China RFID AIAG AIM Collaborate

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) and the Automatic Identification Manufacturer Association of China (AIM of China) will collaborate on automatic identification (auto ID) technologies to support the North American and Chinese automotive industries. ...

... "Under the agreement, both organizations will make a united effort to meet their respective members’ needs for industry standards and guidelines, common business practices and supply chain technology in auto ID. The agreement will initially focus on the exchange of information on auto ID initiatives currently underway by the two organizations." ...

Via AIAG: AIAG to Collaborate with AIM of China on Automatic Identification Technologies (PDF) ...

NIST RFID Security Guidelines and Recommendations

NIST provides guidelines for security of RFID technology. ... A sample of their recommendations are organized by phase of RFID implementation - initiation (prior to design), acquisition and development, implementation, operations and maintenance, and, finally, disposition. In the initiation phase, NIST recommends performing risk assessment to understand threats posed by RFID to the organizations assets. A usage policy should be created that defines assets that should be tagged with RFID and who has the authority to determine what assets get tagged. A transparent privacy policy for RFID should be establised. The organization's information security policy should be updated with regard to the introduction of RFID technology. A training program should be established for the users of the RFID solution that emphasizes security and privacy. Document the RFID standards that you comply with. Disable or destroy RFID tags upon disosal. Other recommendations are in the reference report (PDF). ...

... "RFID devices send and/or receive radio signals to transmit identifying information such as product model or serial numbers. They come in a wide variety of types and sizes, from the size of a grain of rice or printed on paper to much larger devices with built in batteries. Unlike bar coding systems, RFID devices can communicate without requiring a line of sight and over longer distances for faster batch processing of inventory and can be outfitted with sensors to collect data on temperature changes, sudden shocks, humidity or other factors affecting products. As RFID devices are deployed in more sophisticated applications from matching hospital patients with laboratory test results to tracking systems for dangerous materials, concerns have been raised about protecting such systems against eavesdropping and unauthorized uses. " ...

NIST Issues Guidelines for Ensuring RFID Security

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada ...

Ontario Commissioner for Information and Privacy releases privacy guidelines for the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). ...

... "RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that can be attached to products. They transmit a unique identifying number to an electronic reader, which in turn links to a computer database where information about the item is stored. RFID tags may be read from a distance quickly and easily, making them valuable for managing inventory but pose potential risks to privacy if linked to personal identifiers. RFID tags are the next generation technology from barcodes.

Although RFID technology deployed in the supply chain management process poses little threat to privacy, item-level use of RFID tags in the retail sector, when linked to personally identifiable information, can facilitate the tracking and surveillance of individuals. The goal of these Guidelines is to alleviate concerns about the potential threat to privacy posed by this technology and to enhance openness and transparency about item-level use of RFID systems by retailers. The Guidelines address key privacy issues regarding the use of RFID technology at an item-level in the retail sector, said Commissioner Cavoukian. The Guidelines are based on three overarching principles:

Focus on RFID information systems, not technologies.

Build in privacy and security from the outset – at the design stage.

Maximize individual participation and consent. " ...

RFID Privacy Guidelines: Ontario Canada: Via Canada IPC: Commissioner Cavoukian issues RFID Guidelines and Practical Tips aimed at protecting privacy

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR ...

NCR provides peel-and-apply RFID technology solution. ...

... "The NCR TagWorks solution provides a turnkey offering to meet EPCglobal standards and major manufacturer, distributor and retailer guidelines. The cost-effective solution addresses the need for businesses to readily access the benefits of RFID-enabled inventory tracking and supply-chain visibility. NCR makes the transition toward RFID more manageable by offering a complete end-to-end solution including tags, hardware, software and services allowing companies to quickly and efficiently begin tagging cases and pallets of product. Touching industries around the world, the NCR TransitionWork portfolio of global RFID solutions encompasses thoughtware, hardware, tags, services and software, including Teradata data warehouse solutions, to help customers solve real business problems.

