RFID Technology: Defining and Improving Reverse Logistics

From Defining and Improving Reverse Logistics, Robert Banks writes ...

... "The question now becomes: how do we gain this predictability, reliability, and visibility? The answer is a combination of supply discipline and SARSS data, coupled with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology; both are in use throughout the Army but are nowhere more prevalent than in U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR). Supply discipline for all RL operations starts at the unit (customer) or supply support activity (SSA) level. SSA personnel must prepare an Automated Manifest System (AMS) card for each retrograde shipment. Every SSA in the Army currently has this capability. Next, the main support battalion (MSB) SSA or the next higher SSA should have the Defense Logistics Agency tactical manifest system installed and operational. It is this system that will gather the data from the SARSS AMS cards and generate a global AMS card along with an RF tag. The Logistics Automation Division of the USAREUR DCSLOG has conducted studies and concluded that trained and competent personnel can create a global AMS card and RFID tag in about 10 minutes from multiple SARSS AMS cards. This truly is a small investment in time to achieve the three tenants of RL. " ...

RFID in CARGO SECURITY - A PARADIGM SHIFT ...

From CARGO SECURITY - A PARADIGM SHIFT, W. Gordon Fink writes ...

... "Technology is beginning to address the carriers' operational needs to reduce costs and increase safety and security. Some marine terminals are using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on their chassis, generator sets, and in a few cases containers to reduce on-terminal costs. At the terminal gate, the relationship with container number and the RFID chassis tag is entered into the manifesting system. These systems are improving the efficiency of terminals including a reduction in gate delays. RFID systems eliminate the need for keystroke date entry systems, thus reducing the frequency of human error and increasing operational efficiency. Rail carriers have installed RFID tags on all their rolling stock and placed readers on their tracks to provide rail car location. Recent innovations in their information technology systems have integrated the container or trailer number with the rail car identification providing location information on the cargo including the estimated arrival and de-ramp times. Customers who know which rail carrier are moving their cargo can access this data - often using the internet. Marine terminals are also reading the rail car RFID tag as it enters their terminal and using information provided by the rail carrier to immediately access the in-bound container numbers. " ...

RFID Technology: HHS Task Force on Drug Importation

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

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

RFID Standards in the Logistics Chain: Technology to Enhance Freight Transportation Security and Productivity ...

From FHWA Freight Management and Operations, - A-4. Standards ...

... "Radio frequency issues are closely related to the standards issues. Global supply chain security and efficiency are best served with consistent global frequencies. However, there is no single frequency available for logistics applications across the major trading theaters (Asia, Europe, and North America). An added complexity is that two frequencies may be needed, one for passive RFID applications and another for active applications. Both passive and active have valid roles, but cannot operate on the same frequency in the same place and time without interference." ...

RFID Parts Tracking in the Defense Supply Chain ...

From Parts Tracker—A Unique Tool for the Warfighter, Francis Leong writes ...

... "A shipment traveling through military distribution channels requires many different methods to capture data needed to maintain visibility through various transportation means. These include the use of document identifier codes familiar to the military world and the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology. If a shipment is moving by military transportation and an RFID tag is attached to the container, the information on the tag can be accessed through Parts Tracker's RFID tag query. Many layers of information can be obtained through this query - the current date, time, and location of the container; the consignor, consignee, and carrier owner; the container's consolidation transportation control number (TCN); and all shipment-related TCNs. A query by RFID tag number will show the historical record of the container, including locations, dates, and times for each of its movements. A detailed query of the RFID tag will provide information on all items in that container by nomenclature, document number, package suffix code, national stock number, quantity, hub receipt date, and ship date." ...

Department of Defense (DoD) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

From HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS, UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TESTIMONY OF BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD G. USHER III, DIRECTOR, LOGISTICS PLANS, POLICIES AND STRATEGIC MOBILITY, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS ...

... "Department of Defense (DoD) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). One of our greatest challenges during OIF was visibility of materials and supplies in distribution. A recent initiative to mitigate those challenges is the implementation of RFID. We are using RFID tags on all sustainment cargo for OIF II and will apply tags and interrogate down to the tactical level. We plan to use RFID technology to obtain visibility to the battalion level and to push tagged shipments as far forward as possible. Distribution teams with interrogators are established at key nodes in theater to employ RFID visibility to the tactical level. While we are working the initial RFID implementation now, the endstate is full integration into the End-to-End (E2E) distribution process. " ...

RFID Technology in the National Animal Identification System ...

From APHIS | News ...

... "Q. Will Animal Owners Need to Have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader? A. USDA is maintaining a technology neutral position with regard to the technologies that will be used to identify animals. USDA is developing the standards for collecting and reporting information, but industry will determine which type of identification method or methods work best for each species. Radio frequency technology is one form of electronic identification that has been discussed for use with cattle. Animal owners that use RFID for official identification will not necessarily need to have an RFID reader. For example, a producer may be able to record the RFID code of the electronic device before it is applied to an animal and cross reference the code with a visual tag number. This would allow the producer to maintain a record of the RFID code without having to read (scan) the transponder. Industry providers may sell RFID eartag attachments on which the RFID code is printed for visual readability. While reading and recording the RFID code manually is not ideal, it can be achieved. " ...

RFID Savi Smart Seal: Technology to Enhance Freight Transportation Security and Productivity - A-2. Event-Driven Tools

From DOT, FHWA Freight Management and Operations ...

... "SmartSeal electronics are being married with both bolt and cable barrier seals and the electronics are available to license by others. The seal combines random codes with a unique tag ID giving high protection against counterfeits, swaps, and hacks. Data storage is variable, 32 to 128 KB. The battery is rated for five years. Range is tunable up to 300 feet. The tags have multi-frequency options, making them more amenable to use across major trading areas. They are also compatible with DoD's 433 MHz RFID reader infrastructure, including those in commercial sea- and airports. An added capability is immediate seal location and status reporting in terminals equipped with a configuration of readers and beacons known in the industry as Real Time Locations Systems (RTLS). Savi reports SmartSeal can be tuned to slot-level accuracy.
Pricing of the seals is about $50 in small numbers; large production runs may reduce the price by over two-thirds. The bolt seals would require a new bolt for each application, but the cable seal should be fully reusable. SmartSeal was announced in November 2001 and initial sales are reported to Futaba, a Taiwanese electronics firm." ...

RFID in DOD Defense Logistics: Initial Implementation ...

From Army DLA, IPE Initial Implementation ...

... "The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Army G-4 are collaborating to assess the effectiveness of using Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) throughout the Individual Protective Equipment (IPE) logistics supply chain. The IPE Initial Implementation will evaluate the impact of using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and 2D Bar Codes on pallets and cases of Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suite Technology (JSLIST) in distribution processes. This Initial Implementation will follow the directives set forth in the Department of Defense (DoD) RFID policy and strive to maximize the advantages of asset management efficiencies offered with early integration of RFID into the IPE logistics supply chain. Current DoD supply chain automated information systems (AISs) cannot provide the necessary management functions and the asset visibility to satisfactorily monitor the status of individual chemical protective equipment inventories. " ...

