DOD RFID Final Rule Adopted

DOD adopts final RFID rule and will require the use of Gen-2 RFID tags. ...

... "DoD has adopted as final, with changes, an interim rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to include additional commodities and locations that require package marking with passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The rule requires contractors to affix passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels when shipping packaged petroleum, lubricants, oils, preservatives, chemicals, additives, construction and barrier materials, and medical materials to specified DoD locations.

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2007)

(a) Passive RFID tag means a tag that reflects energy from the reader / interrogator or that receives and temporarily stores a small amount of energy from the reader/interrogator signal in order to generate the tag response.
(1) Until February 28, 2007, the acceptable tags are --

(i) EPC Class 0 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 0 specification; and (ii) EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 specification. This includes both the Generation 1 and Generation 2 Class 1 specifications.

(2) Beginning March 1, 2007, the only acceptable tags are EPC Class 1 passive RFID tags that meet the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 specification. Class 0 and Class 1 Generation 1 tags will no longer be accepted after February 28, 2007. " ...

Via Federal Register: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement; Radio Frequency Identification (DFARS Case 2006-D002)

RFID Tags: Rubee Network Protocol For Visibility

An IEEE working group will develop standard for RuBee visibility networks. The first meeting is planned for February 20th ahead of the two-day RFID Smart Labels Conference. The IEEE Standards Association is a globally recognized standards-setting body and develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of an industry together. It has more than 375,000 members in approximately 150 countries. ...

... "RuBee networks operate at long-wavelengths and accommodate low-cost radio tags at ranges to 100 feet. The standard, IEEE P1902.1, RuBee Standard for Long Wavelength Network Protocol, will allow for networks encompassing thousands of radio tags operating below 450 KHz. RuBee networks provide for real-time inventory under harsh environments, e.g., near metal and water and in the presence of electromagnetic noise. RuBee radio tags, which can be either active or passive, have proven battery lives of ten years or more using inexpensive lithium batteries. " ...

Via IEEE: First Meeting of Working Group For IEEE RuBee(TM) Network Standard to Occur in Boston on 20 Feb.

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 ...

RFID Context Aware Location Services

Sybase enhances its RFID Anywhere solution to support advanced services that enable context-aware locating capabilities. Location information is given a business context in applications that support asset management, access control, resource management in industries, such as logistics, healthcare, and other supply chain environments. Location information will integrate sensor technology data associated with assets. Assets will be identified and associated with fixed locations and temporal information to provide location and timing insights. Conditions can be monitored and alerts will be provided based on events. ...

... "RFID Anywhere 3.0 breaks new ground with the delivery of a context-aware Location Information System. Using RFID Anywhere, businesses can not only track assets from a range of data collection points [such as passive RFID, active RFID, real-time location systems (RTLS), barcode, global positioning systems (GPS) and environmental sensors], but can dramatically enhance the value of this data by associating environmental inputs (e.g., temperature) along with the location data. In addition, the RFID Anywhere 3.0 Location Information System exposes its complete feature set via a rich service oriented architecture (SOA) web services layer allowing organizations to easily transform static business information into business-aware intelligence. " ...

Via Sybase: Sybase iAnywhere Pioneers Context-Aware Location Information System with RFID Anywhere 3.0 ...

RFID Anywhere simplifies the development, deployment, configuration and management tasks for highly distributed, multi-site, intelligent sensor networks, and abstracts the interaction with the physical network of devices. With support for over forty devices, this powerful infrastructure enables the creation of intelligent sensor networks out-of-the-box. By using RFID Anywhere, sensors are able to work together as an intelligent network by combining, organizing and coordinating these technologies through a common management structure, advanced feature set and event-driven development framework.

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.



Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...

Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

Active RFID Evolution Accelerates

Active RFID technology is seeing increased extension of its capabilities. A number of sensor and sensing functions are being introduced. As well as communications features raning from WiFi to satellite communications. ...

... "These are typical examples of how active RFID technology is evolving much faster than passive RFID technology and creating many exciting new applications and profit opportunities for companies of all sizes. " ...

Via Sys-Con: Link

Upcoming conference will focus on Active RFID technology.

RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip ...

The U.S. PTO grants Digital Angel a patent for its implantable glucose-sensing RFID microchip. The RFID microchip measures glucose concentration for diabetic patients and transmits data to RFID scanner. ...

... "Checking blood glucose levels regularly is critical to properly managing diabetes. The conventional method - a finger prick - is invasive, painful and often inaccurate. The implantable bio-sensor chip has a passive transponder, glucose sensor and integrated circuitry that allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their level of glucose concentration. The RFID microchip quickly and accurately transmits the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip is powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip. " ...

Via Digital Angel: RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip: DIGITAL ANGEL CORPORATION AWARDED PATENT FOR BREAKTHROUGH GLUCOSE-SENSING RFID MICROCHIP ...

RFID Battery-Assist Passive Tag: Supports Logistics and Manufacturing ...

Intelleflex RFID tags can be used by logistics companies and in manufacturing in long-range, battery-assisted mode for real-time inventory tracking of assemblies in the warehouses. The RFID system can automatically generate a proof of shipment when assemblies are shipped. When used in maintenance operations in passive mode, companies can realize significant benefits from having actionable manufacturing and repair history data in the 64Kb user memory of the RFID tag at the point of use. ...

... "Intelleflex's InfoSure tags and the I-Beam reader are multi-protocol, ensuring global interoperability using EPC standards. InfoSure tags can be used as passive C1G2 tags with any other C1G2 reader or used in the battery-assisted passive mode at long ranges with the I-Beam reader. InfoSure tags offer up to 100-meter read/write range in free space, which translates to 100 percent read/write reliability at standard working ranges in industrial environments. They also offer 64 kb user memory, which is segmented into 1 kb blocks so they can be independently protected for read/write access through passwords. The I-Beam reader can read any EPC C1G2 tag as well as the Class 3 InfoSure tag. Initial product shipments of both the tags and readers are targeted for asset management, yard management, manufacturing and zonal access control applications. " ...

Via Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Announces Availability of its RFID Battery-Assisted Passive Tag and Reader Products ...

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.

...

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.

...

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 Middleware: Automate Integrate ...

Reltronics Technologies has made their system, SmartInstrument, a versatile middleware for automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, widely available in the marketplace. Reltronics strengths lie in automation and identification using remote RFID technology. The SmartInstrument middleware system plays a role in supporting interoperability and integration of multiple, potentially incompatible, solutions. ...

... "One of Reltronics Technologies' fortes is in creating and supporting RFID systems that assist in automating asset and inventory management, identifying drug pedigrees, etc. and which rely upon storage and remote retrieval of data using RFID hardware (Readers, Antennas, Tags or Transponders). Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target have whole-heartedly accepted the RFID concepts to implement efficiencies in their workflow and to limit inventories in their warehouses and they have subsequently initiated mandates to their vendors to implement RFID technology in their supplies within set timelines. These mandates are allowing shorter timelines and the industry not only needs many new deployments but also sustain existing deployments. SmartInstrument is a step forward to facilitate transparency in the RFID systems deployment thereby bringing commonality between various RFID protocols and hardware technologies (reader, antenna, and transponders or RFID tags), irrespective of the technology being new or old.

For instance, SmartInstrument enables end-users to deploy new RFID systems while seamlessly supporting all existing RFID systems and eliminating the need for single- sourcing thereby achieving a better return of investment. It fills the need by interpreting any RFID system utilizing any reader (Active, Passive), working on any frequency (LF, HF, VHF, UHF), with any communication protocol (Ethernet, WiFi, RS-232, RS-485), any transponder (Active, Passive), and any standard (EPCGlobal, ISO, AIMGlobal) bringing the much needed commonality into the RFID infrastructure. Reltronics Technologies' focus on bringing interoperability and sustainability into the RFID technology environment is the result of industry satisfaction with the RFID initiative, to enable overcoming the customer perception of which RFID technology to deploy, to enable commonality between the various RFID protocols, to enable a more cost-effective RFID system deployment, and finally to allow the end-users to start small with one RFID system and expand at their own financial pace without having to worry about the RFID system being antiquated. " ...

