RFID Laptop Asset Management

Axcess implements RFID asset management system at Universidad Regiomontana in Mexico to secure laptops. ...

... "The University deployed Axcess' ActiveTag RFID physical computer asset protection solution in January 2006 with the goal of reversing asset theft and enhancing personnel tracking. Prior to implementation the university suffered a rate of 10-15 percent in laptop thefts on a regular basis. Following the use of the system, the thefts have been reduced to zero.

Axcess' patented ActiveTagTM RFID/RTLS and sensing systems use small, re-usable battery-powered tags (generically called Dual-Active tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network simultaneously to the enterprise system software, the existing security alarm equipment, and standalone middleware and end-user software provided by Axcess under the OnlineSurpervisor label. With tags being activated only on-demand and only at control point locations, the system is highly reliable and accurate, with the tags lasting five years or longer depending on the battery being used. The Axcess Control Point architecture has been found to be more reliable than other local positioning methods using Wi-Fi systems or signal strength measurements. Its activation-based positioning can determine if an asset has left a secured area down to 1 foot of accuracy and can also determine its direction. The system alerts responsible personnel on an exception basis, freeing up asset management personnel for other critical tasks. Axcess recently introduced a new, low profile high-powered RFID asset tag measuring only 1in by 3in by 1/4in high. It is uniquely capable of reliably tagging solid metal IT assets, a feat typically difficult for wireless tags. " ...

Via Axcess: RFID Stops University Laptop and Identity Thefts

RFID PathMinder System Building Block

RFID PathMinder is a system building block that is configured to meet RFID application-specific needs in the industrial space. ...

... "The RFID PathMinder combines the RFID integration and domain expertise of URS/EG&G with Siemens advanced automation and RFID product technology to deliver the reliable, real-time, asset tracking required in supply chain logistics, retail distribution centers and manufacturing.

The RFID PathMinder offers a wide array of optional, fully integrated functionalities, including RFID reading (UHF), advanced event triggering, pre-processing/filtering RFID readings, wireless networking, PLC control, motion control, optical data matrix reader interfaces, status indicators (light column, audio alarms, HMI) and UPS protected power. The RFID PathMinder can also be configured to include an all-flash memory based industrial PC (Siemens Microbox controller) to support application specific software locally. " ...

Via Siemens: Siemens & URS/EG&G Introduce RFID PathMinder

DHL RFID Pharma Temperature Controlled Logistics Innovation Recognized

DHL is recognized for innovative application of RFID technology in the pharma supply chain. ...

... "Today's pharmaceutical products generally consist of temperature-sensitive ingredients that can lose their effectiveness when they are placed in an environment that is too cold or too hot. The DHL Innovation Initiative developed an inventive solution to monitor temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products during transport. RFID sensor tags made by the development partner Infratab monitor the temperature of pharmaceutical shipments. The stored measurement data can be read by a RFID reader without physical contact using radio waves. In the process, the shipment does not have to be opened. The link to the database is handled by solutions created by IBM, one of the global innovation partners of the DHL Innovation Initiative. Thanks to the new service, pharmaceutical companies can react to temperatures that exceed or fall below limits even while the shipment is still being transported.

The battery-powered memory chip is equipped with an integrated alarm function that records each time that the temperature rises above or falls below predetermined limits. In the future, unusable medications can be removed more quickly from the supply chain. Based on the temperatures to which the shipment was subjected, the sensor chip also determines the individual expiration date for medications. As a result, physicians and pharmacists can distribute the medication whose expiration date comes first, preventing medications from going bad after they have left the transport chain. " ...

