1991, RISE serves as a resource and advocate on pesticides and fertilizers and provides current and accurate information on issues and research affecting the industry. The association also monitors legislative and regulatory issues in Washington, D.C. and in the states.

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Saturday, June 04, 2005

WalMart RFID: 100Percent Readability

Wal-Mart Stores: Wal-Mart Begins Roll-Out Of Electronic Product Codes in Dallas/Fort Worth Area: Eight Manufacturers Participating in First Phase of Implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology at the Case and Pallet Level ...

... "Wal-Mart is targeting 100 percent readability of pallet tags through dock doors and 100 percent readability of case tags on distribution center conveyor belts. At seven pilot stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex - specifically in the communities of The Colony, Decatur, Denton, Hickory Creek, Lewisville and Plano, RFID readers at dock doors will replicate the process from the distribution center by automatically confirming that this particular shipment is now in the store's back room. Individual products will then be stocked as needed. During the initial test, tagged cases and pallets may be distributed to stores throughout North Texas and South Central Oklahoma - the geographical area served by the Sanger, Texas distribution center. As suppliers expand their efforts to meet the requirements of multiple retailers, it is possible that tagged cases and pallets will arrive at Wal-Mart stores around the country. However, readers will not be installed in stores outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex so those cases and pallets would be handled as usual. " ...

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WalMart RFID Program: June 2005 Through January 2006

Wal-Mart Stores

... "June 2005: Live in up to six distribution centers Live in up to 250 WalMart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations; October 2005: Live in up to 13 distribution centers Live in up to 600 Wal-Mart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations; January 2006: Next top 200 suppliers begin tagging cases and pallets; The retailer is currently working with suppliers to determine in which geographical region the expanded EPC implementation will occur. Wal-Mart launched its initial implementation on April 30 in the North Texas area. Cases and pallets of 21 products from eight suppliers are being shipped to Wal-Mart's Sanger, Texas, distribution center and then onward to seven local Supercenters with radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags attached. This technology allows retailers greater inventory visibility from supplier to distribution center to a store's backroom. Wal-Mart initially announced its EPC initiative in June 2003. " ...

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RFID Global Data Standardization: Produce Industry ...

RFID Global Data Standardization: Produce Industry: PMA's ASAP: Produce will assist the industry with database standardization in order to help increase e-commerce efficiencies ...

... "In today's fresh marketplace, the produce supply chain must trace product, investigate & incorporate RFID technology, utilize the GDSN (Global Data Standardization Network), apply category management concepts, and efficiently cross reference proprietary inventory numbers. To do this, data synchronization must be utilized and adapted to proprietary systems. PMA's ASAP Produce allows buyers and suppliers to have the same information in both of their databases. " ...

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Monday, May 23, 2005

RFID Technology: Production Management

RFID Technology: Production Management: PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES A DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT WITH TGW TRANSPORTGERÄTE GMBH ...

... "The Company's SI Production & Assembly Systems capabilities have enabled it to become a market leader in serving customers in selected niches seeking horizontal transport of unit load products. Its LO-TOW Ergonomic Towline Vehicle employs RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to impart ergonomic capability to the production of vehicles, ranging from golf carts, motorcycles, and snowmobiles to the assembly of lawn mowers, motor assemblies, and farming vehicles. This product line is installed in numerous government facilities, ranging from the Defense Logistics Agency to the U.S. Postal Service. Paragon's high precision CARTRAC product line has a well established customer base in the appliance and automotive industry, with new applications possible in the radiation technology field, where the need for precision guidance is paramount. " ...

RFID technology can play a role in production management in various industries ranging from automotive through public service ...

Paragon Technologies is a leader in integrating material handling systems and creating automated solutions for material flow applications. Ermanco’s branded conveyor technologies and material handling solutions address the needs of the distribution, assembly, and manufacturing marketplace. SI Systems’ branded technologies and material handling solutions address unit assembly handling and order fulfillment applications. One of the top material handling systems suppliers worldwide, Paragon’s leading clients have included the United States Postal Service, General Motors, IBM, BMG, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Peterbilt, Harley-Davidson, Walgreens, and Clark Equipment.

