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

Solar RFID: RPI Pilot

RPI pilots solar-powered RFID readers to collect traffic data and monitor flow. The portable RFID reader has the potential to decrease traffic congestion and enable travel time estimation in real-time, using intelligence dynamically about work zones, events, etc. When fully networked, the RFID-enable database can recommend the best driving routes and avoid construction zones and accidents. ...

... "In the coming months, the units will be deployed to collect traffic data during the morning commute on busy Capital Region roads. The portable units, which are based on the same technology as E-ZPass tag readers, could eventually be used to provide valuable data for a variety of applications, from decreasing congestion in work zones to assisting emergency evacuations. A portable, solar-powered tag reader that collects data to monitor traffic flow. The research is funded through a $3.9 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration to the Center for Infrastructure and Transportation Studies (CITS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. " ...

Via Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Portable, Solar-Powered Tag Readers Could Improve Traffic Management

Construction RFID: Materials Tracking ...

BT Auto-ID uses RFID technology to increase the efficiency of the construction job site, through on-site material tracking and in-bound supply chain management. ...

... "Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), existing bar-code technology or a combination of both, BT Constructnet provides real-time information on the status and location of materials and assets as they flow through the supply chain and as they move around vast construction sites. This data can be accessed at all points in the supply chain and used to ensure delivery of the right materials, to the right place at the right time, cutting the amount of items lost in-transit or on-site and reducing payment disputes. The solution works by enabling manufacturers to identify each unique batch of materials, taking an RFID tag or bar-code reading before goods are dispatched. Items such as bags of cement or tools are scanned again as they are loaded onto the delivery vehicle, generating an automated confirmation of receipt for the driver. They are then read as they pass through each point of the supply chain until the point of delivery at the construction site. Once on the site, remote readers can pinpoint where specific items or materials are being stored. Data is accessed via the internet using BT Auto-ID's collaborative data exchange platform. " ...

Via BT Auto-ID Services: BT Constructnet lays firm foundation for construction site efficiency ...

FIATECH Project Deliverables: "Field Tests of RFID Technology for Construction Tool Management: The purpose of these tests was to investigate the technical feasibility of using RFID technology to automate tool management processes. RFID technology offers the possibility that tools and valuable supplies tagged with RFID devices could be issued and received from central storage and the issue/receipt documented without intervention or help from a tool storage attendant. "

RFID Discover Wall: Product Information Pieces ...

Umpqua Bank plans RFID-enabled product information pieces built into its RFID Discover Wall concept. ...

... "In addition, Umpqua's neighborhood stores will feature a Discover Wall. This one-of-a-kind interactive, multi-screen display covers an entire store wall and will deliver a choreographed video experience to customers. Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags embedded in product information pieces, the Discover Wall will respond to areas of customer interest with personalized information and direct customers to more in-depth information and financial tools on nearby tablet PCs and displays. For example, if a customer is interested in buying a home, the Discover Wall will present information about area home prices, and Umpqua's available mortgage products. The neighborhood store concept grew from Umpqua's belief that it's possible to create community and foster connections between businesses, organizations and consumers by offering a thoughtful combination of products, services, information and resources. The stores are an extension of Umpqua's commitment to community banking. " ...

RFID Discover Wall: Product Information Pieces: Via Umpqua Bank: Umpqua Bank Unveils New Store Concept: Neighborhood Store Design Revolutionizes Approach to Construction and Cost, Enhances Customer Experience ...

Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation and has 95 locations between Sacramento, Calif. and Bellevue, Wash., along the Oregon and Northern California Coast and in Central Oregon. Umpqua Bank's hometown is Roseburg, Ore., where it was established in 1953. Recently recognized as the most admired banking services company in Oregon by Oregon executives, and by BusinessWeek magazine as one of the "best ideas" of 2005, Umpqua Bank continues to gain attention for its innovative customer experience. Umpqua Holdings also owns retail brokerage subsidiary Strand, Atkinson, Williams & York, Inc., which has locations in Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Umpqua Bank's Private Client Services Division provides tailored financial services and products to individual customers. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore.

RFID Zapper ...

RFID zapper uses electromagnetic field to over-power and disable the RFID tag, rendering it useless. ...