Via DHL: TEMPERATURE-MONITORED PHARMACEUTICAL LOGISTICS WITH RFID

RFID Laptop Asset Protection For Federal Agencies

AXCESS provides three civilian U.S. Government agencies with its ActiveTag(TM) wireless RFID system for locating, tracking and protecting laptop computer assets and critical documents. The RFID implementation addresses the theft of laptops and other assets, which have been reported by groups including the FBI and IRS. This RFID solution can prevent assets thefts by automatically identifying, locating and tracking assets as they move around a facility. AXCESS RFID tags use small, re-usable battery-powered tags that transmit a wireless message up to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via networking to software that monitors the assets. The tags are activated only on-demand and only at control point locations. ...

... "In October 2006, the Congressional Committee on Government Reform found that all 19 civilian agencies reported losing personally identifiable information. AXCESS' ActiveTag(TM) system provides a proven solution to this problem that works in concert with standard security alarm equipment, to identify authorized personnel and provide instant message alerts when unauthorized individuals attempt to remove tagged laptops or other assets. The technology, which manages assets with no manual human involvement, can identify a laptop by using a small battery-powered property tag that is attached to the computer, often with an optional anti-tamper circuit that serves as a fail safe measure. " ...

Via AXCESS: Solution Solving Government Laptop Theft Problem

Retail RFID Implementation: European Shoes

Checkpoint Systems enters into a strategic agreement with RENO, European shoe retailer. The agreement will enable an RFID source-tagging program and implementation at 700 retail locations across six countries with NDRF-based (New Digital Radio Frequency) RFID tagging system. The implementation will be completed in May. The RFID system will support reduction of shrinkage and improvement of the customer experience. ...

... "Switching from EM to NDRF technology, RENO wants to further optimise both its market presence and its operational processes. To be successful in the shoe retail trade the goods have to be presented in the right way. As well as displaying shoes in pairs and in boxes, an open shop construction is also particularly important, says Konigs. With NDRF, the current aisle widths in the branches could be increased from 90 cm to 1.80 m and a more customer friendly entrance introduced. Further improvements in the business process include simpler deactivation of the tagged goods at the point of sale. The cashier transaction is sped up while it guarantees that no customer will leave the store with a tag that accidentally remains activated, thereby triggering a false alarm. RENO's decision for radio-frequency source tagging is a further step towards a uniform standard in security technology, not only in Germany, says Ulrich Schafer, Vice-President and General Manager NCE Unit, of Checkpoint Systems. For retailers, radio-frequency source tagging is the best option for reducing the costs of shrinkage. At the same time they are able to create a customer-friendly shopping atmosphere, which will help to boost sales. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: RENO Partners with Checkpoint Systems for Its Source Tagging Programme

Active RFID Tags: Sense Respond ...

Savi introduces active RFID tags that sense and respond to environmental conditions in the global supply chain. ...

... "In addition to RFID components that automatically locate goods in the supply chain, the ST-673 and ST-674 contain sensors that monitor temperature and humidity changes of the container's contents or other supply chain assets. When commissioning the tags, users can set acceptable temperature and humidity ranges tailored to the characteristics of the particular goods to be monitored. The Savi ST-673 and ST-674 are active RFID tags that provide visibility to assets and shipments as they move through the supply chain. In addition, the tags periodically record the environmental status data to an event log in the Savi SensorTag's memory. If the collected data rises or falls outside the acceptable condition range, the Savi SensorTag sends a real-time alarm to a fixed or mobile RF reader, and notification of the temperature or humidity change is escalated via a web application, cell phone or email, allowing the problem to be addressed immediately before spoilage or damage occurs. The complete environmental event logs can be uploaded to handheld readers or to fixed readers at stationary sites such as yards and warehouses in the supply chain. This enables users to identify the time and location of unacceptable environmental conditions, or to confirm that acceptable ranges, and therefore shipment quality, are maintained throughout the journey.

