RFID Gazette

RFID Roundup - Sunday Oct 22/06

Bell Canada Sponsors RFID Journal LIVE! Canada
Bell Canada has agreed to be the cornerstone sponsor for the first annual RFID Journal LIVE! Canada conference and exhibition. The event takes place November 8-9, 2006, in Toronto, Canada. The event features a number of highly-placed executives from various large Canadian retailers and other businesses.

US Dept of Defense Sets The Tone For RFID
With the US DoD just completing their RFID network last month, it's expected that more supply chains will follow suit. New software and hardware products [Extreme RFID] are coming out in anticipation of the need. The US Military also has spent the most [Circuit Asssembly] on active RFID projects this year: US$425M. This includes a number of niches and related technologies including ZigBee, UWB, and RTLS.

GBP 800M For Tech For British Biometric ID Cards
It's expected that the technology for the British biometric national ID card will cost GBP 800Mln, with a total cost of the program around GBP $5.4 Bln. [via VNU Net]

RFID Consortium Adds 3M As A Member

3M Corp has joined the RFID Consortium, an organization of companies with the mandate to promote UHF (Ultra High Frequeny) RFID and EPCGlobal EPC Gen2 standards. UHF tags broadcast at much greater distances and is often used in applications such as supply chain management - for example to control inventory in warehouses. Late last year, the RFID Consortium set down a structure for creating a patent pool, for which they recently hired an administrator. A different consortium, RFID CUSP, recently received a million-dollar grant from the NSF to study the security and privacy implications of radio frequency technology.

RFID Roundup - Thur Aug 10/06

PricewaterhouseCoopers is using AXCESS' RFID-enabled RTLS (Real Time Location System) ActiveTag(tm) asset management system in their Mexico City office to track valuable equipment such as laptops and other portable items. The ActiveTag system will help them reduce losses and thefts by notifying the tracking system when an asset has been moved outside of a particular zone.

Smart Medical Technologies is now offering a line of RFID-embedded medical laboratory equipment including cryo-vials, test tubes, patient wristbands, blood and IV bags, and more. Each item has an accompanying read/write device to passively power the RFID chip. The equipment is in compliance with the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). [via Smart Medical Technologies press release]

A Wal-Mart beverage provider has selected Xterprise's XARM RFID tagging solution for their products. The system will be used in production line packaging. [via RFID Solutions Online]

The Spanish Armed Forces (SAF) are now using the RFID-enabled Savi Consignment Management Solution (CMS) from Savi Technology (part of Lockheed Martin Corp). The system now makes them compatible with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), allowing joint management and tracking of supply chain assets.

RFID Roundup - Tues Aug 1/06

Here are some summaries of recent RFID-related news from elsewhere that you may have missed.

FileTrail, Inc.'s RFID Tracking Solution will be used by the US 7th Judicial Circuit Court to automate the tracking and management of case files in 130 locations, including courtrooms, judges' chambers, etc. The system will eliminate manual searches as well. [via PRWeb]

GAO Tek Inc., formerly GAO Engineering, of Toronto, Canada, has spun out GAO RFID Inc. The website includes an online store for RFID tags, labels, and readers, and supplies information about markets and solutions as well. [via PR.com]

The hospital/ healthcare market for RFID is hot, and a number of companies are offering a variety of RFID-based asset managment solutions. One is Wren Medical Systems from Chicago, Illinois, who have just introduced a RFID-based software for managing medical devices. The sofware is intended for health care providers and is being distributed, through a partnership, in North and Central America. [via RFID Solutions Online]

Paxar Corporation has a new RFID compliance kit, RFID Headstart, aimed, it appears, at SMBs (Small to Medium Businesses) who are suppliers to larger companies that have an RFID requirement - for example, Wal-Mart. The turnkey kit saves SMBs the time and cost of having to put together their own system. It comes with a variety of components including an RFID printer, reader, labels, compliant software, support, service, and consulting. [via More RFID] a similar RFID compliance package is available from Omron.

