RFID Project Tool Tracking For Maintenance Management

NORDAM collaborates with 3M to implement RFID tracking solution into its manufacturing operations, which is part of a Six Sigma improvement project. The radio frequency identification (RFID) system manages tool across a large manufacturing facility. ...

... "The initial 18-month project involved attaching passive, temperature-resistant UHF tags to a variety of small and large tools used in the construction of business jet composite interior panels. NORDAM and 3M installed corresponding scanning stations in strategic positions throughout the manufacturing process, such as tool storage areas, composite lay-up rooms, and curing ovens. As a tagged tool passes an RFID portal, the tracking system registers information about the tool instantly, such as location, age, and usage history. This information is then used to maximize asset utilization and schedule tool maintenance. " ...

Via Nordam: 3M's RFID TOOL TRACKING

RFID Document Control for Regulated Business Processes

RFID LTD. implements 3M file tracking solution, based on RFID technology, at Idaho National Laboratories to improve its document control process and storage needs for regulated business processes. ...

... "The 3M RFID File Tracking solution is designed to keep track of fast-moving personnel files as they change hands within the organization. This is a better alternative to the manually signing of files in and out of the file room which is often complicated by ineligible signatures and lost files. 3M File Tracking expedites inventory management, scanning and storing file locations, and quickly identifies lost and misplaced files. " ...

Via RFID LTD: 3M File Tracking to Idaho National Laboratories

3M RFID Library Productivity

3M Library Systems introduces new features into its workstations that make them fast, reliable and easy-to-use RFID products in the library environment. ...

... "Like its 3M predecessor model, the 3M Model 946 - with its ergonomic design - performs checkout or return in one step, combining RFID item identification and Tattle-Tape Security Strip from 3M in the same operation. The system also can perform bar code-to-RFID conversions for new acquisitions and smaller scale collections. For visual and audio media, it enables staff to verify that the case and item within match, without opening the case, and can confirm the presence of a sensitized Tattle-Tape Security Strip by means of a verifier light. Also introduced today was the 3M Conversion Station Model 812, an improved self-contained portable system for rapidly scanning bar codes and converting the data for RFID. Compared to its predecessor model, it contains a larger touch-sensitive screen, an easier-to-load 3M RFID tag dispenser, and the capability of converting all 3M RFID tag formats. Similar to its predecessor, 3M Model 812's sophisticated laser scanner is effective for virtually any bar code location or orientation, and provides a visible scan line that helps the user place items correctly. Because it does not require connection to an automated circulation system, the workstation can be easily moved on its cart for use in the stacks. The station also can reprogram RFID tags as items change. " ...

Via 3M Library Systems: 3M Unveils Two Advanced RFID Workstations with Additional Enhancements for Productivity and Security ...

Libraries are increasingly using RFID technology to manage their processes. ...

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:

... "With the 3M RFID system, everything in the library's collection is affixed with an RFID tag. The tag contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about each item's identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check out materials. Unlike barcode systems, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. " ...

Healthcare RFID MayoClinic

3M and Mayo Clinic demonstrate pilot installation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Mayo Clinic's endoscopy surgical suites for management of the collection and tracking of patient tissue samples. 3M RFID system was configured to enable Mayo Clinic's business processes for specimen management. ...

... "Utilizing 3M Track and Trace Technology, this RFID system enhances Mayo Clinic's ability to manage specimen and tissue samples from the collection stage to the pathology laboratory. Collecting and analyzing patient tissue is a crucial medical procedure. Mayo Clinic continues to take a leadership role in health care's effort focused on patient safety and care. Multiple 3M technologies were brought forward during the five-month pilot project at Mayo Clinic. Results demonstrated quantifiable operational efficiencies in the specimen-management process, accurate communication of data, and verification of information. Expansion of the Track and Trace system within the endoscopy practice will take place in planned, controlled phases. 3M and Mayo Clinic expect this rollout to be completed in early 2007. " ...

