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. " ...

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. " ...

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. " ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits ...

Walmart is beginning to accrue benefits from its investment in RFID technology. Laurie Sullivan provides update on Walmart's RFID-enabled stores and the inventory management benefits that they are measuring, which includes significant improvements in stock-outs ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits: Via InformationWeek: WalMart RFID Trial: WalMart RFID Trial Shows 16% Reduction In Product Stock-Outs ...

... "Researchers found a 16% reduction in out-of-stock merchandise at WalMart stores equipped with RFID labels using EPC codes. The study also shows that out-of-stock items with RFID were replenished three times faster than items using standard bar-code technology. " ...

RFID Library Book Tracking System ...

RFID-based library tracking system automates inbound and outbound processes, increasing librarian productivity. James Brown writes about an radio frequency identification (RFID) book tracking system installed at Kingston University in the UK ...

RFID Library Book Tracking System: Via ITWeek: Kingston University books RFID into library ...

... "Matthew Grove, e-services manager at Kingston University's library, says the RFID system will mean an end to staff having to spend time on mundane, repetitive administrative tasks, ... " ...

Intermec RFID SAP AII Netweaver Direct Connect

Latest Intermec RFID reader (IF5) directly connects to SAP AII through Netweaver ...

Intermec RFID SAP AII Netweaver Direct Connect: Via Intermec: Intermec IF5 RFID Gen 2 Reader First to be Certified for Use with the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure ...

... "The Intermec IF5 allows SAP users to employ RFID-powered data collection without integration services or middleware, making it ideal for companies of all sizes, from small to medium-sized businesses to global enterprises. Part of the SAP NetWeaver composition platform, SAP AII allows users of SAP Solutions to integrate all automated communication and sensing devices, including RFID readers and printers. The Intermec IF5 RFID reader architecture ties into SAP AII, guaranteeing SAP customers easy RFID integration. The Intermec IF5 RFID reader performs on-board decision-making, similar to a server connected to an RFID reader, to filter incoming RFID tag data and to drive multiple peripheral devices and antennas. This eliminates the need for extra servers and potential points of failure in the system, removing risk and extra cost for users. " ...

RFID Printed Electronics Technology: BASF

Industry collaboration, BASF and printed system, drives creation of printed electronics technology, which enables RFID with unique characteristics ...

RFID Printed Electronics Technology: BASF: Via BASF Group: BASF Future Business develops new printed electronics technology with partners

... "The second project, which involves only BASF and printed systems, will now look to tap into new markets and applications in which the printed electronics technology can be used. Examples of possible applications are RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, flexible displays (e.g. e-paper) or lighting devices, electronic labels and large-area sensors. We estimate that markets for printed electronics technology may reach a potential of more than 20bn in the next 7 to 10 years, with more to come, said Dr. Peter Eckerle, project manager at BASF Future Business. " ...

BASF Future Business GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary of BASF Aktiengesellschaft, was founded in April 2001. It aims to open up business areas with above-average growth rates that lie outside BASF’s current activities. The company focuses on chemistry-based new materials, technologies and system solutions. BASF Future Business GmbH commissions research from BASF’s R&D units on the one hand, and, on the other hand, cooperates with startup companies, industrial partners, universities and potential customers. Further tools include acquisition of a direct stake, joint ventures, with partner companies or provision of venture capital via the subsidiary BASF Venture Capital GmbH.

printed systems GmbH is a private start-up company, established in 2003 in Chemnitz, Germany. One of its owners is Prof. Dr. Arved C. Hübler, who is also director of the Institute for Print and Media Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology. In a close relationship to the Institute, printed systems develops printing technologies for the production of electronics. printed systems' aim is to create new products and applications for which they expect huge mass markets. Therefore, the company's focus is on mass printing technologies, which offer a new dimension of cost-efficient electronic applications in printed matter.

RFID Biometric ID System: Germany

RFID is converging with biometrics technology to create mobile identification capability. John Blau updates on progress of companies in Germany collaborating on an RFID biometric IDentification system for the airline industry. ...

RFID Biometric ID System: Germany: Via Computerworld: Airline biometric ID system gets a demo in Germany ...

... "The new passport, valid for 10 years, will include an embedded RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that will initially store a digital photo of the passport holder's face. Starting in March 2007, the holder's left and right index fingerprints will also be stored on the chip. " ...

