RealTime RFID Cargo Tracking Pilot in Asia

Oracle and Savi Technology collaborate to implement real-time the location tracking of cargo containers shipped from Hong Kong to Japan. The pilot project with GS1 EPCglobal has been completed. ...

... "The milestone project was the first time that real-time information generated from active, battery-powered RFID tags on sea containers was exchanged with EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft GS1 EPCglobal standard enabling trading partners to communicate in a common computer language on objects moving throughout the supply chain. The communication interface with the EPCIS Server and Repository was enabled through integration of Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, as well as Savi Site Manager operating software and active RFID tag and data collection systems. " ...

Via Oracle: Oracle and Savi Technology Provide Critical Information Link to Track Active RFID-Tagged Containers Shipped from Hong Kong to Japan ...

RFID Pilot: Cardinal Health Completes

Cardinal Health completes its RFID pilot, which tested RFID tags for end-to-end pharma packaging and distribution business processes. The pilot tested the application of tags and the utilization of item level tracking techniques. Alien Technology, IBM, and Verisign provided hardware, software and implementation services. The application and encoding of the RFID tags approached 100 percent success rates. Reliable read rates were best achieved at the individual case level. The pilot was a fruitful learning experience for the pharma industry. ...

... "The pilot program tested whether ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) tags could be applied, encoded and read at normal production speeds during packaging and distribution of pharmaceuticals. Verifying the authenticity of medications along each step of the distribution process adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. It is also hoped that RFID data could improve efficiencies in the supply chain. Pilot Program Background: In conducting the industry's first end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health used new technology to place RFID tags on the labels of brand-name solid-dose prescription drugs, then encoded the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products were shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data was read and authenticated as products were handled under typical operating conditions. Normal procedures were enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign.

RFID Labeling and Online Encoding: Data collected from the pilot suggest that it is feasible for RFID tags to be inlaid into existing FDA-approved pharmaceutical label stock, and the tags can be applied and encoded on packaging lines at normal operational speeds. Online encoding yields were 95 percent to 97 percent, and fine tuning of the process is expected to produce yields that approach 100 percent. The RFID tag application and encoding requires minimal adjustments to current labeling and packaging lines.

RFID Read Rates: Unit-level read rate data varied widely depending on the locations and type of reading stations throughout the supply chain. Highly reliable unit-level read rates in excess of 96 percent were found when reading individual cases one at a time and when reading units mixed with other products in tote containers prepared for delivery to a pharmacy. However, as expected, unit-level read rates were not found to be reliable when attempting to read units within a full pallet of product. " ...

Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Releases RFID Pilot Results ...

RFID Pharma Supply Chain: Track and Trace EPCIS Pilot

AmerisourceBergen announces innovative Track and Trace Program that will benefit the pharmaceutical supply channel. Its pilot program connects AmerisourceBergen's EPCIS directly to other business partner EPCIS systems and to specific pharmaceutical manufacturer systems. In Q1-2007, VeriSign will provide authentication services and enable visibility across multiple EPCIS systems. ...

... "AmerisourceBergen has been a leader in protecting the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply channel, first by pledging over one year ago to purchase 100 percent of its pharmaceutical and other products directly from the product manufacturer, and now by launching a unique Track and Trace initiative which will utilize RFID and Electronic Product Code Information System (EPCIS) technology to track and trace products throughout the entire distribution process. AmerisourceBergen plans to formally launch the Track and Trace pilot program at its largest distribution center in California by the end of 2006. In the pilot, AmerisourceBergen will use IBM's RFID middleware and embedded software on readers to read RFID tags currently used by certain pharmaceutical manufacturers as those products enter the distribution center. The unique product ID from each RFID tag will be electronically stored in IBM's EPCIS, which will be the platform for secure electronic communications back to the product's manufacturer. This secure information exchange will allow AmerisourceBergen and its trading partners to work collaboratively to share transaction information and further secure the supply channel. As new orders come into the AmerisourceBergen distribution center, the RFID system can monitor product placed in shipping totes as they move through the picking, packing, and shipping processes. As each tote leaves the distribution center the EPCIS software will record the time and location of each unit leaving the premises as well as its intended destination so that AmerisourceBergen has a complete record of the history of all RFID tagged drugs. " ...