NCR TagWorks is a stand-alone, fully integrated, peel-and-apply solution including tags, readers, servers, printers and NCR software. NCR installation, training and support services help ensure reliability and disruption-free environments. Because NCR serves as the single point of contact, businesses can avoid the hassle and confusion of dealing with multiple vendors for their RFID solutions. NCR also makes it simple to expand and customize the NCR TagWorks solution by providing a range of additional products and services. As their business grows, customers have the option to incorporate other advanced features such as handheld RFID scanners, conveyor installations, a selection of tag sizes and inlays, and enterprise system integration. " ...

RFID Peel and Apply Solution: NCR: Via NCR: NCR TagWork Provides Essentials for Rapid RFID Implementation ...

Healthcare RFID Asset Management

Healthcare RFID Asset Management: HealthCare Pilot Asset Management System (HCP) uses Radio Frequency (RFID) technology to track and manage portable assets throughout the healthcare facility or campus ...

... "HealthCare Pilot Asset Management System (HCP) performs for any type of inventory or equipment including IV pumps, portable cardiac monitors, respiratory ventilators, wheelchairs and even transport gurneys. The RFID tags are less than 2" in size, water proof and last for up to 3 years. The technology is FCC approved and meets multiple compliance guidelines ... " ...

DOD RFID Tagging Requirements 2006 ...

DOD RFID Tagging Requirements 2006: Logistics and Materiel Readiness, RFID tagging will be required for all DoD manufacturers and suppliers who have new contracts, Commencing January 1st, 2006 ...

... "RFID tagging will be required for all DoD manufacturers and suppliers who have new contracts, issued with the appropriate contract clause, according to the following implementation guidelines: The following Classes of Supply will require RFID tags to be placed on all individual cases, all cases packaged within palletized unit loads, and all palletized unit loads (pending appropriate safety certification. " ...

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions ...

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions: Deluxe Media Services Achieves Operational Flexibility and Retail Compliance with Manhattan Associates' RFID Solution ...

Deluxe achieve Walmart RFID compliance using Manhattan's EPC-standard supply chain solutions that integrate RFID capabilities ...

... "Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, and Deluxe Media Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY) and a world leader in technology and media services for filmed and home entertainment, completed implementation of Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID. With this solution-the heart of Manhattan Associates' award-winning RFID in a Box-Deluxe now meets EPC compliance guidelines for the top U.S. retailers such as Wal*Mart and Best Buy. Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID integrates with Deluxe's existing ERP software, eliminating much of the time and custom development typically required for integration of RFID. " ...

Deluxe is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY), offering a broad range of entertainment industry services and technologies to an international client base. Services include DVD software and content production, large volume DVD and videocassette manufacturing and packaging, physical and digital asset management, content repurposing and conversion, digital intermediate production, film laboratory services and release printing and worldwide distribution and fulfillment services.

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimisation solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions™ leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

Proctor Gamble RFID Privacy Guidelines ...

Radio Frequency IDentification: Applications and Implications for Consumers ...

... "Workshop panelists also discussed the privacy guidelines adopted by Procter & Gamble (“P&G”), another company involved in RFID trials both in the U.S. and abroad. In addition to its global privacy policy, P&G has developed an RFID-specific position statement calling for clear and accurate notice to consumers about the use of RFID tags and consumer choice with respect to disabling or discarding EPC tags “without cost or penalty” as well as disclosure of whether any personally identifiable information about them is electronically linked to the EPC number on products they buy. Further, P&G stated at the Workshop that it will not participate in item-level tagging with any retailer or partner that would link personal information about consumers using RFID, other than what they do for bar codes today. ” ...

Food Safety RFID ...

Food Safety RFID: Syscan, Navigant Consulting Bring Safety Initiatives to US Market

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Mr. Axel Striefler, President of Syscan said, "We are pleased that our RFID based food safety applications have been validated by ...