RFID Military Uses and Pilots ...

From SSC-Natick Press Release ...

... "Goals for the demonstration are automatic, real-time tracking and visibility at the supply points; automatic inventories to units issued; capturing historical product temperature data; and automatic tracking and updates of container inventories. Results and lessons learned from the demonstration will help set the framework for a proposed Defense Logistics Agency Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) in 2005. Additionally, EPC technology is proposed as an expansion of a current RFID ACTD being conducted by the Navy, according to Evangelos.
Although combat rations are the demonstration product, any military item, including ammunition and spare parts for vehicles, can be tracked under the program to help warfighters ultimately get what they need when they need it. " ...

Barton on RFID Privacy ...

From Office of Congressman :: Joe Barton ...

... "Tiny radio tags on products can cut costs through improved inventory control and faster check-out, and they might even help in the war on terror, but the technology also poses a challenge to privacy advocates, U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, said Wednesday. The new application of this old technology promises some great benefits, said Barton, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee at a subcommittee hearing. Tagging products with Radio Frequency Identification devices can lower costs to manufacturers, retailers and consumers, and make American goods more competitive overseas. Tags that can be tracked outside the store by the seller or a third party also raise questions about how to ensure the privacy rights of buyers, and that will require careful examination of the facts and hard work to avert, he noted." ...

RFID in Transportation ...

From U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, TSA | Transportation Security Administration ...

... "Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field Airport is testing a system that combines fingerprint biometric and RFID technology.
Miami International Airport is testing a new perimeter defense system that will incorporate fiber optic fence netting, passive infra-red zone control, and intelligent video analysis. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is testing a barrier free intrusion detection system using Intelligent Video Analysis and Microwave Zone Control. Newark International Airport is testing a system using fingerprint biometric technology. Savannah International Airport is focusing on utilizing Intelligent Video Surveillance technology. Southwest Florida International Airport is evaluating new RFID and wireless fingerprint biometric technology intended to enhance the level of security at a vehicle gate. T.F. Green State Airport is focusing on controlling access to a secure area via an iris biometric recognition system. In addition, the entrance is employing anti-piggy backing detection using RFID technology. Tampa International Airport project is testing the viability of portable proximity card readers and fingerprint recognition technology. " ...

RFID for Defense: Event Calendar
From General Command Calendar ...

... "Start Date: 1/31/2005
End Date: 2/2/2005
Location: Arlington, VA
POC: James Risner
Phone: Commercial: 703-617-3026 / DSN: 7673026
Organization: EDCA
Description: Sponsored byt he Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA), www.idga.org, 1-800-882-8684. Held at the Hilton Arlington and Towers. " ...

RFID in Shipping and Transportation ...

From US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, State of Maritime Security, The Testimony of Mr. Christopher Koch, President and CEO, World Shipping Council ...

... "Consideration of e-seals usually involves the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and in fact many of the products and platforms being marketed as enhancing container security also rely on that technology. Recent announcements by the Department of Defense and major retailers concerning the usage of RFID tags on products have also spurred significant interest in the technology.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that no international standard exist today for the application of RFID-based e-seals or for active, read/write RFID tags. Nor has a clear and appropriate delineation been drawn between the possible usage of RFID technology to address container security requirements and the possible usage of that technology to address supply chain management objectives. " ...

RFID Technology Improving Visibility in the DOD Supply Chain

From Logistics Management College, Daniel W. Engels, Ph.D.; Robin Koh; Elaine M. Lai; and Edmund W. Schuster write ...

... "Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) is a project to enhance security at access-control points. The Army has hired Transcore, Inc., to test access control at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, using passive, ultra-high-frequency (UHF) eGo wireless RFID tags. " ...

RFID Animal Identification and Tracking ...

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce ...

... "considering the billions of animals bought and sold each year for human consumption, coupled with the increased risk of bio-terror, airborne and genetic diseases, efficient, comprehensive data capture tools - like RFID tags - are practically a global trade requirement. The EU plans to implement a pan-European electronic animal identifier system by 2006. At that point, the system will not only gather information from electronic readers of individual animal tags, but will also include an electronic identifier management module. Say for example the electronic identifier is in the form of an ear tag. In addition to registering the tags themselves, ear tag suppliers and distributors could be registered, along with the individuals authorized to apply ear tags to animals (farmers, veterinarians, control assistants, etc). " ...

RFID Location System: Oracle Japan to Provide Ekahau Location Tracking Solution for ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Oracle Location Based Services Framework will be using the Ekahau Positioning Engine(TM) software and Ekahau T101 Wi-Fi Tags and passive RFID tags for as the ...

... Ekahau, Inc. today announced that it will be collaborating with ORACLE CORPORATION JAPAN in providing Wi-Fi Location Based Services (LBS) and Real Time Locating System (RTLS) solutions for Asian market. Oracle Location Based Services Framework will be using the Ekahau Positioning Engine(TM) software and Ekahau T101 Wi-Fi Tags and passive RFID tags for as the platform for Wi-Fi based location tracking. With Ekahau's solution the precise real-time location of Wi-Fi based mobile devices, such as wireless laptops, PDAs and Wi-Fi tags can be pinpointed within the Wi-Fi coverage area, for the use of various people and asset tracking applications. ...

Ekahau, Inc. is the industry leader in location-enabling Wi-Fi networks. Ekahau's customers include leading corporations around the world that are realizing the benefits of Wi-Fi-based location services and innovative network planning and optimization tools. Ekahau partners include wireless software developers, leading system integrators, and international OEM partners, who develop and market next generation location-based applications.

Oracle Location Based Service Framework developed by Oracle Japan is a framework that supports development of a system utilizing positioning information. It has functions to register good's position over a warehouse map and to perform spatial searches. This framework enable simpler and easier development of a system that linkages an existing business data with positioning information.

DOD RFID Technology: Hardware

From AIT/RFID OPERATIONS GUIDE ...

... "RFID applications span the length of the DoD distribution chain to include:
- Receipt - Includes automatic update of inventory and valuation.
- Storage/Issue - Includes inventory management.
- Transportation - Includes movement and consolidation for trans-shipment.
- Maintenance - Includes movement tracking and assembly/disassembly.
- Disposal - Includes hazardous material tracking. " ...

Automotive RFID Radio Frequency Identification: SAE Symposium Will Address the Security, Safety, and Operational ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... titled "Deployment Benefits and Challenges;" static and dynamic vehicle demonstrations at the Exponent Track; tracking technologies and RFID; and safety and ...

The logistics field and trucking industry wll benefit from the increased use of RFID technology ...