The ST-673 and ST-674 sensor tags are each about 6x2 inches, have memory storage of up to 128K bytes of data and are highly ruggedized for harsh environments. Savi Technology's active RFID tags, which have been deployed to track over two million shipments in over 2,000 supply chain locations for defense and commercial customers, include read ranges of up to 300 feet, beepers for audio location and rugged designs that can withstand the most harsh climatic conditions. Savi's family of active RFID tags are based on Savi's EchoPoint Technology, an innovative technology that combines Ultra High Frequency (433.92 MHz) and Low Frequency (123 kHz) communications for both long-range and more precise spot-level location. This technology also enables data to be written to the tags while they're in-transit, as well as to capture important data about the shipment from mobile readers. " ...

Active RFID Tags: Sense Respond: Via Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY RELEASES NEW RFID SENSOR TAGS TO TRACK AND MONITOR THE CONDITION OF GLOBAL SHIPMENTS: New Mounting Options of Savi Sensor Tags (ST-673 and ST-674) Can Be Affixed to Metal, Plastic, Wood, Cardboard and Other Containers ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets ...

Partners collaborate on RFID technology solutions for commercial vehicle applications, such as data collection devices. ...

... "AXCESS International Inc. and STEMCO LP announced a recently-signed business agreement between their companies to work together in the development of RFID based solutions for heavy-duty commercial vehicle fleets. These solutions will utilize semi-active tag technology and hardware from AXCESS that will be seamlessly integrated with STEMCO's BAT RF active RFID mileage and tire pressure data collection sensors. Future products utilizing these combined capabilities are in development and planned for release in 2007. AXCESS' patented ActiveTag RFID systems use small, battery powered tags (generically called semi-active tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via standard network simultaneously to the enterprise system software, the existing security alarm equipment, and standalone management software. Optionally, the tag system can be used to trigger security video recording and live remote video transmission. The tags are used for a variety of enterprise productivity applications including automatic personnel access control and tracking, automatic vehicle access control and payload management, automatic asset management and protection, as well as special purpose sensing. " ...

RFID for Commercial Vehicle Fleets: Via Axcess: STEMCO LP and AXCESS Sign Business Agreement ...

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking ...

Infologix implements RFID asset tracking for hospitals ...

... "InfoLogix, a market leader in Healthcare Information Technology total solutions announces HealthTrax, their new solution for Real-Time Location Tracking and management of medical devices. HealthTrax was developed with InfoLogix partner AeroScout, the leader in the field of Wi-Fi based Active RFID solutions. The first demonstration of the integrated solution will be in San Diego at HIMSS 2006, the top Healthcare Informatics Conference for the year. Also at HIMSS, InfoLogix and AeroScout will discuss performance and ROI of HealthTrax for Asset Tracking and for Patient Location Tracking.

HealthTrax is a complete solution for tracking assets and people within hospitals, and includes both RFID asset tags and enterprise software that can be used with standard wireless networks. The HealthTrax RFID tag is 802.11 Wi-Fi-based and leverages the existing wireless infrastructure; hospitals will not need a separate or redundant wireless network for Asset Tracking. Once the tags are attached to desired items, hospital staff can quickly locate what they need and when they need it on an easy-to-use Web-based electronic floor plan. This tagged hospital equipment can also provide security benefits by triggering an alarm if hospital assets are taken from designated areas. " ...

Hospital RFID Asset Tracking: Via Infologix: InfoLogix Announces HealthTrax RFID Asset Tracking Software for Management of Hospital Mobile Assets in Real Time ...

Active RFID Wireless Chip

Chipcon introduces active RFID chip that supports wireless firmware updates. ...

... "With CC1110, Chipcon has upped the ante in the wireless chip market by making it possible to remotely upgrade firmware in the field, transferring software updates over-the-air for maximum convenience. This is enabled by the in-system programmable flash memory in the CC1110. Compared to existing wireless systems operating in the sub 1GHz band, the CC1110 provides the customers shorter time-to-market development, lower cost and smaller end product, due to the high integration level in the CC1110. Other application examples are home automation systems, automatic meter reading, remote controls, remote keyless entry (RKE) and active RFID. " ...

