Alien RFID Vehicle Tracks Employee Parking

Alien Technology partners with STS Technology to implement vehicle tracking solution for the Municipality of Pendik in Istanbul, Turkey. ...

... "The Municipality of Pendik has installed the STS/Alien RFID vehicle tracking solution for their employee parking lots. Employee and company vehicles now will feature an Alien RFID tag mounted on the vehicle window with fixed position ALR-8800 readers mounted at various entry/exit points within the parking lots. " ...

Via Alien Technology: STS Integrates Turkey’s First EPC-Compliant Vehicle Tracking Solution with Alien Readers and Tags at the Municipality of Pendik, Istanbul

Evaluate RFID Kit: Far and Near Field Tag Applications

Impinj launches the GrandPrix Evaluation Kit which enables assessment of the company's far-field and near-field UHF RFID solutions for pallet-, case-, and item-level tagging applications. ...

... "The first suite of UHF RFID assessment products and tools to include item-level testing capability, the GrandPrix Evaluation Kit comprises: 1 Speedway UHF Gen 2 reader with power supply, 2 far-field antennas, 1 Brickyard near field antenna, Sample pack of Monza chip-powered UHF Gen 2 tags for pallet-, case-, and item-level tagging applications provided by Impinj tag and inlay partners
MultiReader host application software, Supporting documentation, including the Speedway Quick Start Guide and the Speedway User Guide. " ...

Via Impinj: Dock Door to Front Door RFID Evaluation Kit

Metro Supplier RFID Tag Pilot

METRO Group's Tag It Easy! pilot uses Checkpoint RFID labels to manage the inbound supply-side of its supply chain in Asia to Germany. ...

... "The METRO Group expects that the RFID pilot will optimize efficiency and transparency in the international flow of goods. Access to more-accurate, real-time shipment data will help the retailer improve control over its international supply chain, resulting in lower warehousing costs and reduced out-of-stock situations.

METRO Group has standardized on UHF EPC Gen 2 tags for compliance to all regional requirements: 917 - 922 MHz for China; 920 - 925 MHz for Hong Kong; and 865.6 - 867.6 MHz for Europe. The RFID tags on the labels provided by Checkpoint will store the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), which will be read at several points along the supply chain from Hong Kong to Unna, Germany. The METRO Group will receive an electronic delivery note in advance of the shipment, detailing the container content. The supplier also benefits, by gaining detailed proof of package delivery. The pilot will run for three months, and the METRO Group expects to extend the project to include several other Asian suppliers at a future date if the concept proves to be feasible. " ...

METRO Group and Checkpoint Systems Partner to Help Suppliers Tag it Easy

RFID Discovery Services

Afilias will offer its Discovery Services for free to RFID supply chain pilot programs through 2007. ...

... "Afilias Discovery Services provide a unique standards-based solution that companies can implement to link their supply chain partners to historical information concerning the life cycle of RFID tags, while still keeping competitive data secure. " ...

Via Afilias: Free Discovery Services for RFID Pilots

Point-of-Payment RFID Solutions Enables Customer Experience For Unattended Applications

RCD Technology and Innovative Control Systems collaborate to improve point-of-payment (POP) terminals through integration of application-optimized RFID tags, that have been piloted in automated car wash applications. ...

... "The enhancement of its POP terminals with optional RFID technology improves the overall consumer experience by enabling the customization of service offerings to suit individual preferences. Businesses that deploy the RFID tags benefit from the improved customer experience as well as the security provided by the vehicle-specific nature of the tags. The RFID tags are placed on the vehicle and destroyed if removed; guaranteeing that only the proper vehicle receives the services and benefits of the program. RCD's patented RFID tag fabrication process enables the production of an almost endless array of application-optimized tags for new and emerging RFID applications. In this case, ICS required a tag that enabled an adequate read distance, yet was unobtrusive and secure. The resulting UHF label produced by RCD meets all these requirements and also includes a customized ICS logo and a human-readable ID number. " ...

Via RCD Technology: RCD-produced tags provide new levels of flexibility and security for businesses using unattended Point-of-Payment terminals ...

