Onsite RFID Assessment Offer

University of Maryland Technology Extension Service (MTES) offers new, radio-frequency identification (RFID) assessment program to companies in the state at no cost. ...

... "MTES offers Maryland companies on-site RFID assessments at no cost. Assessments start with a review of a company's productivity or security-related issues. Possible RFID solutions are then studied, after which a report is provided including potential costs and return on investment. " ...

Via Maryland Technology Extension Service: University of Maryland Offers Free Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Assessments

RFID Considered to Manage Responsible Logging

Malaysia considering the use of RFID technology to manage logging in its forests. ...

... "He would propose that RFID tags be fitted to tree trunks in selected zones of forest reserves, especially in areas prone to illegal logging. " ...

Changes to curb illegal logging

RFID Business Intelligence Implementation by US Army

US Army's Product Manager, Joint - Automatic Identification Technology (PM J-AIT) implements MicroStrategy Business Intelligence Platform to provide analytics for logistics data from radio frequency identification (RFID) solution created by Unisys Corp. ...

... "The Radio Frequency In-Transit Visibility (RF-ITV) program provides government and contractor personnel across four continents with instant access to critical information on military cargo, equipment, and supplies. MicroStrategy software was selected to improve the ability to access and analyze data, and provide better decisions to enhance the Department of Defense's worldwide logistics tracking system. Timely access to mission-critical information will enable decision makers throughout the logistics pipeline to plan, prioritize, and redirect logistics operations to improve warfighter readiness. " ...

Via MicroStrategy: US Army's PM J-AIT Implements MicroStrategy Software

RFID Healthcare Report Sees Growth

Business intelligence firm issues report on the growth of RFID (Radio Frequency Identifications) technology in the healthcare industry. ...

... "RFID Opportunities in Healthcare in the U.S. forecasts an explosive growth over the next five years, reaching more than $3 billion in five years. The report shows that the U.S. healthcare industry are realizing the benefits of RFID, including the better data capacity, better efficiency in terms of offering read-write ability and greater flexibility of design. RFID technologies in general will see growth as awareness of its benefits increases and as common standards and regulations for the adoption of RFID arise. The report concludes that the need for enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness is the main factor fueling the adoption of RFID by the healthcare industry. " ...

Via Report Buyer: Healthcare RFID Technologies

RFID Market Size 5B and Growing

IDTechEx provides insights into the size of the current and future RFID market. ...

... "RFID Facts and Figures: In 2007, the total RFID market size is $4.96 billion. By 2017, the total RFID market size is estimated to grow to $26.88 billion. " ...

Via IDTechEx: 2007 RFID Market Stats

RFID Flexible Organic Device

European project PolyApply demonstrates 13.56 MHz RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder fully made of flexible organic devices. ...

... "This is a significant result towards the realization of low cost high volume organic RFID tags, because all components are made with inline compatible processes. It also demonstrates that various material classes and processes developed by the consortium, from evaporated molecules to printed polymers, are suitable for the use in the new organic electronics technology. Having a high volume production in mind, the development of materials and processes is accompanied by an environmental impact assessment, focusing among others on energy consumption and balance of materials. " ...

Via PolyApply: 13.56 MHz RFID Demonstrator Made of Flexible Organic Devices

TagSYS RFID Library Tag Family

TAGSYS Folio 370L Tag Family based on NXP’s new ICODE SLI-L IC is introduced to meet the requirements of the library RFID market. The Folio 370L Tag Family provides high performance, password protected Electronic Article Surveillance and meets the emerging NISO (US National Information Standards Organization) data model standard for libraries. ...

... "The TAGSYS Folio 370L Tag Family and NXP ICODE SLI-L feature advanced communication signaling resulting in up to 20% better read range as well as a password protected EAS feature protecting against illicit manipulation of the theft protection, thus maximizing performance, reliability and security in the application. In addition, to comply with the emerging global NISO and Danish data model standard, designed to standardize tag data across the library industry, the Folio 370L Tag Family and ICODE SLI-L are ISO 15693 compliant, and feature a 256bit user memory block and standard AFI security code. With the unique privacy feature the book label can be transformed into a quiet mode, when it is borrowed, protecting the privacy of the borrower. Back in the library it will be reverted into public mode again. Standardization under the NISO and Danish data model will accelerate RFID adoption within the library segment by ensuring interoperability from book manufacturer to library. " ...

Via TagSYS: RFID Library Tagging Solution

Staples Active RFID Pilot

Reusable tags are being piloted by Staples to validate effectiveness for item-level tracking. A sampling of its products will be tagged in the pilot with active RFID tags. Early data shows 100% accuracy for the active technology, cutting down on the cycle-counting process for retail inventory. The active tags are reclaimed at the point-of-sale and reused. ...