... Syscan International (TSX VENTURE:SYA) today announced that it will team with Navigant Consulting (NYSE:NCI) to bring a complete range of food safety related services and solutions to the meat industry in North America. Navigant Consulting brings expertise to the food industry in regulatory matters governed by HACCP, and the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Act). Under HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) guidelines, processors implement safety related controls throughout production. The implementation of these controls allows operators to react swiftly to prevent any potential food safety hazards before they occur. There are over 6,000 HACCP governed plants in the U.S. Navigant Consulting provides HACCP reviews and the independent verification of product and product traceability required under the Act prior to its entry into the U.S. ...

Syscan specializes in delivering RFID based business efficiency solutions to a wide variety of industries that characteristically function in harsh and difficult operating environments. Its standardized solutions include asset tracking and quality control methodologies for meat processing, transportation, automobile production and industrial gases. The company also produces and distributes its proprietary rugged in-vehicle and portable printers to corporations and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:NCI) is a specialized independent consulting firm providing litigation, financial, healthcare, energy and operational consulting services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. The Company focuses on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations. "Navigant" is a service mark of Navigant International, Inc. Navigant Consulting, Inc. (NCI) is not affiliated, associated, or in any way connected with Navigant International, Inc. and NCI's use of "Navigant" is made under license from Navigant International, Inc.

Additional information on RFID Services and Solutions applied to Food Safety ...

RFID | Food Safety, Food Supply Chain: According to the Top of Mind surveys in 2002 and 2003 from CIES - The Food Business Forum, global retailers and manufacturers currently rank food safety as one ...

RFID and Food Safety: RFID and Food Safety. The road to regulatory ... What are the long-term benefits of RFID in food safety applications? On one hand, retailers ...

RFID > PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety: PLM Software Has A Role In Food Safety Jan. 12, 2004, ... Matched with RFID technologies, PLM software helps companies track and trace raw food materials through ...

RFID Security: Open Security Exchange Announces New Members

From Yahoo News (press release) ... Deister Electronics joined the Open Security Exchange as a General Member. "As a leading developer and manufacturer of RFID technology and equipment, Deister ...

... The Open Security Exchange (OSE), a cross-industry consortium dedicated to delivering best practices guidelines in the area of security management and vendor-neutral interoperability specifications for the integration of physical and cyber security systems, today announced two new members. GE Infrastructure, Security joined the Open Security Exchange as a Board Member. ...

The Open Security Exchange, a program of IEEE-ISTO, was created to address today's most significant security challenge -- the lack of integration between various components of the security infrastructure. The Open Security Exchange is a cross-industry forum dedicated to delivering vendor-neutral interoperability specifications and best practices guidelines in the area of security management. This enables organizations to more efficiently mitigate risk, optimize their security postures and enforce privacy policies. The Open Security Exchange combines the disparate technologies that form today's security infrastructures, allowing for optimal security and operational efficiencies while respecting organization-specific operational requirements. Effective security management will result in: accurate detection of threats and attacks; consistent definition and enforcement of security policies; and enhanced organizational collaboration. Current Board members of OSE are Computer Associates, CoreStreet, Fargo, Gemplus, HID Corp., Software House, Siemens Building Technologies, Siemens ICN, Sony Electronics, Inc., and VistaScape. Deister Electronics is a General member.

Walmart RFID: Reference Testimony of Linda Dillman, EVP and CIO, Walmart ...

From the Committee on Energy and Commerce ... ... comments to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection concerning the expansion of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into new industries and the potential impact on consumers ...

Testimony of Ms. Linda M. Dillman, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 702 SW 8th Street, Bentonville, AR, 72716 provided to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection ...