... The SAE International symposium "Enhancing Heavy Truck Safety, Security and Efficiency Through Technology" will explore ways in which the trucking industry benefits from unique technological solutions to security, safety, and operational efficiency concerns. The symposium will be held December 1-2 in Phoenix, AZ at the Embassy Suites - North. ...

SAE is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly 84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles, aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery. This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional development programs.

Leahy on RFID: Leahy Urges Privacy Protection in New Patient Microchip

From U.S. SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY, Vermont ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an exciting technology that promises incredible opportunities and enhancements in fields as diverse as health care and retailing to law enforcement and agriculture. The RFID technology employed by VeriChip raises unique concerns because of its tiny size, its likely ubiquity and its potential for surreptitious scanning. The possibilities of vast networks of databases containing Americans' medical records prompts serious questions about how much of that information will be stored and shared, about who will have access to that information, and about the conditions that will govern access to those records. " ...

RFID Border Technology: Alternative Technologies for Implementation of Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 at Land Borders

From SUBCOMMITTEE ON IMMIGRATION AND CLAIMS OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ...

... "These RF systems operate in 100 kilohertz to 10 gigahertz frequency range and are proliferating in North America and worldwide. Over five million RF transponders are currently deployed across North America on automobiles, trucks and rail cars, to support electronic toll collection, automatic equipment identification on rail cars, automatic vehicle identification on private vehicles, and for electronic border crossing applications. The basic RFID systems are composed of wallet-size transponders or tags that carry unique codes and are attached to objects to be identified. I brought examples of these tags. Here's one that's being used at the border crossing at Peace Bridge. Here's a Hughes tag. This is a type of tag that's being used on the SENTRI program, which you'll hear more about today, down at Otay Mesa. This Texas Instruments tag is being used in San Diego to support single occupancy drivers on a high occupancy toll lane." ...

RFID Technology: PROJECT PROFILE

From BISNIS ...

... "There is a new trend away from bar code reading to the RFID technologies in the U.S. As a result of reduced prices and increased convenience, this new technology is being used extensively in automated systems such as logistics (warehouse management, factory line management, barrel tracking, supermarket trolley tracking, and fuel management), transportation (container tracking, bus station management, and vehicle access), and security related areas (vehicle access control, personnel access control, personnel tracking, and anti-theft identification). It is estimated that consumer durables will be the target market, expected to account for about half of planned production, while automotive and logistics each would account for 15% of production, while the rest (20 %) would be accounted for by other end users. Annual sales are forecasted to be between $5-6 million in the first two years of operation, and reach $7-8 million in the third and fourth years of operation." ...

BISNIS is the U.S. government's primary resource center for U.S. companies exploring business opportunities in Russia and other Newly Independent States. BISNIS provides U.S. companies with the latest market reports and tips on developments, export and investment leads, and strategies for doing business in the NIS. Since opening in 1992, BISNIS has facilitated more than $3 billion worth of U.S. exports and overseas investments. BISNIS was established in 1992 under the Freedom Support Act and is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration, which promotes market access for U.S. companies worldwide. BISNIS, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the U.S. Government's market information center for U.S. companies pursuing business development in the NIS - some of the world's promising developing market economies. A critical feature of BISNIS is its ability to bring buyers and sellers together to facilitate successful transactions, which has resulted in more than $3 billion worth of U.S. exports and overseas business activities since 1992.

Polymer RFID: XINK Laboratories Announces "InstaCure" Conductive Flexographic ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... www.printelec.com ) on December 7. These new advanced polymeric formulations are targeted toward manufacturers and converters producing RFID tagged smart ...

... XINK Laboratories Ltd. of Ottawa, Canada ( http://www.xink.biz ) will launch its new line of InstaCure silver and carbon conductive flexographic printing inks at the Printed Electronics 2004 Conference in New Orleans ( http://www.printelec.com ) on December 7. These new advanced polymeric formulations are targeted toward manufacturers and converters producing RFID tagged smart packaging for use in supply-chain and pharmaceutical counterfeit protection, as mandated by Wal-Mart and, most recently, by the FDA. ...

The XINK™ approach to conductive ink provision is based on the understanding that at this pioneering stage of development for the Intelligent and Active Packaging industry there is no such thing as an "off the shelf product". XINK™ advanced conductive and resistive formulations allow printing of complex electronic circuitry, including flexible paper sensors (package security), sensor grids (smart pharmaceutical packaging), keypads (electronic paper diaries), and of course RFID antennas.

RFID Technology Services: R4 Global Solutions Addresses Current State of RFID Adoption at ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Jeff Richards, president and CEO of R4 Global Solutions(TM) (www.r4gs.com), a leading provider of RFID-enabled technology and services, addressed the state of ...

... Jeff Richards, president and CEO of R4 Global Solutions(TM) (www.r4gs.com), a leading provider of RFID-enabled technology and services, addressed the state of adoption of RFID at of the Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF)/Retailer Compliance Council (RCC) National Conference last week in Scottsdale, Ariz. The conference drew more than 350 retailers and consumer goods manufacturers. Richards provided a front line view of actual RFID implementations from R4's work with a significant percentage of the active RFID initiatives in the Wal*Mart supplier base. In addition, Richards addressed the implications of global RFID deployment using China as an example of a major manufacturing base outside of the U.S. ...

R4 Global Solutions is a leader in delivering EPC-class RFID technology solutions to clients in the Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods, Manufacturing, and Pharmaceutical industries. R4 clients include many of the top consumer goods companies in the U.S., as well as retail and pharmaceutical industry leaders. R4 and the R4 RFID Lab are headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional locations in Michigan, Virginia, Boston, Atlanta and New Jersey. R4 is a sponsor of EPC Global.

VCF is the nation's fastest growing retail supply chain organization. VCF is where vendors and retailers come together to optimize compliance, increase supply chain efficiency, integrate processes and eliminate disconnects to prevent profit loss. Both vendors and retailers benefit from VCF. VCF is based in New York and conducts quarterly conferences throughout the U.S., joining retailers and their vendors in a collaborative environment to better understand routing and order fulfillment compliance requirements.

Real-Time RFID: Maximum Dynamics, Inc. Obtains Technical Approval for ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Tagnet is a provider of solutions designed for the real-time management of mobile assets and data utilizing the latest in RFID technology, cellular ...

... Maximum Dynamics, Inc. (OTCBB:MXDY) announced today that its 89% owned subsidiary Tagnet International has demonstrated its technology to a contractor for a major transportation company in South Africa. The contractor tested the solution against technical requirements it has for its contract with the transportation company as well as certain other projects where it would like to utilize the Tagnet solution. ...

