RFID Business Case Development

Upcoming hour-long seminar on creating a business case for RFID will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 12:00 PM Eastern. ...

... "Before you can realize the benefits of RFID, you have to make the case for implementing it in your organization. But finding the return on investment (ROI) can be elusive unless you know where to look and understand how it fundamentally affects your business processes. " ...

Web Seminar: Registration

Metro RFID Future Store Initiative

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

Microsoft RFID Biztalk Release 2

Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2, which includes radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure improvementa, is now generally available. Core components include a device abstraction framework and tools that support the creation of Microsoft .NET-based RFID and sensor applications. ...

... "This product includes advancements for radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic data interchange (EDI), and extended interoperability such as Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) Guidance and Line of Business Adapters. Together, these capabilities make it easier for companies to connect systems within their own organizations and across those of trading partners. The availability of BizTalk Server 2006 R2 underscores Microsoft's long-term commitment to deliver extensive SOA and BPM capabilities as part of the overall Microsoft application platform. The platform spans products and technologies to develop, deploy and manage applications and IT infrastructure across the organization locally and worldwide. " ...

Via Microsoft: New product advancements enable customers to extend enterprise connectivity through real-world solutions for BPM, SOA.

RFID Implant Cancer Link

Implantable RFID chips have a downside. ...

... "A series of veterinary and toxicology studies, dating to the mid-1990s, stated that chip implants had induced malignant tumors in some lab mice and rats. " ...

Via Yahoo! News: Chip implants

Mobile RFID Reader Bluetooth Capable

Cathexis launches IDBlue, a mobile RFID reader, which is pen-sized and Bluetooth-enabled. ...

... "Easily deployed in almost any environment, IDBlue is an RFID solution compatible with many different types of platforms from a wide range of industry-leading vendors. IDBlue's integrated Bluetooth technology, combined with its ability to be used as a stylus, enables seamless interaction with wireless handheld devices. Additionally, onboard data storage allows thousands of RFID tags to be read without requiring it to be linked to a computing device.

The IDBlue framework integrates with Microsoft BizTalk RFID, part of the upcoming Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2 release, for automating and managing business processes to deliver real-time support for business activities. Microsoft BizTalk RFID provides plug and play management of devices, making adding other RFID-based technologies faster and easier to improve operational efficiency over the long term. " ...

Via Cathexis: Cathexis unveils world's first mobile RFID reader with Bluetooth

RFID Reader Multi-Format Compatible

NEC develops new RFID reader / writer with broad compatibility features. ...

... "NEC's multiple-format reader/writer, which the company claims to be the world's first, supports the three frequency bands of 13.56 megahertz, 952-954 megahertz and 2.45 gigahertz, it said. The company will develop a special large-scale integration chip for the device, which it plans to start selling before the end of March 2009. " ...

Via Japan Corporate News: NEC Develops Radio Tag Reader / Writer Supporting All Formats

Medical RFID Tagging

Solstice Medical ties up with Magellan Technology on integration projects and RFID implementations for the medical device industry. ...

... "Magellan's PJM technology is able to scan more than 600 randomly organized products per second even when RFID labels are close to metals, liquids or other labels, and has proven in day to day operations its 100% identification accuracy, reliability and quality in the medical device industry. " ...

Via Magellan Technology: Alliance Supports Medical RFID Solutions

Solstice Medical is the developer of the DOCK to DOCTM system, a comprehensive asset management solution, and provides RFID tag engineering, single use and reusable medical grade RFID tags, site and enterprise tracking software, RFID hardware, systems integration, maintenance and support to enable total supply chain control.

Magellan Technology Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia, is a technology developer, manufacturer and licensor of advanced read and write 13.56MHz RFID systems. Magellan designs and offer RFID chips, inlets and a complete reader portfolio for Magellan's Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM) technology, which complies with the International Standard ISO/IEC 18000 Part 3 Mode 2.