Via Reltronics: A Novel Idea to Harmonize Automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems ...

RFID Cargo Terminal Operational: Chain of Custody ...

Savi implements RFID-enabled chain of custody process at the Port of Felixstowe (PFL) in the UK. The system, called SaviTrak, automates the tracking of cargo as it is processed through the supply chain, while monitoring security. ...

... "Network infrastructure, including SaviTrak software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, are now installed and operational at PFL's Trinity Terminal, the largest cargo-handling facility in the United Kingdom. The readers, which are placed on dockside cranes and at entry and exit gates, automatically capture chain of custody handoff points for containers equipped with international standards-based RFID tags. The real-time data is routed to the web-based network software, which transforms it into actionable information that enables SaviTrak customers to make better supply chain decisions. The SaviTrak information service is offered via an open technology platform, which accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks that transport ocean containers. Active RFID technologies used are compatible with the ISO 18000-7 standard, and sensor seals are compatible with the ISO 18185 draft standard. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS SAVITRAK REAL-TIME INFORMATION NETWORK TO UNITED KINGDOM'S PORT OF FELIXSTOWE ...

RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking ...

Plastic pallet with RFID enables real-time tracking in the supply chain. ...

... "Under the agreement, Xterprise will use both its RFID Asset Management application—which is built on it's TraX Application Server (TAS)—and it's AnalytiX RFID business intelligence application for iGPS' plastic pallet pool. Xterprise will be responsible for RFID-centric software applications, RFID best practices and RFID infrastructure integration. Xterprise will supply iGPS with Electronic Product Code (EPC) passive RFID tags, using the recently released EPC Reusable Transport Item (RTI) standard tag data format. As part of this long-term relationship, Xterprise will work closely with iGPS' other industry-leading partners such as Ryder System, Inc.

The agreement will enable iGPS to respond to demand from industries such as beverages, consumer electronics, grocery/consumer packaged goods, home improvement/do-it-yourself, pharmaceutical, produce/meat and raw ingredients. The powerful advantages of iGPS' edge-rackable plastic pallets include their greater durability, consistent size, shape and quality, superior hygiene and traceability. iGPS is the only large-scale pallet supply service to provide RFID in every pallet to track shipments in real time, which reduces the logistical cost of shipping and allows companies to verify food and drug safety, as well as to address security issues. iGPS offers the ability to rent plastic pallets and avoid the ongoing expense of owning and maintaining wood pallets." ...

RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking: Via Xterprise: iGPS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH XTERPRISE INCORPORATED TO PROVIDE BUILT-IN RFID-TRACKING CAPABILITY FOR ALL-PLASTIC PALLET POOL ...

RFID Asset Protection ...

PWC Mexico will implement Axcess's RFID asset management capabilities to protect computing assets in order to reduce shrinkage. ...

... "Under the terms of the rollout, PricewaterhouseCoopers in Mexico will utilize AXCESS' Dual-Active RFID solution for its custodial asset management capabilities; allowing for real-time detection when a valuable asset such as a laptop is in or out of a secured area. When an item is removed from company premises without authorization the technology will deliver actionable intelligence through which a reliable security response can be determined and initiated. Corporations face an uphill battle when it comes to securely and accurately managing their physical assets. In 2005 alone, losses from the theft of proprietary data from corporations and other institutions more than doubled compared to the previous year totaling $356,000 per incident. AXCESS' RFID solutions provide companies with the tools necessary to protect assets and data from theft and help organizations comply with federal and state laws, which necessitate the development of an internal IT best practice for managing computer assets and the notification to individuals if a client's personal data may have been compromised. PricewaterhouseCoopers identified the potential for significant ROI by managing assets and by preventing computer theft. In addition to preventing monetary loss associated with the theft or loss of IT assets, the company recognized how AXCESS' ActiveTag solutions could empower them with the ability to better protect their clients' data through increased accountability and security. The AXCESS solution implemented for PricewaterhouseCoopers addresses the problem of preventing theft or loss of assets and data by offering individual asset tracking and protection, dynamic wireless custodian assignments to assets, complete reports, and wireless alerting to exception-based security events. One key to the reliability of the solution is AXCESS' battery powered RFID tags which generate strong signals to enable metal encased computers to be identified even when hidden, which is far superior to passive RFID and bar code systems which require some form of line-of-site recognition. " ...