Via AmerisourceBergen: AmerisourceBergen Announces Innovative Track and Trace Program for the Pharmaceutical Supply Channel

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal Health ...

Cardinal Health begins second wave of RFID testing that supports the safety of the drug supply. RFID technology will enable in-process authentication as drugs make their way through the extended supply chain. Cardinal will also look for ways to achieve operational efficiencies from the RFID-enabled supply chain information. The company is expecting to complete this wave of tests by the 4th Quarter of 2006. ...

... "Cardinal Health, Inc., the leading provider of products and services supporting the health-care industry, announced the next phase of the first end-to-end pilot program to test technology that could improve the safety and efficiency of the nation's drug supply. The pilot program will begin to tag medication with labels carrying unique data that can be captured and read to verify its authenticity at each step of the supply chain. Verifying the authenticity of pharmaceuticals along each step of the distribution path adds an additional layer of security to lessen the chance of counterfeit pharmaceuticals entering the supply chain. In addition, the data gathered could improve efficiency as logistics experts at Cardinal Health will be able to analyze the data to identify bottlenecks, read rates and other opportunities to improve efficiency in the supply chain.

In conducting the end-to-end pilot program, Cardinal Health will use new technology to place radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on the labels of brand-name and generic solid-dose prescription drugs at the company's Printed Components facility in Moorestown, N.J. Next, the company's facility in Philadelphia will encode the electronic product code (EPC) standard data at the unit, case and pallet levels during the packaging process. The products will be then shipped to a Cardinal Health distribution center in Findlay, Ohio, where the data will be read and authenticated as products are handled under normal operating conditions. Normal operating procedures will be enhanced with RFID hardware and software from Alien Technology Corporation and IBM along with project management support from VeriSign. From Findlay, the tagged product will be sent to a health-care provider to further test read rates and data flow using the same technology as the distribution center. The product dispensed to patients will not be in the RFID packaging. The company launched the pilot in February and expects to complete the test in the fall." ...

RFID Drug Authenticity Pilot at Cardinal: Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Announces Next Phase Of RFID Pilot ...

RFID Real-Time Demand Insight

Blue Agave partners to provide RFID-enabled real-time insight into product demand. ...

... "Blue Agave Software, Inc., a provider of software solutions for improving replenishment, demand management and fulfillment execution, and VeriSign, the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks announced a strategic relationship to promote the benefits of integrating real-time RFID product movement data and Point-of-Sale (POS) data from VeriSign's Intelligent Supply Chain Services platform into Blue Agave's Retail Channel Execution applications. The combined solution can provide consumer goods manufacturers with real-time insight into actual consumer demand down to the most granular levels of store and product (SKU) sales, along with the predictive execution capabilities necessary to respond effectively to variability in consumer demand. In the $800 billion retail marketplace, consumer goods manufacturers are continuously seeking to improve visibility and collaboration around critical sales and operational processes. Advancements in technology are driving new levels of information availability to both consumer goods companies and their retail partners, including product movement data from RFID and POS data. Retail Channel Execution applications make this data actionable, enabling decision-makers to respond rapidly to changes in consumer demand in order to preempt revenue-impacting issues like out of stock, excess inventories, forecast variances, promotion variances, and store-level anomalies. " ...

Via Blue Agave Software: Blue Agave Software and Retail Solutions Team Up ...

RFID Chips: Digital ID World: NYC ...

RFID Chips: Digital ID World: NYC: Via Forbes: The Week Ahead: Nov. 7-11 ...

... "RFID chips will be one of the topics of discussion at the Digital ID World conference in New York City. The event brings together banks, credit card providers, analysts and security technology companies like Microsoft and VeriSign ... " ...

One-Day RFID Workshop: Manufacturers and Distributors

Via Mechanics of RFID: The one-day RFID workshop for manufacturers and distributors ...

... "The Mechanics of RFID is a no-nonsense workshop designed specifically for manufacturers and distributors. The leading RFID technology providers, including; Alien Technology, Avery Dennison, Intermec, LXE, RedPrairie, RF Code, Symbol, VeriSign, X-ident and others ...