RFID Catheter Data Transfer ...

Catheter manufacturer integrates RFID chip technology into latest model to support data transfer ...

RFID Catheter Data Transfer: Via Volcano Corp: Volcano Corporation Announces FDA Clearance of the Revolution™ 45 MHz IVUS Imaging Catheter: Novel Design will Allow Use of Phased Array and Rotational Catheters on Same IVUS Console ...

... "The Revolution Catheter has a center operating frequency of 45 MHz, making it the highest frequency intravascular catheter approved for sale in the U.S. The Revolution is built on intellectual property and technology recently licensed and acquired from Philips NV of The Netherlands. Volcano expects this imaging technology will appeal to a number of physicians who have trained using high frequency rotating IVUS imaging catheters. The Revolution also incorporates enhanced polymer transitions for improved handling and trackability, RFID chip technology for catheter data transfer, and a reinforced telescoping region for more reliable performance and reduced peri-procedural catheter failure and breakage. " ...

Volcano Corp. is a privately held medical device company founded in 2001. With over 475 worldwide employees, Volcano is dedicated to providing technologies leading to optimal management of coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease. Volcano products include Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) systems and catheters, as well as physiology guide wires. With global distribution, Volcano is a leading provider of innovative therapy-enabling and therapy-guiding technologies to the interventional cardiology and peripheral vascular fields.

RFID USDA CWD Traceability ...

RFID solution enables traceability of CWD chronic wasting disease by the Department of Agriculture USDA ...

RFID USDA CWD Traceability: Via Digital Angel: DIGITAL ANGEL CORPORATION SHIPS NEW ORDER OF DESTRON ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TO UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: Order for $550,000 in RFID Tags, Scanners to Assist Tracking of Infected Animals with Chronic Wasting Disease in Captive Cervid Herds ...

... "Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC), an advanced technology company in the field of rapid and accurate identification, location tracking and condition monitoring of high-value assets, announced today that it had received another order from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Company's proprietary RFID (radiofrequency identification) traceability system to help the government's ongoing effort to eradicate Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in captive cervids. The latest order, valued at more than $550,000, covers the purchase of electronic tags and scanners and brings the total value of orders for the programs to more than $750,000. The tags and scanners are designed to identify individual animals in the national captive cervid (deer and elk) population. The Digital Angel system is similar to the one the Company is currently using in the companion pet, livestock, and salmon industries in the U.S., Canada and other parts of the world. Digital Angel competed for a contract to supply electronic identification devices for the USDA CWD program. The USDA contract was previously announced by Digital Angel in October 2003 but was postponed after competitors protested the award. The protests were overturned by the USDA and Digital Angel received its first order for its RFID system in December 2004. " ...

Cisco RFID: Healthcare Industry Asset Location ...

Cisco executives offer their RFID vision in the healthcare industry where business capabilities, such as RFID asset location, are increasingly critical to the operational excellence in hospitals ...

Cisco RFID: Healthcare Industry Asset Location: Via News @ Cisco: Information Technology Offers a Cure for the Global Healthcare Industry

... "Why is asset location so important in a clinical setting? Pierre-Paul Allard: With RFID-enabled Wi-Fi tags placed on hospital equipment, staff can instantly locate something as simple as a wheelchair or as important as an IV machine. The inability to find hospital equipment quickly has real impact on both patient care and cost efficiencies.
The average nurse spends 30% of their typical 12-hour shift just walking. Find equipment faster, and some of that time goes back to real patient care. Misplacing high-value equipment affects both the bottom line and top line of a hospital. High inventory levels certainly increase costs, but improved asset visibility can increase bed turns and therefore revenue. Asset location helps medical facilities in other ways, also - from improved equipment maintenance to audits or even implementing restricted access zones throughout a facility. " ...

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition

RFID middleware and service oriented architectures SOA are an enabling infrastructure for the RFID future. Consolidation in the RFID industry continues, as BEA Systems acquires ConnecTerra, a leading RFID middleware technology provider, to drive their SOA vision to the edge ...

RFID Industry Consolidation: BEA Acquisition: Via BEA Systems: BEA Acquires Pioneering Provider of RFID Infrastructure Software; Extends Infrastructure Offering to the Edge: ConnecTerra Adds World-Class RFID Expertise and Products to the BEA Infrastructure Portfolio; Can Help Companies Integrate Growing Volumes of Supply Chain Data Using SOA ...

