RFID Supports Intermodal Transportation

Horizon Lines implements RFID technology to better manage logistics across multiple modes of transportation. ...

... "To overcome the lack of highway readers, the company placed so-called active RFID tags, which use an internal power source to contact readers, on 5100 containers. " ...

Via Computerworld: RFID in Transportation

ItemLevel RFID Pharma Packaging

Impinj RFID solutions address high tag-throughput rates and secure track and trace capabilities, which are essential deployment criteria for RFID technology in pharmaceutical supply chains. Impinj RFID reader achieves read reliability with throughput exceeding 1000 tags per second in supply chain environments, and 200 tags per second in dense reader environments with up to eight readers. ...

... "Scheduled for production-level deployment in the second quarter of 2007, Purdue Pharma's Gen 2 RFID-enabled packaging line will utilize the Impinj GrandPrix UHF RFID solution, comprising Speedway readers, tags powered by Monza chips, and application-specific near-field reader antennas. The packaging line will be certified for production readiness under SYSTECH International's TIPS Serialized Product Tracking solution that includes exhaustive tests modeling Purdue Pharma production packaging environments. During advance testing, the Impinj-powered packaging line surpassed tag read rate requirements with 100% tag read reliability. " ...

Via Impinj: Purdue Pharma Selects Impinj Gen 2 RFID Item-Level Tagging Technology for First-of-Its-Kind High-Speed Packaging Line

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

RFID Products: Microsoft Technology Centers

ntermec will deliver RFID hardware to Microsoft Technology Centers throughout the United States in support of business scenario testing. ...

... "Microsoft Technology Centers allow enterprises and ISV (independent software vendor) customers to envision, architect, and evaluate technology solutions before buying and deploying them in their own IT environment. Intermec's CV60 vehicle-mounted computers, IV7 vehicle-mounted RFID readers and IA33E RFID antennas are available for use in real-world RFID scenarios at Microsoft Technology Centers in Austin, Reston, Chicago, Boston, Silicon Valley and New York. Microsoft selected Intermec for its RFID technology and thought leadership, its commitment to the Microsoft platform, and Intermec RFID hardware interoperability with the Microsoft BizTalk RFID platform. " ...

Via Intermec: Intermec Selected to Supply RFID Products to Microsoft Technology Centers

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 Research Intermec NASA Collaborate

NASA and Intermec will collaborate to research new automated identification technology, such RFID that can function on space vehicles. Tests are planned to verify the application of RFID to parts identification. The Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is one of NASA's largest and most diversified installations. ...

... "Intermec announced a cooperative research effort with the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center to investigate new Automatic Identification Tracking (AIT) System technologies. New technologies to be developed will qualify machine-readable symbol markings and RFID devices for use on space-borne vehicles.

Intermec also will prepare additional marked samples and soft and rigid RFID tags to be included in MISSE 6, scheduled for July 2007. The part identification markings and tags - which remain readable after exposure to the extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, hard vacuum, and contamination in low earth orbit - will be evaluated and then certified for use on future space vehicles and added to NASA's part identification requirements. " ...

Via Intermec: Intermec Partners with NASA to Research New Automated Part Tracking Technologies for Space-Borne Vehicles

RFID Supply Chain Implementation at SSA: Intermec Technology Deployed

Intermec implements RFID (radio frequency identification) technology for the United States Social Security Administration, that improves data collection accuracy and reduces labor costs. The SSA automated data collection in its warehouse and supply chain which resulted in accurate data and increased customer service performance. A 70% labor savings is targeted in its inventory management processes. ...

... "The SSA deployed Intermec RFID hardware in its Supply Chain Management program to fulfill more than 42,000 orders for forms, publications and other documents each year and ship 240,000 line items to SSA office locations worldwide. Operating from an 80,000 square-foot supply building at SSA headquarters in Woodlawn, Md., the agency implemented a paperless warehouse management control system upgrade that integrates the Intermec IP3, IP4 and 1555 portable RFID readers and PM4i printers with RFID software from System Concepts and warehouse management system software from Radio Beacon. The system tracks and validates each warehouse operation and incorporates workload scheduling software to optimize employee productivity and provide control over the inventory management processes. " ...