Philadelphia, PA, October 6, 2005 " ...

Pharma RFID Authentication Model

Pharma RFID Authentication Model: Texas Instruments and VeriSign Collaborate on Authenticated RFID Model for the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: Proposes Combination of RFID and PKI Technologies Adding New Layer of Security to Combat Counterfeit Drugs ...

TI and VeriSign propose RFID-based model for drug authentication ...

... "In the battle against counterfeit drugs in the pharmaceutical supply chain, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) and VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) today introduced a model for Authenticated RFID that has the potential to enhance security and chain-of-custody controls. The Authenticated RFID model will combine ISO/IEC standard 13.56 MHz RFID and PKI (Public-key infrastructure) technologies in a two-stage approach to fight the counterfeit drug problem. Texas Instruments and VeriSign are developing the Authenticated RFID model to support item-level authentication at the pharmacy, and the implementation over time of a supply chain infrastructure to validate transactions at any point along the chain of custody. This Authenticated RFID model proposes an enhancement to item-level product security in real-time by creating stronger authentication between the tag and any Authenticated RFID reader from the point of manufacture to the point of sale. 3M, a leading provider of security solutions including RFID tracking and authentication systems, will supply the Authenticated RFID readers to support this new model. " ...

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks.

RFID EPC Consulting Services ...

RFID EPC Consulting Services: VeriSign Acquires R4 Global Solutions from VeriSign, Inc.

... "VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, announced the acquisition of R4 Global Solutions, a leading provider of solution consulting services for companies evolving their supply chains with the implementation of RFID, Electronic Product Codes(EPC), and other data sources. VeriSign purchased R4 Global Solutions for $15 million in cash. " ...

VeriSign, Inc. operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex, global networks.

RFID EPC Developers Contest ...

Application Developers Program - EPC Application Developers Contest from VeriSign, Inc. ...

... "ATTENTION: DEVELOPERS, SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS AND CORPORATE IT GURUS! Do you have a revolutionary idea for the use of RFID/EPC data? VeriSign will recognize the work of application developers like you through the EPC Application Developers Contest. The contest will reward creative thinkers who use EPC data to help solve business problems.

Phase I: Qualification Phase, April 10 – May 31
April 10 through May 14: contestants submit proposals
May 14 through 31: judges select finalists.

Phase II: Contest Finalists, June 1 – August 28" ...

VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN) operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure and transact across today’s complex global networks.

EPC Network RFID Tags ...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology: What the Future Holds for Commerce, Security, and the Consumer: VeriSign is the leading provider of critical infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks ...

... "An Electronic Product Code (EPC) embedded on an RFID tag provides a unique number that can be assigned to individual items in cases and pallets within the supply chain for identification and tracking. With the EPC network, computers that use RFID technology to identify objects can acquire associated information about that object, enabling manufacturers to track items and materials throughout the supply chain. This technology will revolutionize the way products are manufactured, sold and bought. VeriSign was selected to operate this network by EPCglobal, a non-profit joint venture of the Uniform Code Council (which manages the allocation of bar codes) and the EAN International (which provides similar services internationally) responsible for driving the global adoption and implementation of the EPCglobal Network across industry sectors. " ...

Electronic Product Code Update to Committee on Energy and Commerce

The Committee on Energy and Commerce

... "An Electronic Product Code (EPC) embedded on an RFID tag provides a unique number that can be assigned to individual items in cases and pallets within the supply chain for identification and tracking. With the EPC network, computers that use RFID technology to identify objects can acquire associated information about that object, enabling manufacturers to track items and materials throughout the supply chain. This technology will revolutionize the way products are manufactured, sold and bought. VeriSign was selected to operate this network by EPCglobal, a non-profit joint venture of the Uniform Code Council (which manages the allocation of bar codes) and the EAN International (which provides similar services internationally) responsible for driving the global adoption and implementation of the EPCglobal Network across industry sectors. " ...

RFID Security Framework Support Global Company Integration ...

RFID Security Framework Support Global Company Integration: VeriSign Publishes Security Framework to Help Companies Protect ...