California RFID Bill By Senator Simitian Bans Tagging

State Senator Joe Simitian promotes his Senate Bill 362 that prohibits any person from forcing any other person to undergo an implant in their body of a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. ...

... "Despite wide-ranging support, the RFID industry has declined to support SB 362. In response, Simitian said, I think it's unfortunate and regrettable that the industry hasn't come out in support of SB 362. I understand why we're having a robust debate about the privacy concerns related to RFID, but at the very least, we should be able to agree that the forced implanting of under-the-skin technology into human beings is just plain wrong. I'm deeply concerned that this isn't a given for the industry. Passage of SB 362 ensures that no Californian is compelled to have electronic identifiers of any type embedded in their body. This provides Californians with the personal agency to make such decisions should they have a reason to, as well as another means of protecting their personal information. Once again, California leads the nation in recognizing potential threats to individual privacy and self-determination posed by new technologies, said Jennifer King, Research Specialist at the Samuelson Law, Technology and Public Policy Clinic at U.C. Berkeley School of Law. " ...

Via California State Senator Joe Simitian: Bill to Ban Tagging Humans Closer to Becoming Law, RFID at Issue

RFID Medical Inventory Management System

DMC Harper University Hospital will implement Mobile Aspects' radio frequency identification, RFID-enabled, inventory management system to manage its utilization of high cost materials that support the delivery of cardiology services. DMC Harper University Hospital is part of the Detroit Medical Center. ...

... "Developed by Mobile Aspects, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., the system, called iRISupply, uses an RFID tracking architecture to automate charge capture, inventory management, device expiration management, and other key operational processes within the patient care setting. The organization will implement fourteen iRISupply cabinet units to manage the storage and utilization of implantable stent devices within their cardiac catheterization laboratory suites at the DMC Harper University Hospital location. In leveraging the RFID-enabled technology, the organization seeks to create a more efficient, automated process for managing these high-cost items and in turn, realize more streamlined and accurate processes in documenting device utilization for billing and inventory management. " ...

Via Mobile Aspects: DMC Harper University Hospital to install RFID technology

RFID Division Sold

HEI, Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell all of the assets of its RFID division to Smartrac Technology US, Inc. ...

... "The transaction is structured as a sale of substantially all the assets of the RFID division, including inventory, receivables, customer contracts and customer lists, and the assumption of substantially all of the liabilities. The purchase price to be paid at closing is $3.0 million cash and the parties expect to close the transaction prior to the end of the HEI's 2007 fiscal year end on September 1, 2007. As a result of this transaction, HEI expects to recognize a gain from the sale of assets in the 4th quarter of approximately $1.5 million, prior to any employee obligations, severance and other transaction-related costs. HEI intends to use the sale proceeds to pay down existing debt obligations. " ...

Via HEI: Sale of RFID Division Assets

RFID Hang Tag Tracks Pipe

RFID hang-tags, used in retail, are deployed for tracking lengths of stainless steel pipe. ...

... "The printable RFID hang tag produced for retail clothing provides an adhesive backing that is easily attached to the end of the pipe. Not only does the adhesive backing provide a secure attachment, but it also keeps the tags' antenna away from the metal surface. This has resulted in an effective way to firmly attach the tag, while providing a very high level of read accuracy. " ...

Via Barcoding: Tracking Metal Objects with RFID Tags

Intermec RFID China Certified

China certifies Intermec's RFID equipment. ...

... "Intermec's passive ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID (radio frequency identification) readers are the first RFID hardware to be certified for operation in China by the country's State Radio Regulation Committee (SRRC). Part of China's Ministry of Information Industry (MII), the SRRC ensures that products sold for use in China meet the country's standards for radio frequency devices. The committee requires compliance testing for RFID devices before they receive the necessary certification. Test results must conclude that RFID hardware meets China's newly released RFID bandwidth and standards requirements. " ...

Via Intermec: Intermec RFID Hardware First to be Certified for Use in China

RFID Enables Wafer Fabrication

RFID tech supports semiconductor manufacturing process as it tracks high-value materials. ...