Via 3M: Two Minnesota Institutions Advance RFID Technologies in Health Care

RFID Patent License Collaboration ...

3M joins companies in consortium focused on sharing intellectual property on RFID technology. The RFID Consortium's goals are to promote rapid adoption of RFID by facilitating easier access, by manufacturers and customers alike, to essential RFID patents and to provide patent owners the opportunity to receive fair compensation for those patents. ...

... "The RFID Consortium announced that 3M has signed a definitive term sheet to join the group of companies involved with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to form a patent licensing consortium. Working together, and with other potential patent holders, these companies are dedicated to promoting rapid adoption of RFID by facilitating easier access to essential patents, and to providing patent owners, including 3M, the opportunity to receive fair compensation for those patents. The RFID Consortium today announced that 3M has signed a definitive term sheet to join the group of companies involved with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to form a patent licensing consortium. Working together, and with other potential patent holders, these companies are dedicated to promoting rapid adoption of RFID by facilitating easier access to essential patents, and to providing patent owners, including 3M, the opportunity to receive fair compensation for those patents. " ...

Via 3M: 3M Joins RFID Consortium Efforts

RFID Medical Record Army System ...

3M will implement RFID-enabled medical record system for the US Army that support their operational efficiency objectives and increase the quality of services through reduced errors. ...

... "3M has been awarded a $3.76 million contract to develop and install a system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track medical files at the U.S. Army's massive Fort Hood Installation in Texas. The system is expected to make a positive impact on operational efficiencies in health care delivery, the troop deployment process and the management of medical data collection. The active medical records of more than 150,000 servicemen and women and their dependents are housed at five sites at Fort Hood, and as many as 70,000 files may be in use at the base's six clinics during the course of a month.



The RFID system is intended to substantially reduce errors and inefficiencies associated with manual tracking, retrieval, filing and file merging methods. The tracking of Army medical records through RFID technology is an innovation led by the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), a unit of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). Fort Hood, situated about 60 miles north of Austin, the state capital, is the nation's largest active duty domestic military installation, occupying some 340 square miles. The Army becomes the third federal entity to employ RFID systems from 3M, following similar decisions recently by the Tax Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Tax Court. Unlike the other applications, however, the system in development for the Army requires higher-performance capability and a greater degree of continuous and automatic tracking of the files. " ...

Via 3M: United States Army Awards Contract to 3M for Pilot RFID Program To Track and Manage Medical Records at Fort Hood ...

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: 3M ...

3M introduces two new RFID-enabled self-check systems at ALA event this month, which feature real-time performance. ...

... "Two new SelfCheck Systems from 3M make their first appearance in booth 1256 at the 2006 American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Conference on Jan. 20-23 in San Antonio, Texas. Debuting are the SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in and the SelfCheck System R-Series for material checkout and check-in. Both systems use the power of radio frequency identification (RFID) to help improve materials management, further simplify library self-service transactions, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.

Features of SelfCheck System C-Series for material check-in include: Realtime check-in enabled by accurate read of RFID tags that instantly records returned items and lets customers immediately checkout new items. Simple-to-use 3M Digital Library Assistant connection to help speed sorting and return of in-demand items to the shelves. ... Features of the SelfCheck System R-Series for checkout and check-in include: Accurate read of RFID tags placed on items to provide fast and efficient self-checkout of all library materials. " ...

RFID Library SelfCheck Systems: Two New RFID-based 3M SelfCheck Systems Take the Stage at 2006 American Library Association Midwinter Conference; Customer Satisfaction Increases, Costs Decline ...

Library RFID: New Zealand Town Leads ...

Manukau city in New Zealand leads in the application of RFID in libraries and expects to increase adoption. ...

Library RFID: New Zealand Town Leads: Via Stuff.co.nz: Wider use of RFID likely in libraries ...

... "RFID pioneer Manukau City Council will consider extending its use of the much talked about technology so it can electronically track books in all its libraries. Libraries manager Chris Szekely says a study of Botany Downs Library, which became the first in New Zealand to introduce RFID (radio frequency identification technology) in October last year, supports the move. " ...