Symbol Technologies has introduced a new industrial-class Gen 2 RFID reader based on their XR architecture. The device runs on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system, which allows integration with other MS Windows systems.[via Strategiy.com]

Firetide Inc. of California is offering a hybrid wireless mesh/ RFID  system for automobile dealerships. This system ties into the KeyWhere lockbox RFID system, which tracks data on all vehicles in a dealershp. Each lockbox communicates through either Wi-Fi or ZigBee. [via The Auto Channel]

3M Scores a Triple-play With US Govt RFID Contracts

The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) may be unsure how they want to use RFID, but other branches of the US government are not. As such, 3M Corporation (NYSE: MMM) has secured their 3rd RFID contract from an US government agency in as many weeks.

The latest contract is from the US military, to track medical records of over 150,000 personnel. This contract is for three years and just under $4 million. Last week, 3M received a contract from the US Tax Court to use RFID to track over 100,000 case files. Prior to that, 3M's file-tracking solution was purchased by the US Tax Division.

The file-tracking solution works on paper-based files, which produces all kinds of data management problems - such as misplaced files and inefficiencies in retrieval. Such a system could presumably be used in any practice which requires the use of paper files. For example, attorney's offices, some of which have purchased 3M's solution.

3M's shares have been on general upward trend since about 1982, with a bit more volatility in the past year. With this triple play in the government sector, this may open up loads of opportunities for 3M in law enforcement, law offices, hospitals and more. Such moves on the part of the government also give a boost to the perception that RFID can be used in legitimate ways.

Additional sources: [via RFID Update, RFID Update daily e-newsletter, RFID Lowdown]

Peer-to-Peer Capabilities of RuBee, An Alternative To RFID

RuBee is being touted as a low-cost alternative to RFID, for low-bandwidth scenarios. One feature that might just push RuBee-based tags to wider implementation than RFID is its peer-to-peer capabilities, which include being searchable on the Internet.

In the IEEE announcement of RuBee, they point out the fact that these tags will be equipped with IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. However, the page mentions the older IPv4 instead of the newer IPv6 with longer addresses. IPv6 is expected by some peple to be the backbone of being able to set up a network of SEDs (Service Enabled Devices) that communicate with each other over an "Internet of devices".

Regardless, as RuBee tags have IP addresses, that means that their status can be checked from the Internet. Given a full-blown SED with a RuBee tag and a web server, you can view data collected by the device simply by visiting a dedicated web page. In fact, the press release mentions a ".tag" TLD (Top-Level Domain) name, so you could presumably have a web URL such as http://ourlabs.tag/rubee42/.

Besides asset management, combined with a variety of hybrid sensors, RuBee tags could have enormous telepresence-related application implications, including security (such as Seaport + border), robotics, nanotechnology, weather sensors, and more.

TAGSYS and PSION to work together on RFID Mobility Systems

TAGSYS and PSION are working together to develop portable RFID terminals that will be used in the distribution and logistics industries.

TAGSYS and PSION hope to create productive synergies by combining their collective knowledge and expertise in the fields of data capture and RFID. The duo will create a rugged, totally integrated product range of mobile hand-held RFID readers that will also have scanning, imaging and wireless communication options.

The two companies will also target the Pharmaceutical and Fashion Textile industries with their innovative products.

Via Arcweb

Metrologic will sell MaxID's RFID products

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. has signed a deal with MaxID to sell MaxID's EPC-Compliant Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Products in North America under the Metrologic brand name.

Metrologic is working to redefine its Industrial Business model. It wants to beef up offerings from its Industrial Products and Systems Group. On the other hand, MaxID also stands to benefit from Metrologic's RapidStart Program License from Intermec and its strong Channel partner network. Metrologic will start selling MaxID's products in North America, but later the company hopes to expand to other regions in due course of time.

Via MoreRFID

RFIDSupplyChain.com chosen as the exclusive distributor of BlueBean's RFID products

BlueBean, an RFID consulting and systems integration company has chosen RFIDSupplyChain.com, an online RFID store which offers do-it-yourself kits and solutions to common RFID applications, as exclusive distributor of BlueBean's RFID solutions and RFID products.