Via Intermec: Social Security Administration Uses Intermec RFID Technology to Improve Data Collection Accuracy, Reduce Labor Costs ...

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 Retail Shopping Experience

Media cart application uses RFID technology to enhance the customer shopping experience. ...

... "The store installs tiny tags on each shelf that emit a radio signal, telling the cart where it is. The cart holds a computer with all the digital ads and product data, which is called up automatically ... " ...

Via WFAA: Shopping Aids

RFID Transportation Logistics Solution

Datatrac adds Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) collection capabilities to the eTrac shipment tracking system in partnership with Psion Teklogix and KonaWare to enable real-time track and trace capabilities for logistics. ...

... "By leveraging cutting-edge RFID equipped handheld computers from Psion Teklogix and KonaWare's Mobility Platform, Datatrac's eTrac system automatically tracks complete shipment information in real-time from order entry through delivery, invoicing, reconciliation and settlement. Users can now track packages with increased accuracy and obtain specific shipment custody information. Moreover, the RFID capabilities work seamlessly with existing Datatrac systems. " ...

Via TechLinks: Datatrac Enhances Transportation Logistics Solution with RFID Technology ...

RFID World March 2007

RFID World is coming up in May 2007. ...

... "Now in its 5th year, RFID World 2007 spotlights successes in all aspects of the market - from the core applications and business process improvements driving RFID demand, to the latest innovations in hardware, software and infrastructure needed for deployment. Produced by CMP Technology, the show expects to attract a record attendance of enterprise users, manufacturers and systems integrators to the world's largest RFID trade event from March 26-28, 2007 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas (near Dallas). " ...

Everything RFID at 5th Annual RFID World 2007

RFID Wristband Point-of-Sale Ski Application

Precision Dynamics implements Smart Band RFID Wristband System at Sno Mountain, formerly Montage Mountain, in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Denis Carlson, President of Sno Mountain, sees the RFID technology as a competitive differentiator for its customer experience, and has potential to increase revenue through cashless point-of-sale transactions. ...

... "The RFID wristband system provides added conveniences to guests including automated ski lift tickets and cashless point-of-sale (POS). Purchasing food and beverages at the ski park is a breeze using Smart Band's contactless payment feature. Guests can load money onto their wristband at POS stations using cash, credit or debit cards. Smart Bands work well in any environment-wet or dry-making them a great addition to any ski resort. " ...

Via Precision Dynamics Corporation: Sno Mountain Implements Precision Dynamics' Smart Band RFID Wristbands for Automated Ski Lift Passes and Cashless Point-of-Sale ...

Active RFID ISO18000-7 Protocol

Identec will offer ISO 18000-7 protocol in its RFID solutions. ...

... "IDENTEC SOLUTIONS' customers seeking an active RFID-based solution on the ISO 18000-7 air protocol will not only gain increased product options but will be supported by an internationally recognized customer-focused solution provider. " ...

Via IDENTEC SOLUTIONS: IDENTEC SOLUTIONS Enhances RFID Product Line By Entering Into Licensing Agreement With Technology Partner

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. " ...

Honda RFID Assemply Line: Critical Component Traceability

Honda Italia partners with IBM to implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and infrastructure in production processes at its plant located in Atessa, Italy. The solution will enable Honda Italy to increase efficiency and accuracy in managing its motorcycle production in Italy. ...

... "IBM Global Business Services will support Honda Italia in the design and development of the RFID implementation, which will enable the real time, automatic identification of each vehicle along the entire production chain. The RFID tags will also be used on micro-lots of critical components, such as engines. IBM business and technology consultants have been collaborating for a long time with Honda Italia engineers in the design of the new processes and in the identification of the best solution. The RFID technology will be then completely integrated with Honda's existing IT systems through an open standards-based, Linux and Java (J2EE) application built on the IBM WebSphere Application Server to track inventory and to monitor ways to improve efficiency.



The first phase of the project, completed earlier this year, simultaneously with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Honda Italia, calls for the transformation of Honda's large-displacement bikes (Hornet 600, CBF1000/600/500) assembly line. The RFID tags were used to monitor the traceability of critical components, WIP (Work In Progress) management and inventory replenishment. In the future, RFID tags will also be applied to Honda's scooter production line, starting with the European best seller SH150i/125i and the bigger SH300i. " ...