Active RFID Wireless Chip: Via Chipcon: Chipcon Launches Sub 1GHz Radio and MCU System-on-Chip: Breakthrough Solution for Wireless Payment Systems: Provides reduced cost and development time, and a smaller form factor end product, enabling customers to integrate wireless connectivity into a variety of consumer and industrial applications. SoC solution ideal for wireless alarm/security systems, home automation, remote controls, wireless payment systems, remote keyless entry (RKE), automatic meter reading and active RFID ...

Zigbee RFID Sensor Network Passes Regulatory Tests ...

Bulldog's Zigbee RFID sensor network has met regulatory requirements of agencies. ...

Bulldog Technologies RFID (ZigBee) Data Collection Tag and Reader System: Passes FCC and Industry Canada Regulatory Testing ...

... "The Bulldog-developed and deployed sensor network solution measures and monitors the temperature of produce containers, refrigerated trucks, milk tankers and grocery store coolers while delivering real time data to a PC based monitoring application. This wireless sensor network consists of 2.45GHz IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee; similar to Blue Tooth) based RFID tags and readers. The tags are designed to collect temperature data and transmit the data in real-time to a network of readers. The application monitors predetermined thresholds and, if exceeded, an alarm is issued via an email or a SMS text message. This alarm alerts personnel and enables corrective action to be taken before spoiling can occur, preventing complete or partial losses, insurance claims and delayed delivery. ZigBee is a global standard that addresses the unique needs of remote monitoring & control, and sensory network applications; enables broad-based deployment of wireless networks with low cost, low power solutions; and provides the ability to run for years on inexpensive primary batteries for typical monitoring applications. Bulldog had selected ZigBee as the preferred platform to develop wireless security and sensor network applications. " ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco

Parco issues new hospital RFID solution that includes a door reader, RFID tags, and visual alarms to demonstrate the effectiveness of RFID-enabled tracking of mobile assets. ...

RFID Hospital Door Reader: Parco: Via Parco Merged Media Inc.: Healthcare RFID Leader Announces Special 5th Anniversary Package: Management of Parco Announce the new Shepherd Door Alert Package ...

... "Parco Wireless announced the release of Shepherd a new package designed to enable biomedical and material management staff to quickly, easily and cost effectively determine whether RFID tracking is appropriate for their institution. This package will be specially priced to help celebrate Parco's 5th Anniversary which begins in 2006. The Parco Shepherd system consists of 20 Parco RFID tags and 1 Door Reader (Parco Part Number HWFBR-SYS.) The tags have a 4+ year battery life and can easily be attached to mobile assets such as wheelchairs, litters, infusion pumps, patient worn cardiac monitors and other high value mobile devices. The tags signal between 1 and 8 times per second (factory programmed) and are permanently sealed to provide better protection from moisture. The tags are compatible with all existing and future Parco RFID Tracking Systems. " ...

RFID Hospital Infant Safety ...

RFID Hospital Infant Safety: RFID: Coming to a Hospital Near You

... "St. Michael's Hospital, a community-based healthcare facility and teaching hospital in Toronto, Canada, recently deployed an RFID-based system to ensure that newborns are not abducted from the nursery. The RFID tags are attached to the baby's arm or leg with surgical tape; if someone tries to leave the obstetrics ward with an infant, or remove the tag, an alarm sounds. " ...

Smartwear RFID Child Monitoring ...

Smartwear RFID Child Monitoring: San Diego Company Develops Anti-Abduction And Missing Person RFID Wireless Applications ...

... "SmartWear bases its innovative wireless applications on Technology that is proven and functional in industries from retail to air transportation. SmartWear leverages wireless technology to create early-detection systems, and envisions incorporating its patented technology into practical consumer products designed to monitor the whereabouts of children or locate missing persons. The company’s first products, incorporate RFID tags embedded in clothing of children, which allows parents to monitor the child’s whereabouts and trigger an alarm if the child leaves a designated area or crosses a boundary. " ...