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Sunday, May 22, 2005

New RFID Business Processes ...

Retail Distribution Centers: How New Business Processes Impact Minority Labor Markets

... "Starting in 2005, Wal-Mart will require major suppliers to use radio-frequency identification (RFID) on cases and pallets. Unlike bar codes, RFID allows hands-free scanning without a direct line of sight. One of the biggest motivating factors for people looking at RFID is the elimination of labor, says Melling (a RFID specialist at Symbol Technologies). They want the ability to know where everything is without having to pay a warehouse guy to constantly go and scan it, which is too expensive and too time consuming. " ...

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Friday, May 20, 2005

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.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Strategic RFID Applications: EPC Standards

Strategic RFID Applications: The Procter & Gamble Company and T3Ci Announce Multi-Year Joint EPC/RFID Applications Development Agreement: RFID Expert Steve Rehling of Procter & Gamble Joins T3Ci Customer Advisory Board ...

P&G collaborates to develop strategic use of RFID applications, using the EPC standards, to lead the CPG industry ...

... "T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, and The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) today announced a multi-year, non-exclusive joint development agreement to collaboratively identify and build high value RFID applications designed to leverage the EPCglobal RFID standards. The two companies aim to jointly develop a range of strategic RFID applications as learning continues behind RFID programs at multiple retailers. " ...


T3Ci, the leading RFID analytics and applications company, develops and markets software and subscription services for leaders of RFID initiatives at major retail suppliers, major retailers and pharmaceutical companies who are responsible for delivering business value from their company's RFID investment. T3Ci's enterprise-class solutions include: RFID data analysis services and software, deductions management and authentication/ e-pedigree, representing the most comprehensive RFID application vision in the industry. To date, T3Ci has more experience in analyzing and gaining business value from retailer EPC data than any other company. They recently received AMR Research's 2005 Innovation Award as the most innovative software and services company in America under $10 million. T3Ci's customers include P&G, Gillette, Unilever and HP.

Two billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Bounty(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Actonel(R), Olay(R), Clairol Nice n Easy(R), Head & Shoulders(R) and Wella(R). The P&G community consists of about 110,000 employees working in almost 80 countries worldwide.

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RFID White Papers ...

RFID Report

... "Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) is a transformational technology that will profoundly affect the manufacturing, logistics and retail sectors. With RFID mandates going into effect in early 2005 for suppliers to Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), interest in and progress toward deployment of RFID is high. While the mandates from large retailing and government procurement organizations clearly are accelerating the rate of adoption of RFID technology, there's still considering anxiety and doubt among implementers of RFID, as to standards and compliance. " ...

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Monday, May 16, 2005

RFID Walmart Compliance with SAP RFID Infrastructure ...

SAP - Pacific Cycle Seizes Business Process Gains from RFID Automation with SAP

SAP customer, Pacific Cycle, demonstrates Walmart RFID compliance with SAP RFID infrastructure powered by the Netweaver platform ...

... "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Pacific Cycle, a division of Dorel Industries (NASDAQ: DIIB; TSX: DII.MV; DII.SV), has successfully implemented SAP's leading radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities within its SAP NetWeaver platform. With its go-live on March 31, 2005, the Madison, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of such name brand bicycles as Schwinn, GT, Roadmaster and Mongoose is now surpassing the Wal-Mart mandate, which requires the retailer's top 100 suppliers to tag pallets and cases shipping to select Wal-Mart distribution centers. The SAP technology is enabling Pacific Cycle to reap the business gains of an adaptive business network automating warehouse activities, creating newfound data transparency across the supply chain and helping ensure the right shipment to the right place at the right time. Pacific Cycle chose the SAP solution with the aim of reducing total cost of ownership by scaling its RFID pilot project targeting immediate benefits through supply chain automation and leveraging its existing SAP software investment for further gains across its global operations. The RFID capabilities of SAP NetWeaver contain several preconfigured components that help reduce implementation time while maximizing value, including SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, a key component of the SAP NetWeaver platform, which controls the RFID process while simultaneously converting raw RFID data into actionable business information; " ...


