RFID Gazette

Senate puts aside DHS's travel initiative

The Senate Appropriations Committee has delayed the controversial Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the initiative brought by the Homeland Security Department (HSD).

According to the HSD proposal, people crossing the US borders must carry either a passport or a new form of identification (supposedly the RFID tag attach).

Things stand as of now, there is no unanimous view emerging on the kind of RFID technology to be adopted to track the people crossing US borders from Canada, Mexico and other states. The State department supports a contact less smart card with a short range RFID chip and privacy protections, while DHS suggests an ultra high-frequency form of RFID technology.

Therefore, the DHS's travel initiative has been put aside for 17 months to June 1, 2009.  The DHS and State department must come up with a solution for RFID rolling.

Via: [RFid Blog]

IDENTEC SOLUTIONS obtains Financing Package

IDENTEC SOLUTIONS has obtained a financing package to the tune of 15million USD for the expansion of its networking. Lichtenstein-based major venture firm RFID Invest AG will be the lead investor of IDENTEC SOLUTIONS.

For the last seven years, IDENTEC SOLUTIONS has been providing asset management solutions and support to the renowned organizations like Volkswagen, Deutsche Post and General Electric. Recently it has teamed up with Boeing and FedEx for the implementation of active RFID tags for the Logistics provider. IDENTEC SOLUTIONS will utilize the financial package in the industrial active RFID systems and forge into new market sectors.

Via: [RFid News]

Intermec moves to court against Alien

Yet another legal battle has begun between the two RFID leaders Alien Technology and Intermec. This time Alien Technology faces a suit from Intermec for allegedly infringing 10 Intermec patents.

Washington-based RFID hardware provider Intermec has filed a case in the US District Court for the District of Delaware for patent infringement complaining its UHF RFID readers and tags being infringed by the California-based Alien technology. Intermec in the suit has sought for an injunction, which would prohibit Alien from selling the infringing RFID products.  It is also demanding monetary damages from the sale of Alien's Gen 2 readers. Alien filed a case against Intermec in Federal District Court in the District of North Dakota earlier this month.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Jamison Door Launches RFID Portal to enhance RFID deployment

Jamison Door Company has made available a RFID Portal product line to assist the RFID industries to resolve problems relating to RFID deployment, such as cost, durability and hardware and integration capabilities. The Jamison division Industrial Portals™   will be in charge of marketing of the product.

John Williams, Chairman and CEO of Jamison Door explained,

To solve the issues associated with RFID deployment we combined our core expertise in rugged doorway design and manufacturing with the knowledge and deployment experience brought by RFID integrators. The portal allows users to easily install and integrate any RFID hardware/software systems with dramatically lower cost and with far superior capabilities than other portal systems.

Via: [RFid News]

China Post selects Symbol and Concord Unity for their RFID solutions

Symbol Technologies and its strategic partner Concord Unity International Ltd will be offering RFID solutions to China Post. China Post will utilize the RFID based solutions to track the mailbags within the postal district of Shanghai.

As part of the national pilot project initiated by Chinese Science and Technology ministry, the RFID tags have been deployed in the Shanghai Post Express Mail Service. China Post will evaluate the benefits of RFID technology in postal operations.

Unarguably, the move taken by the China Post will help the postal department of Shanghai enormously. Implementing RFID technology, the post offices would be able to track the status of mailbags and sorting works.

Via: [efy times]

Tesco delays RFID implementation at its stores

After facing problems with RFID trials, the leading supermarket Tesco have decided to delay the implementation of RFID technology at its various stores. Earlier, the supermarket had planned to deploy RFID tags and readers in 1,400 shops and distribution centers this year. However, it has installed just in 40 stores and one distribution centre.

Peter Harrop, Chairperson of RFID research specialist IDTechEx notes -

A lot of rollouts have had problems with one reader interfering with another because retailers are using UHF bands that are not as efficient.

However, the supermarket does not want to postpone the implementation of RFID technology forever. It has decided to tag transport items such as cages and trolleys but not the individual items.

Via: [RFid Blog]

McGuire to lead Optio Software's healthcare division

Optio Software, Inc. has appointed Michael McGuire as the new general manager and senior vice president of healthcare sales and services. Optio's Healthcare Organization designs and delivers Electronic Health Record and RFID labeling solutions to hospitals and healthcare providers in the US.

McGuire is a visionary man. He worked as the senior vice president of sales and marketing for CareCentric, Inc. CareCentric provides technical assistance to the home healthcare industry.  Previously, he had associated the leading healthcare units like QUOVADX, Eclipsys Corporation and McKesson HBOC. Under the guidance of McGuire, Optio® Software will able to implement its market strategies successfully. 

Via: [Yahoo! Biz]

Coronis, DHS develop RFID-based monitoring unit for healthcare unit

Two French companies, Coronis Systems and Data Health System (DHS) S.A have joined forces to develop a RFID-based monitoring system to inform the healthcare workers when a patient falls.

After conducting a series of tests at the Montpellier University Hospital in France and City of Paris Center for Social Action, the two companies launched Ynolis, the monitoring system. The monitoring system integrates DHS' detection bracelets with Coronis' wireless network Wavenis. The patient is provided with a bracelet bearing a unique ID. The ID is linked with the patient's name in a database. Coronis' wireless chip transmits data regarding the patient's condition to a reader or access point equipped with algorithms.

The director of strategic marketing at Coronis, Chirstophe Dugas remarks,

If the algorithm detects a fall because the change was major, the reader sends that information, along with the ID of the bracelet, to the central unit.

Via: [RFid Journal]

SATO America launches Lt408 OEM Print Engine

SATO America, an undisputed market leader in barcode printing, labeling and RFID solutions has launched an advanced OEM Print Engine what it calls the Lt408 for the small and medium size business enterprises.

The Lt408 OEM Print Engine combined with a high performance, 32-bit, RISC CPU and 16MB of RAM enables the both small and medium size producers to automate the labeling process on low-throughput and labor-intensive production lines.

Bob Lanzendorf, sales and marketing manager at SATO commented,

Essentially, we are combining SATO's tradition of high-quality, durable OEM print engine solutions with an entry-level feature set. This winning combination will appeal to thousands of manufacturers that, until now, have not been able to justify the expense of automating their labeling applications.

Via: [More RFid]

Solidica bags 'Best of Sensors Expo' Gold award

Solidica, Inc. bagged the prestigious 'Best of Sensors Expo' Gold award for their Chorus(TM) ultra-rugged wireless sensor and condition monitoring technology. This award is a part of initiative by Sensors Magazine. Solidica combines RFID technology with GPS to develop wireless sensor and condition monitoring technology, the technology extensively used to measure temperature, vibration, and three-dimensional acceleration.

Solidica CEO, Dawn White points out that,

The Chorus device is a dramatic example of a merger between Solidica's solid state ultrasonic consolidation fabrication technology and our industry-leading expertise in wireless electronics. It's simply another example of the unique best of breed technology combinations that our customers have come to expect from us.

Via: [PR Newswire]

New Orleans Library gets a new look with RFID

A New Orleans Public Library branch-the Alvar branch that had been damaged by Hurricane Katrina last year will reopen with an RFID infrastructure. The RFID solution providers Tagsys and Integrated Technology Group (ITG) have played a major role in its renovation work by providing RFID solutions. When the library reopens on July 5, the visitors will find all most all the 13,000 books on its shelves will RFID tags. The RFID system designed by TAGYS and ITG will enable the New Orleans Public Library staff to track the books, CDs, Periodicals and other media efficiently and accurately.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Acsis, SAP to launch End-to-End RFID approach

Acsis, Inc has teamed up with SAP to adopt  an End-to-End RFID approach to help customers at a lower cost. Acsis is a recognized market leader in delivering shop floor process automation and enterprise data collection solutions for the supply chain. SAP provides RFID-enables solutions to the business enterprises.