... "California company AeroScout Inc. supplied a RFID (radio-frequency identification) tagging system, which enables factory workers to keep closer track of containers of silicon wafers in the factory. " ...

Via Austin American-Statesman: RFID in Wafer Fab

Onsite RFID Assessment Offer

University of Maryland Technology Extension Service (MTES) offers new, radio-frequency identification (RFID) assessment program to companies in the state at no cost. ...

... "MTES offers Maryland companies on-site RFID assessments at no cost. Assessments start with a review of a company's productivity or security-related issues. Possible RFID solutions are then studied, after which a report is provided including potential costs and return on investment. " ...

Via Maryland Technology Extension Service: University of Maryland Offers Free Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Assessments

RFID Considered to Manage Responsible Logging

Malaysia considering the use of RFID technology to manage logging in its forests. ...

... "He would propose that RFID tags be fitted to tree trunks in selected zones of forest reserves, especially in areas prone to illegal logging. " ...

Changes to curb illegal logging

RFID Construction Applications

RFID technology is applied in the construction industry to monitor the progress of concrete curing. ...

... "It measures temperature data retrieved from an RFID buried in the concrete. Then it puts the data into a maturity equation that compares the readings of the poured concrete with the results of two sample cylinders which were lab-tested before construction began. " ...

Via Daily Commercial News and Construction Record: RFID Uses Growing

Upcoming RFID Symposium

Midwest RFID Symposium scheduled for this Fall. ...

... "Tuesday–Wednesday - October 23–24, 2007 University of Kansas, Kansas Union, Lawrence, Kan. Presented by Rush Tracking Systems, ITTC'S RFID Alliance Lab and KU Continuing Education

This annual symposium features professionals and decision makers presenting current research and projects on the implementation of RFID for asset management, industrial automation, and other closed-loop applications. Attendees will come from aerospace and defense, healthcare, life sciences, logistics and transportation services, automotive and industrial manufacturers, agriculture, food processors, libraries, archiving services, and more. " ...

Via University of Kansas: 3rd Annual Midwest RFID Symposium

RFID Infrastructure New Release

Reva Systems has released for general availability Version 2.0 of its Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP) and associated Management Console products, that will support plug-and-play support for RFID readers and printers, provide improved graphical user interface, and better integrate with IBM, Microsoft and SAP systems. ...

... "Release 2.0 has been tested and validated in some of Reva's previously announced customer RFID deployments, including METRO Group's retail and distribution environments and Hewlett-Packard's manufacturing and distribution operations. Additional Reva TAP 2.0 customers will be announced at the RFID Journal Apparel & Footwear Summit to be held this month. The Reva TAP is an RFID network infrastructure appliance that delivers accurate, actionable data for enterprise integration frameworks and consuming applications. It provides the RFID solution element that enables Reva's global customers to move from pilot projects to production RFID programs. " ...

Via Reva Systems: Reva Systems TAP Release 2.0

Retail RFID Strategy Enables Customer Experience in Mexico

Levi Strauss deploys TAGSYS UHF RFID readers in its Mexico retail outlets, using Grupo Hasar for system integration into its business systems. ...

... "The TAGSYS/Grupo Hasar deployment represents an expansion of Levi Strauss' RFID strategy to improve the customer purchasing experience by expediting the checkout process (especially during peak seasons) and to improve inventory management. For this application, Levi Strauss required a unique, cost-effective solution that offered high performance, reliability, an ergonomic design and easy integration capabilities. The TAGSYS reader combines leading UHF reader technology with a unique embedded antenna design that reliably inventories multiple stacked garments while not erroneously reading nearby items (a critical requirement in point-of-sale applications). The TAGSYS readers will be deployed in 40 Levi Strauss stores throughout Mexico. " ...

