 | Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Issue 514 | | Will Smith, Editor |  |
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Editor's Note: Today's top story is new technology from packaging materials manufacturer Pliant and IBM that combines Gen2 RFID tags with printable electronics to automatically record if pallet shrink wrap material has been tampered.
In more IBM news, the company has announced an RFID implementation at the Honda plant located in Atessa, Italy. According to the release, the project will enable the real-time identification of each motorcycle and scooter in the production process.
IDC-owned research firm Manufacturing Insights has released a Worldwide Manufacturing Top 10 Predictions report. A few details about its predictions for RFID are here.
Lastly, RFID product and service provider Alien Technology has named George W. Everhart CEO and member of the board of directors. From positions at 3Com, Fujitsu, and Apple, Everhart has experience leading technology companies through high-growth phases. He replaces Robert Eulau, who was appointed acting CEO last September when Dr. Stav Prodomou stepped down as CEO to assume a different role within the company. |
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| - Asset Management Conference & Expo, Feb 21-22, San Diego (site)  | | - The official DoD RFID Summit, April 3-4, Washington Hilton (site) | | - IDTechEx RFID Smart Labels USA 2007, Feb 20-23, Boston, USA (site) | | - RFID World Conference 2007, March 26-28, Dallas (site) | | - 5th Annual RFID Journal LIVE!, Apr 30 - May 2, 2007, Orlando (site) | | - Asset Tracking & Management in Defence, 31 Jan & 1 Feb, UK (site) | | | | - CCL Label - Your Global Partner for Labeling & Packaging (site) | | - Lowry Smart Trac Labels: Depend on 100% Good Labels (site) | | | Training & Certification | | - University of Kansas RFID Training Programs (site) | | - Be Prepared. Heathkit's RFID+ Test Prep (site) | | | RFID Readers | | - Ensyc Technologies: $395 UHF Desktop Reader (site) | | - MTI Wireless Edge: high-quality low-cost panel antennas (site) | | | RTLS & Active RFID | | - Locate it now. How? Ekahau. That's how! (site) | | | Employment | | - RFID Recruiters - 100% Focused on RFID Recruiting (site) | | | Products & Services | | - Peel - Stick - Ship(TM): SimplyRFID Pre-Programmed Tags (site) | | | Research & White Papers | | - 2006 RFID Marketing Strategies Report from RFID Update (site) | |
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Pliant and IBM Harness RFID for Tamper Detection
Packaging materials manufacturer Pliant and IBM have successfully developed and tested an RFID system that detects and records if packaging film has been tampered. Pliant combined printable electronics on pallet shrink wrap film with a modified 915 MHz EPCglobal Gen2 semi-passive RFID tag to automatically record if the pallet shrink wrap was cut, torn, or removed. The system was successfully piloted on shipments between Pliant research and development facilities in Newport News, Virginia, and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
"If the pallet is compromised en route we can detect that instantly at receiving and know that we should check that shipment," Pliant technical director for innovation Doug Lilac told RFID Update. "It's not inconceivable that organized thieves could use a stretchwrap machine to rewrap pallets. If a thief took boxes off the pallet, replaced them with empties, and re-wrapped the pallet, we'd know."
Pliant developed proprietary printed electronics for application on the film used in pallet shrink wrapping. After pallets are wrapped, a semi-passive RFID tag is applied to the pallet. The tag energizes the conductive material on the film. If the wrapping is punctured, torn, cut, or removed, the event is automatically recorded on the RFID tag. The event would be reported whenever the RFID tag is read.
Pliant worked extensively with IBM for RFID technical support and to develop the software for the system. According to Bill Barlow, a Pliant product development engineer, semi-passive RFID technology was chosen for cost, and the Gen2 standard was chosen because of its widespread adoption for supply chain use. Tampering is recorded in the extended, optional memory portion of Gen2 tags, not the core memory space, thus preserving the ability of tags to be encoded with an EPC or other data useful for supply chain applications. The pilot included automated receiving and chain-of-custody applications, using Gen2-standard handheld and portal readers. IBM's WebSphere RFID Device Infrastructure and Data Collection Server software were also used.
Barlow and Lilac say they do not see any technical obstacles to eventually using active RFID technology with the printed electronic film. An active system could allow the tags to issue tamper alerts in real-time. "We also think adding a time and date stamp to record the event is very doable with the current semi-passive technology," said Lilac.
Barlow and Lilac said the project is now in the "optimization" stage. Pliant is refining the system based on pilot results, while also speaking with customers to assess the commercialization potential.
"The goal of this program is to commercialize practical and cost-effective bulk packaging solutions that incorporate RFID," Lilac is quoted as saying in IBM's release. "The RFID system we've implemented provides us with a real-time view of our products' security and location so we can ensure that we will meet our customers' expectations."
Security and privacy is an area where much innovative RFID development is occurring. In September, PolyIC reported its progress developing 13.56 MHz printable RFID circuits for product authentication (see PolyIC Announced Printable RFID Prototypes). IBM has also developed a tearable RFID tag for item-level privacy protection in consumer product applications (see Pro-Privacy Tearable RFID Tag Becomes a Reality).