With the alliance, the two leaders in RFID and supply chain solutions have decided to offer a complete package for both SAP and non-SAP customers. For this purpose, They will utilize the SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, developed on SAP NetWeaver and Acsis DataLink Enterprise platforms.

Steve Selfridge, CEO at Acsis, Inc observed,

Both Acsis and SAP have provided RFID solutions to large multi-national companies as well as small to midsize businesses. By integrating the solutions and capabilities from both companies, we deliver a complete, scalable, and proven offering that is affordable. With Acsis and SAP, a customer can understand the technology of RFID and how to incorporate it into their business with minimal impact to existing business processes as well as derive value from the data coming back from retailers.

Via: [Unstrung]

WJ Communications releases a 1-Watt UHF RFID Reader Module for the Singapore Market

Looking Asia as the potential market for the RFID technology, the leading RFID manufacturer WJ Communication has released a Gen2 UHF RFID reader module, the MPR7040 for the Singapore market.

The MPR7040 RFID module is very easy to implement in the supply chain management. With 1-wat of power, the latest launch of WJ Communication functions exceptionally well in terms of its RF performances and customized solutions. The device fulfills global standards of RFID technology offering serial interface of 3.3V CMOS levels up. The product is useful for handheld, printer, forklift, portal and other mobile or fixed device applications.

Haresh Patel, Senior VP of sales and marketing for WJ stated,

While the US market has already shown great enthusiasm for our small form factor RFID reader module, Asia is the next big target market. WJ Communications hope that its latest product will serve the customers by addressing the Gen2 RF challenges and offers cost savings for RFID usage throughout the supply chain in Singapore.

Via: [TMCNet]

Cisco and Intel to provide RFID solutions for VTech

VTech, a recognized supplier of corded and cordless telephones has sought the RFID solutions from Cisco and Intel for its pilot participation in the Hong Kong EPCnetwork initiative, the initiative directed by EPCglobal Hong Kong.

The RFID solutions of Cisco and Intel alliance would enable VTech to enhance the efficiency of warehouse operations and management through automation. It will also improve the supply chain management of VTech.

VTech has shipped more than 40 million units of telecommunication products to the North American retailers in the financial year 2005.

Alex Kwan, Senior Supply Chain and Logistics Manager at VTech Telecommunication Ltd quoted,

The RFID solution from Cisco and Intel not only provides us with better product visibility, but also improves capabilities for inventory management, while bringing VTech much closer to its customers and partners in the supply chain. I am sure the Cisco solution as well as the industry-standard, widely deployed Intel architecture will continue to sharpen our edge in the global marketplace.

Via: [RFid Solutions Online]

BHI Selects ODIN Technologies

Blyth Homescents International (BHI), a producer of scented candle and other fragranced products will implement RFID tags of ODIN technologies for their Wal-Mart RFID compliance initiatives. The Fragrant manufacturer was part of third wave of Wal-Mart's RFID supplier program.

BHI possesses a large variety of case sizes and products. To enable the read rates that are feasible for Wal-Mart and feasible for visibility within Blyth, the adoption of RFID technology is the best option for the BHI. Therefore, the company has decided to come up with a proper tagging strategy.

Oleg Troyansky, vice president of BHI VP of Information Systems commented,

ODIN technologies has tested more SKUs than any other firm in the industry, we felt confident that ODIN could deliver a sound recommendation for tag use. In addition, ODIN's objective approach allows us to fit RFID cleanly into our processes rather than being forced to use a particular hardware or software vendor's specific approach. By incorporating physics, process and systems knowledge into the design, the proper solution can be created.

Via: [PR Web]

UNI-Europa expresses drawbacks of RFID technology to EU Commissioner

Union Network International and UNI-Europa have conducted an extensive study on the use and misuse of RFID technology and sent its conclusions to EU Commissioner Viviane Reding.

The study sees potentiality of RFID technology in retail sector. The use of RFID technology in the supply chain management and warehouse reduces cost, saves time and benefits the business enterprises.

However, the study has echoed concerns about the RFID technology for the breach of privacy. The UNI-Europa has criticized the installment of RFID technology in the work places where the employees are tracked undesirably. It further complains the RFID tags being attached with personal files without the knowledge of employees.

UNI has urged the EU to take initiatives in this regard. It would introduce the UNI Code of Good Practice for RFID in the workplace.

Via: [RFid Blog]

RFID Journal, EPCglobal Canada to host Canadian RFID Summit

RFID Journal and EPCglobal Canada has formed a multiyear partnership to organize an annual RFID conference and exhibition for the Canadian market: The RFID Journal-EPCglobal Canadian RFID Summit. The two days conference will commence on November 8 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Both the companies assume that the alliance will serve end users, potential end users and providers of RFID hardware, software and services in Canada.

Mark Roberti, founder and editor of RFID Journal stated,   

EPCglobal Canada brings the knowledge of issues unique to Canada and its Canadian members, along with a deep understanding of Electronic Product Code (EPC) standards and the work being done to implement them. RFID Journal brings a broad Canadian audience and the ability to provide top-notch education through face-to-face events.

EPCglobal Canada would educate Canadian companies regarding the potential benefits of RFID technology in retail, manufacturing and supply chain management.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Chemical Industries look into RFID technology

The Chemical Industry Data Exchange (CIDX), a trade association consists of over 80 chemical producers and suppliers has come up with a white paper 'Radio Frequency ID Framing' to highlight the potential effect of this latest technology on the chemical industry.

The report assumes highly significance for the chemical industries in back drop of growing challenges and opportunities of RFID technology. Prepared by a team experts coming from several member companies, the 46-page document gives an overall view of the different kinds of tags and reader systems and standards for the chemical industries.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Alanco Technologies Acquires StarTrak Systems

Alanco Technology, a company famous for its RFID tracking devices for the prison industry has owned StarTrak Systems for $15M in stock. StarTrack offers GPS tracking and wireless subscription data services for the refrigerated transport industry. Scottsdale, Arizona-based Alanco states that StarTrack has estimated a sale of $20 million in the current year. Alanco Technology produces RFID tags to track the movements of inmates and officials in prisons. With this acquisition, Alanco Technology is expected to provide services that are more reliable to its customers.

Via: [techrockies]

RF Code supports Manhattan for asset tracking

RF Code will support the leading supply chain solutions provider Manhattan for asset tracking. RF Code designs and develops RFID technology for asset tracking solutions.

The RFID developer has signed a deal with Manhattan Associates for this service by providing active RFID tags, readers and Real-Time Locating Systems asset management software. Besides it, RF Code will take part in the joint sales, marketing and development efforts.

Jeff Cashman, senior vice president of business development at Manhattan Associates stated,

By working in partnership with RF Code, Manhattan Associates will augment its RFID enabled offering to better meet the asset visibility and management needs of customers worldwide.

Via: [More RFid]

TAGSYS gets largest library RFID deployment project in China

TAGSYS will undertake a library RFID project in China. It will take place at the Shenzhen Library. TAGSYS will deploy around two million RFID tags on books, CDs, VHS tapes, patron cards and other library materials at Shenzhen Library by the end of June. It would be the largest RFID library deployment in China and second largest in the world. TAGSYS's RFID deployment at Seattle Public Library is the first largest deployment.