... "RFID-Zapper, a hacked up disposable camera that delivers an EMP of sorts to unsuspecting RFID tags ... " ...

Via Engadget: Stick it to the man with your very own RFID-Zapper ...

Link: RFID-Zapper: "The RFID-Zapper is a gadget to deactivate (i.e. destroy) passive RFID-Tags permanently. The development-team presently consists of two people (MiniMe and Mahajivana), who had some help from a friend (thank's for that). Goals are a proof-of-concept and the construction of at least one functioning and appealing prototype, ... "

RFID Chemical ChainofCustody: DowChemical ...

RFID Chemical ChainofCustody: DowChemical: Savi Technology: SAVI TECHNOLOGY’S CHEMICAL CHAIN OF CUSTODY SOLUTION SELECTED TO TRACK AND ACCOUNT FOR PRODUCT SHIPMENTS: Savi’s Enterprise-Wide Solution Platform designated as Most Effective Technology by Dow Chemical to Manage Mobile Assets Such as Totes, Cylinders, Trucks and Rail Cars ...

... "This contract with Savi followed an extensive selection process based on Six Sigma measurement standards. The Savi Chemical Chain of Custody Solution is now live at Dow AgroSciences, tracking selected products and containers from origin to customer and back. The Dow Chemical Company, which serves customers in 175 countries in a wide range of markets, chose the Savi Chemical Chain of Custody Solution to further enhance Dow's product stewardship. The solution also reduces risk associated with theft, diversion, product contamination and tampering, spilling and other dangers, in keeping with compliance of all government requirements. " ...

At heart of Chemical Custody Supply Chain Solution is the SmartChain Asset Management System (AMS), a full-featured web-based application with continuous on-line tracking, security monitoring and management of hazardous material containers and their contents from point of origin to destination. The solution leverages the Savi SmartChain® Enterprise Platform, which aggregates and consolidates data from different nodes and integrates with current enterprise and supply chain systems, and offers unique flexibility to support all types of AIDC technologies to track all types of containers. SmartChain also can match the physical location of a container and its hazardous contents with shipment documents, inventory records, expected routes and destinations, and other pertinent information. Using alerts, SmartChain detects when a product has not arrived at a specific location where it is expected, if it is in the wrong location or if it was handled by someone without the right authority.

Dow is a leader in science and technology, providing innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $40 billion, Dow serves customers in 175 countries and a wide range of markets that are vital to human progress: food, transportation, health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and construction, among others. Committed to the principles of sustainable development, Dow and its 43,000 employees seek to balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.

RFID Data Management Solution ...

RFID Data Management Solution: Business Objects Helps Graniterock Manage Mountains of RFID Data: Materials and Construction Company Uses Business Intelligence to Improve Operational Performance and Customer Satisfaction ...

Business Objects provides RFID data management solution for Graniterock to deal with skyrocketing information growth ...

... "Graniterock relies on Business Objects (Nasdaq: BOBJ; Euronext Paris ISIN code: FR0004026250 - BOB), the world's leading provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions to help manage the data pouring in from an RFID (radio frequency identification) tagging system. With Business Objects, Graniterock has been able to leverage its RFID information to improve operational performance and boost customer satisfaction. Graniterock, a long-time customer of Business Objects, found that its information management needs grew exponentially after implementing an RFID tagging system to track inventory and supply movement, such as the arrival and departure of trucks through its asphalt and quarry loading locations. The system collects information on the truck, project assignment, and weight for each load via RFID tag readers located at throughout plant locations. " ...

Graniterock was founded on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1900. The company has operations in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Seaside, Salinas, Gilroy, Hollister, Aromas, Felton, Oakland, San Jose, Redwood City and South San Francisco. Graniterock Pavex Construction Division is a significant heavy engineering contractor building roadways, airport and private commercial and residential projects. Graniterock has also been the recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the Governor’s Golden State Quality Award.

