RFID World September

RFID World 2007 Conference is coming up in September ...

... "Scheduled for September 19-20, 2007, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA, the event will have three major components: an educational conference, including both traditional seminar formats and elements of peer-to-peer learning; a tradeshow featuring the sellers of RFID tools, technologies, services, and infrastructure; as well as networking events designed to bring the global RFID community together. " ...

Via CMP Communications: RFID World

RFID Benefits Realized: No Cat Virus

AIM Global will collaborate with RFID leaders to proactively communicate case studies, benefits, and industry thought leadership. ...

... "Consider these instead: RFID secures US ports, RFID saves elderly patient who's wandered off, RFID to protect coal miners, RFID ensures emergency evacuation, RFID tire pressure monitors help prevent roll-overs. Given the chance, the real news about RFID can also provide compelling human interest headlines - they're just not such great tabloid fodder. There is a real lack of understanding among the public and media of the facts about RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and applications. " ...

Via Aim Global: Mission to Highlight Real Benefits and Debunk Myths ...

RFID Drug Authentication eCustoms

IBM announces solution that provides ability to share and analyze real-time RFID sensor data to enable drug authentication and e-customs for clients in the pharmaceutical value chain. ...

... "The new technology, WebSphere RFID Information Center, is based on a recently completed EPCglobal standard called EPCIS, which provides a standard way to securely communicate the data created by sensors and RFID tags, and tie it to existing business information and trading partners. The growing trend of item-level tagging will create exponential growth in sensor data well beyond that generated from conventional barcode technology. This creates a need for a new way to manage this explosion of data in a manner that does not overwhelm a business and its supply chain partners. In addition to managing the massive amount of data RFID creates, two other barriers to widespread RFID adoption to date have been the lack of standards and data sharing capabilities. RFID Information Center solves all of these issues, clearing the way for wider-spread RFID adoption in various industries.

The IBM WebSphere RFID Information Center has already been successfully deployed for a number of early-adopter IBM clients across several industries, including consumer packaged goods company Unilever, the e-customs project ITAIDE in Europe, and Big Three pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen. " ...

Via IBM: IBM Enables Drug Authentication, E-Customs With Release of New RFID Technology ...

RFID Improves Stroke Treatment: Access Health Records

National Stroke Association endorses implantable RFID microchips as a treatment to enable access to the critical health records of stroke victims. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke. VeriMed Patient Identification System is used to rapidly and accurately identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate. This RFID identification system uses the first human-implantable passive microchip, the implantable VeriChip. ...

... "The National Stroke Association (NSA) has recognized that implantable RFID microchip technology offers the ability to improve stroke treatment by providing medical professionals with immediate access to vital health information of stroke-afflicted patients. An excerpt from the letter, signed by James Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, states: Personal Health Records, including implantable RFID microchips such as VeriMed, could play a critical role in assisting medical professionals in delivering appropriate stroke treatment promptly, leading to better patient outcomes. The VeriMed Patient Identification System which consists of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, an implantable RFID microchip and a secure patient database, is being used to help rapidly identify and provide access to important health information on participating patients who arrive at an emergency department unconscious, delirious or unable to communicate. This implantable RFID system is the only system of its type cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in people. " ...

Via VeriChip: National Stroke Association Views Implantable RFID Microchip such as VeriMed as a Potential Life-Saving Medical Device ...

DOD RFID Dept of Defense Implementation Enablers

ODIN Technologies shares some of the key ingredients (Accuracy and Implementation Speed) to enabling their successful implementation of RFID technology in the DOD supply chain. The Dept of Defense has strict read rate accuracy requirements that ODIN had to meet with limited technology capabilities at that time. In addition, ODIN perfected an implementation methodology for the DOD that improved the speed of delivery while sustaining performance quality. ...

... "DoD is modernizing its logistics system to better support the warfighter. Passive RFID is at the center of that transformation. It is a core element of the DoD's force transformation initiative designed to create a more agile military. However, if the tags and readers do not communicate reliably, the benefits will not materialize. After years of planning, the DLA needed a highly accurate RFID network established rapidly.