TAGSYS plans to expand their business in Asia. It has started its Hong Kong office in 2004. The leading RFID tags developer has also collaborated with NEC Corporation, internet, broadband and enterprise business solutions provider and Shenzhen Seaever Enterprise Co. Ltd. The Shenzhen Seaever Enterprise is joining hands with TAGSYS for the library RFID deployment project.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Treasure Island installs RFID-based Beverage Tracker to measure liquor

Now the Treasure Island is able to know the quantity, quality and type of liquor its bartenders serve to the customers because of the new system that utilizes RFID technology to track the liquor. The new system is known as the Beverage Tracker. San Francisco-based Capton pioneered in liquor monitoring technology has supplied this system. 

The Beverage Tracker system is in practice in the two of the hotel's bars and is likely to be extended to two more. The Beverage Tracker contains RFID-supported liquor spouts, RFID reader and software. The spout consists of a battery-powered 418 MHz RFID tag and measuring device. In this way, Treasure Island measures the bartender's pouring, drop by drop.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Mosel Vitelic to debut in RFID business

Taiwan-based DRAM maker Mosel Vitelic Inc. has decided to start its venture in solar cell and RFID products. For which, Mosel Vitelic will postpone the production of DRAM by the end of the first half of the current year and begin solar cell production next year; M.L Chen, the chairperson of Mosel Vitelic explained it.

Reports and case studies show that the RFID market will grow tremendously in the coming days. Both business enterprises and end-users will adopt this technology for its multiple applications. Therefore, a number of industries would invest their resources for the production and marketing of RFID-based products. Mosel Vitelic will be one among them.

The leading DRAM maker will be producing RFID products in 2008. It is expecting the new venture would enhance company's revenue.

Via: [Taiwan Headlines]

WJ launches New MPR7050 RFID Reader Module

WJ Communications has launched the high-performance multi-protocol MPR7050 reader for the Hong Kong Market. The MPR7050 reader operating in the UHF frequency band or 920-925 MHz provides a cost-effective and easy-to-integrate platform to support OEM RFID mobile devices including handheld sets, printers, portal readers and forklift readers.

Bruce Diamond, CEO and President of WJ Communications quoted,

WJ's decision to supply its RFID reader modules to the Asian market demonstrates a global commitment to our customers as they implement RFID solutions worldwide. 

The RFID market in Hong Kong is booming. Therefore, WJ is looking forward to take an advantage of the market condition by providing cost-effective services to the customers.

Via: [More RFid]

Time Domain Signs Exclusive License with Parco

Time Domain Corporation has inked an exclusive license agreement with Parco Merged Media Corporation to offer UWB real-time locating systems (RTLS) to the healthcare industry. Parco's software is very useful for the processes like inventory control, asset utilization and billing of hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities.

According to the license agreement, Time Domain will supply different kinds of small RFID tags fit for wearing as a patient wristband or hospital personnel badge, or for attaching to medical equipment. The UWB readers installed at fixed locations within a medical facility will track the positions of the tags.  It will also provide information about the location of patients, caregivers, and equipment within 1.5 feet every second with over 98% reliability.

Time Domain has engineered an excellent cooperative precision location tracking system for Parco and its customers, explains Scott Cohen, CEO of Parco.  He further says that the new system is designed to pass FCC verifications and CE certifications for industrial, scientific and medical usage.

Via: [PR Web]

Hoteliers to use Assa Abloy's RFID enabled lock system

Stockholm-based Assa Abloy is for the first time developing a RFID-supported lock system for the hotels. It is in its testing stage. The company has decided to make it available in the market by October.

The RFID- enabled lock system will ensure the hotels to avoid the magnetic-stripe cards problem. Assa Abloy claims that Magnetic-stripe cards on many occasions fail to function due to wrong insertion of the cards or clogged reading head. The customers will find no such problem with RFID enabled locks developed by Assa Abloy.

Assa Abloy's locks integrate HF 13.56 MHz readers compatible with the ISO 14443A, ISO 14443 B and ISO 15693 standards. The hoteliers can issue RFID-tagged room cards supported by NFC standard to their customers. They can use NFC enabled phones to enter into hotel rooms.

Via: [RFid Blog]

VeriChip Corporation to demonstrate Its RFID Infant Protection Solutions

VeriChip Corporation will demonstrate its RFID Infant Protection Solutions at the AWHONN Convention trade show in Baltimore. AWHONN stands for Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

With a great number of nurses, nurse practitioners and nurse executives gathering on this occasion, the AWHONN Convention provides a platform for the RFID developers to promote their ventures.

Florida-based VeriChip, which has been developing RFID solutions for medical use since 2004, will demonstrate both the HALO and Hugs system in the AWHONN Convention. The medical practitioners will get first hand information about the HALO's patented skin-sensing technology to prevent tag removal.

Via: [RFid News]

Advanced mPay develops mobile-wallet concept under RFID line

How better is the mobile device if it can be used for monetary transactions? Yes, Advanced mPay, a division of Advanced Info Service (AIS) is going to add this facility in your mobile phones. The company is developing a mobile-wallet concept around NFC technology to facilitate mobile phones outfitted with RFID technology. The mobile device would communicate with other NFC-supported devices to effect payment transactions.

Konsam Buppanimite, MD of Advanced mPay said,

Just tap a mobile phone onto the reader machine at the shop, and you can easily make payment for merchandise, meals, and even parking fees without digging into a bag to search for your wallet and get out banknotes to pay for the purchases.

The ambitious project is in the testing phase within the company. Advanced mPay is seeking the support of big brands to popularize the mobile-wallet concept.

Via: [Nation Multimedia]

RFID Security Upgrades essential for Entrance to California from Mexico

US Customs and Border Protection has insisted the residents of San Diego and Tijuana to replace their old fast pass vehicle transponder to the new RFID label at its fast. The prime objective behind the move is to track the people coming from Mexico.

Around 37,176 vehicles have been registered in the San Diego-Tijuana Secure Electronic Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program. Data revels that some 8,200 vehicles still need to be converted to a newer technology RFID decal. This would guarantee the Border Protection officials to obtain information about the inhabitant who comes into from Mexico. They observe the vehicles, which have not replaced with the RFID technology are either irregular SENTRI users or intentional non-users.

Via: [Govtech]

AeroScout, MST exploit RFID technology for Mines

AeroScout and Mine Site Technologies (MST) have joined forces to exploit the RFID technology to develop a location tracking and communications solutions for the safety and security of the miners.

The companies will use Wi-Fi based RFID tags without adding any additional networking devices. As per joint agreement, AeroScout's RFID tags will be attached into the MST Integrated Communication Cap Lamp. The miners wear Cap lamps when they are at work. The tags will enable the mine operators track the miner's position in the underground mine.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Senators come forward to form RFID Caucus

In an effort to form a common platform to discuss all the vital issues relating to RFID technology, two US senators John Cornya (Republican) from Texas and Byron Dorgan (Democratic) of North Dakota have initiated a Caucus in this regard.

The Caucus will be the Senate RFID Caucus, the two senators would co chair it. Cornya and Dorgan have invited other senators to join in the Caucus. The first meeting of the Caucus is fixed on July 13.

Recently there have been hectic debates among the policy makers regarding the RFID technology for its exceptionality i.e. privacy concerns. The caucus will look into these matters seriously and find out an amicable solution. So that America will reap the benefits of RFID technology without causing worry to the customers.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Omron to sell its products online

Opting for E-business for its wide range products, the leading RFID product maker Omron has decided to sell its products through Internet-based reseller RFIDSupply.com. The mutual agreement will enhance availability by providing regular shipping of products to customers. 