RFID Temperature Sensor: Cold Chain Wireless Application

RFID Temperature Sensor: Cold Chain Application: With no wiring required the Securetemp is a reliable RFID temperature monitoring and alert system with real-time in-cab display and audible alarm ...

... "Failure to maintain stringent temperature conditions during transit results in the rejection of valuable perishable loads. Securetemp is a reliable wireless RFID system that alerts the driver before critical conditions occur allowing remedial action to be taken. " ...

RFID Tags Baggage Screening ...

Hearing on Checked Baggage Screening Systems: TESTIMONY OF ROGER W. RIMINGTON, CHIEF AVIATION SECURITY CONSULTANT ...

... "In concert with surveillance and profiling, utilize a system to Radio Frequency (RFID) tag bags to ensure that selected bags will be rejected at level 1 and sent to level 2 for enhanced search. R.F. tags need to be recovered at the baggage sortation area and used again. (There are probably better alternatives to R.F. tagging available now) R.F. tagging of High Risk bags (selected by CAPPS) along with an alarm signal to the Baggage Screening System Room to scrutinise in outside mode ensures that this does not block or clog the overall system. " ...

RFID Electronic Tagging ...

The State-of-the-Art Port of Entry Workshop

... "Today's electronic tagging (RFID) and seal technologies are a good match to the problem of assuring freight integrity after inspection at the point of origin. Because proprietary information needs to be stored on the electronic tags and seals, they need to be secure. The data should be accessible only by parties with the proper need to know. Additionally, it may make sense to use seals that emit an alarm when the tag or its protected cargo has been tampered with or damaged, and that can aid in locating lost containers. " ...

RFID Airport Access Control ...

RFID Airport Access Control: AXCESS' RFID Vehicle Access Control System Installed at JFK International Airport ...

AXCESS RFID tag system is being used for airport access control purposes ...

... AXCESS International Inc. (OTCBB: AXSI .OB), a leading provider of Active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems today announced its wireless tagging system, ActiveTag™, is being used at JFK International Airport by food service companies to automatically control vehicle access, increase efficiency and improve the safety of the drivers. The system, installed by Digital Watchguard, provides automatic identification and validation of authorized trucks, thereby improving security and safety, while reducing the time it takes to enter the facility. ...

AXCESS’ patented ActiveTag RFID product uses small, battery powered tags (generically called “active” tags) that when automatically activated, transmit a wireless message typically 30 to 100 feet to hidden palm size receivers. The receivers are connected via an industry standard interface to existing security alarm equipment or networked on the existing corporate network. Optionally, the tag system can also be used to trigger security video recording and live remote video transmission. The tags are used for a variety of security applications including automatic personnel access to facilities, automatic vehicle access to parking areas and yards, corporate asset tracking and protection, as well as special purpose sensing. Automatic email alerting and paging is offered for rapid response to security incidents. AXCESS International Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AXSI.OB), headquartered in greater Dallas, TX, provides patented Active RFID (radio frequency identification) for physical security and supply chain efficiencies. The battery-powered (active) RFID tags locate, identify, track, monitor, count, and protect people, assets, inventory, and vehicles. AXCESS' Active RFID solutions are supported by its integrated network-based, streaming digital video (or IPTV) technology. Both patented technologies enable applications including: automatic "hands-free" personnel access control, automatic vehicle access control, automatic electronic asset management, sensor management, and network-based security surveillance. AXCESS is a partner company of Amphion Capital Partners LLC.

RFID Company Stock Poised to Benefit From Market Growth ...

RFID Company Stock Poised to Benefit From Market Growth: Zacks.com Announces That Paul Tracy Highlights the Following Stock ... RFID companies are identified for stock investment by Zack's. These RFID technology companies hsould benefit from the expected market growth. ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... may well have trouble meeting earnings estimates throughout the latter part of 2005, stocks leveraged to radio frequency identification (RFID) are likely to ...