Tagnet International utilizes advanced RFID, GPRS and satellite tracking technologies in conjunction with sophisticated Tagnet modules to provide real time solutions by way of networked, administrative workstations. Our solutions have been customized to suit the mobile logistics, security and fleet management sectors as well as providing numerous automation solutions for the general business sector.
The various Tagnet International solutions enable customers to track vehicles, cargo and assets and remotely perform all administrative functions in order to minimize the cost of inventory and invoice management as well as cut down on inefficiencies due to human error. A typical solution of the new generation of technology consists of tags, tag readers, one or two onboard applications plus various peripherals, such as bar code scanners, printers, telemetric devices (e.g. engine and mechanical measure points for temperatures, flow meters, immobilizers, etc.) or touch screen monitors, which are integrated into our applications.

Maximum Dynamics is a Projects Management Company that strives to increase human effectiveness through process automation. We have positioned our company at the leading edge of Project Management in Developing Markets by adopting a holistic, technology driven business model that is based on a unique process of enriched, collective participation.

Government RFID: Study Finds Government Application of RFID Technology at the ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... Government technology executives see IT innovation, including the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, as ...

... Government technology executives see IT innovation, including the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, as key to achieving their organizational strategy, according to a new report by BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE: BE), the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and Federal Computer Week magazine. However, while most respondents view RFID as an emerging technology that will improve government processes and are investigating application opportunities for RFID, few organizations have actually deployed the technology. ...

The survey was conducted by BearingPoint, Inc., the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) and Federal Computer Week. More than 170 government IT executives participated. The survey, which was conducted from mid-September to mid-October 2004, was developed to uncover the drivers and barriers for adoption of RFID technologies within the government and to identify the applications viewed as offering the greatest potential for benefit and return on investment. BearingPoint, Federal Computer Week and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) will present the results of the RFID in Government Survey in a webinar on December 8, 2004, at 1 PM EST.

EPC RFID: Liaison Technologies Announces Subscription To EPCglobal US ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... will provide support for adoption of the EPCglobal Network and in the creation of industry standards for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. ...

... Liaison Technologies announced today that it has joined EPCglobal US, an affiliate of EPCglobal Inc, a joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council Inc. EPCglobal, a newly formed not-for-profit organization, will develop and oversee commercial and technical standards for the EPCglobal Network. As a subscriber to EPCglobal US, Liaison will provide support for adoption of the EPCglobal Network and in the creation of industry standards for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Developed by the Auto-ID Center, a unique partnership of nearly 100 global companies and five of the leading research universities in the world that explores the benefits and impacts of EPC technology, the EPCglobal Network enables real-time identification and sharing of information. ...

With our Real-Time Infrastructure Platform, Liaison enables the Real-Time Enterprise. We help companies shorten their time-to-market and maximize profits by using our Content Director to cleanse, migrate and synchronize their product information. In addition, they quickly improve supply chain planning and execution by sharing information with their customers, suppliers and distributors via our Real-Time Network. To learn more about the results our e-Business experts have delivered for real-time enterprises like International Paper, Weyerhaeuser Company, Unisource or xpedx, call 866-336-7378 or visit www.liaison.com.

Healthcare RFID: PanGo Networks to Present at RFID In Healthcare Conference

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Officer of PanGo Networks, (www.pangonetworks.com) will be presenting with Dr. John Halamka, MD, MS CIO at CareGroup Health System at the RFID in Healthcare ...

Who: Richard Barnwell, Chief Technology Officer of PanGo
Networks, (www.pangonetworks.com) will be presenting with
Dr. John Halamka, MD, MS CIO at CareGroup Health System
at the RFID in Healthcare Conference in Cambridge, MA.

When: Tuesday, November 30 at 10:45 a.m. (EST)

Where: Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA

What: Leveraging your 802.11 WLAN to Achieve a Cost Effective
Active RFID Deployment For Asset Tracking in a Healthcare
Setting

PanGo Networks(TM) is the leading provider of location-aware wireless systems for the enterprise market. PanGo's software and systems transform off-the-shelf WLAN infrastructure into a platform for intelligent applications that improve important business processes. Through its flagship PanOS(TM) platform and mobile applications, PanGo offers the industry's first comprehensive system for real-time asset visibility and context-aware information delivery. Specializing in a range of markets including healthcare, manufacturing, retail and government, PanGo delivers reliable and accurate information about the location of connected devices, people and assets. PanGo's location-aware systems enable optimal information management and workflow, and provide measurable and significant return on investment.

Zebra RFID: Zebra Technologies Receives 2004 Frost & Sullivan Award for ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Zebra was recognized by Frost & Sullivan for its development of unique bar code and radio frequency identification (RFID) patient wristband solutions that ...

RFID Privacy Principles: Applied Digital Announces Six Point Privacy Statement at ID World ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Recognizing the Company's role in the development of RFID technology world-wide, Mr. Silverman stated in his speech at the conference that: "It is our duty ...

RFID Data Synchronization: Global eXchange Services Accelerates Global Data Synchronization ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... pool will facilitate a higher level of collaboration and solutions empowering emerging technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), that allow ...

... Continuing its momentum to drive global data synchronization adoption worldwide, Global eXchange Services (GXS) today announced that it has been selected by the Hong Kong Article Numbering Association (HKANA - EAN Hong Kong) to develop and manage the global data synchronization network (GDSN) compliant data pool for Hong Kong. By utilizing the GXS Trading Grid(SM) integration services platform, the data pool will allow suppliers, retailers and manufacturers across the region to improve levels of efficiency and to trade more competitively on a global scale. The announcement follows previous agreements for GXS to power data pools in Taiwan, Russia, United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. With GXS' capabilities, the data pool will power global interoperability within the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) linked by the GS1 Global Registry(TM). ...

Global eXchange Services (GXS) is a leading provider of B2B e-commerce solutions that simplify and enhance business process integration and collaboration. Organizations worldwide, including over half of the Fortune 500, use GXS' global interoperability and supply chain execution solutions to achieve a balance between supply and demand. Active in the global standards arena, GXS solutions, powered by the Trading Grid(SM), enable customers both large and small, to connect with global partners, synchronize product information and optimize the execution of supply chains.

RFID Software: Spectrum Signal Processing to Develop Software-Defined Active RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc., today announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. The interrogators, or readers, are being developed for multiple funded programs addressing military logistics, homeland security and commercial transportation applications. The readers are designed to track military assets in both hostile and non-hostile environments and to monitor the location and physical integrity of intermodal cargo containers. ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) is a leading supplier of software-defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies, and its prime contractors.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the US Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

RFID Alliance: Herma joins RFID alliance

From FoodProductionDaily.com ...

... "German self-adhesive label specialist Herma has joined the internationally active RFID working group Licon Logistics as a new member. The move taps into the growing alliance between packaging providers created by the need by many retailers to use RFID." ...

RFID Software: JCP Considers Open Mobile Specs, APIs for RFID ...

From OETrends.Com, Vance McCarthy writes ...