... "BEA Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: BEAS), today announced the acquisition of ConnecTerra, a privately-held pioneer in RFID middleware technology based in Cambridge, Mass. The acquisition is designed to immediately extend the range of the BEA infrastructure portfolio to easily integrate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other device data as liquid assets available across a company's business units, applications and processes. The acquisition can help customers address the growing amount of RFID data captured across supply chains. ... ConnecTerra's RFID infrastructure software is designed to provide the core communications, security, policy and device management services which can be used to integrate devices into a wide range of applications. This includes software at the edge for filtering and device management at the local store, manufacturing plant or distribution center level; enterprise level software for centralized RFID data management; and compliance software to address RFID retail and defense mandates. BEA can augment ConnecTerra’s RFID software with its industry-leading infrastructure components to help provide a complete solution for customers looking to build new RFID enabled business processes. ConnecTerra and BEA have already worked together successfully over the past year with key customers to create market-specific solution bundles for pallet and case tracking applications in retail as well as mobile asset tracking in transportation. " ...

RFID Technology: Strategic Value

RFID can provide tangible ROI in the business processes where traditional automated identification technology provides returns: supply chain operations, inventory working capital, and so on. However, the additional strategic value of RFID technology may be in increased visibility and faster speed of decision making which yields a higher degree of agility in the marketplace, a potential competitive advantage. Marlo Brooke and James Williams, Avatar Partners, discuss the business benefits of RFID technology ...

RFID Technology: Strategic Value: Via IT Business Edge: Getting a Return from RFID: Maximizing IT Investments ...

... "Are companies focused too strongly on the ROI of RFID - perhaps so much so that they neglect to see the possible strategic value of the technology? " ...

Sub10Cent RFID Inlays

RFID tag and inlay manufacturer, UPM Rafsec, will ship UHF Gen 1 and Gen 2 inlays at sub-10 U.S. cent pricing in minimum order quantities of 50,000 pieces. Sub 10cent RFID inlays lay the foundation for the cheap and ubiquitous use of RFID technology ....

Sub10Cent RFID Inlays: UPM RAFSEC KNOCKING DOWN UHF RFID ADOPTION BARRIERS WITH SUB-10 CENT INLAYS ...

... "This UPM Rafsec offer includes dry and wet delivery formats of the OneTenna™ short dipole which are compatible with existing converting technology for the insertion of inlays into smart labels and other substrates. UPM Rafsec UHF products have already been tested, approved and used by a large number of leading RFID adopters. The inlays are manufactured at UPM Rafsec's production facility in Fletcher, North Carolina (USA), with innovative technology for the volume production of EPC (Electronic Product Code) -compliant UHF tags and inlays. The unparalleled yields of this new, high volume production technology give UPM Rafsec competitive advantages and provide customers significantly lower applied tag costs. The patent pending process is cost-efficient, scalable and enables UPM Rafsec to rapidly increase its capacity according to market demand. " ...

References on inexpensive RFID inlays:

... "Via SATO: RFID Thermal Labels: SATO RFID labels can be made with any type of RFID inlay. Some examples of the other inlay types available include Ucode, UHF 868-928MHz ISO 18000, and Class 0 and 0+. RFID labels can be pre-printed, flood coated or laminated and can be converted in most popular finishing styles. " ...

... "Via Avery Dennison: INNOVATIVE AVERY DENNISON MANUFACTURING PROCESS BOOSTS RFID TAG PRODUCTION CAPACITY: Inlay is the term used for the electronic core of an RFID label. It typically consists of a metal pattern on a sheet of plastic film that functions as an antenna, onto which an integrated circuit (semiconductor chip) is attached. The inlay is then sandwiched between a paper facestock and an adhesive layer to form a self-stick RFID label. " ...

... "Via SmartCode: SmartCode Corp. beats any price for EPC Gen 2 Inlays for orders of 1 million - SmartCode prices EPC Gen 2 Inlays at 7.5 cents for quantities of 1 million and 7.2 cents for orders exceeding 10 million: The EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program aims to accelerate the mass adoption of EPC Gen 2 solutions. Under the EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program, SmartCode Corp. will offer the lowest cost EPC Gen 2 inlays at a price of 7.5 cents in orders of 1 million inlays or more and 7.2 cents in orders of 10 million or more. SmartCode Corp. EPC Gen 2 Quickstart™ Program is available for orders received until the 1st of January 2006. The delivery schedule can span throughout 2006. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Seminar

Baylor offers upcoming seminar on the use of RFID in integrated supply chains. Presenters will focus on the use of RFID technology in areas, such as inventory management for the grocery supply chain and shelf life management in the food and drug supply chain. Registration information for the seminar follows ...