Pacific Cycle is the leading supplier of quality bicycles in North America and a division of Dorel Industries Inc. The company designs, markets and imports a full range of bicycles and recreation products under the brand names of Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Pacific, InSTEP, Pacific Outdoors, Roadmaster and Dyno. Pacific Cycle is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin with offices in Olney, Illinois and Lake Forest, California. The company has distribution centers in Olney, Illinois, and Vacaville, California.

SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software solutions*. Today, more than 27,000 customers in over 120 countries run more than 91,500 installations of SAP® software—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize businesses to enterprise-scale suite solutions for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver™ platform to drive innovation and enable business change, mySAP™ Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP industry solutions support the unique business processes of more than 25 industry segments, including high tech, retail, public sector and financial services.

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Sunday, May 15, 2005

RFID Tag Specification Bit-Sizes ...

Logistics and Materiel Readiness ...

... "The DoD approved frequency range for the tags is 860-960 MHz with a minimum read range of three meters. Until the EPC UHF Gen 2 RFID tag specification is published and quantities of UHF Gen 2 items are available for widespread use, the DoD will accept the following EPC tags:

* Class 0 64-bit read-only
* Class 1 64-bit read-write
* Class 0 96-bit read-only
* Class 1 96-bit read-write

The above listed RFID tags will be utilized for initial shipments from suppliers in compliance with appropriate contractual requirements to tag items shipped to DoD receiving points commencing January 1, 2005. "

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Thursday, May 12, 2005

US Government RFID Purchase Agreements

SAMSys to Provide RFID Readers to U.S. Government ...

SAMSys secures RFID purchase agreements from the US Government ...

... "SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY: TSX) announced today that two of its value-added resellers have been awarded Blanket Purchase Agreements authorizing the use of SAMSys new MP9320 v2.8 radio frequency identification (RFID) reader to comply with RFID mandates from the U.S. Department of Defense. The agreements are expected to result in the sale of at least 700 fixed RFID readers from multiple vendors over the next year during the first phase of a long-term initiative to implement RFID technology throughout the DoD's supply chain. The contracts were awarded to WFI Government Services, Inc., and CDO Technologies, Inc., both SAMSys resellers, as part of the DoD's Passive Radio Frequency Identification Electronic Product Code-1 (RFID EPC-1) project. The project requires DoD suppliers to place RFID tags on all cases and pallets containing products sold to the U.S. military. Multi-protocol passive RFID EPC-1 readers are needed to exchange data with the tags in order to expedite identification and tracking of DoD supplies. " ...


SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SAMSys), founded in 1995, is a world-leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services. 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 Exchange under the symbol: “SMY”. The Company has a total of 47.7 million shares outstanding.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005

RFID Government Contract RFID Readers ...

RFID Government Contract RFID Readers: Intermec Named to Provide RFID Readers to U.S. Government: Blanket purchase agreement includes fixed-mounted and transportable readers; all equipment firmware upgradeable to Generation 2 RFID standard; follows award in March of RFID tag blanket purchase agreement ...

Intermec announces key win as supplier of Gen 2-compatible RFID readers to the US Government ...

... "As part of the U.S. Government’s initiative to improve efficiency and inventory asset management, Intermec Technologies Corp., which designs and manufactures RFID (radio frequency identification) and mobile computing systems, has been awarded a Blanket Purchasing Agreement to provide passive UHF RFID (radio frequency identification) fixed-mounted and transportable RFID readers to support the Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard. Earlier this year, Intermec was granted a BPA to provide EPC Class 1 RFID tags. The awards are part of the government’s Automatic Information Technology RFID initiative to provide timely asset visibility in its global logistics pipeline, whether in process, in storage or in transit. The award is the latest in a 20-year partnership between Intermec and the U.S. Government. " ...


Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE:UNA) company, develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include Intellitag(R) RFID, mobile computing systems, bar code printers and label media. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations.

Additional resources on RFID government contracts ...

Border: Better Security Without a Traffic Jam? ... ... One component of the plan is a technology known as RFID, ... Reston-based Accenture LLP was the winner of the government contract worth up to ...

DoD Suppliers' Passive RFID Information Guide ... ... Figure 5 - RFID-enabled label placement on palletized unit load. ... government contract. If the DoD Purchase Card is used to acquire items that are on ...