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Accuracy: DoD expected its RFID system to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than what was currently being deployed. Boundaries relative to read-rates and performance were strict, unlike many retailers who have toyed with trial-and-error methods. Rather than just attempt to read a single pallet tag, the DoD demanded 20 Gen 1.0 and Gen 2.0 RFID tags be affixed to cases and read as they come through a dock door - 100% accurately. This required scientific precision when designing and configuring the RFID network. Each portal was tested 10 times for that performance criteria. The DoD has shown RFID will reduce costs, increase supply visibility and streamline its entire supply chain, from the factory-to-the-foxhole. However, it can only do this if the RFID system is accurate and reliable.

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Implementation Methods and Speed: Eighteen facilities spanning the continental U.S. (CONUS) were evaluated, solutions designed, installed and tested to 100% accuracy in under 130 days. " ...

Via ODIN Technologies: DOD Case Study (PDF) ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking ...

Volvo continues to embrace RFID technology and drive its adoption in various opportunity areas. ...

... "Truck and bus manufacturer Volvo is considering using radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging to track equipment in its warehouses. " ...

RFID: Volvo Asset Tracking: Via IT Week: Volvo studies RFID for tracking assets ...

Additional references on Volvo and RFID ...

Via Volvo: Mats Boll to speak at the RFID Europe conference: "Mats Boll, Business Develop Project Manager at Volvo Logistics, will speak at the RFID Europe conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 21. Mats Boll will discuss some of Volvo's case studies involving containers and packaging, security, distribution of finished vehicles and distribution of hazardous material. He will also review a solution introduced within manufacturing facilities of Commercial Vehicles. "

Via RFID Journal LIVE! Europe: Agenda 11 October: "Volvo has been using RFID in production and logistics for a long time and continues to launch new pilot tests on a regular basis. This session will communicate how RFID has improved Volvo's visibility, traceability and lead-time reduction. Besides demonstrating where Volvo is today, the leaders of the company's RFID projects also will look into Volvo's future, where RFID seems destined to enhance its entire supply chain. Speaker: Stina Apel, RFID Project Manager, Volvo; Annika Johansson, RFID Project Manager, Volvo "

Via IT-universitetet i Goteborg | Nyheter: Students in successful pilot project for Volvo logistics: "They carried out an RFID - Radio Frequency Identification pilot project at the cross-docking terminal at Arendal. Volvo Logistics were very pleased with the result of the project and all three of these students are today employed at Volvo Logistics. "

Retail RFID: View Product Movement in Supply Chain ...

BEA has released the software solution, AquaLogic High-Performance (HiPer) Workspace for Retail, which is a closed-loop notification and task management product for improving store operations. Using RFID technology, AquaLogic HiPer Workspace for Retail allows retail store managers to consistently execute company objectives at the highest quality, communicate their store performance and share best practices. ...

... "Deployed along with BEA's WebLogic RFID Edge Server and WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server, the AquaLogic HiPer Workspace for Retail provides corporate headquarters and field and store managers with a central view of product movement throughout the supply chain as well as notifications of critical activity occurring within that supply chain. As a result, retailers are better able to identify bottlenecks and share information with key trading partners. Combined, the two technologies illustrate an innovative end-to-end retail product that integrates the supply chain through to the store floor. The BEA RFID products and solutions rapidly turn raw RFID data into business relevant information, which help address several industry challenges such as reducing out-of-stocks for major retailers; improving public safety through targeted product recalls and reduced product counterfeiting; mobile asset tracking for high value goods; and enabling compliance for both retail and defense mandates. " ...

Retail RFID: View Product Movement in Supply Chain: Via BEA: BEA Helps Companies Streamline Store Operations, Improve Real-Time Communication and Automate Business Processes with the Release of AquaLogic High-Performance Workspace for Retailers ...

RFID Mobile Asset Management

IBSS introduces RFID-enabled mobile asset management solution to create a real-time view of assets and their movements. Benefits are lowering asset shrinkage and accelerating asset location. Active RFID enables the identification of mobile assets. ...