RFIDSupplyChain.com has created a special section on their website called "RFID Solutions" where customers can check out all of BlueBean's products including RFID solutions, RFID Development Lab Kits, Conveyor Portal, RFID Portal and RFID Controller.

Via PRWeb

Highlights from RNCOS's new report 'RFID: Outlook China'

The market research firm RNCOS has come out with a new report titled "RFID: Outlook China". Some highlights:

-          The RFID market in China has sustained its modest growth ratio of 8.55% in Q4 of 2005. The size of the RFID market in China grew from RMB 568 million in the third quarter to RMB 617 million in the fourth quarter in 2005

-          The manufacturing segment should be prospective entry field for the RFID industry.

-          In the Q4, the RFID market was busy with the launch of 2G ID cards, and implementations in fields where it is already applied on a large scale, such as public transportation, campus management, property/residential area management, etc.

-          China has a great future in the manufacturing sector. There is a large application of logistics and availability of a substantial working capital in manufacturing procedures.

Though the exhibited rate of growth is moderate, the market still holds the potential.

Via [PR Minds]

More RFID innovation from IBM

Three important announcements from IBM at the RFID World Conference in Dallas:

1. A new Asset Tracking service which can track important resources such as operational assets, valuable capital assets, and personnel in large scale facilities such as chemical or energy plants, health care facilities, and manufacturing environments.

2. IBM's WebSphere RFID Premises Server software is meant for high-traffic warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing settings.

3. With the new campus in Dublin, IBM now runs 10 worldwide RFID centers.

Via [CommentWire]

ETILUX Launches New Website on RFID

ETILUX, a European company, has developed a new website on RFID. Featuring an intuitive design and navigation system, the website targets not only professionals but also the nonprofessional. The site offers interactive case studies of the applications of RFID in different environments, and general information on the technology for beginners. ETILUX, recently certified as a Value Added Solutions Provider by Alien Technology, has launched its own encapsulated RFID as well. Etitag, the RFID solution from ETILUX, offers added features to the tracking of pallets, carriers and other containers. Detailed information of the product as well as all Alien Technology products is available at the new website. ETILUX’s marketing team in collaboration with Globule Bleu, a digital media agency that developed the engaging and stunning Interactive tutorials, designed this website. MoreRFID reports:

ETILUX, a leading European provider of data capture and label automation/dispensing/printing solutions, is proud to announce the unveiling of their new RFID website, designed to optimally address the needs of current and potential customers.

Read more: ETILUX Systems announces launch of New RFID website

RFID4U and Supply Insight Strive to Simplify RFID for Solutions Providers

In a combined effort to help system integrators and end-users build dependable and efficient RFID systems, RFID4U and Supply Insight are conducting a two-day, intensive training session. Supply Insight DevCon will commence in Chicago from November 7. The seminar will delve into detailed discussions on the components that make up a RFID system, and will cover RFID fundamentals, standards, integration obstacles and best practices. Also included will be an advanced training session on Supply Insight’s primary product, rPlatform 2.0. RFID4U, a world leader in RFID learning solutions, is a preferred partner of suppliers of Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Albertsons as well as the Department of Defense. Connecticut based Supply Insight is a foremost provider of RFID solutions and products. PRWeb reports:

RFID4U offerings include: one day RFID Made Easy and Managing the Mandates training course, two days RFID workshop, three days RFID implementation training and custom courses for Supply Insight, Intelleflex Corporation as well as Two Technologies.

Read more: RFID4U and Supply Insight launches RFID Solution Developers Training

PEAK's New Laboratory Inaugurated

PEAK Technologies has opened a new lab: the RFID Test and Integration Laboratory. The high-tech lab is located within the company’s twenty thousand square-foot warehouse in Columbia, Maryland. Besides helping customers understand better ways of implementing RFID, by way of simulations, the lab will also test hardware from select manufacturers. The RFID Test and Integration Laboratory is designed meticulously, and includes conveyor systems and RFID readers at the dock doors to present a live tag-testing environment. Companies faced with RFID compliance issues can also get a sneak preview of the PEAK Compliance solution package as part of the lab offering. PEAK Compliance is a complete, ready-to-use RFID solution that supports EPC RFID. Broadband Wireless Exchange reports:

PEAK's RFID Test and Integration Lab allows customers to understand the best ways to utilize the technology through a detailed lab process that includes testing packaging composition in terms of RFID signal propagation...