Business Objects is the world’s leading business intelligence (BI) software company. With more than 30,000 customers worldwide, including over 80 percent of the Fortune 500, Business Objects helps organizations gain better insight into their business, improve decision making, and optimize enterprise performance. The company’s business intelligence platform, BusinessObjects™ XI, offers the BI industry’s most advanced and complete platform for reporting, query and analysis, performance management, and data integration. BusinessObjects XI includes Crystal Reports®, the industry standard for enterprise reporting. Business Objects has also built the industry’s strongest and most diverse partner community, and also offers consulting and education services to help customers effectively deploy their business intelligence projects. Business Objects has dual headquarters in San Jose, Calif., and Paris, France.

RFID Autonomous Construction Systems

RFID Autonomous Construction Systems: BFRL: 2005 Project Information

... "Recent efforts in the IACJS road-mapping initiative have identified approximately twenty-five critical research areas as ranked by leading industry representatives from DOW, Black & Veatch, Fluor, Intel, GSA, CH2MHill, and others. Construction object recognition and tracking is a component of at least ten of these research areas. The combination of LADAR scanning technology, real-time object recognition, automatic identification (RFID), and tracking technologies (e.g. UWB, GPS) provide powerful potential mechanisms for assessing real-time status of construction site operations and lay ground work for autonomous construction systems. " ...

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.

Construction Metrology RFID Automation ...

BFRL: Construction Metrology and Automation Group

... "Construction Metrology and Automation group developed a prototype system of integrated hardware and software to measure the position and orientation of steel frame components and sub-assemblies at the job site and to allow for web-based interactive information entry and query while at a component's location. This prototype implementation is a web-based system for rapid tracking of construction components with compact, field-rugged sensors and computers, interoperability protocols for data transmission, and 3D site simulators that reflect the instant state of tracked components on the construction site. The approach involves the use of RFID and bar code identification systems, 3D long range coordinate measurement technologies, local data processing, wireless communications, high speed networking, temporal project databases, web-based data analysis, and 3D user interfaces to provide real-time access to part status updates at the jobsite. " ...

RFID in Construction Applications

Construction and Operations Applications For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

... "Construction and Operations Applications For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): More intriguing and pertinent to highway construction is the use of RFID tags to monitor material properties. A materials engineer with Michigan DOT turned to the private sector for help developing concrete monitoring applications. A tag is embedded in concrete and monitors temperature, which data can be used to assess developing strength and curing rates for quality control. " ...

Active RFID Location System ...

AEROSCOUT JAPAN SELECTED BY NEC SYSTEM INTEGRATION & CONSTRUCTION (NESIC) FOR WI-FI-BASED ACTIVE RFID LOCATION SOLUTION ...

... AeroScout, Inc., a pioneer in the field of Enterprise Visibility Solutions, toady announced that AeroScout Japan has been selected by NEC System Integration & Construction (NESIC), a subsidiary of NEC, to provide Wi-Fi-based Active RFID systems to the Japanese market. NESIC is targeting 5 billion yen ($46.6 million dollars) in sales of AeroScout products by 2008. This partnership continues AeroScout Japan’s tremendous growth and leadership in the Japanese market, also highlighted by recent collaboration with Oracle Japan and Cisco Systems. ...

AeroScout provides award-winning enterprise visibility solutions that utilize Wi-Fi wireless networking standards to deliver accurate location-based solutions. The AeroScout system includes real-time location services (RTLS), long range active RFID, telemetry and choke-point visibility all in a single integrated cost-effective infrastructure. AeroScout’s standards-based applications locate valuable assets and people in indoor and outdoor environments, enabling customers in numerous industries to drive revenues and cut costs. AeroScout is a privately held company based in San Mateo, CA. AeroScout Japan, based in Tokyo, is AeroScout’s master distributor in Japan.

Tropos Net Enables RFID Integration ...

Tropos Net RFID Integration: Tropos Networks Signs Sumitomo Densetsu as Distributor in Japan

Tropos Networks integrated its mesh networks to support RFID connectivity ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... As visitors with specially-equipped PDAs walk close to an RFID-embedded flower or tree, the PDA uses the Tropos MetroMesh network to retrieve information about ...