LIME RFID Tag Secure Encryption of Item-Level Data

SecureRF Corp introduces the LIME RFID-Tag, which is a battery-assisted passive tag with security technology that authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag. It can be used at the item-level that only allows authorized readers to access the sensitive information on the tag. The company will begin deployment of the LIME tag in the pharmaceutical industry supply chain. The RFID tag will support authentication and data protection to address drug counterfeiting through cryptographic methods that translate into an electronic seal. ...

... "The company's strong LIghtweight Multistream Encryption Tag (LIME Tag) is based on SecureRF and industry standard security protocols. SecureRF's solutions include integration technology that allows its tags to be used with most of today's Gen 2 compliant readers without the need for firmware upgrades. This will allow currently deployed systems to easily upgrade to a fully secured supply chain with little cost or change to their current network. Mike McGregor, formerly a lead RFID chip designer at Alien Technology Corp. and one of the industry's foremost RFID chip engineers, is in charge of creating the new LIME Tag. SecureRF's founders include three world-class mathematicians / cryptographers who developed the cryptographic algorithm. " ...

Via SecureRF: LIME Tag authenticates and encrypts data communications on the tag ...

RFID Asset Tracking Starter Kit

AssetTrack Express is a new solution from Fluensee that enables companies to quickly and begin using asset tracking technology and RFID, at an inexpensive price point. ...

... "AssetTrack Express is an out-of-the-box RFID starter kit to manage assets that most companies can install and have up and running within a day. It includes everything necessary for companies to deploy RFID technology to automatically track and manage nearly any type of valuable asset. With this kit, companies can start exploiting RFID's many uses, such as monitoring, planning and tracking asset movements, and providing analytical reports that help improve asset utilization. The standard AssetTrack Express kit is comprised of Fluensee's sophisticated asset tracking software, a rugged handheld RFID reader, up to 250 assorted passive RFID tags, a quick set-up guide, as well as support services. For an additional cost, kit contents can be modified - to include stationary readers or alternative tag technologies, for example - based on the user's specific needs." ...

Via Fluensee: AssetTrack Express - RFID Starter Kit

Active RFID Tag: AeroScout T3 Advances Track and Trace

AeroScout Inc. introduces its AeroScout T3 Tag, an advanced, active RFID tag for asset and people track and trace applications. New features are: Small size credit-card rugged form factor; Efficient power consumption provides efficient use of battery life up to 4 years; Seamless indoor-outdoor reliability provides integrated RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) and TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) location options; And, choke point detection capability that enables the active RFID tag to be triggered at doorways, gateways or enclosed areas. ...

... "The AeroScout T3 Tag builds on the company's innovation and expertise as the creator of both the market's original Wi-Fi tag, and the current market-leading T2 Tag. The T3 Tag combines the proven benefits of AeroScout's asset tracking capabilities with a new streamlined, flat shape, low power consumption, and advanced capabilities to meet a wide variety of customer needs. " ...

Via Aeroscout: AeroScout Launches T3 Series Wi-Fi-Based Active RFID Tag ...

Hitachi RFID: Smart Dust Realized

Hitachi introduces RFID tag, sized in the 0.05 millimeter range, that will achieve the concept of smart dust. ...

... "The world's smallest and thinnest RFID tags were introduced Tuesday by Hitachi. " ...

Via LiveScience: New Chip Size

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 Patent iCE Invention Bridges Tags

Syscan receives broad patent for iCE technology from Canadian Patent Office. ...

... "Syscan believes that iCE is a significant leap forward in the evolution of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification); not only for the Company's selected verticals in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and the military but throughout the entire spectrum of RFID. With iCE, the real-time desktop monitoring of remote assets can be significantly enhanced and the much predicted internet of things made more functional.

Syscan's iCE invention was developed using an energy-efficient dynamic bi-directional communications protocol that employs transmission windows to dramatically reduce the power consumption of Tag batteries, which comprise a major portion of the per-Tag cost. iCE Readers can access Tags that would normally be out of range by substituting other Tags that are within reach to temporarily act as communication bridges to relay data to the Reader. The architecture of the iCE RFID network can be defined by the Reader or the Tags according to their positions and characteristics. Once configured, the system is equipped with enough intelligence and is sufficiently dynamic to enable it to operate by itself without human intervention, regardless of whether or not there is a change in the position of the Tags or in their environment. " ...