Via IBM: Honda Italia and IBM Revolutionize Motorbike Production With RFID: Innovation Project at Honda's Plant in Italy Expected to Improve Efficiency and Accuracy ...

Checkpoint RFID Metro Pilot Implementation Solves Technical Challenges

Checkpoint Systems is involved in pilot of UHF RFID technology at METRO Group's Distribution Centres near Hamm, Germany, under supervision of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) task group 34 (TG34). The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) plays a major role in the global standardization of Information and Communication Technologies. This pilot has been created to improve the read performance of RFID tags in a high-density UHF reading environment and validate the performance of portal dock door solutions. The successful pilot solves UHF RFID challenges and supports Metro's plan to implement RFID more broadly in 2007. The Metro RFID implementation is aimed at enhancing customer service and increasing the efficiency of its supply chain. METRO Group is an international retailing company with 2005 sales of EUR55.7 billion. The company has a headcount of about 250,000 employees and operates more than 2,200 outlets in 30 countries. ...

... "Utilizing equipment from numerous RFID suppliers in Europe and North America, Checkpoint served as a hardware integrator for the trials. In this capacity, Checkpoint helped with the design work for the hardware solution and procurement, configuration and installation of the 36 RFID-enabled dock door portals which were used to validate successful simultaneous operation of multiple dock doors using a 4-channel synchronized approach under the ETSI 302 208 standard. Pallets containing 62 individually tagged cases largely containing RFID unfriendly materials (such as cans, liquids and metal lined items) were simultaneously transported at warehouse speeds through 36 adjacent loading dock doors. Some 4.5 million individual reads were recorded over the course of the trials. Complying with the ETSI listen before talk (LBT) requirements, the tests achieved a 98.5%+ read rate simultaneously from multiple pallets as they were wheeled through the dock doors. " ...

Via Checkpoint Systems: Checkpoint Systems Partners with Metro Group to Successfully Deploy UHF RFID Dock Door Solution: 98.5%+ Read Rate Represents Milestone in European RFID Deployment ...

RFID Shipment Tracking and Detection

Pliant implements IBM-designed RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) platform pilot program, that tracks shipments between technical centers and customer sites. The RFID system detects tampering in shipped products and enables workforce mobility using handheld devices to track products. Potential tampering can be identified and addressed in real-time. ...

... "IBM Global Business Services consultants collaborated with Pliant to develop a comprehensive RFID technology roadmap, helping Pliant prepare and validate the RFID equipment in its labs. Pliant's IBM software and solution, which has been in place since December 2005, leverages IBM's Data Collection Server software and WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure. The software installed on Pliant's network helped to create RFID labels which were printed and deployed on pallets and the pallets were tracked as they moved between the two Pliant technical centers in Newport News, Virginia and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. IBM consultants worked with Pliant to create Web pages on a network database to track the content and movement history of each pallet so that its location was always known.



A wireless handheld RFID reader loaded with the WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure used to scan the pallets within the plants to immediately look up pallet content information. With the support provided by the IBM Global Business Services team, Pliant now has a proven product concept to access to real-time tracking information for shipments between its two facilities. This setup allowed Pliant to download and monitor critical information which helped protect business-critical applications. " ...

Via Pliant Corporation: IBM Helps Pliant Design and Implement RFID System to Track Shipments and Detect Tampering ...

MINI RFID Billboard Ads

MINI USA using novel approach to brand loyalty as they incent MiniCooper owners to personalize billboard ads through sensing of RFID keyfobs as owners pass within proximity range of special RFID billboards. ...

... "MINI has begun a pilot advertising campaign in Chicago, New York, Miami, and San Francisco, which gives select Cooper owners the chance to get an RFID keyfob in the mail, and moreover, a reason to consistently drive under MINI billboards. " ...

Via Engadget: Read MINI RFID Billboards ...

RFID Ink Tattoo

Somark is a technology company located at the Center for Emerging Technologies and is
developing a proprietary ID system based on a b