... Tropos Networks, the leading supplier of equipment used to build metro-scale Wi-Fi mesh networks, today announced that its family of MetroMesh routers and management software is now available in Japan through Sumitomo Densetsu. Tropos and Sumitomo Densetsu, working with VR Techno Center, scored their first successes in Shirakawa Village and Flower Festival Commemorative Park, both located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Sumitomo Densetsu's main business is construction and installing electrical systems, information networks, communications systems (mobile communications, radio train control, fiber optic cabling) and broadcasting systems (antennas, CATV) for enterprises, universities, carriers and municipalities. Based on their expertise in installing mobile communication infrastructure and relationships with municipalities, Sumitomo Densetsu will first target the municipal Wi-Fi market. ...

Tropos Networks is the proven leader in delivering truly ubiquitous, metro-scale, Wi-Fi mesh network systems. We deliver the fastest, lowest cost and simplest wireless broadband solutions, as demonstrated by the world's largest installed base of metro-scale Wi-Fi mesh networks. Our innovative and patented MetroMesh(TM) architecture allows public safety agencies, municipalities and service providers to quickly and easily deliver city-wide mobile broadband connectivity to users in any locale. With more than 10x better price/performance than alternative technologies, Tropos solutions provide standards-based access to any IP application, including voice, data and video. Tropos Networks is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Construction Applications For RFID ...

Construction and Operations Applications For Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ...

... "A young technology with considerable commercial buzz, RFID – radio frequency identification – allows rapid and accurate reading of tags which, unlike UPC bar codes, can be read from a distance, in harsh environments, and through many materials without a direct line of site required. In uses that employ the small and increasingly inexpensive RFID tags, the radio signal sent in search of tags provides energy sufficient for a response from the tags, thereby eliminating the need for an internal tag power source. More intriguing and pertinent to highway construction is the use of RFID tags to monitor material properties. A materials engineer with Michigan DOT turned to the private sector for help developing concrete monitoring applications. A tag is embedded in concrete and monitors temperature, which data can be used to assess developing strength and curing rates for quality control." ...

RFID Mobile Tracking in Construction ...

From BFRL: Program - Advanced Fire Service Technology ...

... "Report detailing the design and implementation of a customized interactive web interface operating on a wireless, wearable field computer that can track components, machinery, and other mobile assets on an active construction site in real-time by seamlessly integrating a laser-based real-time spatial positioning system, a bar code and RFID scanning system, and a wireless data link. " ...

RFID in Construction for Component and Sub-Assembly Tracking ...

From BFRL: Construction Metrology and Automation Group ...

... "the Construction Metrology and Automation group developed a prototype system of integrated hardware and software to measure the position and orientation of steel frame components and sub-assemblies at the job site and to allow for web-based interactive information entry and query while at a component's location. This prototype implementation is a web-based system for rapid tracking of construction components with compact, field-rugged sensors and computers, interoperability protocols for data transmission, and 3D site simulators that reflect the instant state of tracked components on the construction site. The approach involves the use of RFID and bar code identification systems, 3D long range coordinate measurement technologies, local data processing, wireless communications, high speed networking, temporal project databases, web-based data analysis, and 3D user interfaces to provide real-time access to part status updates at the jobsite. In FY99, we demonstrated 3D spatial tracking of discrete components in real-time to viewers at a remote location over a km away under highly controlled conditions. " ...

RFID at the Job Site ...

From BFRL: Construction Metrology and Automation Group ...

... "Many construction firms now use barcodes to track the arrival of materials at a job site. Some are now investigating the use of RFID tags for work package manifesting and for tracking of trade labor that enters and leaves a site. " ...

RFID Technology for Tracking Fabricated Pipe Phase II

From FIATECH ...

FIATECH has published "Field Trials of RFID Technology for Tracking Fabricated Pipe - Phase 11," the fourth report published by the FIATECH Smart Chips project this year. The field trials described in this report tested the reliability of RFID technology in an application that would automate the critical task of documenting the delivery and receipt of uniquely tagged construction materials and equipment. The trials tested the ability of RFID systems to identify accurately unique spools of fabricated pipe passing through a portal gate. This portal application was deemed to be one of the most technically challenging uses of RFID in a realistic construction environment because of the dense metal environment, the large number of items to be read quickly and the need for long reading distances.