... "Staples in late May started its trial at one of its Montreal stores, selectively tagging about 2,000 items, representing some 300 SKUs out of the 7,500 SKUs in a typical location ... " ...

Via eWeek: Staples RFID

RFID Trade Lane Project Enables Shanghai Route

Shanghai-Savannah Express Trade Lane Project will use RFID technology to manage this supply chain route. ...

... "SIPG and Savi Networks have jointly developed a localized China RFID solution which includes electronic seal and GPS integrated handheld for this project. This solution builds on a project previously conducted by SIPG from Shanghai to Yantai and will facilitate SIPG's objective of being a global information and logistics hub. The solution will be built upon an open, international standards-based network platform, including compatibility with ISO standard 18000-7 for active RFID devices and ISO standard 18185 for electronic container security devices, both operating at the 433.92 MHz radio frequency. " ...

Via Savi Technology: Shanghai International Port Group, Georgia Ports Authority and Savi Networks Plan Real-Time Information Pilot on Cargo Shipped From Shanghai to Savannah

RFID Shield Protects Private Information

New stock will protect info privacy on RFID cards when not in active use. ...

... "Paper Tyger, a product line of Chase Corporation, announces the addition of a unique easily printable new product for protecting personal information on contact-less credit cards or Smart Cards. This new patent-pending RFID Shield contains a new security barrier to assure that sensitive information contained on the card's RFID chip remains protected when not in use. " ...

Paper Tyger Launches New RFID Shield

RFID Skills Trend

Computing Technology Industry Association survey shows that the shortage of technology workers skilled in radio frequency identification (RFID) is trending lower. ...

... "More than two-thirds of the organizations surveyed by CompTIA (68.8 percent) believe there is an insufficient pool of RFID talent to hire from. That figure is down slightly from the previous two years (75 percent in 2006 and 80 percent in 2005). Among companies that believe there is a shortage of RFID talent, 68 percent said that the lack of workers skilled in RFID will impact the adoption of the technology. That's down from 2006, when 80 percent of responding organizations said the skill shortage was impacting RFID adoption. In 2005, the figure was 53 percent. " ...

Via CompTIA: RFID Skills Shortage Receding

RFID Supports Aquarium Experience

Singapore tests RFID in aquarium experience. ...

... "Singapore's aquarium has tagged some of its fishes using microchips to help visitors identify the different species on display. " ...

Via Reuters: Aquarium Viewing

RFID Document Control for Regulated Business Processes

RFID LTD. implements 3M file tracking solution, based on RFID technology, at Idaho National Laboratories to improve its document control process and storage needs for regulated business processes. ...

... "The 3M RFID File Tracking solution is designed to keep track of fast-moving personnel files as they change hands within the organization. This is a better alternative to the manually signing of files in and out of the file room which is often complicated by ineligible signatures and lost files. 3M File Tracking expedites inventory management, scanning and storing file locations, and quickly identifies lost and misplaced files. " ...

Via RFID LTD: 3M File Tracking to Idaho National Laboratories

Patient RFID Alzheimers Privacy Debate

Should Alzheimer patient be chipped with RFID or just rely on bracelets? ...

... "Alzheimer's Community Care Facility, in West Palm Beach Florida, intends to begin implanting radio frequency identification chips, RFID, in Alzheimer patients ... " ...

Via Associated Content: Patient RFID

Bermuda RFID Electronic Vehicle Registration

Bermuda will use RFID technology on vehicles to manage the registration process. ...

... "Small radio frequency tags are attached to windshield stickers and placed on vehicles at the time of registration. Electronic readers are then used to remotely verify the registration status of the vehicle. EVR makes verifying motor vehicle registration easier and faster for law enforcement and, because it is less random, more equitable for Bermudians. The Government of Bermuda will be able to more efficiently collect revenue owed by vehicle owners who avoid paying registration fees. " ...

Via Bermuda Transport Control Department: Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR)

California RFID Drug Pedigree

Cardinal Health will integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology by Fall 2007 in its Sacramento, Calif. pharmaceutical distribution center. ...

... "Cardinal Health operates dozens of pharmaceutical distribution centers nationwide. The company will start implementing RFID technology in its Sacramento, Calif. distribution center, as a means to receive and produce the electronic drug pedigrees needed to meet the requirements of the California legislation. " ...

Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Announces Plan to Deploy RFID Technology in California

RFID Skin-Patch Diagnostic Sensors Support Patient Monitoring

Gentag and Core Institute will collaborate to develop remote patient monitoring system, enabled by RFID technology, to support the healthcare recovery process. ...