Bill Arnold, Chief Strategist at Omron explains that the new alignment will provide a highly effective e-commerce channel. He further commented,

What's more, this robust e-commerce channel also delivers added time and money savings for both our customers and our company.   

Via: [Supply Chain Review]

RC Group in European market

RC Group (Holdings) Limited, which offers cost effective RFID solutions and security systems has made an entry in the European market by partnering with NSP Europe. NSP Europe is designing and supplying goods and services for the security of assets and personnel. It is running its business in France and England. Now the deal recognizes NSP as the official distributor of RCG's biometric and RFID security products selling the items into its European customer base.

Via: [Life Style Extra]

RFID tag sales to cross 1.3 billion in 2006

RFID tags business is on a rise. The tags selling will reach to 1.3 billion in 2006 including 500 million case and pallet labels. A study 'RFID industry: RFID Forecasts, Players and Opportunities 2006-2016' by UK company IDTechEx predicted it. The study says that total tag number will reach its peak at 585 billion. The increase is mainly due to the multiple applicability of the RFID technology in the various sectors.

In the next ten years, RFID market value will grow ten-times more from $2.71 billion in 2006 to $26.23 billion in 2016. AS of now, the adoption rate of the RFID technology is discouraging as the reports claim. However, things will change with the passage of time.

Via: [Supply Chain Review]

CIDX brings out White Paper on RFID Technology

The Chemical Industry Data Exchange (CIDX) has come up with a White Paper on Potential Impact of RFID Technology.  The white paper is a 46-page document assumes utmost important for the chemical industries.

It describes the various aspects of RFID technology, its advantage, disadvantage and impact on the chemical industry. The summary of the document is available in CIDX's website. The members of CIDX can access it without any charge while non-members require purchasing the full paper for $2,500. 

JoAnne  Norton, executive director of CIDX comments on the document,

Using inexpensive radio transmitters, affixed to product containers, trading partners will be able to beam vital data to strategically placed receivers up and down the supply chain. It's a next generation tool for information sharing between trading partners.

Via: [More RFid]

RFIDsec releases Privacy-Protected Tags

RFIDsec claims that it has designed World's first series of RFID solutions or tags which protects consumer privacy. The company will sell these tags next year.

Based on ISO 14443 standards, the microchips used in the tags operate at 13.56MHz. Denmark based RFIDsec will trade the secured tags attached in RFID labels. The tags function in combination with access-management software, which facilitates the encoding and reading of the tag, as well as a product-authentication application to enable of tagged products to authenticate the tags. The company's design ensures that the original tag has not been altered, replicated or compromised.

In the backdrop of hectic debate on the privacy concerns of RFID technology, RFIDsec's RFID tags are likely to reduce the skepticism of the users.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Philips develops RFID chip for libraries

Royal Philips Electronics has developed a new RFID chip, the chip useful for the library industry, which gives priority on data security and assets tracking.

The Royal Philips Electronics claim that its ICODE-SLI S, chip meets many of the challenges the library management confronts on many occasions. Reader logistics, material identification and inventory and information storage are the parts of the library management. By implementing RFID technology, it can be executed effectively.

Jan-Willem Reynaerts, general manager of RFID for Philips Semiconductors said,

Library systems worldwide are increasingly moving to standardized technology that is both ISO15693 and ISO 18000-3 compliant.

A good number of libraries through out the World have been implementing the RFID chips developed by the Philips.

Via: [EE Times]

Nygard using RFID technology in its Toronto store

In an effort to provide attractive services to its customers, Nygard International, a Canadian retailer is piloting an RFID-enabled system 'SmartTable' in its Toronto store. The RFID supported system shows information on a video screen. The digital signage maker GFX Dynamics has provided the SmartTable that facilitates the store to provide details of about a product (especially clothing items), its size, price and design. In addition to it, the system suggests accessories or other clothing items to accompany it. At present, Nygard is employing only one SmartTable and screen in a fashion department at the front of its store. 

Via: [RFid Journal]

Kestrel Wireless develops RFA to thwart DVD theft

Kestrel Wireless has designed an RFID like technology to thwart the theft of DVDS and other types of visual media in the city of California, Emeryville. The company has named the technology as Radio Frequency Activation or RFA that uses RFID tags to disable the media until the point of sale, where the media can then be enabled for use.

Frank LoVerme, Senior Vice President of the company says the system is based on the idea that thieves do not want things that do not work. The company has decided to work with a DVD manufacturer and a retailer to carry out a pilot test of the system in the fist half of the next year.

Via: [Rfid Journal]

BP starts RFID Sensor Network trials at UK Plant

BP has started the purposed RFID sensor network tests at its U.K Plant. The company expects the RFID trail will enhance its chemical inventory, raise stock visibility and strengthen safe-handling business rules at a petrochemical plant in England.

Mike Haley, a consultant in the chief technology office of BP's digital technology group comments on the pilot,

This is the first industrial trial of new RFID tags. Each node in the network will work collaboratively, potentially transforming business processes and creating a step change in safety and operational integrity.   

The major energy company of the world, BP will be conducting the trial for six months now onwards implementing active RFID tags on its 20 to 40 chemical containers stored at its petrochemical plant in Hull.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Pharma industry associations back FDA

Pharmaceutical industry associations have backed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) June 9 report on RFID's use in the pharmaceutical industry.

The report entitled 'FDA Counterfeit Drug Task Force Report: 2006 Update', contains suggestions for building a more secure and safe pharmaceutical industry supply chain management. The task force has been investigating RFID technology and the concept of e-pedigree for more than two years.

Pharmaceutical industry associations like the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) are ready to accept the recommendations of the Task Force. They believe that RFID technology is significant for securing the pharmaceutical supply chain.   In the report, FDA has suggested the industries to move forward to adopt the RFID technology without making it mandatory for the time being.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Ontario Privacy Commissioner issues RFID guidelines

Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner Ann Cavoukian has issued a set of guidelines for the RFID manufacturers. These guidelines aim at protecting privacy of the customers while using RFID technology particularly the controversial tags. 

Ms. Cavoukian explains that the latest RFID technology poses potential risks to privacy if they are linked to personal identifiers. The manufacturers of RFID technology must build privacy into their RFID designs, she adds.

The privacy commissioner of Ontario, a Canadian province is now joining hands with EPCglobal Canada to form the guidelines for the RFID manufacturers.   EPCglobal, an industry association prepares standards for electric product codes.

Via: [The Globe and Mail]

RWD, Tesco undergo RFID trials for milk deliveries

Robert Wiseman Dairies (RWD) which supplies milk and cream products to UK supermarket chain Tesco, has started RFID trials by tagging 500 of its 250,000 roll cages.

By conducting RFID trial focused on asset tracking, the two companies will prove that RFID plays a role with high-volume and low margin products, the products considered unfriendly to RFID signals.

The RWD trial is a joint project with RWD, and is focused on the end-to-end supply chain for RWD goods, which are supplied direct to store, describes Deborah Watson, a spokesperson of Tesco.

Tesco Supplier Working Group was formed in the year 2004. RWD is one of its members that purchases bottles and delivers a large percentage of milk at Tesco stores in London. The trial has started in January this year and would last for 12 months.

Via: [RFid Journal]

Sony adopts Tektronix RTSA and RFID analysis software

In order to measure and analysis communication conditions between a reader/writer and an IC card generally equipped with Sony FeliCa contactless IC card technology,   Sony Corporation has implemented Tektronix real-time spectrum analyzers (RTSA) and RFID analysis software. It would enable Sony to speedily measure and solve communication problems.   Sony' FeliCa technology is a single card with multi-facet applications.