... "the Java Community Process launched two new JSRs aimed at filling another J2ME gap, this time bringing open and easier J2ME solutions to the growing sector of remote inventory management and RFID." ...

RFID Technology: What's on the CIO's mind for 2005?

From ITworld.com ...

... "Henri Slabbert, CIO of Edcon Group, a speciality retailer group that owns brands like Edgars, Jet and Boardmans, says that RFID tops the retailer�s list of technologies that are anxiously awaited." ...

RFID Hype: RFID Overshadows Existing Technology Solutions to Product ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... The wholesale charge to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which is at least a decade away from full deployment, is overshadowing ...

... The wholesale charge to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which is at least a decade away from full deployment, is overshadowing existing technology solutions that offer suppliers many of the same benefits, including an electronic pedigree, according to Ronald Barenburg, President of Secure Symbology, Inc. (SSI) ...

Based in New York City, Secure Symbology, Inc. is a global corporation specializing in innovative serialized bar code solutions for companies seeking to increase profitability by identifying and tracking their products as they travel along the supply chain. Secure Symbology is the innovator of the Electronic Sequence Code(TM) (ESC(TM)) System, which provides an electronic pedigree to secure brand integrity at the container, pallet, case and unit item level.

Polymer RFID: ABI Research Evaluates Printed and Organic Electronics Opportunities ...

From Tekrati Research News ...

... "printed and organic electronics are transitioning from future tech speculations about monitor displays you can roll up and carry in your pocket, to real world technology applications, such as printed antennas for RFID tags and organic circuitry for cell phone displays." ...

RFID Investments: Forrester to Showcase Best-of-Breed Tech from VC-funded Start-Ups and Research Labs ...

From Tekrati Research News ...

... "Attendees will get advanced insight on best-of-breed technologies coming from VC-funded start-ups and vendor research labs, in areas such as RFID and X Internet, customer and product data integration, comms and security." ...

RFID Technology: 21st Century Logistics for Global Asset Visibility

From Combat Feeding Directorate Global Asset Visibility (GAV) Program ...

... "The major benefit of RFID technology is true real-time TAV of items in the supply chain. More importantly, open, global standards and competitive manufacturing processes will insure interoperability and affordability. DoD will benefit from this technology by adopting an industry solution to increase the efficiency of Total Asset Visibility. EPCglobal, Inc., in concert with the DoD and commercial industry, are driving standards to support the implementation of EPC RFID technology. The CFD recently completed a demonstration on the ability to track Class 1 supplies in an end-to-end supply chain and provide quality and shelf life data using RFID technology. Lessons learned will help shape the final DoD RFID Implementation Policy." ...

RFID: Sanjay Sarma Testimony ...

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce, Dr. Sanjay Sarma, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology states ...

... "In 1999, the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC), a not-for-profit standards making body based in Lawrenceville, N.J., which had spearheaded the adoption of bar code technology, joined with Procter & Gamble and The Gillette Co. in helping establish the Auto-ID (Automatic Identification) Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sponsorship of the center soon grew to more than 100 global companies, and research spread beyond MIT to five other great research universities around the world: at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom; the University of Adelaide in Australia; Keio University in Tokyo, Japan; Fudan University in Shanghai, China; and the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. The center's mission was to develop RFID for use across the global supply chain. The vision was simple: harness the capability of RFID to create a world in which we can effectively track products throughout the supply chain using a single, global network as products move from one company to another, one country to another. The idea behind this vision was to make it as easy for one company to read another company's tags as it is for IBM computers to communicate with Apple machines over the Internet. One focus of the center's work was the development of the identification system for objects in the system -- the EPC. Another was the development of the entire system in which EPC tags could be used -- the EPCglobal Network. " ...

RFID AIT: Integrating AIT Into Ammunition Logistics

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

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

Radio Frequency Identification Devices

From PATH, Emerging Scanning Results: Radio Frequency Identification Devices ...

... "RFID creates an automatic way to collect information about a product, place, time or transaction quickly, easily and without human error. It provides a contactless data link, without need for line of sight or concerns about harsh or dirty environments that restrict other auto ID technologies such as bar codes. In addition, RFID is more than just an ID code, it can be used as a data carrier, with information being written to and updated on the tag on the fly. " ...

Writing to RFID tags ...

From END USERS REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SUSTAINMENT AND UNIT MOVEMENT ...

... "The RFID Tag will list all cargo within the container, including: Document Number (DOC) or TCN, National Stock Number (NSN), Nomenclature (NOMEN), Line Item Number (LIN), Quantity (QTY), and Unit of Issue 6. Before vehicles and containers depart home station, units must upload the RFID Tag data using the software provided with the write station. (TC-AIMS and TC-ACCIS uses TIPS software). 7. Units will ensure the RFID tag is properly attached to the correct piece of equipment and attached in the right locations. " ...

RFID applications span the length of the DOD distribution chain to include: Receipt – Includes automatic update of inventory and valuation. Storage/Issue – Includes inventory management. Transportation – Includes movement and consolidation for trans-shipment. Maintenance – Includes movement tracking and assembly/disassembly. Disposal – Includes hazardous material tracking. The purpose of this guide is to provide information on the use of RF tags in unit movement and sustainment operations.

RFID for Freight Transportation Vulnerability, Security, and Productivity ...

From Electronic Cargo Seals: Context, Technologies, And Marketplace, Michael Wolfe, North River Consulting Group, writes ...

... "There are four clusters of electronic seals, representing four methods of communicating between the seal and its 'reader:' radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared, direct contact, and very long range cellular or satellite. All but the simplest solutions are capable of reporting sensor information and data that goes beyond seal status and ID.
RFID Seals RFID technologies are most common among electronic seals. Fundamentally, they marry RFID transponders or their components with manual seal components. There are two main types of RFID tags and seals, passive and active. Passive seals do not initiate transmissions--they respond when activated by the energy in the signal from a reader. Interrogated by a reader, a passive seal can identify itself by reporting its 'license plate' number, analogous to a standard bar code. The tag can also perform processes, such as testing the integrity of a seal. The beauty of a battery-free passive seal is that it can be a simple, inexpensive, and disposable device. Although not a formal term, it is useful to think of such devices as 'pure passive'--a term that describes what most practitioners have in mind when they discuss passive RFID electronic seals." ...

RFID Receiving Process: Receiving/Assignment to Use

From KNOW NET:EL-TRAINS - Federal Personal Property Management Desk Reference - The Life Cycle - Phase III Accountability and Maintainability ...