... "Integrated Business Systems and Services, Inc. (IBSS) announced its new offering, the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system , a new product created for organizations seeking more efficient asset utilization by the use of RFID and wireless technologies. Simultaneously, IBSS also announced an agreement establishing IDENTEC SOLUTIONS as a certified Value Added Reseller of SynTrack Mobile Asset Management. Today, organizations spend millions of dollars on expensive equipment only to have it lost or stolen. Annual losses can range from thousands to millions of dollars. By having a real time view of where these assets are, when and where they move, and how they are managed, companies can significantly reduce these losses as well as improve worker efficiency in locating critical equipment.

SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is IBSS' application for real time, dynamic tracking and management of assets and personnel. It allows organizations to locate, track and manage expensive, important equipment utilizing active RFID technology. Developed on IBSS' proprietary Synapse platform, the system is quickly and easily configurable to nearly any asset tracking application across commercial vertical markets. SynTrack Mobile Asset Management is ideally suited for applications in Energy, Government, Manufacturing, Security, and many other industries. Installation is quick and easy. The system is configured intuitively by defining a hierarchy of zones, tags and tag groups so assets can be quickly located. Important assets and/or desired personnel are equipped with RFID tags. These tags are sensed by strategically placed RFID readers and antennas that communicate with the SynTrack Mobile Asset Management system as a tagged object passes through a geographically defined zone. " ...

RFID Mobile Asset Management: Via IBSS: IBSS INTRODUCES SynTrack MOBILE ASSET MANAGEMENT ...

Pfizer RFID Combats Counterfeit Drugs ...

Pfizer implements RFID tags to combat drug counterfeiting. ...

... "In its latest initiative to promote patient safety by combating pharmaceutical counterfeiting, Pfizer Inc has begun to ship its first product containing radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to its customers in the United States. RFID technology is being added to all Viagra (sildenafil citrate) sold in the U.S. to enable pharmacies and wholesalers to verify the unique electronic product code, or EPC, on Viagra packaging. Pfizer is the first pharmaceutical company to put in place a comprehensive program of this type focused on EPC authentication as a means of deterring counterfeiting. Viagra was selected for the RFID project because it has been a major target for counterfeiters. Pfizer has invested several million dollars to date in the technology, which discourages counterfeiting because it is both difficult and expensive to duplicate. RFID tags incorporate the EPC into each package, case and pallet of Viagra. Pharmacists and wholesalers use specially-designed electronic scanners that communicate the code over the internet to a secure Pfizer website. The company's application of RFID is not yet capable of tracking and tracing medicines through the distribution system. Track and trace requires that all parts of the supply chain invest in compatible technology and agree to capture and share information about product movement. Pfizer will continue to explore the uses of this technology—including track and trace—during the coming year. " ...

Pfizer RFID Combats Counterfeit Drugs: Via Pfizer: Pfizer Introduces Radio Frequency Identification Technology to Combat Counterfeiting, Protect Patient Health ...

RFID Intelligence: Cisco Webcast ...

Cisco hosts webcast on the future of RFID technology and intelligent networks. ...

... "Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO) will host another session of its Tech Talk for Investors webcasts, with corresponding slide presentation, on Friday, December 16th, at 12:00 Noon ET. Please join Mohsen Moazami, Vice President, as he discusses how networks and Cisco Systems will increasingly play a key role in RFID implementations. Following a brief presentation, a question & answer session will be held with Reik Reid and Ken Muth of Robert W. Baird & Co. Date: Friday, December 16th, 2005; Time: 12:00 Noon ET; 9:00 AM (PT) " ...

RFID Intelligence: Cisco Webcast: Via Cisco: Cisco Systems Hosts Tech Talk for Investors Educational Webcast -- Cisco RFID Solutions: Delivering Intelligence to RFID ...

Additional resources on RFID network intelligence:

Building Business Intelligence: RFID: An Opportunity for Business Intelligence, Part 1: "A computer is a device that can input, process and output information. RFID tags potentially have these capabilities, as well as the ability to communicate wirelessly within networks."