Read more: PEAK Opens Real World Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Test and Integration Laboratory

Pragmatyxs Bent on Demystifying RFID

Pragmatyxs, Inc., recently named an Intermec RFID Authorized Partner, an exclusive honour acquired after meticulous training and qualification, has published a new whitepaper: RFID Demystified. Available at their website, the whitepaper discusses practical details of the workings of RFID and its application to small and medium businesses. It also covers the controversy surrounding the technology, and presents a comparison between AIDC technologies using barcodes and RFID. Pragmatyxs intends the whitepaper as a reference and tool for persons involved in Supply Chain and Logistics, Inventory Management, Operations, and the like. The company, Pragmatyxs, is fast becoming a leading authority in RFID. A joint venture with Intermec, which lasted nine years, has lent an edge and a unique perspective to the company. Business Wire reports:

RFID Demystified comprehensively breaks out the different terms and applications, and provides real-world examples of how the technologies can benefit small to medium manufacturers and distributors.

Read more: Pragmatyxs Publishes New Whitepaper on RFID

New Mobile RFID Infrastructure Kit Developed by Savi Technology

Savi Technology has announced the release of the Portable Deployment Kit (PDK). Developed in conjunction with the PM J-AIT Office of the US Department of Defence, the PDK is a complete, portable RFID solution, designed to tackle the longstanding predicament posed by supply chain visibility in the last tactical mile. The problem arises due to lack of RFID fixed reader infrastructure in the Area of Operations. The PDK integrates numerous AIDC technologies, which include barcodes, GPS, and satellite communication. The US Marine Corps Systems Command is to be the first customer of the product for deployment in Southwest Asia. Business Wire reports:

"The PDK is a result of collaborative efforts between Savi Technology and the DoD's PM J-AIT office to address the challenge of getting supply chain visibility in austere environments," said Lt. Col. Beth Rowley, Product Manager, Joint-Automatic Identification Technology (PM J-AIT)  office...

Read more: Savi Technology Deploys New Mobile RFID Infrastructure Kit for Real-Time Visibility of Military Supplies to the 'Last Mile'

Sun Java System RFID Software

-- Support for Device Management and Next-Generation of RFID Standards Provides Reduced Administration, Increased Security, and Enhanced Performance --

Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW), today announced the availability of Sun Java(TM) System RFID Software 2.0, a key component of its RFID system strategy. Sun Java System RFID Software enhances core infrastructure technologies like Sun Java(TM) Enterprise System and Solaris(TM) 10 Operating System (OS) and simplifies the integration of RFID data from the edge of the network to enterprise application systems.

RSI ID Technologies Produces Gen 2 Labels

RSI ID Technologies (RSI), one of the nation's only vertically integrated providers of RFID technology, today announced its part in history with their production of EPC compliant Gen2 labels, making them one of the first companies to market with a Gen2 product.

Item-Level RFID Study Findings Released

-- Intelligent Systems and R4 Global Solutions release findings of study on item-level RFID in the retail supply chain. Retail Industry Pilots and Pioneering Study Signal First Phase Of Global Alliance Aimed At Advancing The Adoption Of Item-Level RFID In The Retail Storefront --

San Francisco and New York, March 29, 2005 – Intelligent Systems (www.is-mwv.com), a division of MeadWestvaco (NYSE: MWV), and R4 Global Solutions™ www.r4gs.com, a leading provider of RFID-enabled technology and services, today announced findings from a recent study focused on the use of item-level RFID technology in the retail receiving, stock room and store floor environments. The study is the first step in a broad alliance agreement between the two companies aimed at solving two of the retail industry's largest problems: out-of-stocks, which cost U.S. retailers an estimated $50 billion annually, and shrinkage, which costs an additional $31 billion annually.