The use of RFID in library processes can have a positive impact on quality, throughput, and efficiency. ...

Via ALA: Richard W. Boss on RFID Technology for Libraries ...

... "RFID security and the tracking of materials throughout the library; or it is a hybrid system that uses EM for security and RFID for tracking, but handles both simultaneously with a single piece of equipment. [3M has developed readers that can do both concurrently except for videotapes and audiotapes. These have to be desensitized and sensitized in a separate operation]. In either case, there can be as much as a 50 percent increase in throughput. The time savings are less for charging than for discharging because the time required for charging usually is extended by social interaction with patrons. " ...

Vendors that focus on RFID library systems continue to innovate in the field. ...

Via Bibliotecha RFID Library System: New RFID Handheld Reader improves mobile inventory control ...

... "The data exchange via radio waves provides new possibilities for a mobile inventory control. Bibliotheca RFID Library Systems has now developed a specific RFID handheld reader – called BiblioWandTM – which can be used to maintain the complete inventory in the shelves. For the reader, there is no difference in the processing of books, VHS cassettes, CDs and DVDs. Only the attachment of all material with programmed BiblioChip® RFID labels is required. " ...

There will be challenges in the deployment of RFID in library applications, such as the facility, the age of the collection, and other environmental considerations. ...

Via Libramation: Libramation's RFID technology protects the valuable collection of the Zottegem Library ...

... "The introduction of RFID technology in the Castle a decade later posed unique challenges. Building elements like stone flooring made the physical installation problematic. Melding new technology into the interior design of the library was a high priority. Finally, the new system would need to be flexible, easy to use and adhere to international technology standards. The Libramation solution (installed by Kno-Tech, its sister company in Europe) exceeded all expectations. " ...

Here are a few vendors that specialize in RFID library applications. ...

Bibliotheca is specialized in designing, producing and marketing of RFID systems that is hard- and software for library automation and media security. In Europe the BiblioChip® System is the Number One RFID Library System. Bibliotheca was formed to exclusively focus on the needs of librarians. The BiblioChip® RFID Library System is the result of what librarians have requested.

Libramation is positioned as a leader in library automation equipment technology and ergonomic work environments. We take pride in knowing that our systems and service are continually evolving to meet the needs and expectations of our clients. With its new office in Utah Libramation continues to expand its sales and marketing efforts in the United States. Libramation headquarters is in Edmonton Alberta Canada and has a sister company, Kno-Tech, the Netherlands. The company's contemporary and functional automation products have progressed from front of the house Easy-Check units, to automated return and sorting systems, and our latest, the Lib-Chip RFID Library and Self Check solutions. Libramation systems are in use at libraries in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and throughout Canada.

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M

3M expands its HighJump software, used in RFID applications, for MES applications in its plants. ...

RFID Plant MES Software: 3M: Via 3M: 3M Selects HighJump's Manufacturing Advantage Software to Standardize Plant Systems Worldwide ...

... "3M announced it will implement HighJump Software's manufacturing execution system (MES), Manufacturing Advantage, as part of its ongoing global initiative to standardize manufacturing systems. 3M will use the Manufacturing Advantage software at 70 locations worldwide to improve management of shop floor activities, thereby enabling more efficient production. 3M is continuously striving toward a demand-driven, lean supply chain where its industry-leading products are manufactured based on customer demand. To this aim, the HighJump MES system will help 3M build its products just in time, in the right quantities, and according to the highest standards for quality and turnaround. Since Manufacturing Advantage is part of HighJump's adaptable Advantage suite, 3M will be able to configure its applications quickly and cost-effectively. This will allow the company to carry out its goal of supporting a diverse set of plant-specific requirements without supporting a diverse set of systems. HighJump has already provided supply chain solutions for 3M in the areas of RFID compliance and data collection. The success of these projects influenced the MES selection. " ...

RFID File Tracking Systems Government Contract ...