Verisign is launching new security framework for RFID that will support trading partner integration ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Security Enhancements Integrated Into EPC Starter Service Help Businesses Evolve RFID Projects From Hardware Deployment to Supply Chain Collaboration MOUNTAIN ...

... VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today published a security framework for companies looking to extend their RFID programs from tags and readers to sharing supply chain data securely with trading partners. ...

VeriSign, Inc. operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks.

EPC Software Development Conference ...

EPC Software Development Conference: VeriSign to Host EPC Developers Conference at RFID Journal LIVE! In conjunction with the RFIDJournal Live event, a conference will be offered to focus on the needs of software developers focused on EPC, electronic product code, applications in the supply chain. ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Forum Brings Together Leading Software Developers and Supply Chain Executives Creating Real-world Applications for RFID-Generated Supply Chain Data MOUNTAIN ...

... VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced it will be hosting the first ever EPC Developers Conference, http://www.EPCDevCon.com, in conjunction with RFID Journal LIVE! on April 10, 2005 in Chicago. The event represents a first-time gathering of software developers and supply chain executives specifically focused on design and creation of practical solutions that leverage RFID-generated information from across the global supply chain. Also speaking at the EPC Developers Conference will be leading thinkers and practitioners around RFID and EPC, including Sean Campbell, IBM; Ann Grackin, ChainLink Research; Bernie Hogan, Uniform Code Council; Michael Mealling, Refactored Networks; John Radko, GXS; Mark Roberti, RFID Journal; Sanjay Sarma, OATsystems; Puneet Sawhney, CHEP; Ken Traub, ConnecTerra; Jeff Wells, Franwell and others. ...

VeriSign, Inc. operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable businesses and individuals to find, connect, secure, and transact across today's complex global networks.

Manage RFID Networks

Manage RFID Networks: Blue Vector Enables Retail Operations to Manage RFID Network From ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Blue Vector Systems today announced its fully integrated RFID Configuration Management System (CMS), with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Blue Vector's ...

... Blue Vector Systems today announced its fully integrated RFID Configuration Management System (CMS), with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Blue Vector's RFID solution. The CMS creates the underlying network configuration enabling the retailer to easily configure, implement and manage their entire RFID system. As part of Blue Vector's comprehensive solution, the CMS quickly and easily enables deployment of an RFID system for a retailer -- reducing time and cost. For example, Blue Vector first works with a retail store to create a virtual representation of its physical retail environment, which is then configured for RFID functionality. Next, this new configuration is automatically downloaded to all of the Blue Vector network appliances in the physical environment. ...

Blue Vector Systems is a sensor-based distributed computing systems company focused on reducing RFID implementation costs and operational complexities for its customers. Through solutions that provide reliable and cost-effective means to implement RFID solutions, Blue Vector Systems enables companies to realize new efficiencies in functionality and operation. Blue Vector Systems was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA

Additional resources on managing RFID networks using a CMS ...

Software Controls RFID Network: “RFID networks will be managed by IT people who already want to manage that network the same way they manage their IT infrastructure,” says Sujatha Bodapati ...

Managing Data from RFID & Sensor-based Networks: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... is needed to manage the raw data generated by an RFID network. ... EdgeWare are software platforms specifically designed to manage RFID networks and handle the ...

VeriSign to manage RFID root server: VeriSign to manage RFID 'root' server. ... VeriSign has been awarded a contract to manage a key component of a coming global distribution network that uses ...

Build RFID Networks ...

Build RFID Networks: RF Code Releases Developer's Kit for RFID Network Appliance

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... RF Code, Inc., a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of Auto-ID data management software and active RFID technologies today announced that it is ...

... RF Code, Inc., a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of Auto-ID data management software and active RFID technologies today announced that it is making available a powerful set of tools for enterprises that are building RFID networks. ...