... RFID that it had the potential to significantly help reduce out-of-stock conditions through the introduction of what has now become known as an Electronic Product Code or EPC. In June 2003, convinced that it could, we challenged our top 100 suppliers -- representing some of the most innovative companies in America -- to begin using RFID tags on cases and pallets of products destined for our three North Texas distribution centers by January 2005. These distribution centers ship products to 150 of approximately 3500 Wal-Mart stores. It is important to note that we chose to focus on case- and pallet-level tagging. ...

Linda Dillman testimony continues ...

... On April 30, 2004, Wal-Mart moved EPCs from the laboratory environment to an actual field pilot program. Currently, cases and pallets of 21 products (1) from eight suppliers (2) destined for one distribution center and seven Supercenters (3) in North Texas are being tagged. At our Sanger, Texas, distribution center, we have placed readers at our receiving doors, above our conveyor belt systems, and at our shipping doors. At the seven Supercenters, we have placed readers at the receiving doors, at strategic points throughout the stores’ backrooms, at the door to the sales floor, and at the trash compactor. There are no readers on the sales floor, at the check stands, or at customer entryways or exits. ...

Lastly, Dillman testimony concludes with ...

... During 2004 to 2006, Wal-Mart will continue to focus on case-and pallet-level tagging. However, because some cases also serve as consumer packaging (4), there will be instances where a consumer could purchase a product which bears an RFID tag. We currently have three products in our pilot program -- two HP printers and one HP scanner -- where this is the case. These tags are on the outermost packaging of the product and, adhering to EPCglobal privacy guidelines, are marked with an EPCglobal symbol. ...

Walmart RFID Compliance References

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer
The Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2927

Biometrics RFID: Aviation authority sets strict biometric passport guidelines

From ZDNet.co.uk, UK ... In 2005, European visas and passports will have to carry an RFID-type chip containing the digitised facial image of the rightful holder. ...

... According to a specification from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, citizens of the 188 member countries will have to respect strict rules before getting into the photo booth -- including instructions to stop smiling too much, because it will affect the soon-to-be-introduced digital facial recognition systems. ...

Animal RFID: RFID Goes To The Dogs In Portugal

From Information Week ... The countrry's agricultural ministry has awarded Digital Angel a contract to launch a dog-ID program using implantable RFID chips. By Laurie Sullivan. ...

" ... Digital Angel Corp. said Friday it has won a $600,000 contract from the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture to launch a mandatory dog-identification program using implantable radio-frequency identification microchips. Shipments have begun, with completion scheduled for the third quarter this year. The Portuguese dog-identification program is being conducted simultaneously with the country's annual rabies vaccination drive. The deadline for Portuguese residents to tag the approximate 2 million dogs is 2007 ... "

Digital Angel Corporation (formerly Destron Fearing) has been involved in the development and manufacture of livestock identification products since 1948. Digital Angel pioneered the development of miniaturized microchip technology for use in fisheries, companion animals and livestock since the 1980's. The Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC) is a leading provider of sensor and communications technologies that enable secure and accurate identification, tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value mobile assets. Digital Angel can provide a full complement of radio frequency identification products and software solutions to automate the collection of critical livestock production and carcass information. Individual and herd information can then be easily transferred between all parties involved in the production and retail of meat products. Information sharing allows the food industry to meet the discriminating demands of the market place. Digital Angel uses 134.2 kHz Full Duplex (FDX) microchips in RFID products. FDX technology provides reliable read distance and functionality on the farm and in the challenging environments of food processing facilities. All of Digital Angel's RFID products meet ISO 11784 and 11785 guidelines for animal identification.

Smart Card Software: Sun Microsystems' New Java Card Enterprise Software Enhances ...

From Wireless Developer Network ... Card(tm) Enterprise Software, an integrated smart-card solution for enhanced network security. By bringing together key elements ...