Maxell Introduces New RFID Solutions

-- Maxell Introduces New, Flexible RFID Platform For Use In Various Pharmaceutical, Clinical Trials and Laboratory Applications. Maxell's Heliport RFID System Provides the Foundation for Next-Generation Track and Trace and Information Management Solutions in Life Science Industries --

Fort Lawn, NJ, March 28, 2005 – Maxell Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Hitachi Maxell Ltd., today introduced the flagship product in the company's line of Radio Frequency IDentification solutions. Maxell's new RFID system provides original equipment manufacturers and system integrators in the medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory markets a flexible technology platform for the development of customizable and secure RFID solutions for a variety of high-value, life science applications.

RSI ID Technologies Announces New Machinery and Patent

-- San Diego-based company now capable of full RFID vertical integration and break-through antenna manufacturing --

San Diego, CA - RSI ID Technologies (RSI), founded in late 1991 and headquartered in Chula Vista, California, recently acquired the assembly line machinery necessary for full RFID vertical integration.  In November of 2004, RSI brought in-house the machinery for antenna manufacturing and inlay assembly, adding to their already existing label converting capabilities.  As a result, the company is now able to offer customers "one stop shopping" for the design, manufacturing and assembly of RFID labels.  In addition, RSI also works directly with the end-user on system design and full system integration including support and consultation.

"RFID-Beyond The Mandate" Published

The Brand Equity Protection Company S.G. Hart & Associates LLC has written a report in the March 2005 issue of Paper, Film & Foil Converter entitled “RFID – Beyond the Mandate.” The report discusses the history of RFID, the mechanics behind the technology, and the challenges companies will face implementing it. S.G. Hart & Associates affirms that through its leadership, readers will have an unbiased source for information concerning radio frequency identification. According to emediawire.com:

Paper, Film & Foil CONVERTER has a strong leadership position in the markets that it reaches and we were pleased to respond to their request.” Miano continued, “our thought leadership is a strong component of our overall strategy. The ability to share with readers our understanding of the potential technology components of a brand equity protection program pays dividends in the long term. More importantly, however, we rest our reputation on providing unbiased counsel for those seeking a strategic, comprehensive program to address the global threat of counterfeiting and diversion beyond a just a technology solution.

Read more:

Fusion Technologies, Inc. Develops Payment And Loyalty Engine For Branded RFID Tags

NEW YORK/EWORLDWIRE/March 4, 2005 --- SMART System Technologies Inc. (SST) a New York-based RFID solutions provider to the retail and sports industries has extended the services of Fusion Technologies Inc. (Fusion) as their software development partner for their transactional and reporting systems supporting their PowerPay(TM) product.

BVS Ships Handheld Multi-Spectrum Analyzer

METUCHEN, New Jersey. -- February 14, 2005 -- Berkeley Varitronics Systems, Inc. begins shipping BumbleBee™, a portable spectrum analyzer that measures 4 distinct frequency bands.

Raymond Corporation Provides RFID for Lift Trucks

GREENE, N.Y. — The Raymond Corporation is leading the material handling industry in development of emerging technologies with advanced research and collaboration in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), fuel cell power and vision systems for lift trucks.

Videojet Introduces the Fast Tag Total RFID Tagging Solutions

Wood Dale, IL (USA) – November 7, 2004 – Videojet® Technologies Inc. (a Danaher company) introduces the Videojet FAST Tag RFID tag applicator, providing RFID tag application solutions to quickly and easily meet retailer mandates, including Wal-Mart® supplier specifications. Videojet, a world leader in product identification solutions, has joined with its sister company, Accu-Sort Systems Inc., to provide a total RFID application system for packaged goods manufacturers.

The FAST Tag encodes and applies RFID tags utilizing a Videojet label applicator, an Accu-Sort RFID reader, and a patent-pending reject identification and recovery system.