... "Receiving, Tagging, Barcoding and Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID): Some of the strongest tools for personal property control and accountability are proper receiving, tagging/barcoding/radio frequency identification devices (RFID) scanning of property and proper assignment to use. Receiving operations will see more RFID devices on products as more military and civilian Agencies require suppliers to put passive or, in some cases active, RFID tags on the lowest possible part, case or pallet. Tracing of an item can occur through the supply chain from manufacturer to the precise customer location. Asset movement at the customer location can also be monitored. Agencies normally use passive RFID tags because of cost. Active RFID tags, which are more expensive, use batteries, stay on all the time and require a scanning device to determine the part or container's contents. Passive RFID tags, which are less expensive, stay dormant until scanned. Scanning can be via a hand held device or a pass-through scanning machine. Programmable RFIDs can hold maintenance records. RFID capability will be fully integrated into existing and future Property Management Information Systems/Asset Management Systems (PMIS/AMS) so that RFID recorded events become automatic transactions of record. " ...

Walmart RFID: Dillman Testimony

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce ...

... "Wal-Mart was the first retailer to join MIT's AUTO-ID Center in 1999. We, along with others, funded research on the potential of using RFID in the retail and consumer packaged goods sector. We began testing in 2000 and after reviewing the state of this technology in 2001, we created our own RFID lab in Rogers, Arkansas. We did our own research in addition to supporting the AUTO-ID Center. We consulted with experts. We reviewed RFID uses already in place. We did all of this to determine whether this technology could help us solve the merchandise availability issue. We recognized after reviewing RFID that it had the potential to significantly help reduce out-of-stock conditions through the introduction of what has now become known as an Electronic Product Code or EPC. In June 2003, convinced that it could, we challenged our top 100 suppliers -- representing some of the most innovative companies in America -- to begin using RFID tags on cases and pallets of products destined for our three North Texas distribution centers by January 2005. These distribution centers ship products to 150 of approximately 3500 Wal-Mart stores. It is important to note that we chose to focus on case- and pallet-level tagging. We did not, and are not, requesting item-level tagging. We believe this challenge not only set direction for a new era in merchandise availability but also spawned a new market for technology companies, both those long established and others in their infancy, to be at the forefront of this revolutionary effort. Since Wal-Mart announced its EPC goals, other retailers, such as Albertsons and Target, have announced similar projects as well. The U. S. Department of Defense has also announced a similar RFID initiative. On April 30, 2004, Wal-Mart moved EPCs from the laboratory environment to an actual field pilot program" ...

RFID Supply Chain ...

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce, Mr. William Galione, Vice President and General Manager Marketing and Sales America, Philips Semiconductors, ...

... "Almost every item sold through retailers and supermarkets around the world today has a barcode printed on it. These codes are used extensively throughout distribution chains and are unique to the general type of item being sold. However, in recent years barcodes have begun to show their limitations, and a replacement approach based on RFID technology is gaining momentum. RFID technology relies on small computer chips and antennas integrated into a paper or plastic label -- called a tag -- that can be scanned by an electronic reading device. The scan allows automatic collection of data on the chip, which can include information on warranty, where the product was manufactured, or product details such as quantity, size, color, etc. First developed in the 1940s, RFID technology has proven itself reliable over time, with falling cost structures and further technology refinement allowing it to be used in more common applications today. Unlike barcodes, RFID tags are insensitive to dirt or scratches and can be scanned from a distance -- from a few inches to upwards of 20-25 feet -- all without requiring direct line of sight. RFID technology also allows multiple tags to be scanned simultaneously, even through external packaging. This presents a significant advantage over barcodes in distribution and retail environments, which is where the new generation of RFID technology is making major inroads. Adoption of RFID technologies is spearheading revolutionary gains in supply chain management, allowing businesses to improve supply chain logistics and customer service. Major retailers -- including co-panelist Wal-Mart and other organizations such as the Department of Defense -- that manage huge inventories are leading the supply chain transition to RFID technology. " ...

RFID Privacy Discussion

From Congressional Record: March 23, 2004 (Senate), Page S2989-S2990, Mr. Barry Steinhardt, Director of the Technology and Liberty Program, The American Civil Liberties Union ...

... "The privacy issues raised by RFID tags are vitally important because they are representative of a larger trend in the United States: the seemingly inexorable drift toward a surveillance society. As Congress considers the privacy issues posed by RFID chips, I urge you to view them in the larger context -- a world that is increasingly becoming a sea of data and databases, where the government and private corporations alike are gathering more and more details about our everyday existence. The explosion of computers, cameras, sensors, wireless communication, GPS, biometrics, and other technologies in just the last 10 years is feeding what can be described as a surveillance monster that is growing silently in our midst. Scarcely a month goes by in which we don�t read about some new high-tech method for invading privacy, from face recognition to implantable microchips, data-mining to DNA chips, and now RFID identity tags. The fact is, there are no longer any technical barriers to the creation of the surveillance society. While the technological bars are falling away, we should be strengthening the laws and institutions that protect against abuse. Unfortunately, in all too many cases, even as this surveillance monster grows in power, we are weakening the legal chains that keep it from trampling our privacy. " ...

FTC View of Radio Frequency IDentification RFID

From FTC ...

... "The emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has important implications for businesses, consumers, and policymakers. Companies are turning to RFID to manage warehouse inventory and to stock retail shelves. Consumers are using RFID tags when they travel on highways, purchase gas and groceries, and protect their pets. RFID also has significant potential as a public safety and anti-counterfeiting tool. And as the cost of RFID chips declines, new applications will undoubtedly be developed. " ...

RFIDs and the Dawning Micro Monitoring Revolution ...

From RFIDS AND THE DAWNING MICRO MONITORING REVOLUTION, Congressional Record: March 23, 2004 (Senate), Page S2989-S2990 ...

... "RFID chips are like supercharged barcodes--barcodes on steroids, if you will. They are so small they can be tagged onto almost any object. They do not have to be in open view; RFID receivers just have to be within the vicinity--at a security checkpoint, in a doorway, inside a mailbox, atop a traffic light. And RFID chips can carry a lot more information than barcodes. Some versions are recordable so that they can carry along the object's entire history. RFID chips are more powerful than today's video surveillance technology. RFIDs are more reliable, they are 100 percent automatic, and they are likely to become more pervasive because they are significantly less expensive, and there are many business advantages to using them. RFIDs seem poised to become the catalyst that will launch the age of micro-monitoring." ...

RFID Technology in Combating Counterfeit Drugs ...

From Report of the Food and Drug Administration ...

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

RFID Logistics: Electronic Cargo Seals: Context, Technologies, and Marketplace ...

From FHWA Freight Management and Operations ...

... "Contact Seals: Contact and near-contact technologies include contact memory buttons, PDA and electronic key plug-ins, low frequency RFID, and short range IR. Proponents of contact and near-contact solutions argue that it is important to have a human being visually observe the seal, and their solutions provide that added benefit. Proponents of longer-range solutions criticize the missed opportunity for labor and process timesaving. Contact memory buttons are proven devices in harsh environments. There are strong supporters in DoD and the Navy reportedly uses 500,000 of them. CGM offers a solution that combines memory buttons on the container and the locking bar. PDAs and electronic keys can provide battery power to passive seals and locks. Loran and Porter use them to eliminate on-board batteries and solve the power problem on ocean containers. Supra uses the approach to control an electronic padlock and have it function as a seal. " ...