RFID Supply Chain Seminar: Seminar Series: RFID Integrated Supply Chains ...

October 20-21, 2005
5th Floor, Cashion Academic Center
Hankamer School of Business
Baylor University

... "RFID is increasingly being voiced as an emerging technology with great potential for cost reduction and improved customer service throughout supply chains. These cost reductions include time savings, speed of delivery, and improved information flow, which would result in better inventory positioning and reduction in stock outs.

RFID remains to be fairly new in business application research. This seminar series highlights various Affiliates of Sloan Industry Studies with related research streams. " ...

Low Price RFID Reader: Research Driving

RFID tag prices are dropping. Reader pricing is expected to follow. Kelly Mills explores recent research on cost trends in RFID technology, such as tags and readers.

Low Price RFID Reader: Research Driving: Via Australian IT: Research to lower price of RFID tag ...

... "Over the next three to five years prices for UHF tags and readers are likely to come down 60-70 per cent, with the price of an RFID reader at less then 100 euro, the 2005 LogicaCMG RFID Hardware Survey says. " ...

Competitive market for RFID readers is showing lower price trends:

... "Applied Wireless Identifications (AWID) is dropping reader prices by about 70% to transform the market landscape. For the first time, a Generation 2 RFID reader, including four antennas, has fallen under the $1,000 price barrier. RFID technology depends on tags being read automatically by receptors known as readers, which are typically sold separately from the antennas they need in order to function. AWID is revolutionizing the marketplace by offering the MPR-3014 reader as production units for $1,000 each, and including four circular polarized antennas at no extra cost. MPR-3014 reader development kits go for $1,600; and the MPR-1510 reader module production units sell for under $400 each, with development kits at $700. " ...

... "Via Internet Week: RFID Readers: Read Right: Most UHF readers cost from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the features in the device. Companies may also have to buy each antenna separately, along with cables. Antennas are about $250 and up. The price of readers is expected to fall as companies purchase them in large volumes. " ...

... "Via ZDNet: Static over RFID: We're seeing a downward trend in prices, and that's one of things driving adoption, said Jeff Richards, president and chief executive of R4 Global Solutions ... " ...

Microsoft on RFID

Microsoft and its partners have a vibrant RFID program underway. Much of Microsoft's focus is on the mid-market: small and medium sized businesses. They are developing an RFID services architecture and have multiple pilots underway to build their competence in the RFID marketplace.

Via Microsoft Business Solutions: The Little Chip That Will Change Your Supply Chain Forever: Microsoft Business Solutions recently announced that it was expanding the scope of its RFID initiative to help small and midmarket businesses meet RFID technology compliance mandates from large trading partners and drive efficiencies in internal operations. For example, Microsoft and several partners recently are collaborating to assist a U.S.-based midmarket snack manufacturer in their RFID implementation.

Microsoft RFID Architecture: Microsoft Architecture for RFID: The fully integrated Microsoft architecture for RFID embraces a vision for increased operational efficiency and reduced costs. It provides a framework for enabling the exchange of RFID related data in near real time across disparate systems and corporate boundaries. It also supports standards for global data synchronisation and interoperability with EPC.

Reference materials on Microsoft RFID Technology:

Microsoft Unwraps Technology at TechEd 2005 to Spark Greater Adoption of RFID: Microsoft's RFID infrastructure taps the power of the .NET Framework, SQL Server and Visual Studio .NET to make integration and deployment of RFID easier and less cost: Businesses around the world are evaluating how RFID technologies can enable them to streamline business processes and provide real-time visibility into their supply chain. However, adoption of RFID is hindered by many factors, including complexity of device management, lack of standards, limited solutions to cleanse volumes of data, and costly integration with existing business applications. Microsoft Corp.'s RFID infrastructure is intended to address these pain points and stimulate faster adoption of RFID. Built on top of the .NET Framework, Microsoft's RFID technology can be embedded within third-party applications or used on its own to capture and interpret data from sensors and manage business events in an easy-to-deploy, user-friendly environment. Companies may use RFID technology to enhance business processes, saving them time and money and improving their visibility into key business performance metrics.