... "The aim of the joint program is to facilitate post surgery monitoring applications by physicians and patients using RFID enabled cell phones under Gentag, Altivera and CORE patents. Specifically, physicians will be able to monitor the status of damaged tissues using temperature, pressure, and other sensors. Additionally, patients will be able to self-monitor their recovery from the comfort of their own homes. The technology platform uses RFID enabled cell phones, PDAs or wireless laptops that allow remote monitoring by physicians and hospitals, particularly during the critical first 24 hours post injury or surgery. " ...

Gentag, Inc. and The CORE Institute(R) Sign Agreement to Develop RFID Diagnostic Sensors

DHL RFID Pharma Temperature Controlled Logistics Innovation Recognized

DHL is recognized for innovative application of RFID technology in the pharma supply chain. ...

... "Today's pharmaceutical products generally consist of temperature-sensitive ingredients that can lose their effectiveness when they are placed in an environment that is too cold or too hot. The DHL Innovation Initiative developed an inventive solution to monitor temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products during transport. RFID sensor tags made by the development partner Infratab monitor the temperature of pharmaceutical shipments. The stored measurement data can be read by a RFID reader without physical contact using radio waves. In the process, the shipment does not have to be opened. The link to the database is handled by solutions created by IBM, one of the global innovation partners of the DHL Innovation Initiative. Thanks to the new service, pharmaceutical companies can react to temperatures that exceed or fall below limits even while the shipment is still being transported.

The battery-powered memory chip is equipped with an integrated alarm function that records each time that the temperature rises above or falls below predetermined limits. In the future, unusable medications can be removed more quickly from the supply chain. Based on the temperatures to which the shipment was subjected, the sensor chip also determines the individual expiration date for medications. As a result, physicians and pharmacists can distribute the medication whose expiration date comes first, preventing medications from going bad after they have left the transport chain. " ...

Via DHL: TEMPERATURE-MONITORED PHARMACEUTICAL LOGISTICS WITH RFID

Sirit RFID Transponder BATA Contract

Sirit has been awarded US$4.8 million RFID order from the Bay Area Toll Authority, BATA, in California. ...

... "Commencing in July 2007, the contract calls for Sirit to continue to deliver its Title 21-based toll transponders. The year-long contract extends Sirit's supplier relationship with BATA which originally began in 2004. Additionally, terms of the contract grant BATA the option to add on transponder orders to a maximum of US$1.6 million once the initial contract has been satisfied. " ...

Via Sirit: Sirit Secures US$4.8M Annual RFID Transponder Supplier Contract

RFID Exam Security

RFID will secure examination packages from breach of security, such as being opened inadvertently prior to the designated test date. ...

... "Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an evolving technology enabler for tracking goods and services (i.e. tags on CDs and clothes in shops). A significant number of exam packages (bags) will contain an RFID tag. Exam packages would be scanned out on despatch and can be scanned by Edexcel's Compliance team at any time after delivery to identify the contents and ensure no papers are missing. Edexcel is also able to detect anomalies in exam results for an individual student or group of students. 90% of Edexcel's scripts are scanned, digitised and marked online by examiners using the ePen system. " ...

Via Edexcel: RFID Secures Exam Papers

RFA RFID Technology Provides DVD Theft Protection in Supply Chain

NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless collaborate to develop an RFA (Radio Frequency Activation) RFID solution to provide DVD theft protection throughout the supply chain. The solution enables the ability to disable DVDs at manufacture and enable at the point of sale, rendering the in-transit goods useless while in the supply chain, which eliminates the motive for theft. ...

... "The first application of NXP and Kestrel's RFA / RFID solution will be integrated into optical media. The solution, however, is applicable to all consumer electronics products, such as MP3 players, electric shavers, toothbrushes, flat screen TVs, ink jet cartridges and flash memory. NXP and Kestrel's network-based RFID solution opens up new opportunities for the distribution of optical media and consumer electronics. It eliminates expensive security devices, restrictive packaging and display cages, enabling a more comfortable shopping experience for consumers. Minimized product packaging creates more environmentally friendly solutions, such as paper instead of plastics. Additionally, the costs and problems of returns for DVDs and other disc-based media are reduced. " ...

Via NXP: NXP and Kestrel Wireless partner to eliminate theft of DVDs in retail

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

Mobile RFID Platform Demonstrated On Segway

epcSolutions, demonstrates the first RFID-enabled Segway for mobile, asset management activities. ...

... "The Motorola RD5000 is an all-in-one RFID reader designed for true mobility and mobile applications, the device provides real-time wireless LAN connectivity so assets are easily tracked as they move throughout your operations. The new Segway Personal Transporter (PT) represents the next generation in personal mobility technology. Combining the two technologies creates a unique asset management mobility platform. " ...

Via epcSolutions: epcSolutions Demonstrates The Most Innovative and Fun Mobile RFID Platform – A Motorola RD5000 Attached to a Segway

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