RFID Technology: Wired for Transformation!

Commander Steve MacDonald, Office of Chief of Naval Operations, Supply Operations and Policy Branch (OPNAV N413), writes ...

... "The Chief of Naval Operations vision, Sea Power 21, ForceNet calls for the use of enablers, which includes RFID, to integrate sensors, networks, C2, platforms, etc. In context with recent DoD RFID policy, Navy is currently testing RFID technologies and developing business rules and architecture to enable logistics processes including: automatic receipting, Total Asset Visibility (TAV)/Intransit Visibility (ITV), and inventory management. The desired end state includes: end-to-end intransit visibility for all material, from vendor or depot, through any node, to any customer, anywhere in the world; hands-free automatic receipting, inventory, real time financial take up and accountability of material, and a wealth of data at your fingertips. The benefits of such a system would be tremendous, and the potential contribution it would provide to current and future readiness compels our engagement to further explore RFID tagging as an enabler to help us get there. " ...

RFID Privacy Recommendations ...

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce ...

... "Recommendations: Legislation should protect consumers from improper use and sharing of data in both the public and the private sector. The legislation would address all forms of RFID-based services, from travel security to employee monitoring, child tracking and amusement park patron management. Congress should rule on legislation specifically targeting the use of RFID in the retail sector and require clear labeling and easy removal of item-level RFID tagging on individual consumer products. Clear labeling and easy removal of tags will ensure that consumers receive proper notice of RFID systems and are able to confidently exercise their choice whether or not to go home with live RFID tags in the products they own. Notice and choice are in fact two key components of the Fair Information Practices and elements that consumers value, as shown in many opinion polls. Consumers without high levels of technical capability have no way of knowing if a killed tag is merely disabled, physically destroyed, or in fact still fully functional. Tag removal, on the other hand, is transparent and 100 percent effective. " ...

RFID Privacy Discussion Points

From The Committee on Energy and Commerce ...

... "New risks for privacy: The debate over RFID technology touches upon many controversial policy issues. At its most fundamental, widespread use of RFID tags could enable corporations to track every move consumers make. Corporations which compile the data transmitted by the tags could determine which products a consumer purchases, how often products are used, and even where the product -- and by extension the consumer -- travels. By aggregating data to form consumer profiles, corporations could make inferential assumptions about a consumer's income, health, lifestyle, buying habits, and travels. This information could be sold to governments to create dossiers of individual citizens, or simply sold to other corporations for marketing purposes. While the ability of RFID readers to collect data from tags once a consumer has left a store or moved beyond the readers' range is currently limited, many consumer groups and privacy advocates note that RFID technology is quickly advancing, while measures to protect individual privacy by limiting the amount and type of information corporations can collect about consumers is lacking. There have been several cases in the past year where the technology of RFID has been used without informing consumers. In the retail industry, for example, some retailers have collected information on their customers unbeknownst to them without providing them with the most basic notice. " ...

RFID in ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

From Industrial College of the Armed Forces ...

... "However, the real DoD challenge is getting low-cost and timely access to specialized, low-density electronic components. Many of the next generation warfighting systems will depend on customized electronics because they are space, weight, and shape constrained. These new platforms include stealth aircraft, robotic vehicles (air, land, sea and underwater) and objective force warriors. These emerging DoD systems will require small phased array radars, conformal sensors and antennas, radio frequency ID (RFID) tags, wearable computers, and advanced displays to provide the military with a competitive edge. Flexible manufacturing systems are needed that can satisfy DoD production requirements." ...

DOD RFID Supplier Implementation Plan

From Logistics and Materiel Readiness ...

... "Suppliers Shipping to DoD: Per the schedule outlined in this attachment, case, pallet, and item packaging (unit pack) for Unique Identification (UID) items will be tagged at the point of origin (manufacturer/vendor) with passive RFID tags, except for the bulk commodities as defined in section 2.4.1+ of attachment 2. If the unit pack is also the case, only one RFID tag will be attached to the container. Shipments of goods and materials will be phased in by procurement methods, classes/commodities, location and layers of packaging for passive RFID. Commencing January 1, 2005: All individual Cases + All Cases packaged within Palletized Unit Loads + all Palletized Unit Loads, as defined in Section 2.3+, will be tagged" ...

What is RFID? ...

From PNNL News and Publications ...

... "Radio-frequency tags have been used by industry for nearly 20 years. Common uses include identification of rail cars, automobiles and salmon returning to spawn in the Columbia River, as well as embedding these tiny tags under the skin of a pet to identify a lost cat or dog. Many people still encounter RF tags when a store sales clerk removes theft-deterring devices off expensive clothing. What is RFID? A unique method of identifying items from a distance is called RFID, or radio frequency identification. These RFID systems use small 'tags' that contain information about the object to which it is attached. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Integration ...

From Secretary of Defense Logistics and Materiel Readiness ...

... "To take maximum advantage of the inherent life-cycle asset management efficiencies that can be realized with RFID, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics issued policy 1) directing the use of high data capacity RFID used in the DoD operational environment and 2) requiring that suppliers put passive RFID tags on the lowest possible piece part/case/pallet packaging by January 2005. In this regard, DoD is leveraging Electronic Product Code (EPC) and compatible RFID tags. See: Memorandum, USD (AT&L), Subject: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Policy, October 2, 2003. The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Supply Chain Integration has taken the lead to facilitate the implementation of the RFID policy. " ...

RFID CHIPS ...

From - The Department of the Navy Information Technology Magazine ...

... "Even if you have never heard of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), you probably recognize the names Wal-Mart and Target. Both retail giants made big technology news last year. In November 2003, Wal-Mart defined a requirement for its largest suppliers to tag all cartons and pallets with wireless RFID sensors by Jan. 1, 2005. Target followed suit in February 2004, requiring some suppliers to use RFID tags on each case and pallet shipped by mid 2005. RFID, a wireless spectrum technology that has existed for over 50 years and has been used by the Department of Defense (DoD) since World War II, has made it big in the commercial retail market. Although the commercial use of RFID made the news, the RFID trendsetter role can still be claimed by DoD and in particular by the Department of the Navy (DON). Oct. 2, 2003, DoD issued a policy memorandum directing the immediate use of high-data capacity, active RFID technology that will affect all companies supplying goods to the DoD. But even earlier, during May 2003, the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery implemented a Tactical Medical Coordination System." ...

DOD RFID FAQ

From Logistics and Materiel Readiness ...