RFID File Tracking Systems Government Contract: 3M Awarded GSA Contract for RFID File Tracking Systems, Giving Agencies Easy, Low-Cost Access to RFID Systems ...

... "3M has been awarded a five-year schedule contract from the General Services Administration (GSA) for 3M RFID File Tracking Systems. The GSA contract allows 3M to offer federal agencies a simplified process for obtaining its latest RFID (radio frequency identification) tracking products and systems for tracking physical files, at the lowest possible price. These products are listed under GSA contract number GS-25F-0033R. " ...

For more than 30 years, 3M has provided premier security solutions and services that identify, authenticate, secure and track materials and information by combining security and productivity. Drawing on its broad technology base and expertise, 3M creates solutions for a wide array of security needs. Examples include issuance and authentication of travel documents and personal identification cards, brand and asset protection solutions to fight counterfeiting and tampering, file tracking solutions, and library security and workflow management solutions.

RFID Location Tracking Accuracy Increased

RFID Location Tracking Accuracy Increased: I.D. Systems Improves Location Tracking for Mobile Assets: Greater Customer Benefits, Higher Return on Investment Expected ...

... "I.D. Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDSY) today announced that its RFID-based equipment tracking and management system, the Wireless Asset Net™, has been enhanced with greater location tracking accuracy. The system can now pinpoint the location of mobile assets to within 20 feet – indoors as well as outdoors – to analyze movements, increase security, improve operational efficiencies, and enforce safety regulations. The enhanced system is currently being deployed in multiple applications, including rental car fleet management, homeland security, and material handling equipment management in manufacturing and distribution facilities. " ...

Based in Hackensack, New Jersey, I.D. Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions for corporate asset management. I.D. Systems’ customers include 3M Company, American Axle, Archer Daniels Midland, DaimlerChrysler, Deere & Co., Ford Motor Company, General Dynamics, Hallmark Cards, Northrop Grumman, Target Corporation, Walgreen Co., the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, among others. Using local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, the company’s systems enable management to control and track the location and status of their assets — from forklifts and cranes to automobiles and trucks — in real time.

Microsoft Certified RFID AssetManagement ...

Microsoft Certified RFID AssetManagement: I.D. Systems Earns Certified Partner Status from Microsoft ...

... "Microsoft Partner status reflects our expertise in crafting innovative software solutions, as well as hardware systems, for RFID-based mobile asset management, said Joey Pinzon, I.D. Systems’ vice president of software solutions. In addition, as a Certified Microsoft Partner, we can pass along the full power of Microsoft’s support for the SQL Server database platform to our customers. We are proud that Microsoft recognizes our database technology as an industry best practice. ” ...

Based in Hackensack, New Jersey, I.D. Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions for corporate asset management. I.D. Systems’ customers include 3M Company, American Axle, Archer Daniels Midland, Daimler Chrysler, Deere & Co., Ford Motor Company, General Dynamics, Hallmark Cards, Northrop Grumman, Target Corporation, Walgreen Co., the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, among others. Using local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, the company’s systems enable management to control and track the location and status of their assets — from forklifts and cranes to automobiles and trucks — in real time.

Authenticated RFID Drug Security: PKI Technology

Authenticated RFID Drug Security: PKI Technology: 3M and Texas Instruments Implement Authenticated RFID to Combat Counterfeit Drugs ...

3M and TI collaborate to deliver authenticated RFID solutions, based on PKI technology, that secure the drug supply ...

... "3M and Texas Instruments today announced they have teamed up to implement a strategy to battle drug counterfeiting and boost pharmaceutical supply chain security. The companies are offering an integrated security solution for the pharmaceutical market's first authenticated radio frequency identification (RFID) industry platform. The Authenticated RFID Platform is a multi-layered, transaction-based security solution where each item is uniquely and securely authenticated. A Texas Instruments RFID tag placed on each package delivers a machine-readable security stamp containing a digital signature that is based on Public-key Infrastructure (PKI). Dispensing sites can use this digital signature as strong evidence that the product came from the original manufacturer. " ...