Via TechWeb: RFID Network Set To Launch In 2006: "EPCglobal Inc. is looking for big changes to radio frequency identification technology adoption in 2006, and expects to launch its RFID network that will enable businesses to collaborate and share data electronically early next year."

ProdexNet - Business Intelligence for the IT Infrastructure: "Network management software provider ProdexNet has developed an RFID version of its core NetGather application to provide a real-time management and reporting system for enterprise RFID networks. The new productdubbed NetGather for RFID - delivers a centralized management console that provides full control and visibility of all readers in an RFID network. In 2001, ProdexNet debuted its first integrated IT reporting solution, NetGather, which was designed to draw operational data from a company's IT infrastructure to provide reports and alerts so that a company could better understand and interpret how that infrastructure was impacting its core business. Developing a version for RFID implementations required ProdexNet to add a new central console as well as ensure that the new software could pull data from a range of applications and hardware in real-time. "

RFID Reader Writer Options ...

Omron has marketed bistatic type RFID reader/writers, which require separate antenna elements for transmission and reception and can connect with up to two antennas. The monostatic type reader/writer, to be released for the first time among the ThingMagic licensees, allows connection of up to four antennas – twice that of the bistatic type. It maintains the same performance level as with one antenna even when four antennas are connected, thus proving highly cost effective.

RFID Reader Writer Options: Via OMRON RFID: Omron To Release World's First RoHS-Compatible UHF-Band ...

... "Omron has conventionally released bistatic type RFID reader/writers. With separate transmitter and receiver sections, this type requires two antenna elements for transmission of signals to and reception of signals from RFID tags. The bistatic type can communicate with RFID tags conforming to all class specifications of EPCglobal, but can be connected only with a maximum of two antennas. " ...

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive ...

RFID Tags: Active Passive SemiActive: Via Compliance Policy Guides: Radiofrequency Identification Feasibility Studies and Pilot Programs for Drugs

... "A passive tag draws all of its power from the radio waves transmitted by an RFID reader. A semi-active tag uses a battery to run the microchip's circuitry, but not to communicate with the RFID reader. An active tag is powered entirely by battery to send and receive RFID information. " ...

RFID Vehicle Chassis Integration: Smart Tags ...

RFID Vehicle Chassis Integration: Smart Tags: Via The Auto Channel: InformationWeek Highlights PACCAR's Technology Leadership

... "PACCAR's world-class technology platforms include: RFID (radio-frequency identification) Smart Tags are being integrated in vehicle chassis to communicate their location and status via proprietary tracking software. " ...

RFID Active Tags Transponders ...

RFID Active Tags Transponders: Understanding AIT Capabilities

... "In active RF tags, the labels are known as tags or transponders. They contain information that can range from a permanent ID number programmed into the tag by the manufacturer to a variable 128-kilobyte memory that can be programmed by a controller using RF energy. The controller is usually referred to as a reader or interrogator. An interrogator and a tag use RF energy to communicate with each other. The interrogator sends an RF signal that 'wakes up' the tag, and the tag transmits information to the interrogator. The interrogator also can write new information on the tag, thus permitting a user to alter the tag's information within the effective range. " ...

RFID Tool Tracking

RFID Tool Tracking: SAFE & SOUND™ RFID Tool Tracking & Service: Bosch Pioneers RFID Tool Tracking with SAFE & SOUND Service Offering ...

... "Bosch Power Tools and Accessories and Bosch Digital Power Tools, divisions of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, announced the launch of SAFE & SOUND, the first service to provide the construction industry with the cutting edge RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology necessary to gain the operational and cost savings that next generation tool management, tracking and anti-theft applications offer. Bosch recognizes that RFID tags are the next step in the evolution of tool tagging solutions and compatible with any tool management, tracking and anti-theft application. So, in partnering with the world's top companies ToolWatch, Intermec and the number one electronic article surveillance (EAS) supplier, Bosch formed SAFE & SOUND, the industry's only one-stop, full-service RFID tool tracking and theft deterrence resource. " ...