CICA 30th Annual Convention slide sets ... ... assess government contract opportunities, use e-procurement and improved ... The Auto-ID Centre’s mission is to replace the use of barcodes with RFID ...

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005

RFID tag production facility investment ...

UPM Rafsec to build RFID tag production facility in the USA

... "The leading RFID tag manufacturer UPM Rafsec is to build a new state-of-the-art RFID tag production facility in Fletcher, North Carolina. The investment further strengthens UPM Rafsec's role as one of the most remarkable suppliers of RFID tags on a global scale and bolsters the company's position in the North American market where demand for EPC (electronic product code) compliant RFID tags is growing dramatically. " ...


UPM Rafsec develops and manufactures high-quality RFID (radio frequency identification) tags used in e.g. product identification and supply chain management. Established in 1997 UPM Rafsec is a world leading RFID tag manufacturer and a pioneer of the EPC (electronic product code) standard, specialized in high-quality, high-volume production. The company is headquartered in Tampere, Finland and it has a factory in Jyväskylä, Finland. In addition, UPM Rafsec has sales offices in the USA, Netherlands, Germany, China, Japan and Singapore.

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Sunday, May 08, 2005

RFID Readers: Where Headed? ...

Agenda

... "Experts predict Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology will replace the bar code in the next decade, because of the efficiencies it creates. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags can be made in tiny formats, some no larger than a grain of salt, and the tags don't have to be manually scanned. Instead, RFID tags send out a radio signal that can be captured at a distance and at indirect angles by RFID readers, eliminating the need for an employee with a hand-held scanner to read a label. Retailers and manufacturers hope to save millions by automating the shipping and inventory process and reducing theft using RFID. In late August 2003, Wal-Mart announced it would require its top 100 suppliers to put RFID tags on all pallets and cases of shipped products by January 2005 and require the rest of its suppliers to begin using RFID tags by 2006. Privacy advocates fear RFID will become as omnipresent as video surveillance and give marketers another method of tracking people's movements and shopping behaviors. " ...

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Monday, May 02, 2005

AIAG RFID AIT Forum: Learning ...

AIAG Hosts 10 Annual Forum for Automatic Identification Technologies, RFID ...

... "What do the automotive industry, the family dog, and Wal-Mart all have in common? Radio frequency identification (RFID). ... RFID technology is used to identify lost pets, track stock on store shelves, and control and error proof the production process. Direct-part marking (DPM) uses a two-dimensional (2-D) symbol and contains information like supplier identification and serial lot traceability information, which is encoded on the part, and is used now on vehicular engines, axles and many other parts. " ...


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

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Saturday, April 30, 2005

Microsoft RFID Automotive Initiative ...

Microsoft Drives Insight and Innovation for the Automotive Community With Peak Performance Initiative ...

... "Removing obstacles that hinder the direct flow of information gives manufacturers visibility across the supply chain and enables them to realize near-instant reconciliation of raw material and finished goods inventories, further optimizing operational efficiency. Microsoft industry partners are helping automotive manufacturers see deeper into their supply chain, leveraging the latest technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) to provide manufacturers with real-time information that can impact product delivery schedules. To support these innovations, automotive manufacturers are leveraging Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server 2000, to capture data, and SharePoint Portal Server 2003, to distribute data to the appropriate business line managers. " ...


Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. In manufacturing, Microsoft works with industry-leading partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable OEMs, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Through business applications, .NET technologies and enterprise platform support, manufacturers are able to accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. From an in-vehicle technology perspective, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit works collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 25 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 13 world-class automakers and suppliers, including Acura, BMW, Citroën, Clarion, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.

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Thursday, April 28, 2005

DOD RFID Technology Webinar

RFID Technology Standards, with Ed Coyle, Chief, DoD Logistics Automatic ID Tech. Office, April ...

Upcoming RFID webinar focused on DOD RFID applications ...

... "Webinar: RFID for Defense Suppliers, May 4, 2005, 11:00 a.m. EST
Featuring: Ed Coyle, Chief of the DoD Logistics Automatic Identification Technology Office, DoD and LTC. Charles Burke, USA Chief, US Army Logistics Network Task Force" ...

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