RFID Asset Protection: Via Axcess International: PricewaterhouseCoopers Selects AXCESS' RFID Solution to Protect Computer Assets and Data ...

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding ...

Intelleflex Corp secures another round of venture capital funding to enable the scale-up of production volumes. ...

... "Intelleflex Corporation, The Intelligent RFID Platform Company, announced the closing of a $15.5 million round of equity funding. This Series B round was led by Morgenthaler Ventures, and was over-subscribed, with continuing participation by Series A investors Woodside Fund, Alloy Ventures and Selby Venture Partners. Proceeds from this round will be used to ramp production, extend the company's line of high performance RFID tags and readers and expand the company's go-to-market capabilities. Intelleflex products enable critical applications including asset management, yard operations, manufacturing WIP, supply chain and security / access control.



The $11.3 million Intelleflex had raised in its A round was used to develop the industry's first fully integrated multi-protocol EPC-compliant RFID single chip IC. In their battery-assisted passive mode of operation, the tags built around this chip offer operating ranges in excess of 100 meters, robust performance in difficult RF conditions and an extended feature set including 64k bits of user read / write memory. " ...

Intelleflex RFID Equity Funding: Intelleflex Corporation Secures $15.5 Million in Series B Funding ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags ...

IEEE works on the IEEE P1902.1 standard, an improvement on the RuBee visibility network protocol. RuBee is a bidirectional, on-demand, peer-to-peer, radiating, transceiver protocol operating at wavelengths below 450 Khz. The RuBee protocol works in harsh environments with networks of many thousands of tags and has an area range of 10 to 50 feet. ...

... "One of the advantages of long-wavelength technology is that the radio tags can be low in cost, near credit card thin (1.5 mm), and fully programmable using 4 bit processors. Despite their high functionality, RuBee radio tags have a proven battery life of ten years or more using low-cost, coin-size lithium batteries. The RuBee protocol works with both active radio tags and passive tags that have no battery. IEEE P1902.1, IEEE Standard for Long Wavelength Wireless Network Protocol, will provide for asset visibility networking that fills the gap between the non-networked, non-programmable, backscattered, RFID tags widely used for asset tracking and the high-bandwidth radiating protocols for IEEE 802.11 local area networks and IEEE 802.15™ personnel area and data networks. " ...

RFID Alternative: Rubee Network Tags: Via IEEE: IEEE BEGINS WIRELESS, LONG-WAVELENGTH STANDARD FOR HEALTHCARE, RETAIL AND LIVESTOCK VISIBILITY NETWORKS

RFID Oracle EdgeServer Success ...

Noel SA, South American CPG company, successfully uses Oracle RFID edge services to understand the application of RFID to logistics business processes. ...

... "Noel SA used RFID-enabled Oracle Warehouse Management (WMS), part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, as the logistics platform for the pilot, which included tagging 2,000 pallets of Ducales cookies that were sent to the distribution center in Medell? Colombia. Noel SA used Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, to connect and manage all the devices on the RFID system, including tag printers and readers. Data captured from the system was processed by Oracle WMS and synchronized with the Oracle enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Each pallet received a passive RFID tag, which included important order information such as the lot number and product expiration date.



The RFID-tagged pallets were read throughout the supply chain from the production floor to the final distribution center to ensure proper delivery of orders. Once the pallet arrived at the distribution center of Medell? it was read again to reconcile the sales order and fulfillment information held in the Oracle order management system. At the conclusion of the pilot, Noel SA uncovered that the bar code process prior to the RFID pilot was being executed incorrectly, rendering inventory and shipment data inaccurate. Noel SA gained valuable visibility into its operations such as inventory management and order fulfillment using RFID. The company plans to begin the roll out of a full-scale RFID system in the future. " ...

Via Oracle: Noel SA Successfully Completes RFID Pilot Based on Oracle Solutions