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

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

Pharma RFID Authentication Model

Pharma RFID Authentication Model: Texas Instruments and VeriSign Collaborate on Authenticated RFID Model for the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Proposes Combination of RFID and PKI Technologies Adding New Layer of Security to Combat Counterfeit Drugs ...

TI and VeriSign propose RFID-based model for drug authentication ...

... "In the battle against counterfeit drugs in the pharmaceutical supply chain, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) and VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) today introduced a model for Authenticated RFID that has the potential to enhance security and chain-of-custody controls. The Authenticated RFID model will combine ISO/IEC standard 13.56 MHz RFID and PKI (Public-key infrastructure) technologies in a two-stage approach to fight the counterfeit drug problem. Texas Instruments and VeriSign are developing the Authenticated RFID model to support item-level authentication at the pharmacy, and the implementation over time of a supply chain infrastructure to validate transactions at any point along the chain of custody. This Authenticated RFID model proposes an enhancement to item-level product security in real-time by creating stronger authentication between the tag and any Authenticated RFID reader from the point of manufacture to the point of sale. 3M, a leading provider of security solutions including RFID tracking and authentication systems, will supply the Authenticated RFID readers to support this new model. " ...

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

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks.

Low Cost RFID Compliance

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

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

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

RFID Vehicle Security Tracking Integration ...

RFID Vehicle Security Tracking Integration: I.D. Systems Wins Grant from Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to Integrate RFID Baggage Tag Tracking Into Vehicle Security System: Symbol Technologies, Inc. to Provide RFID Solutions

Symbol and ID Systems team up to integrate RFID bag tracking into vehicle security system to enable intelligent business processes in a vehicle and asset management network ...

... I.D. Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDSY) announced today that it has been awarded a grant from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to integrate RFID (radio frequency identification)-based baggage tracking capability into the company’s Wireless Asset Net™ vehicle security and tracking system. I.D. Systems will develop and prototype a mobile, automated baggage tracking system in which “intelligent” containers and vehicles identify and locate items tagged with EPC (electronic product code)-compliant RFID tags, and communicate that data through I.D. Systems’ wireless vehicle management network. To support the RFID integration, I.D. Systems will collaborate with Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: SBL), a worldwide leader in data capture, mobile computing, wireless infrastructure and RFID technology, to provide the EPC-compliant RFID tags and readers. ...

Based in Hackensack, New Jersey, I.D. Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions for corporate asset management. I.D. Systems’ customers include 3M Company, American Axle, Archer Daniels Midland, DaimlerChrysler, Deere & Co., Ford Motor Company, General Dynamics, Hallmark Cards, Northrop Grumman, Target Corporation, Walgreen Co., the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, among others. Using local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, the company’s systems enable management to control and track the location and status of their assets — from forklifts and cranes to automobiles and trucks — in real time.

RFID Circulation Management Solution at 3M ...

3M Introduces New RFID Solution for Managing CDs and DVDs in Libraries; Improves Productivity in CD and DVD Circulation ...

... "3M announces a new radio frequency identification (RFID) solution to simplify check-in, checkout and circulation management of CDs and DVDs. New 3M CD8 RFID tags, coupled with special software and standard 3M D8 RFID tags, link CDs and DVDs to their jewel case as a set." ...

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

3M Law Firm RFID Solution ...

3M Introduces Legal Professionals to Radio Frequency Technology That Tracks and Manages Critical Files ...

... "At the upcoming Association of Legal Administrators conference, 3M is unveiling a high-tech way to take control of file tracking and management. 3M RFID Tracking Solutions offers a suite of products for law firms based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that locates and identifies individual files via a tiny microchip and antenna. The microchip and antenna are inside a 3M RFID Tracking Tag that is affixed to each file and allows the files to be easily tracked through the entire workflow. As a file moves from central file rooms, team rooms, or individual offices, a complete file history is tracked and can be easily viewed on any network computer." ...

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics; health care; industrial; safety, security and protection services and transportation. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2002, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.