In December 2002, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories created the Digital Power Tools line to help field project managers be more efficient in their work, communicate more effectively with subcontractors and customers, and save time and money in the office, tool crib and on the jobsite. With the expansion of this line, Bosch once again shows its commitment to its customers.

RFID Healthcare Patient Tracking ...

RFID Healthcare Patient Tracking: Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Selects Amelior ED Online Charting System by Patient Care Technology Systems: Einstein Will Be the First Level 1 Trauma Center in Nation to Integrate Amelior Passive Patient Tracking and Online Charting ...

Albert Einstein Healthcare chooses patient technology system that support RFID-enabled patient tracking for hands-free business processes in the hospital emergency room ...

... "The passive tracking system, so-called for the lack of active, manual data entry by department staff, collects the real-time status of patients, staff and medical equipment as they move through the department. Unlike traditional tracking systems that require manual data entry, and as a result can be difficult to keep up-to-date, passive tracking uses wireless signals sent by badges worn by patients and staff and attached to equipment. These signals are read by sensors located throughout the Emergency Department. Software developed by PCTS applies rules-based intelligence to instantly communicate the current stage of care for every patient. The system displays the information in convenient map views that match the floor plan of the facility. The software works with all passive tracking technologies including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and ultra-wide band. To date, PCTS has implemented more passive patient tracking software in U.S. Emergency Departments than any other software provider. " ...

... RFID tracking technology offers a hands-free process for patient management in the healthcare industry.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare.

Patient Care Technology Systems, a subsidiary of Consulier Engineering Inc. (NASDAQ: CSLR), is dedicated to becoming the leading provider of patient safety solutions in the high acuity segments of healthcare. Anchored by their flagship solutions, Amelior ED (tm) patient care system, a comprehensive ED information system with integrated clinical decision support, and Amelior EDTracker (tm) passive tracking, the most implemented passive tracking software in U.S. Emergency Departments, PCTS provides a family of integrated and intelligent solutions designed to reduce medical errors and improve the operating performance of high acuity departments. PCTS is a founding sponsor of the Emergency Medicine Patient Safety Foundation (EMPSF), a nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting and improving patient safety in emergency medicine.

GPS RFID: Satellite-based Tracking Sensors ...

TransCore Develops New Satellite-based Trailer Tracking Sensors

... "TransCore, the largest global manufacturer of transportation-based RFID wireless communication products, acquired the GlobalWave satellite tracking and global positioning system (GPS) technology in March of last year, making TransCore the only manufacturer to offer both major wireless monitoring technologies. The GlobalWave system allows users to monitor, manage, track and communicate with remote and mobile assets from a Web interface. With six ground control stations providing service to five continents, the GlobalWave network supports more than 40,000 installed mobile terminals worldwide. In addition to commercial trucking, GlobalWave products are used for many other transportation applications such as refrigerated goods management, railroad, marine, heavy equipment, and government requirements for defense and homeland security. " ...

TransCore is a transportation services company with 1,800 employees and 80 locations. With installations in 41 countries, more than 100 patents and pioneering applications of RFID, GPS and satellite communications technologies, TransCore's technical expertise is unparalleled in the markets it serves. TransCore’s 60-year heritage spans the development of RFID at Los Alamos National Labs to implementation of the first electronic toll system in the United States to establishing North America’s first freight matching network.

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 Transponders Programming ...

CHAPTER 4

... "The RFID labels are known as tags or transponders. They contain information that can range from a permanent ID number programmed into the tag by the manufacturer to a variable 128-kilobyte memory that can be programmed by a controller using RF energy. The controller is usually referred to as a reader or an interrogator. An interrogator and a tag use RF energy to communicate with each other. The interrogator sends an RF signal that wakes up the tag, and the tag transmits information to the interrogator. In addition to reading the tag, the interrogator can write new information on the tag, thus permitting a user to alter the tag's information within the effective range. Interrogators can be networked to provide extensive coverage for a system." ...