Sony said,

Analysis of communication conditions has been impossible with conventional spectrum analyzers where data is not viewable on a timeline, because the data that is transmitted between the reader/writer and card cannot be identified.

The company has shipped 120m FeliCa IC chips by March 2006. These are now used in Public transportation systems in India, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. The FeliCa IC contactless IC card receives radio frequency signal from a RFID reader or writer and generates electricity of it.

Via: [Electronics Talk]

RFID4U, ODIN Technologies organize Joint RFID Training Program

RFID4U, a well recognized RFID training company and ODIN Technologies, leader in the physics of RFID installment testing and software have teamed up to organize the RFID+ CompTIA certification training to the Washington, D.C area. The training classes will be commenced from August 22 to 25 at ODIN'S Dulles VA headquarters.

RFID4U has been organizing RFID training for about four years. It has trained around 2,000 people form the private as well government sector.

Sanjiv Dua, CEO of RFID4U commented on the training program,

We are excited to offer RFID training at ODIN's state of the art facility in Dulles. This will allow easy commuting access for the growing RFID community in the VA-DC-MD region. Most important is our ability to offer CompTIA's new RFID+ certification training, and give hands-on training with the ODIN technologies deployment tool EasyReader, the industry best practice for rapid, accurate and scalable deployments.

Via: [More RFid]

Tom Schuster becomes new CEO of Reva Systems

Reva Systems, a major company delivering RFID network infrastructure products has appointed Tom Schuster as its new CEO. The change in guide is significant for Reva Systems in light of its steady growth in the global RFID market.

Schuster possesses very good leadership quality. He was the president of Arbor Networks, an industry pioneered in network security appliance vendor. During his tenure, the company grew more than cent percent annually. He was also appointed as the Vice President of RSA Security.

Undeniably, Reva's effort to expand its networking worldwide got a major boost with the appointment of Tom Schuster.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Group sets RFID rules

The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) Working Group on RFID has formed certain rules and guild lines for the companies using RFID tags. The working group consists of Cisco Systems, IBM, Intel, the National Consumers League, Procter & Gamble Co. and VeriSign.

The Working Group directs the companies using RFID technology to inform their customers about the every aspects of this latest technology and make sure they know whether they can deactivate tags.

The draft report prepared by CDT says,

There should be no secret RFID tags or readers. By merely informing the consumers, the companies cannot avoid the privacy concerns. The customers should be informed how the data is used. The companies should work as per wishes of the customers.

Via: [arnet]

IPICO unveils Electronic Sports Timekeeping Solutions

IPICO Inc has launched its Sports Timekeeping (STK) solutions, the solutions based on Dual Frequency and UHF RFID technology for the global sports industry. IPICO along with its strategic partners in South Africa, Australia and the USA have successfully completed extensive tests to qualify IPICO's STK product portfolio. The Timekeeping solutions are very useful in timekeeping of mass participation sports events such as marathon, cross county running, cycling and other such events.

Luther Erasmus, COO at IPICO quoted,

Our Dual Frequency technology platform has been developed at the Integrated Circuit level and excels in applications where large volumes of dynamic tag populations must be read in difficult RF environments at distances from 0.5 meter up to 2 meters, and with an accuracy of 20 milliseconds or better. The sports market is therefore ideal for stress testing and qualifying the technology platforms for other mainstream applications.   

Via: [sys-con]

UPS postpones RFID tagging for small packages

UPS, leading global logistics company has postponed the introduction of RFID tagging for small package tracking for the near future. However, the company is interested to use the latest technology in other parts of its business. UPS handles an average of 1.5m international packages and documents everyday.

The company will consider the RFID technology for small-package delivery business, when the cost of the cheapest close range tags come down marginally. Nick Gray, Vice-President of information services for UPS Europe commented,

At package level, bar coding is effective and affordable for as far ahead as we can see.

Via: [Computer Weekly]

RFID Technology for Blood tracking: a new application finds Ospedale Maggiore

The above headline shows that the latest RFID technology finds its new applicability in blood tracking. An Italian hospital Ospedale Maggiore located in Bologna proved it.

The patients at Ospedale Maggiore were given RFID-based wristbands each contained a unique alphanumeric code. Dr Daniele Luppi, transfusion specialist says a similar RFID module embedded in the adhesive labels is used for identifying the request form for blood units and operators.

The hospital uses a pocket-based computer known as the Palmed (an RFID reader) to read the identifications of the patient and the blood unit being used in any transfusion after the fingerprint-based biometric authentication. Blood transfusion takes place when the wireless electronic seal on the blood unit is released after the unique identifiers on the patients and the blood unit is match. Italian software firm Tiomed helps the hospital in the RFID program.

Luppi explains,

Human attention does not remain constant over time. The RFID-based mechanism prevents human error that can turn into serious incidents.

Via: [Computer World]

Ingram Micro obtains assets of SymTech Nordic AS

Ingram Micro Inc. acquired the assets of SymTech Nordic AS.  SymTech Nordic AS is the leading Nordic distributor of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) and point-of-sale (POS) technologies to solution providers and system integrators. However, the company did not divulge the terms of the transaction.

The acquisition is small but significant in the European RIFD and enterprise mobility markets, explains Greg Spierkel, chief executive officer, Ingram Micro Inc. He adds the transaction highlights their strategy of expanding into contiguous technologies permitting Ingram Micro to distinguish itself in an emerging market.

Ingram Micro has obtained all the assets of SymTech and its subsidiaries. They have strong base throughout the Nordic region. As per the deal, SymTech's employees will be provided employment with Ingram Micro's three Scandinavian companies. SymTech will function  as a specialized division within Ingram Micro Nordics.

Via: [RFid Blog]

NLB, Singapore depending on grid computing

The National Library Board of Singapore is depending on grid computing supported by RFID technology to maintain 30 million snapshots of patrons taken each year.

The NLB deployed cameras in its borrowing counter to take the images of patrons as they check out their library materials.

In order to avoid dispute over library loans by the users, the NLB has taken a systematic approach. The premier library of Singapore has introduced grid-computing infrastructure last year comprising of its existing 62 servers. These systems operate on Linux. It manages the library's RFID infrastructure.

Via: [ZDnet Asia]

RFID vendors need to work with customers to ease privacy concern

The latest RFID technology has generated a never-ending debate on the ground of privacy concerns raised by consumers as well as market leaders. A recent poll conducted by Roy Morgan International indicates that 70 percent of Americans are worried about the invasion of privacy through RFID technology. In terms of percentage, it is the highest among other four states ( Australia, Indonesia, Switzerland and England).

It is high time for the RFID solutions providers to come up with a proper program for managing their customer relations from a privacy and security confrontation. They should develop special strategy in this regard. The RFID vendors need to work with the customers to find an amicable settlement of the privacy concerns.   

Via: [RFid Journal]

RFID Casino Chip maker VendingData gets license from Mississippi Gaming Commission

VendingData Corp acquires manufacturer's and distributor's license from the Mississippi Gaming Commission to market and distribute its RFID based- products in the state of Mississippi. VendingData is Las Vegas-based company specialized in manufacturing RFID Casino Chips.

The legislature of Mississippi approved dockside casino gambling with the passage of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act in 1990 in a Special Legislative Session. The State earned more than $1 billion casino gross gaming revenues by 1994, exceeding the $2.5 billion mark in 1999. Mississippi became the third largest casino market following Las Vegas and Atlantic City prior to Hurricane Katrina last year.