Java Card technology provides a secure environment for applications that run on smart cards and other devices with very limited memory and processing capabilities. Multiple applications can be deployed on a single card, and new ones can be added to it even after it has been issued to the end user. Applications written in the Java programming language can be executed securely on cards from different vendors. Java Card technology enables smart cards and other devices with very limited memory to run small applications, called applets, that employ Java technology. It provides smart card manufacturers with a secure and interoperable execution platform that can store and update multiple applications on a single device. Java Card technology is compatible with existing smart card standards. The technology enables developers to build, test, and deploy applications and services rapidly and securely. This accelerated process reduces development costs, increases product differentiation, and enhances value to customers. In a manner complementary to the Standard, Enterprise, and Mobile editions of the Java 2 Platform, Java Card technology makes it easy to integrate security tokens into a complete Java software solution. Java Card technology is the leading open, interoperable platform for smart cards. The new version 2.2.1 of the Java Card Specifications provides a small set of targeted enhancements to facilitate alignment with smart card industry standards. In particular it ensures an efficient integration of Java Card technology with the GlobalPlatform 2.1.1 and ETSI "UICC for Java Card" specifications. Java Card technology, version 2.2.1 builds on the success of previous versions, providing smart card vendors, issuers and developers with proven technology for the deployment of secure and interoperable card services. The Java Card Protection Profile is available as a collection of four protection profiles. A profile defines a set of security requirements for the Java Card Runtime Environment, the Java Card Virtual Machine, the Java Card API Framework, and the on-card Installer components. It provides guidelines to develop a secure Java Card platform and obtain high-level security certifications.

Boeing RFID: Boeing Outlines Tagging Timetable

From RFID Journal ... June 14, 2004—Adamant that they will not issue an RFID mandate to their suppliers, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing and its main European rival, Airbus, have ...

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is sponsoring a series of symposiums worldwide to build consensus about standards for utilizing Global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on commercial airplanes. Boeing and Airbus are collaborating on this effort. They've agreed to require Air Transport Association (ATA) SPEC 2000 automated identification and data capture guidelines and to jointly host the sessions. The forums are June 8-9 in Atlanta, August 10-11 in Hong Kong, and October 19-20 in Munich. Participants will include airlines, aviation suppliers, regulatory agencies and third-party maintenance providers. The events will offer detailed background information on recently completed in-service evaluations of RFID technology and will address industry concerns such as interference, certification, and standards.

Gain valuable insight into how RFID Part Identification & Tracking is transforming aviation transportation operations worldwide. To provide leadership in advancing part marking and automated data collection standardization, AIRBUS and BOEING have agreed to collaborate on developing common part marking and automated data collection requirements, beginning with bar code technology and moving towards implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Both Airbus and Boeing have agreed to require Air Transport Association (ATA) SPEC 2000 automated identification and data capture guidelines as a standard commercial practice. To help inform, educate and unite the aviation and aerospace industries as we move towards RFID implementation, BOEING and AIRBUS are co-hosting this "must-attend" informational Forum. The essentials of the RFID initiative are revealed through groundbreaking seminars and presentations led by aviation industry leaders...

RFID 13.56 Mhz Chips: RFID Integrated Circuits operate at 13.56 MHz

From Industrial News Room, NY ... 3-wire microcontroller interface, Model EM4094 provides up to 200 mW of OOK or ASK modulation output from 5 V supply and is suited for handheld RFID readers. ...

RFID standards work is being performed at the International Standards Organization (ISO). ISO/IEC 18000 Information Technology AIDC Techniques provides standards for RFID Item Management - Air Interface. The scope of this Standard is to provide Physical Layer, Collision management System and Protocol Values for RFID Systems for Item Identification operating at 13.56 MHz in accordance with the requirements of ISO 18000-1. The ISO-18000-3 standard defines a standard set of communication guidelines for 13.56 MHz RFID tags. The standard improves the ability of reading multiple vendor tags with a single standards-compliant RFID reader. The standard does not address the data structure of RFID tags. Vendor ISO 18000 tags may have variable amounts of memory and be used in different applications. The standard address the RFID communications, but not the content (data) of the communication.