... "Q: What is DoD's vision and goal with regard to the use of RFID? A: RFID is a truly transformational technology and will play a vital role in achieving the DoD vision for implementing knowledge-enabled logistic support to the warfighter through fully automated visibility and management of assets. Our goal is to employ mature and emerging supply chain technologies to optimize the supply chain - use of RFID as an integral part of a comprehensive suite of Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) technology will facilitate accurate, hands-free data capture in support of DoD business processes in an integrated end-to-end supply chain enterprise. " ...

RFID Tags and Bus Maintenance Yards

From Federal Transit Administration ...

... "radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to help automate the process of servicing vehicles each night at the maintenance yard? For example:
1) An RFID tag can identify a vehicle entering the yard
2) The tag then transmits to a vehicle maintenance system any problems associated with fluid levels or engine/transmission codes that were tripped while in operation
3) As the bus is filled with fuel, the amount of fuel used is transmitted to a fuel management system
4) Once it is parked in the bus staging area, its location is transmitted to a scheduling management system for the next days' driver and route assignment." ...

RFID Terms

From AFMC, Air Force Materiel Command ...

... "Line-of-Sight. In order for any communication to occur, a signal transmitted from interrogator or the tag must reach the other device. Unless the device is in a completely shielded metal enclosure, some radiation will usually reach the device. This radiation may arrive in a direct line of sight path or it may arrive via scattered reflections from man-made or natural terrain features. However, the amount of radiation (and its phase) which reaches the device is very important. If a passive device is being used, sufficient radiation must reach a tag so that the tag can not only can interpret the information content of the signal, but must also be sufficient to power the signal transmission of the tag back to the interrogator. Therefore, passive devices usually have a significant degradation in their range when they are not in the direct line of sight to the interrogator, because otherwise they will not receive enough RF radiation to allow for a successful re-transmission of RF radiation. Active tags are much more non-line-of-sight tolerant, because they only need to receive enough radiation to allow for the incoming signal to be successfully interpreted. They then re-transmit using their own on-board power supply. " ...

RFID Update

From Congressman Cliff Stearns, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee ...

... "The most common commercial application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to transmit data from a transmitter called a tag to a scanning device called a reader, which can be networked with a computer database, explained Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Chairman of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. These RFID tags can be attached by manufacturers and retailers to products and packaging for tracking large bulk containers and pallets along the supply chain. One possible application of this technology involves using readers at a store checkout - consumers place tagged items in their shopping cart, pass through the checkout where the items are read, and their accounts are automatically updated without waiting in line,' said Stearns. 'However, this point of sale application raises privacy issues and these questions. Will I be able to disable or remove the tag? What happens to the data harvested from my purchase? How secure is that data, and what prevents third parties from accessing and misusing that information? The subcommittee heard testimony from a distinguished panel of witnesses from academia, business, and consumer privacy organizations. Representing WalMart, the world's largest retailer, Linda Dillman, Executive Vice President & Chief information Officer, outlined the company's use of RFID. 'Currently, cases and pallets of 21 products from eight suppliers destined for one distribution center and seven Supercenters in North Texas are being tagged. The readers assist Wal-Mart in knowing when a product is received, where it is stored, when it goes on the sales floor, if it returns for any reason, and when the case is submitted for recycling." ...

RFID Data: Potential Uses for RFID Data

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

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

RFID Initiatives: The Race Against Time and Technology

From U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, MAJ John Fontana and Steve Jennings write ...

... "RFID is in position to become the technology that can truly change how government organizations and businesses interact with their suppliers for the movement and management of products. The overall promise of RFID and its potential cost savings are why RFID has become one of the hottest technological trends in logistics and supply chain management. The ability to track and manage product movement at all points throughout the distribution channels will enable increased efficiencies. With DOD and private businesses the size of Wal-Mart leading the charge, RFID could change the entire landscape of supply chain management and logistics forever." ...

The U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps is the nation's oldest combat service support branch. Founded June 16, 1775, this year will mark our 229th anniversary. What a great legacy we have! Since the early days of the American Revolution, Quartermasters have participated in every war, every major campaign, and in every theater of operations where U.S. soldiers have been deployed; supporting victory by America's Army with required supplies and services. Thirty-three Medal of Honor recipients reflect our "Logistics Warrior" ethos. That is why our Logistics Warriors--Active and Reserve Component soldiers and civilians have been and will remain in demand. But we can't rest on our laurels. We are entering a new century which will provide the most significant period of change in our Armed Forces since World War II. As modern warfare increases in technological sophistication, speed, and complexity--so must our logistics systems change.

RFID LifeCycle Issues: OFEE and EPA Host Meeting on Recycling Impacts of RFID Tags

From Office of the Federal Environmental Executive ...

... "OFEE and the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste co-hosted a meeting on the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on packaging materials reuse and recycling. Participants included representatives of the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, the industrial drum recyclers, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, and the paper, steel, aluminum, glass, and plastic packaging industries. The intent of the meeting was to provide the potentially affected recyclers and users of recycled materials with an understanding of what RFID tags are, what constituents they contain, and how they are and will be used. Wal-Mart is requiring its top 100 suppliers to place RFID tags on product cases and pallets by January 2005, beginning in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The use of RFID tags is intended to improve inventory control and logistics. The Department of Defense also will require the placement of RFID tags on specified products going to specified depots beginning in January 2005. Other users of the tags are Target Stores, Best Buy, and the Albertsons grocery store chain. RFID tags also could be used in the future to meet new Food and Drug Administration requirements to label medications." ...

Under Executive Order 13101, the Federal Environmental Executive (FEE) chairs the White House Task Force on Waste Prevention and Recycling. The Task Force works to provide clear national direction for federal agencies and track government's progress for waste prevention, recycling, and the purchase of recycled-content and environmentally preferable services and products, including biobased products. The Task Force is directed by a Steering Committee composed of the FEE, the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Administrator of the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Federal Procurement Policy.

The Task Force advises and assists the Steering Committee and the Federal agencies, makes recommendations concerning policy, facilitates implementation, provides a centralized focal point for assistance and direction, and helps educate and train people in the requirements of the Executive Order. The Steering Committee members are among the President's chief advisors on environmental and acquisition issues, underscoring that successful integration of environmental and energy considerations into an agency's daily operations requires close coordination by environmental, acquisition, and facilities staff.

Healthcare RFID: FDA Approves SurgiChip(TM) Solution -- Featuring RFID Technology ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... FirstCall/ -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that SurgiChip(TM), a revolutionary radio frequency identification (RFID) solution that ...

... The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that SurgiChip(TM), a revolutionary radio frequency identification (RFID) solution that uses RFID printer/encoders and labels from Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA - News), has been cleared for marketing. The system embeds and prints information on an RFID "smart" label that travels with the patient into surgery to help prevent errors. Viewed as another vital safeguard to prevent wrong-site, wrong-patient and wrong-procedure medical errors, the SurgiChip can be programmed and used in many types of surgical procedures. ...

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 nearly four million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, as well as software, connectivity solutions and printing supplies.