Via Syscan: Syscan's Breakthrough RFID Technology Approved for Patent

China RFID SupplyChain: Exponential Growth Opportunity

Research report explores future market for RFID technology in China and discusses the government policies towards development of RFID in the country. ...

... "China is aware of the role RFID tags can play in improving the competence of manufacturing and supply chain management and data collection. Considering the vast variety of potential applications and the power it has to cut the supply chain costs significantly, the RFID market is anticipated to record an exponential growth in China in the coming years. " ...

China Banking on RFID

RFID Readiness Assessments: Tagging Objects

Avnet Technology Solutions and Stratum Global create partnership to focus on enterprise mobility solutions incorporating the RFID capabilities of TagNet. TagNet enables tracking of RFID-tagged objects (products, assets, or individuals). ...

... "The Avnet Enterprise Mobility team leverages its technical expertise and market experience to help partners develop and implement complete, custom enterprise mobility solutions encompassing hardware, software and services. The new relationship with Stratum Global complements Avnet's Enterprise Mobility initiative by providing RFID solutions for access control, asset management, compliance, high-volume conveyor tagging and closed-loop inventory location management. Stratum Global's TagNet RFID solution suite supports a variety of vertical industries, including defense, education, healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. TagNet seamlessly integrates with most enterprise resource planning and business intelligence applications for complete end-to-end RFID event management.

As part of the new relationship between Avnet and Stratum Global, participating Avnet partners will be trained and certified to perform comprehensive RFID readiness assessments. The readiness assessments include an in-depth business analysis for end customers and the creation of a roadmap for developing and implementing RFID solutions. By working with Avnet and Stratum Global, channel partners can design and implement custom, integrated RFID hardware and software solutions for their customers, as well as establish plans for long-term scaleable end solutions. " ...

Via Avnet Inc.: Enterprise Mobility RFID Solutions

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.

3M RFID Library Productivity

3M Library Systems introduces new features into its workstations that make them fast, reliable and easy-to-use RFID products in the library environment. ...

... "Like its 3M predecessor model, the 3M Model 946 - with its ergonomic design - performs checkout or return in one step, combining RFID item identification and Tattle-Tape Security Strip from 3M in the same operation. The system also can perform bar code-to-RFID conversions for new acquisitions and smaller scale collections. For visual and audio media, it enables staff to verify that the case and item within match, without opening the case, and can confirm the presence of a sensitized Tattle-Tape Security Strip by means of a verifier light. Also introduced today was the 3M Conversion Station Model 812, an improved self-contained portable system for rapidly scanning bar codes and converting the data for RFID. Compared to its predecessor model, it contains a larger touch-sensitive screen, an easier-to-load 3M RFID tag dispenser, and the capability of converting all 3M RFID tag formats. Similar to its predecessor, 3M Model 812's sophisticated laser scanner is effective for virtually any bar code location or orientation, and provides a visible scan line that helps the user place items correctly. Because it does not require connection to an automated circulation system, the workstation can be easily moved on its cart for use in the stacks. The station also can reprogram RFID tags as items change. " ...

Via 3M Library Systems: 3M Unveils Two Advanced RFID Workstations with Additional Enhancements for Productivity and Security ...

Libraries are increasingly using RFID technology to manage their processes. ...

3M: Wyoming's Largest Public Library Chooses 3M RFID for Expanded Facility:

... "With the 3M RFID system, everything in the library's collection is affixed with an RFID tag. The tag contains a tiny antenna and a memory chip that stores information about each item's identity and allows accurate identification and tracking. A cordless, handheld scanner reads the tags, enabling library staff to easily locate, inventory, check in and check out materials. Unlike barcode systems, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and the scanner, resulting in easier, more efficient tracking. " ...

Secure RFID through Partnership

SkyeTek and Atmel will partner to create secure HF reader and tag platforms for the RFID market. ...