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| Upcoming Events | Asset Management Conference & Expo, Feb 21-22, San Diego
The Conference will examine asset management technology within the framework of multi-industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Technology, such as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software, bar codes, mobile computers, RFID, and real time locating systems (RTLS), is improving the ability to track, manage, maintain, finance and amortize production resources. www.AssetExpo.com | The official DoD RFID Summit, April 3-4, Washington Hilton
As the official platform for the DoD RFID Policy, the DoD RFID Summit, sponsored by the Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness), will provide direction on supplier RFID implementation requirements and timelines based on procurement methods, classes/commodities and locations. www.DoDRFIDsummit.com | IDTechEx RFID Smart Labels USA 2007, Feb 20-23, Boston, USA
RFID Smart Labels USA 2007 covers all RFID applications and technologies. Highlighting the business case, item-level tagging, RFID progress around the world and state-of-the-art technologies, RFID Smart Labels USA will be 2007's premier learning forum for RFID. Hear from 60+ industry-leaders including Coca-Cola, Unilever, Rolls-Royce, BGN, USPS, Michelin, McCarran Airport, IATA. www.smartlabelsUSA.com | RFID World Conference 2007, March 26-28, Dallas
Attend RFID World, the largest event focused on RFID and Advanced End-to-End Track & Trace Solutions. RFID World is where the industry gathers to meet face-to-face, making it the most effective place to generate awareness, leads and sales. Learn more and register at www.rfid-world.com | 5th Annual RFID Journal LIVE!, Apr 30 - May 2, 2007, Orlando
Get everything you need to put RFID to work today at the world's largest RFID conference & exhibition. Access the most case studies, the most how-to sessions and the most lessons learned. The 86,000 sq.-ft. exhibit hall will feature the leading technology providers. Plus, Walt Disney World Resort packages available. Information: http://www.rfidjournal.com/live2007 | Asset Tracking & Management in Defence, 31 Jan & 1 Feb, UK
Tracking materials from warehouse to warfighter improves the effectiveness of global logistics systems. This conference explores how participating nations are implementing RFID and how codification and data management facilitate global logistics operations. Learn to define mandated requirements and address problems at technical and management levels. For more information visit: www.smi-online.co.uk/rfid8.asp | | | RFID Tags & Labels | CCL Label - Your Global Partner for Labeling & Packaging
CCL Label is North America's leading full-service provider of pharmaceutical and healthcare labeling and packaging solutions. CCL incorporates the latest RFID technologies into it's labels to provide our customers with labels that are smarter with broader applications. CCL Label puts the Power Behind Your Brand. 609.433.3700 ext.127 or visit www.ccllabel.com | Lowry Smart Trac Labels: Depend on 100% Good Labels
Lowry provides a comprehensive range of UHF and HF labels. With innovation and investment in the RFID marketplace, Lowry offers more than label conversion. Lowry's RFID Lab assists with inlay selection and label materials to deliver optimum performance. Rely on Lowry's experience and quality commitment. 1.800.733.0210 x 312 or visit www.lowrycomputer.com | | | Training & Certification | University of Kansas RFID Training Programs
Researchers at the RFID Alliance Lab at the University of Kansas are leading the RFID field with pioneering research. Now the University of Kansas is turning that research into revenue for businesses across the country through its RFID training programs focused on Item-Level Tracking, Cold Chain Tracking, and Asset Management. www.continuinged.ku.edu/programs/rfid | Be Prepared. Heathkit's RFID+ Test Prep
Heathkit's RFID+ Test Prep Program prepares individuals to successfully take CompTIA's RFID+ certification exam. Use Heathkit's Interactive Assessment Tool to highlight RFID technology areas that have already been mastered and pinpoint those concepts requiring additional study; don't waste time searching through RFID topics you already know. Be prepared... get Heathkit's RFID+ Test Prep. | | | RFID Readers | Ensyc Technologies: $395 UHF Desktop Reader
The RFID Block reader is powered by a simple USB connection, works with EPC Class1 Gen1 or Gen2 tags and makes it easy for your business to meet mandates or simply investigate the potential of RFID. Developers will also find the RFID Block a useful tool for application testing. Visit: www.ensyc.com | MTI Wireless Edge: high-quality low-cost panel antennas
* Covering all applicable frequency bands for Passive and Active RFID * Various mechanical configurations for Indoor and Outdoor applications * Single or Dual Polarities * Linear or circular polarities * High robustness and endurance * Field proven in harsh environments * Enhancing system performance * Solutions tailored to customer needs: www.mtiwe.com | | | RTLS & Active RFID | Locate it now. How? Ekahau. That's how!
Ekahau RTLS (Real-Time Location System) automatically tracks assets and people via your existing Wi-Fi network. Control costs and improve asset management with Ekahau. For more information, visit us at www.ekahau.com. | | | Employment | RFID Recruiters - 100% Focused on RFID Recruiting
Whether your company is looking for the best RFID talent or you have the best RFID talent and are looking for the best RFID employer, RFID Recruiters offers the most focused approach to your objective. To learn how the RFID industry and the RFID job market are evolving, visit www.rfidrecruiters.com | | | Products & Services | Peel - Stick - Ship(TM): SimplyRFID Pre-Programmed Tags
Military-grade, Class 1 Generation 2 RFID Tags pre-programmed to DoD 252.211-7006 specifications shipped same day for less than $1 each. Find out why over 1,000 DoD (Department of Defense) suppliers choose SimplyRFID for their RFID needs. Visit us at www.SimplyRFID.com for no hassle RFID solutions. | | | Research & White Papers | 2006 RFID Marketing Strategies Report from RFID Update
Thirty-nine pages of original research on RFID audience perceptions, including 30+ figures of tactics, content & messaging, and recommendations to guide marketing strategy. Also, Top-10 RFID company rankings based on 550+ survey respondents. View the executive summary free, with Top-3 sample rankings. Only $495 Individual License or $795 Corporate License. Available now |
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RFID Update is the RFID industry daily. Launched in early 2004 to provide timely analysis of RFID industry news, RFID Update publishes editorial briefings every weekday for the growing ranks of top level executives involved in the deployment of RFID. Each issue delivers the breaking news and analysis most pertinent to successful RFID implementations, allowing readers to understand global RFID developments as they happen.
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