... While the technology sector overall may well have trouble meeting earnings estimates throughout the latter part of 2005, stocks leveraged to radio frequency identification (RFID) are likely to see strong growth this year. RFID tags allow retailers to control their inventories more effectively and save considerable time for consumers. In today's "Feature Article" Paul Tracy and his staff take a closer look at this technology and will highlight two stocks that look poised to benefit from the rapid adoption of RFID in coming years. Checkpoint Systems (NYSE:CKP) produces inventory management and theft-prevention systems for retailers. The company's electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are small RFID devices that can fit onto almost any product and activate an alarm if an item is stolen. The company also makes RFID tags used to help identify items and manage inventories. ...

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Retail RFID: World's First ``Hybrid'' Self-Checkout Installed in METRO Group's ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... one of the world's largest retailers, has installed a self-checkout from NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) that reads radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, as ...

... METRO Group, one of the world's largest retailers, has installed a self-checkout from NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) that reads radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, as well as bar codes, in the newly opened METRO Group RFID Innovation Center. Located in Neuss, Germany, near Duesseldorf, the Innovation Center was established by METRO Group to advance the development of RFID technology in retailing with its technology partners. The NCR FastLane(TM) installed at the Innovation Center is the world's first self-checkout solution with an integrated RFID reader. In its current implementation, the hybrid self-checkout deactivates the merchandise security function of the RFID tag during the scanning process, thus enabling the customer to exit the store without triggering a security alarm. ...

The RFID Innovation Center is a project of the METRO Group Future Store Initiative. In this initiative, METRO Group, together with some 45 renowned partners from the IT, consumer goods and service industries, tests the application and interaction of various new technologies for retailing under real conditions. The objective is to promote innovations in retailing on a national and international level. The initiative is a platform for technical and process-related developments and innovations in retailing. Within the METRO Group Future Store Initiative, technologies and technical systems are tested and further developed in practice. In the long run, the initiative is aimed at setting standards for retailing that can be implemented on an international scale. NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) is a leading global technology company helping businesses build stronger relationships with their customers. NCR's ATMs, retail systems, Teradata(R) data warehouses, and IT services provide Relationship Technology(TM) solutions designed to maximize the value of customer interactions and help organizations create a stronger competitive position. Based in Dayton, Ohio, NCR (www.ncr.com) employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide. NCR, NCR EasyPoint, NCR FastLane, NCR RealPOS, NCR RealPrice, NCR RealScan, NCR RealSolutions and Teradata are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

RFID EAS: Checkpoint Systems to Upgrade CVS to Digital RF-EAS Technology

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... A founding member of the MIT Auto-ID Center and a member of EPCglobal, Checkpoint's technology solutions include digital RF/EAS and RFID systems, RF source ...

Checkpoint Systems, Inc., is a $639.5 million multinational manufacturer and marketer of technology-driven integrated solutions for retail security, labeling, and merchandising. Established in 1969, Checkpoint today is the world's leading provider of radio frequency (RF) based loss prevention systems to the $1 trillion global retail industry. Its products and services help apparel and consumer product manufacturers and retailers brand, track and secure goods worldwide. Checkpoint's new Liberty™ family of antennas is the most advanced EAS solution available to today's retailers. By combining next-generation Digital RF technology with robust communications and remote alarm data-capture capabilities, Liberty antennas deliver superior performance to maximize loss-prevention effectiveness in any store environment. Checkpoint's durable, reusable tags, in a variety of styles, provide maximum protection for high-theft apparel and high-value merchandise. A difficult-to-defeat locking mechanism thwarts shoplifters while allowing easy removal with the POS detacher unit. Checkpoint’s EPC Compliance Center is a dramatic expansion of its well-known RF Source Tagging Design Center. It is focused on emulating the real-world conditions of an EPC implementation and addressing all of the critical design and compatibility requirements necessary for success.