Microsoft plans RFID software in 2006: Via CNET News.com: Microsoft plans early next year to release the RFID Services Platform, a middleware product that connects the hardware that monitors RFID signals with the business software that can make sense of the information.

Microsoft offers RFID system for postal services: Via InfoWorld: Microsoft is marketing an RFID (radio frequency identification device) package for postal services at a stamp exhibition in Taiwan, hoping to woo the government's post office and potentially forge a new line of business for the software maker.

RFID BioSensors Applications ...

Research center is investigating the convergence of RFID and sensors to enable increased food safety. Biosensors are defined as a type of biomolecular probe that measures the presence or concentration of biological molecules, biological structures, etc., by translating a biochemical interaction at the probe surface into a quantifiable physical signal such as light or electric pulse.

RFID BioSensors Applications: Via AUDFS: Radio Frequency Identification Sensors ...

... "Auburn University Detection and Food Safety (AUDFS) project to use RFID technology combined with sensors for detection of pathogens in food. AUDFS aims to integrate the breakthroughs in the detection of food borne illnesses with advances in wireless and biosensor technologies. " ...

References on RFID and Biosensors applications:

... "Via Wired: RFID Gussied Up With Biosensors: But many companies are now combining the tags with sensors that can detect the presence of biological and chemical agents, or signal that a perishable item has expired. " ...

... "Via Washington Technology: Growin’ on empty: RFID’s many uses outpace available funds: EDS is focusing on bundling together RFID and biosensor technologies for supply-chain management and homeland security purposes, Schick said. We’re looking at how to mesh the two technologies together, he said. " ...

... "RFID no use against CBRN terrorism and criminal contamination: Before anybody lets Biosensor RFID tags loose in the food supply chain, it should be established what is the acceptable level of false alert for such systems. If the system only falsly reported the presence of a pathogen once in a million times, then we would have a Bioterror alert every single day of the year, rendering the emergency services useless. " ...

RFID LowFrequency Mobil Speedpass ...

The Mobil Speedpass is enabled by RFID technology operating at a low frequency of 134 KHz. It is an example of RFID used in a payment application, as compared to the wave of recent retailer RFID applications in the supply chain .

Via Network World: RFID (radio frequency identification)

... "Exxon Mobil uses RFID technology in its Speedpass payment system. Customers wave a small transponder in front of a sensor on a gas pump, debiting their account. Low-frequency RFID applications range from 3 KHz to 300 KHz; Speedpass operates at 134 KHz. " ...

Reference material on Speedpass RFID operating at 134Khz low frequency:

... "Analysis of the Texas Instruments DST RFID: DSTs of the type found in SpeedPass and automobile ignition keys are designed for short range scanning - on the order of a few centimeters. ... The DST, however, operates at 134 kHz. Signals at this considerably lower frequency penetrate obstacles more effectively, which may facilitate eavesdropping ... " ...

... "Texas Instrument’s ISO 14443 payment platform promises faster data transfer rates and more security: Speedpass, for example, uses a 134-KHz RFID platform made by Texas Instruments. The data transmission speed is around 10 to 15 kilobits per second, according to Richardson. " ...

... "Mobil tags (supplied by Texas Instruments) are excited by and interrogated with a 134 KHz signal because of its ability to provide solid coverage. Early field trials, however, revealed interference problems when the much lower-power tag-to-reader link operated at that frequency. The tags now deployed still use a 134 KHz downlink, but a 902 MHz uplink solves the interference problem. " ...

... "Psion Teklogix: Understanding RFID and Associated Applications: Low-frequency RFID systems are typically 125 KHz, though there are systems operating at 134 KHz as well. This frequency band provides a shorter read range (< 0.5m or 1.5 ft) and slower read speed than the higher frequencies. LF RFID systems have the strongest ability to read tags on objects with high water or metal content compared to any of the higher frequencies. LF tags are typically slightly more expensive than HF or UHF tags. Typical low-frequency RFID applications are access control, animal tracking, vehicle immobilizers, healthcare applications, product authentication and various point-of-sale applications (such as Mobil/Exxon SpeedPass). " ...