... "The partnership between Atmel and SkyeTek will provide customers with an ultra-secure option for embedded RFID applications. Resulting solutions leverage CryptoRF's security features and the enterprise-class reliability and price-performance of the SkyeTek ReaderDNA and ReaderWare technology. This combination will provide customers with the ability to adapt RFID technology into existing applications and is well positioned to provide valuable solutions addressing ePedigree, patient safety, consumables authentication, item-level inventory management, and ticketing. SkyeTek's ReaderWare also provides the capability to upgrade the reader to support future tags, protocols, and cryptography via a firmware upgrade. " ...

Via SkyeTek: SkyeTek and Atmel Partner to Offer Industry Leading Secure RFID Technology ...

RFID Metal Packaging Works as Antenna

QinetiQ and Crown collaborate to develop adaptation of QinetiQ's Omni-ID Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for use on metal packaging. The improvements will enable RFID tags at the unit-level on metal items. Technology advancement is expected to integrate the metal substrate as part of the RFID tag's antenna. ...

... "This will enable brand owners to integrate ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID tags into metal packaging for a wide variety of applications at the single item level. Designed to mitigate issues such as signal reflection, detuning and grounding which reduce or negate RFID's effectiveness on metal packaging or with aqueous-based products, the unique technology leverages several of metal's inherent properties and shifts the format into an advantageous position.

QinetiQ's standalone Omni-ID tags and integrated Omni-ID packaging technology allows a UHF tag to be mounted directly onto the metal substrate. Measuring substantially less than 1mm in thickness, the unique Omni-ID structure collects and focuses RF energy and enables highly efficient coupling to the chip. Another advantage of the system is that RFID chips require only a short coupling antenna rather than the large dipole usually incorporated in UHF tags, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Crown and QinetiQ are continuing development of the technology for metal packaging to further optimize design. In the near future, it is expected that the metal substrate itself will have an integral role in the way the technology functions. Using a beverage or food can as an example, the can itself would serve as the antenna, simplifying production of the RFID tag and further reducing costs. " ...

Via Qinetiq: Crown teams up with QinetiQ to resolve challenges of RFID on metal packaging ...

RFID Nano-Battery Technology

mPhase Technologies plans to reinvent the design of batteries, that power portable electronic devices, freeing us from the fire-hazards of lithium ion batteries, ie. the ones that catch fire in laptop computers. mPhase is creating the Smart Nanobattery, which is a radical approach to energy storage using nanograss.

... "The company is developing a battery for potential use in consumer commerce and security applications like active RFID Radio Frequency ID tags; " ...

Via mPhase Tech: mPhase Technologies To Continue Its Development Of A Radical Improvement In Battery Technology Superior To Current Designs ...

RFID Animal Identification and Management

RFID technology supports the management of animals, such as cattle, and enables efficient and effective tracking of samples. ...

... "The animals also had management tags that were paired up with the RFID tag so each animal had two forms of identification. After the tag was read, the animal was given the tuberculin test to be read three days later. " ...

Via The Prairie Star: Animal Identification Using RFID Technology

RFID Tag: Radiation Resistant

AdvantaPure introduces the GammaTag, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag that is safely sterilizable by gamma radiation. ...

... "GammaTag provides reliable electronic identification and data storage of single-use/disposable components used in critical process industries, such as pharmaceutical, bioprocess/biomedical, food and beverage, and medical device. GammaTag easily attaches to components such as sample and production bags, tanks, filters, manifolds, tubing and hose, storage vessels, and to complete single-use systems. Several attachment methods - silicone tape, watchband style holders, pouches, and lamination - are available. GammaTag withstands gamma radiation up to 45 kGy (kilograys) and temperatures from -20°C (-4°F) to 85°C (185°F). GammaTag's read/write ability makes it unique, as data may be written directly on the tag, unlike read-only bar code labels or tags. In conjunction with a handheld tag reader and software (known as PET, Process Equipment Tracking), GammaTag allows access to the current status of process components on the spot - simply aim the reader towards the tag to recall information or to write new data to the tag. " ...

Via AdvantaPure: AdvantaPure Introduces the Only Read/Write RFID Tag That's Gamma-Radiation Resistant ...