Via TagSys: In-Store Apparel RFID Deployment

Dollywood RFID Wristband Enables POS

Precision Dynamics Corporation implements its Smart Band RFID system (Radio Frequency Identification) at Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. ...

... "Dollywood's Splash Country, a water adventure theme park that combines the beauty of the Smoky Mountains with the excitement of water park rides, implemented PDC's RFID Smart Band Wristband System for daily and season pass water park guests. Guests use the wristbands just like cash for cashless point of sale (POS) at all merchandise and food locations within the park. Introduced to park guests as Sunny Money, Dollywood's Splash Country touts Precision Dynamics Smart Band wristband as the easiest way under the sun to enjoy dining and shopping. " ...

Via Precision Dynamics Corp: PDC Shines at Dollywood Splash County

Chemical Industry RFID Use

Chemical Industry Data Exchange (CIDX) explores RFID use in its white paper, Chemical eStandards Initiative on Radio Frequency ID. ...

... "An outline of how CIDX will collaborate with EPCGlobal, an RFID industry trade group focused on RFID technologies and standards; A Business Value Model for determining return on investment (ROI) based on common chemical business scenarios; A method for providing input and exchanging critical information that will affect ongoing RFID standards development. " ...

Via CIDX: RFID Use in Chemical Industry

Intel RFID Technology

Fools take on Intel and RFID technology in the blood supply chain. ...

... "RFID technology could also reduce waiting time, errors, and blood-type mismatches by strengthening quality control and logistics systems. " ...

Via The Motley Fool: Intel Has RFID Technology in Its Blood

Alien RFID Safety Act Designation

Alien Technology's products and services have been designated as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies under the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act of 2002 for airports baggage and cargo handling systems. ...

... "Baggage and cargo handling systems utilizing Alien products and services have been installed at airports around the world in order to help defend the global air transportation system against a wide range of terrorist threats. These implementations provide enhanced security to the handling and transportation of materials, baggage and other cargo. " ...

Via Alien Technology: RFID Implementations for Airline Industry Awarded Liability Protections from U.S. Department of Homeland Security

RFID Transponder Growth $1B

Transponder growth ia expected to top $1 billion with revenues mixed across the globe. ...

... "The global market for RFID transponders approached $1 billion in 2006 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual rate (CAGR) of 24% through 2008. Transponder revenue distribution was relatively uniform among the regional markets - EMEA accounted for slightly more than 35% of total revenues and the remaining market was, for the most part, equally divided between the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions. " ...

Via Venture Development Corp: $1 BILLION MARK

Affordable RFID Reader CF SD Modules

NorazzaRFID offers inexpensive RFID solutions for the SMB market in small form factors, such as compact flash, CF, and secure digital, SD. ...

... "NorazzaRFID's product line includes Secure Digital (SD) and Compact Flash (CF) Reader modules (MSRP $250), which are made to work with everyday devices such as HP IPaq PDA's, Treo Smartphones, and a Palm OS version which is scheduled for release later this year, as well as RFID encoding printers, easy to use software for label layout, encoding and printing, a full line of labels including customized labeling and encoding services for larger applications and a complete line of support options to assist with any implementation. " ...

Via NorazzaRFID: RFID for small to medium businesses

IBM RFID ePedigree Drug Solution Track Supply Chain Movements

IBM has developed a solution that enables pharmaceutical companies to create an electronic certificate of authenticity, an electronic pedigree or ePedigree, for drugs that move through the supply chain, from manufacturers to distributors, pharmacies and hospitals. ...

... "The ePedigree feature is a key capability of the new version of IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center (RFIDIC), a high performance data repository that allows clients to efficiently manage and securely share information with trading partners to authenticate pharmaceuticals. Unlike competing solutions, the IBM offering was designed to manage and aggregate product serial numbers to enable processes in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, pharmacies, and hospitals.

IBM's new ePedigree feature allows clients to comply with new and emerging regulations such as those that will take effect in California in 2009 using either RFID, 2D barcodes, or a combination of barcodes and RFID. Th