Via: [RFid News]

Innovision develops low cost NFC

Innovision Research and Technology(R&T), leading wireless connectivity solutions provider has manufactured a low cost Near Field Communications (NFC) platform for consumer electronics and mobile applications.

The company develops a Topaz to facilitate NFC applications such a mobile payments, ticketing transactions and access to digital content using NFC-enable mobile devices possible. It is the type 1 tag format of the NFC standard approved by the NFC Forum.

Heikki Huomo, CTO at Innovision Research and Technology said, ' We believe Topaz will play an important part in all of this and being one of only four mandated tag formats , alongside Philips, Sony, and other providers, reinforces our position as a leading player in the NFC market'.

Via: [Electronics Talk]

Hitachi expects 180b yen sale of its RFID tags

Hitachi expects 180 billion yen or US$1.6 billion in increasing sales of its radio frequency identification tag operations by the end of March 2011 by promoting low-cost RFID tags.

Of these, 15 percent will accrue from RFID tag-related equipment, 55 percent from system construction and rest 30 percent from other RFID relevant services.

The company claims that the fall in the tag prices from the current level will lead increase the demand for RFID tag because of the convenience of tracing and tracking information on tag-fixed agricultural and industrial products.

The tag price may be come down to around 5 yen or 4 cents a piece in the near future from the current 100 yen (87 cents).

Via: [RFid Blog]

RPCC to conduct RFID test for reusable containers

The Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition (RPCC) has planned to conduct RFID test for the reusable containers. After observing RFID market for some time, the coalition finally decided to go itself under a RFID test.

The test will begin in July. RPCC wants to determine the durability of EPC Gen 2 RFID tags when used in conjunction with reusable containers. These containers are made of wood, steel, plastic and such materials.

RPCC is looking for a RFID solutions provider to operate the lab tests at the university. After the finishing the test, the organization will write a report and develop a model for the full-scale implementation of RFID tags for reusable containers.   

Via: [RFid Journal]

EPCglobal introduces RFID Value Models

EPCglobal US has released three new models what it calls RFID Value Models to enable the companies to comprehend the financial impact of installing EPC-based RFID solutions in their organizations. The RFID Value Models deal with a particular vertical market, chemical, aerospace and retail pharmacy.

These models are the databases with preprogrammed formulas to enable calculations based on real-world and user-instructed inputs. It takes into account the variables like costs and net present value over a period of five years. The students of Stanford University and Eindhoven played a great role in developing these models. Subscribers can access the new models from the organization's website.   

Via: [RFid Update]

Ekahau launches 3G Wi-Fi tag

Ekahau Inc has launched its latest T301-A Wi-FI tag, a tag first of it kinds in market utilizing 'System-on-a-Chip' (SoC) from G2 Microsystems Inc. The new tag is smaller than the previous models.

John Gloekler, CEO and President of G2 Microsystems says,

The T301 demonstrates that Wi-Fi based RTLS tags can meet the demanding requirements of RTLS applications in healthcare, high tech, and other industries.

The new tag has a battery having five-year life span and includes two call buttons to activate other applications. Besides it, the new model contains a tamper switch and motion sensor to track assets and people through Ekahau RTLS. Ekahau has decided to deliver limited number of tags to its existing customers this month and worldwide supply in September.

Via: [RFid News]

Digital Angle foresees surge in its RFID tag business

With Canada extending electronic tracking program for cattle, the RFID firms particularly Minnesota's Digital Angel foresees a surge in its RFID tag business. The Canadian government has decided to control and prevent the spread of mad cow disease through electronic tracking.

Kevin McGrath, CEO of the company welcomed the governmental decision stating,

This is a meaningful move by the Canadian government and tremendous news for Digital Angel and our eTag system business.

The extension program will increase the demand for electronic ear tags and scanning systems in months to come as the industry adapts to this evolving technology. Digital Angel has supplied about 265,000 eTag RFID devices to Canadian distributors last fall.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Syscan, Desjardins Group team up to finance RFID solutions for Canadian Agro-Industry

A step apparently taken to boost agricultural industry in Canada, Syscan International Inc and the Desjardins Group have teamed up to provide their clients special financing towards the purchase of Syscan' RFID based solutions. 

As per the agreement reached by both the parties, Syscan will provide its customers interest-free, as well as no fee financing. The Canadian agricultural sector will undeniably get a major boost, as entrepreneurs will come forward to implement RFID technology in this sector due to simple, rapid and efficient financing. 

Robert Henri, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer commented,

We are extremely pleased with the co-operation we have received from Desjardins' Credit Card Services Group. Since its inception, Desjardins has worked extremely closely with the agricultural industry. Its representatives are specialists in the particular needs of the industry and through their expertise we undoubtedly will be able to resolve many of the traceability challenges faced by agri-businesses.

Via: [More RFid]

IntelliTrack integrates its DMA with Seagull Scientific's BarTender software

IntelliTrack Inc has integrated its DMS 5.0 line of barcode-based tracking software with Seagull Scientific's BarTender software. The two companies are major global leaders in barcode printing software and barcode tracking software respectively.

IntelliTrack develops barcode-based software applications, the applications are highly useful to automate inventory, RFID fixed assets, RFID compliance and warehouse management operations. Seagull's BarTender label software is useful for designing advanced industrial compliance labels and printers.

James Budniakiewicz, President and CEO for IntelliTrack, Inc stated,

Our shared reseller base has been integrating Seagull Scientific's BarTender with IntelliTrack for more than 10 years and this partnership will increase reseller satisfaction and thus end-user satisfaction .

Via: [More RFid]

RBS trialing RFID contactless debit card

Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and MasterCard will start trials of an RFID-based contactless debit card next week.  The contactless debit card will replace cash for low-value payments. Royal Bank's head office campus in Edinburgh containing a number of retail outlets for its 3,000 staff would be the trial centre.

The Scottish bank says that 1,000 staff has implemented one of the specially Maestro chip and PIN debit cards. An aerial in the card sends the data to a RFID reader at the retail store. The bank staff participating in the trials will just signal their debit card against the reader instead of signing a receipt or entering a PIN number.

Via: [RFid News]

JCB readies for RFID payment trial

The international credit card organization JCB has readied to RFID payment trial in Amsterdam very soon. The company planned it in March this year.

As per the RFID trial, JCB will provide RFID-enabled Nokia phones to some hundred customers. They will use these phones make payments utilizing the near-field communication NFC protocol.

The customers of Amsterdam use prepaid cards instead of cash to make small purchases. Therefore, the company has selected Amsterdam for its RFID trial. Apart from Nokia, JCB is also collaborating with Philips Semiconductors for the project.

Via: [RFid Journal]

NanoPolaris acquires Unidym

NanoPolaris has acquired all the assets of Unidym, a Los Angeles-based carbon Nanostructrue Electronics Company. Where as NanoPolaris is a fully owned subsidiary of Arrowhead Research.

Dr.George Gruener will take the charge of Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of the combined company. The company’s products and services particularly the nanotube networks would lead to the production of the next generation of flat panel displays, touch screens, light-emitting diodes and solar cells.

Dr. Gruener said:

Our transparent and conductive nanotube networks are just the beginning of the transition to an electronics industry based on carbon. Expected subsequent products include nanotube thin film transistors that enable palm pilots to bend, electronic brochures to roll up, or low cost RFID tags. As one looks to the future, there is a strong possibility that carbon nanomaterials might be used to replace metal interconnects and silicon transistors.