Boeing RFID: Boeing to host global aviation RFID discussions

From UsingRFID.com, UK ... manufacturer, Boeing, is to sponsor a series of symposiums worldwide to help build agreement over standards for the global usage of RFID (radio frequency ...

Boeing [NYSE: BA] is sponsoring a series of symposiums worldwide to build consensus about standards for utilizing Global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on commercial airplanes.

Boeing and Airbus are collaborating on this effort. They've agreed to require Air Transport Association (ATA) SPEC 2000 automated identification and data capture guidelines and to jointly host the sessions.

RFID involves 'smart label' identification tags installed throughout an airplane that store data including part and serial numbers, manufacturer codes, country of origin, date of installation and maintenance and inspection information. The tags contain a microchip and antenna and offer significant advantages over similar technologies, including no line-of-sight requirement for data transmission and a dynamic read/write capability.

The forums are June 8-9 in Atlanta, August 10-11 in Hong Kong, and October 19-20 in Munich. Participants will include airlines, aviation suppliers, regulatory agencies and third-party maintenance providers.

The events will offer detailed background information on recently completed in-service evaluations of RFID technology and will address industry concerns such as interference, certification, and standards.

For complete details and to register for any of the forums, please visit: http://www.globalaviationrfidforum.com.

AIAG RFID Standard: RFID Tire Traceability

In a demonstration of industry responsiveness and cooperation, the Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) Automatic Identification Data Collection Work Group has released its revised Tire and Wheel Label and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standard. Developed by the group in just under a year, the standard will provide benefits such as helping error-proof the tire assembly process and automating the collection of tire information and traceability.

Based on the AIAG B-4 Parts Identification and Tracking standard, the revision provides suppliers with guidelines for printing and placement of two-dimensional (2D) bar code labels and passive read/write RFID tags on tires and wheels for product identification.

"The 2D bar codes and RFID tags will help support the assembly process and provide item-level traceability throughout the vehicle's lifecycle," said William J. Hoffman, chairman of AIAG's RFID Tire and Wheel Identification Work Group and manager of Auto Supply Chain for Intermec Technologies Corp. "With a 2D label or RFID tag, a portable database can reside on tires, increasing accurate data capture and reducing the dependency of looking up tire information on a computer."

Placed on the inside of vehicle tires, the RFID tags would identify tires that are associated with a specific vehicle. Data - including a 12-character coding structure or Department of Transportation (DOT) number - could be written to each tag. The DOT number designates where the tire was manufactured, its size, unique components of the tire and the week and year it was manufactured.

The RFID tag provides an electronic means of automatically transferring data from the tire to a database, so that full DOT information is available. The AIAG standard - which focuses on tires and uses specific language concerning tires - could actually be applied to any individual vehicle component for tracking purposes.

The 2D label - also developed by the AIAG's RFID Tire and Wheel Identification Work Group - functions similar to the RFID tag, however, the RFID tag can hold more information.

To obtain a copy of the Tire and Wheel Label and Radio Frequency Identification standard document (B-11), contact AIAG's Customer Service Department at (248) 358-3003. The cost of the document is $10 for members and $50 for non-members. AIAG members can download an electronic copy of this document at no charge from the members-only portion of the organization's web site at mows.aiag.org.

Founded in 1982, the AIAG is a not-for-profit trade association of approximately 1,500 automotive and truck manufacturers and their suppliers. AIAG’s purpose is to provide an open forum where members cooperate in developing and promoting solutions that enhance the prosperity of the automotive industry. Its focus is to continuously improve business processes and practices involving trading partners throughout the supply chain.

MeadWestvaco's RFID Meets FDA Guidelines

Packaging Online OBM News, Feb 21, 2004 MeadWestvaco Intelligent Systems (MWVIS) reports that its radio frequency identification (RFID) inventory solution aligns with the FDA’s technology recommendations...