RF Code's award winning TAVIS(TM) software platform is an Auto-ID data management framework which supports the broad spectrum of Auto-ID devices for data collection, filtering and consolidation. The TAVIS platform also serves as an application bridge to the world's leading information systems. TAVIS-powered solutions enable device-independent data collection from a wide variety of devices including: active RFID readers, passive RFID readers, EPC readers, remote sensors, barcode scanners, Wi-Fi(R) access points and GPS receivers. The software converts reader data into a standard format that can be managed locally or centrally, and linked to end-user applications that track, locate and identify assets. About RF Code, Inc.: RF Code Inc. is a premier designer, developer and manufacturer of active RFID technologies and Auto-ID data management software. Since 1997, the company has developed its high-performance, low cost Mantis(TM) active RFID systems for long-range wireless data communications that accurately manage and track physical assets, information and personnel. Its TAVIS(TM) software platform is a leading Auto-ID data management framework for data collection and distribution. RF Code offers a complete Unified Monitoring System (UMS) comprised of RF tags, readers, antennas and data management software.

Additional resources about building RFID networks ...

RFID Enabled Supply Chain Networks: The Next: Industry could not build the developing computer, telecommunications and wireless networks ... Building RFID networks will, in many ways, mirror the themes we saw ...

RFID and Sensor-based Device and Network Management: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... easily extend what they have today into increasingly mature RFID networks that include ... takes from a device and network management perspective to build deep and ...

VeriSign Demonstrates EPC Network Services in Germany - RFID from: ONS) of the EPC Global Network, VeriSign will be supporting RFID networks through Managed ... basis as companies continue to research, design, and build their RFID ...

Military Contracts with Savi Technology to Build RFID Networks: the US DoD, which Savi has helped over the past decade to build the In ... Savi, a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset ...

Smart Card: Malaysia issues dual interface MyKad ID card nationwide

From Contactless News (press release), VA ... By the end of 2005, all Malaysian citizens over the age of 12 will be carrying a dual interface contact/contactless smart card as their national ID. ...

... By the end of 2005, all Malaysian citizens over the age of 12 will be carrying a dual interface contact/contactless smart card as their national ID. With a population of 23 million, the Malaysian program is both one of the world’s first national ID card programs and one of the largest issuances of dual interface technology. The multi-purpose MyKad cards incorporate both government and private sector applications onto a single card. The US$71 million project is called “MyKad.” ...

With the passing of the Digital Signature Act, Malaysia has put in place a well-mandated legal environment for the use of digital signatures. MSC Trustgate.com has been licensed under the Digital Signature Act as Certification Authority (CA) to provide digital certification services including Digital Certificates, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and cryptographic products. As a member of Verisign Trust Network, MSC Trustgate.com leverages on Verisign’s proven technology, technical expertise and brand recognition to help companies build and secure an online web presence by encrypting communications and transactions; authenticating the identities of individuals; offering secure online payment functions; and validating transactions. MSC Trustgate is the fastest growing Internet trust service company in the region.

Sun RFID: Sun Microsystems Reduces Cost and Complexity of RFID ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Establishes Industry's First RFID Focused Partner Offering to Provide Technical and Marketing Resources for ISVs, IHVs and SIs BALTIMORE, EPCglobal US ...

... Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), today announced the next phase of its support for the growing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) market through the availability of several new solutions, including: the Sun(TM) RFID offering for iForce(SM) Partners, the Sun RFID retail compliance program, and an RFID warehouse management solution that combines products and services from Sun, SIS Technologies and SSA Global. Sun will be showcasing its RFID initiatives at the EPCglobal Conference at booth number 212. In addition, as the RFID integrator and key solution provider for Gillette, Sun will be participating in several sessions, along with Gillette, VeriSign and Wal-Mart, to demonstrate how a missing, misrouted, counterfeit or diverted case of Gillete Venus razors can be identified and re-associated with its order. ...

The Sun Java System RFID Software, currently available on the Solaris(TM) Operating System and scheduled for November 2004 on Linux, streamlines the management of RFID hardware including tags and readers. The Java System RFID Software represents a key component of the Sun RFID system strategy, which also includes global client services, global RFID test centers, Sun hardware and storage, and key solution partners for RFID. For more information on Sun Java RFID Software go to http://www.sun.com/rfid.

EPC RFID Infrastructure: VeriSign Selects Solaris x86 Operating System for Performance ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... array of services, ranging from Managed Security Services to SMS Message routing to support