Via rfidnews

RFID is not a science but an art’, says Neco Can

RFID technology is not a science but an art, the former head of RFID trials at Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F), Neco Can said at the RFID Networking Forum in London.

The RFID visionary expressed that the latest RFID technology is some how ready for deployment; it requires utmost creativity, support and integration to implement. RFID is a dynamic technology. Nobody can know everything of it but learn gradually by working with it, he adds.

He was the director of Gap’s project management office in 2001. Under his supervision, Gap conducted an RFID pilot that provided an inventory accuracy of up to 99.6 per cent. After involving many RFID projects Can has concluded that RFID projects within a company needs full support at the highest levels of management.

Via rfidjournal

Gemini seeks RFID tags from Wal-Mart

Chennai-based networking solutions company Gemini Communications Ltd. and US retail major Wal-Mart have joined hands to give fillip to RFID technology in India. Gemini is interested to acquire around 1,000 RFID tags from Wal-Mart.

Gemini will soon open a new RFID plant in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and seeks Wal-Mart’s support. The company is also in touch with the UK-based Tesco for supply of RFID tags for its retail forays in India, says Vijay Kumar, Chairperson of Gemini Communications. The company has decided to invest Rs 20 crore in Baddi. The new plant will have a capacity of 6,000 tags an hour, he adds.

Via dnaindia

FDA yet to make RFID mandate for US drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put aside the proposal that mandates the use of RFID to trace pharmaceuticals in the supply chain for the time being
FDA resolves to prevent counterfeit drugs in the supply chain. It will enact regulations, which force drug manufacturers to provide a pedigree of how products have passed through the supply chain.

The drugs legitimate has not mentioned specifically about the technology to check counterfeit drugs. Therefore, the FDA finds RFID is the ultimate option to safeguard the drugs supply. FDA has given time to the companies to adopt the technology. It will be implementing the pedigree proposals to ensure electronic tracking of pharmaceuticals.

via silicon

STMicroelectronics launches new RFID chips

STMicroelectronics has announced the launch of its two new 2048-bit long-range RFID memory products. The company claims that its new products are fully compliant with the ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 1800-3 Mode 1 RFID standards for tracking applications.

STMicroelectronics’s latest products are highly useful for applications requiring data storage and security, such as access control, library automation and supply-chain management. Besides these segments, the 2048-bit memories can be used to check anti-counterfeiting of sensitive products such as drugs and high-value products.

Via chinapost

Viisage's Authentication Technology improves Australian Security

In an effort to improve overall security in more than 25 Australian overseas locations worldwide, the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) has awarded the contracts to Viisage for its Viisage iA-thenticate Smart Chip/ RFID Electronic Document Reader services. With this, the leading RFID service provider Viisage has gained third consecutive contracts from the Australian government.    

In the wake of growing terrorist activities, DIMA is determined check the identity document such as passports, visas and national IDs, which terrorists hold illegally. Vissage's automated document authentication technology will help DIMA in achieving its goal.   Particularly, DIMA can trace out illegal travel documents presented at the Australian embassies globally.

Via: [RFid Blog]

Hitachi to enhance wireless tag business

Hitachi Ltd has decided to start full-scale wireless tag operations to gain 16 percent share of the $3.5b Japanese market in the next four years. The Japanese largest electronics company has planned to enhance sales in its traceability business including RFID and IC tags to 80b yen by March 2011, against the projected 5 billion yen in 2007. The company claims that it's wireless data-collection technology based on electronic tags will increase efficiency in inventory management and tracing production and processing records of food.

Via: [Reuters]

Tower Semiconductor designs Gen 2 RFID Tags for Alien Technology

Tower Semiconductor Ltd. is the designing supplier for Alien Technology's Gen 2 RFID integrated circuits at the company's Fab2 in an advanced 0.18 manufacturing process . These ICs are EPCGlobal certified.

RFID IC's market has bright prospective in the coming days. The market researchers predict that RFID IC's market will grow to between $500millions and $ 1 billion by 2010 because of the Gen 2 impact.

Yossi Netzer, GM of mixed-signal and RF product line at Tower Semiconductor opined that Gen 2 protocol is the emerging standard in RFID technology.

via: [Yahoo! Biz!]

Judiciary Committee approves two RFID bills

Two RFID bills SB 433 and SB 1078 got the approval of the California Assembly Judiciary Committee. These bills are very likely to standstill the use of RFID technology in driver's licenses and students identity cards. The senate has already approved the bills. SB 433 which relates to driver's licences has been moved for the Assembly's Transportation committee where as SB 1078 is under the consideration of Education Committee. Once they approve the bills, it will be sent for Assembly floor vote very soon.

The original bills sought to forbid the use of RFID. It created long-standing debates in the USA regarding the RFID technology.  No the bills are amended and the ban was deemed into three-year moratorium.

Via: [RFid Journal]

A seminar on 'RFID in Healthcare' on June 27

BlueBean, LLC will organize a free seminar on 'RFID in Healthcare' on 27 June. The seminar will teach medical workers about the use of RFID technology for tracking mobile assets and staff. RFID is a reliable technology applied in the healthcare industry to reduce costs and save time. It can be integrated into a hospital's wireless infrastructure. By this integration, healthcare units track mobile assets as well as staff and patients. Gregg Maggioli who is the president of BlueBean said that the healthcare companies are saving millions of dollars per year by adopting this latest technology. The seminar, which is scheduled on 27 June, will highlight all these things vividly.   

BlueBean has joined hands with PanGo and Cisco to organize the mega event.

via: [RFid News]

Wisconsin all set to enforce law baring forced RFID implants

Wisconsin is all set to enforce the law, which bars forcible implementation of RFID tags into humans this week. Governor James Doyle has approved the legislation last month. According to law, nobody will be permitted to force another to put a microchip implanted in his body. If anybody violated the law, would be liable to pay $ 10,000 each day until the chip is removed.

Wisconsin will become the one of first states to implement such kind of law. Some 19 states are also planning to introduce laws to limit the use of RFID technology because of data privacy and security concerns. By introducing such kind of legislations, one that Wisconsin did recently, would have broad implications for RFID product manufacturers, distributors and users.

Via: [RFid Blog]

AT&T providing Managed RFID Service

AT&T is providing managed RFID services from end to end by with the help of a handful of vendors. The company asserts that the leading market players like Intel, BEA Systems and Symbol Technologies are working with it to deliver parts of its new RFID service. AT&T has introduced its new RFID service last year.

Ebrahim Keshavarz, VP of new installment services claims that there five elements to service, professional services analysis of business process, ROI and design, Client premises management , Standard AT&T data transport service options that include VPN and Internet access, Hosted EPC global database and a warehouse management system.

Via: [Sci-Tech-Today]

Altobridge bags Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award

Altobridge Ltd has bagged the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award, the award given for the excellent contribution in the field of homeland security for container applications.   The Ireland-based Altobridge's gateway solution (the AM Gateway Platform) has remarkably improved maritime operations.

Ashwini Meena, Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst said,

Altobridge's AM Gateway Platform is an innovative communications technology that supports continuous communication about the status of containers and provides ubiquitous coverage for all containers, cargo, monitoring devices, eSeals and RFID tags across all ships, enabling cost effective two-way communications with surveillance centres.

Altobridge provides cost effective and target oriented services, which bridge the communication gap between ships at sea, and container transporting authorities.

Via: [TMCNet]

Network Programs teams up with StreamUnlimited

Network Programs (India) Ltd. (NPI), has inked a deal with StreamUnlimited. The deal provides many opportunities to both companies to share resources, utilize each other's technology expertise, and jointly address the customers.