The results of the trials indicate that current active RFID technology can work reliably in such an application. In addition, the researchers interviewed industry practitioners and technologists in order to identify and describe some potential benefits of automating the tracking of unique materials at various points in the construction supply chain. The report describes typical generic steps in a construction supply chain, including fabrication, interim handling (e.g. third party painting of fabricated pipe), construction site receiving, issue to crafts, and installation progress. At each of these steps, we have identified some perceived inefficiencies and problems that might be addressed by RFID technology. The researchers concluded that RFID technology has the potential to both improve the efficiency and the accuracy of current manual tracking processes, and eventually could enable a more complete automation of these processes.

"I think the most interesting part of this report is the proposed use case scenarios for RFID technology tracking tagged items in the construction process, all the way from fabrication through installation and progress/QA monitoring," explains Charles Wood, FIATECH Project Manager. "These scenarios give us a much more complete assessment of the potential value of RFID technology than has ever been considered before."

The FIATECH Smart Chips project offers its sponsor companies the opportunity to conduct low-cost or no-cost pilot trials of cutting edge technologies, as well as monthly informational workshops to stay informed about technology developments affecting the construction and operation of plant sites. For more information about this field trial or the FIATECH Smart Chips Project, contact Charles Wood at (713) 523-5380 or cwood@fiatech.org. Or, visit the Web site at http://www.fiatech.org/projects/ijs/schips.htm.

RFID Sensors in Building and Construction: Architecture for Discrete Construction Component Tracking ...

From BFRL Publications Online ...

... "Accurate and timely identification and tracking of construction components are critical to operating a well-managed and cost efficient construction project. Establishing standards to support identification and tracking technologies has the potential to enable the construction industry to seamlessly integrate work processes at the job-site. This paper discusses on-going research at NIST in the application of field sensors, portable computers, real-time high-precision global positioning, wireless communications, and construction project databases, to develop means for real-time component identification and tracking. " ...

Research on RFID in Construction ...

From BFRL: Construction Metrology and Automation Group ...

... "The proposed work would involve investigation of 1) the ability of using a LADAR to acquire information (such as color, type of material, distinct patterns, fiducial point identifiers, etc,) about an object in addition to range data, and 2) the fusion of LADAR and other sensors. These other sensors could be a) RFID tags that contain encrypted data about the scanned object, i.e, beam, column, part number, etc., b) micro-reflective sensors arranged in a standardized pattern or at pre-determined fiducial locations on an object to allow for identification, and/or c) a camera to provide a concurrent image of a scanned scene. The additional information from the hybrid LADAR does not identify objects per se, but is used to aid in object identification. Additional intelligence will have to supplied/added to a) pick out and extract the data (points) from a point cloud for further processing, and b) correctly identify the object. In the first instance, user intervention is the most likely source of this intelligence. In the latter instance, the intelligence could be in the form of user intervention, image processing algorithms (if a camera is used), and/or a database containing objects that would most likely be found in a particular scene. " ...

Zebra RFID: Zebra Technologies Responds to Rumor

From Yahoo News (press release) ... The company has sold more than three million printers, including RFID printer/encoders and wireless mobile solutions, and also offers software, connectivity ...

... Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA) today announced that there has been no change in the status of business with any significant customer. This announcement was made in response to a rumor circulating among investors that the company recently lost a contract with an important customer. ...

Zebra Technologies delivers innovative and reliable specialty printing solutions to businesses and governments the world over. Zebra is a leading global provider of on-demand thermal bar code label and receipt printers, plastic card printers, RFID smart label printer/encoders, and digital photo printers. The company also offers related supplies, label design/integration software, and the widest range of thermal printer connectivity and networking solutions. Companies use Zebra products to improve their business processes, deliver better customer service, improve productivity, and strengthen security. Zebra's customers include more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500 and Global 2000. Zebra products are used in a wide range of industries, including consumer goods, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, electronics, transportation, telecommunications, chemical, textiles, shipping, warehousing and distribution, military and government, food packaging and distribution, aerospace, education, security, construction, entertainment, hospitality, and retail. With international headquarters in Vernon Hills, Ill., Zebra has sold nearly four million printers worldwide. To underscore its commitment to quality and reliability, all of Zebra’s design and manufacturing sites are certified to the ISO 9000 international standard for quality management.