The MoU agreed by the two companies is particularly important for Network Programs as it ensures a channel partnership in Europe, while StreamUnlimited seeks to expand its marketing capacity in India, Japan and the United States.

The CEO of StreamUnlimited, Frits Wittgrefe quoted,

Working with Network Programs gives us access to share our solutions with a broader customer base in India and Japan. The deal also provides us access to their expertise in the IPTV, RFID and embedded networking space. We look forward to jointly creating leading edge solutions and value to our customers.

Via: [CIOL]

Hoboken boosts parking industry with RFID handheld devices

Hoboken, a New Jersey city is going to adopt the RFID technology to ease the work pressure of parking-enforcement officers. As per the plans, the officers are using handheld RFID devices usually readers to scan UHF RFID tags fixed in city-issued resident parking permits. The officers can easily track in a fraction of time whether a car is legally parked with the proper permit.

Parking is an important industry for Hoboken. The city earns about $20m revenue from parking permits and parking fines. The city is spending around $50,000 installing the RFID equipment and software. It expects to collect more than $ 1 million in savings. 

Via: [RFid Journal]

RFID Breakthrough Awards 2006 on 8 November

The RFID Breakthrough Awards 2006 will be given  on 8 November at a grand dinner evening at the Banqueting House, Whitehall. For which nominations are open from the RFID vendors and RFID end-users who successfully implemented the  technology this year. This award will further enhance the industrial activities for the fullest development of RFID technology and its marketing.

An expert panel which consists of David Lyon (Business Manager, GS1UK), Neco Can (Vice President, Attevo), Ivano Ortis (Progam Manager, IDC), Chris Rezendes (Vice President, Venture Development Corporation), Nigel Montgomery (European Research Director, AMR Research), Dr Peter Harrop (Chairman IDTechEx) and Ed Cowley (Director, RFID Centre) will decide the winners of the RFID Breakthrough Awards 2006.

The interested vendors and end-users should file the nomination form by 29 September. Some 30 nominations had been entrained last year for this award.

Via: [RFid Blog]

ABI Research appoints Liard to its RFID research team

Michael Liard has joined ABI Research's RFID research team. Liard has been recognized as one of the best RFID industry analysts. ABI Research asserts that a good number of its clients admit Erik Michielsen and Mike Liard are only two leaders in the RFID industry.   

Wheelock, VP of Research Clint says that Mike will be a key playing in the ongoing expansion of their RFID market coverage. The RFID visionaries Liard has worked as a practice director for RFID at Venture Development Corp for about six years before joining ABI research.

Via: [ctl]

Dow to implement supply chain management solution

Dow Chemical, the leading chemical company has decided to implement a new supply chain management solution as part of efforts to exploit new technology.

The ten-year plan will enable Dow Chemical to revamp its supply chain and enhance vehicle and railway tracking. The chemical company is likely to introduce sensor networks, GPS and RFID technology to solve any kind of supply chain problems and enhance overall efficiency. Currently Dow is handling more than 2.5 million shipments every year having 20percent traveling outside the US. It causes tracking more difficult. The company hopes to overcome this problem by introducing advanced supply chain management system.

Via: [Mikrofax]

Finnair improving airport operations with RFID solution

Finnair claims that the use of IBM's RFID solutions has enabled the Finnair group to bring rapid improvement in the efficiency of its airport operations at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. IBM is taking the charge of the innovative solution for the allocation of employee tasks at Northport Ltd.  Northport Ltd is the major supplier of ground handling services. It is also a member of the Finnair Group. IBM has agreed to work on a three-year project for the leading operating airlines. Nokia provides wireless technology for the IBM RFID solution.

Jari Viitanen, Vice President Business Development at Northport explains,

Assigning personnel to all the tasks taking place at any given moment is a true challenge. The better information we have on all tasks, the better we can manage our workforce. Especially tough are the last minute changes of arrival schedules, which in turn result in changes in the allocation of tasks. The management needs data when and where staff is available. RFID provides us with this.

Via: [Boarding]

TAGSYS designs RFID Reader for Libraries

TAGSYS has designed a WiFi enabled handheld, item-level RFID reader to enhance inventory tracking and management for libraries. 

The new reader facilitates handy, fast, reliable, accurate and secure tracking of books, periodicals, DVDs, CDs, documents, and other media.

The WiFi supported item-level RFID reader all together interrogates multiple items very quickly. Library's host PC or to a PDA receives data via WiFi. The reader can be easily carried with a shoulder or belt strap because of its lightweight and ergonomic design.

Elie Simon, the chief executive officer at TAGSYS said on the new launch,

Librarians have long expressed the need for a high-speed, ergonomic, remote access system to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the inventory management processes. The new RFID reader is also useful for other sectors that manage high-volumes of documents and materials. 

Via: [More RFid]

HDMA supports FDA for Prescription Drug Marketing Act

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) backs the FDA’s decision to lift the stay on the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA).

FDA will be able to ensure patient safety, prescription drug integrity and supply chain security by enforcing the final rule on December 1, 2006.

John Gray, president and CEO at HDMA stated:

We have zero tolerance for criminals who counterfeit patient medicines, and we commend the FDA for moving forward with implementation of the PDMA Final Rule. It is very important step to introduce drug-sell tracking. Therefore, HDMA will work with the FDA.

He further commented:

We commend the FDA for proactively holding workshops to gather critical information from across the healthcare industry to make this important decision. Additionally we support FDA's focus on prioritizing pedigree enforcement efforts and its recommendation for continued industry leadership on technology advancements.

Via prnewswire

FDA to track sale of counterfeit drugs

The US government is coming up with a series of measures to check counterfeit drugs. As the part of the measures, the government will enforce a law, which necessitates the drug tracking each time they change hands from the factory to the pharmacy.

In the wake of growing concerns amongst the secondary wholesalers that the tracking requirement would badly affect the business, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has delayed the enforcement of the provisions. In addition, the slow pace of adoption of RFID technology caused further delays. Now, FDA feels that wholesaler’s perception on the enabling technology has changed.

The FDA asserts that RFID technology is the most reliable way to track drugs when they pass through the supply chain.

Via azstarnet

MOST to set national standards for electronic labels in China

China has decided to set national standards for electronic labels to increase competition amongst domestic and foreign manufacturers. China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will prepare and put national standards for the electronic products. Zhang Zhiwen, an official with the MOST, expressed on the proposal, ‘We make reference to the international standards of ISO/IEC18000 for drafting our own RFID standards’.

He further commented, ‘We need to consider other major technical standards in some developed countries’. The report predicts that the RFID market will boom in the coming days and reach four billion US dollars in 2008. China is adopting this latest technology gradually. It has implemented RFID technology in some of the major sectors.

It is high time for the national government to set standards, covering physical features, interface protocols, reader protocols, coding system, application system and data management, Zhang adds.

Via people

IEEE 1902.1 or RuBee: IEEE’s new alternative RFID technology

The IEEE will develop IEEE 1902.1, also known as RuBee. The RuBee is an alternative to RFID technology. It would provide cost effective services to the manufacturers and retailers. Particularly IEEE’s RuBee would be immensely applicable for the item-level tracking. The RFID tags are backscattered transponders while RuBee is an active transceiver. IEEE expects its latest product would be available within 12 to 18 months.

The leading retailers like U.S’s Best Buy, UK based Tesco and Germany’s Metro Group and technology vendors such as Hewlett-Packard, Intel, IBM, Sony , Panasonic, Motorola and NCR are supporting the project.

Via