 | Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Issue 301 | | Will Smith, Editor |  |
 | UID Mandate Solutions from Siemens
Meet us at RFID World booth 1301 and learn about
the RFID and UID product portfolio, which provides an
end-to-end solution to the ID requirements of the DoD.
Email Alex Stuebler for an appointment |
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Editor's Note: Today's top story is Impinj's release of UHF technology for item-level tagging.
Also, IBM last week made a big announcement to invest $1 billion in data management over the next three years. According to ComputerWorld, the anticipated flood of data generated by RFID in the coming years was apparently one of the predictions that drove IBM to perceive such a strong future need for data management.
Ekahau last week announced that its RTLS solution has been chosen for deployment at the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia, where it will be used to track the location of medical equipment like beds, IV pumps, and wheelchairs.
Lastly, we have three new classified listings today, and one new classified listings category. The first listing is for Lowry Computer, offering training classes and extensive lab exercises at Lowry's premier RFID Center. The other two listings fall under the new Webinars category. Omron is offering a 30-minute webinar on complying with retail and DOD mandates. iAnywhere is offering the first of a series of educational webcasts entitled RFID University. |
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Impinj Launches UHF Tech for Item-Level Tags
Impinj today announced an extension to its GrandPrix line of Gen2 technology solutions that will allow UHF RFID technology to be used for item-level tagging applications. The Seattle, Washington-based company believes its new technology could prove game-changing for RFID adoption at the item level. RFID Update spoke with Dr. William Colleran, Impinj president and CEO, about the announcement.
According to Colleran, Impinj decided to focus on developing tag technology tailored to item-level applications late last year after a company realization that item-level adoption had developed far faster than had been anticipated. "If you had asked me six months ago [when item-level tagging would take off]," said Colleran, "I probably would have said sometime in late 2007." The expectation had been that item-level tagging could become a reality only after significant case- and pallet-tagging adoption volumes drove down the cost of tags. But as it turns out, pharmaceutical mandates, demonstrable ROI in certain item-level applications (like apparel and CD/DVDs), and other factors have accelerated the process, causing end-users to "pull hard for item-level tagging." Now it seems that item-level tagging will not happen subsequent to case- and pallet-level tagging; it will happen in parallel. "This item-level tagging thing is starting to happen, starting to take on a life of its own," said Colleran.
In response, Impinj extended its existing Gen2 technology to support item-level tagging. Doing so meant, among other things, accommodating the special tag sizes and shapes -- "form factors" -- necessary for certain item-level applications. "We had to develop a whole series of item-level tags with different form factors," said Colleran. What varies from one to the next is not the tag's chip component (which stores and processes tag data), but the antenna (which receives and transmits the data using radio frequency). Ultimately, Impinj engineered six new antenna designs, each targeted at a particular vertical like pharmaceuticals, apparel, etc.
The new technology's wider import is its potential to tip the scale in an ongoing industry debate about whether high frequency (HF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) technology is best-suited for item-level tagging. Advocates for the former argue that HF technology is proven to work well for item-level tagging, HF readers are cheaper, and there is a widely-installed HF infrastructure in place already. Advocates for the latter argue that UHF is more modern and capable (Gen2 is UHF). Furthermore, UHF would allow item-, case-, and pallet-level tracking to all share the same RFID infrastructure; using HF would require supply chains with case- and pallet-level tagging to also deploy UHF, causing a messy, "duplicated" deployment. Also, UHF tags are fundamentally cheaper than HF tags because they require less material and one less manufacturing step. Lastly, UHF will work across all the global frequency bands in regions that are seeing RFID deployments.
Impinj's goal is not actually to sell the new antenna designs; rather, Impinj wants to sell as many of its Gen2 Monza chips as possible. By licensing the antenna designs to inlay producers at no cost, Impinj hopes to stimulate adoption of UHF-based item-level tagging, thereby driving demand for Monza. It will be demonstrating the new technology next week at RFID World in Dallas.
If Impinj and others in the UHF camp are successful, it could have a positive effect for the rest of the Gen2-associated RFID industry. Were UHF to become the technology of choice for item-level tagging, demand would grow for Gen2 technology, causing prices to fall and adoption to rise that much faster across the board. Watch for more on this theme as item-level tagging picks up and product releases like Impinj's draw ever more attention to the UHF vs. HF debate.
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| Webinars | Omron One-Day Compliance Kit - Free Webinar
Don't miss the opportunity to learn everything you need to know in 30 minutes. Omron is offering a to-the-point webinar on the RFID supply chain initiative. We will help you to get you on board with Retailer/DOD RFID initiatives using simple, practical methods. Sign up now | RFID University - Jumpstart your RFID Projects
Register today for iAnywhere's RFID University - free technical webcasts to educate you on RFID development and provide you with software and tools to jumpstart your projects. Webcast topics include RFID 101, Intelligent RFID Network, RFID Management & Security, Growing the RFID Network and more. Sessions begin March 9, 2006. | | | Training & Certification | Join the Talent Pool of RFID Professionals!
If you are responsible for RFID implementation or want to join the elite talent pool of trained RFID professionals, Lowry and OTA Training offer the most comprehensive RFID certification training courses in the market today. Training classes and extensive lab exercises are conducted in Lowry's premier RFID Center. Register today! | Enroll in the two day Alien RFID Academy today!
Need to absorb RFID systems fast? Enroll in the Alien RFID Academy. In a two day seminar we'll share our practical expertise in RFID Tags, Antennas, Readers, Frequencies, Systems, and Protocols. The Alien RFID Academy is a hands-on immersion into the workings, uses, and challenges of RFID technology. Click here to register for dates in February and March. | | | Products & Services | Visit Siemens at RFID World -- Booth 1301
Siemens is exhibiting at RFID World in Dallas, TX. Come to booth 1301 to learn about the Siemens RFID product portfolio. Experience our Solution Provider program, designed to support RFID System Integrators with the power and global reach of Siemens. Email Alex Stuebler to set up an appointment. | SimplyRFID.com: No nonsense DOD mandate solutions
SimplyRFID's Pro-Tags are pre-programmed with your CAGE information, shipped overnight via FedEx and ready for immediate slap-and-ship on DoD RFID-Mandate shipments. SimplyRFID Pro-Tags: Instant DoD RFID compliance -- no hassles. | BuyRFID.com: RFID Equipment Superstore
BuyRFID.com has everything you need to fully integrate RFID technology. We have development kits from ThingMagic, SAMSys, Alien, Symbol and Feig to get you started with your evaluations or implementations. We also supply readers, tags, antennas along with other RFID equipment. Buy RFID Equipment | | | Upcoming Events | RFID Journal LIVE!, Putting RFID to Work, May 1-3, Las Vegas
RFID Journal's 4th annual conference and exhibition will help you put RFID to work profitably within your business. Tracks cover key verticals and help you get started, deploy or develop an RFID strategy. Save an Additional 10% with Code rfidupdate - Register Today! www.rfidjournal.com/live2006/ | RFID Interactive - REAL RFID - Feb. 23, 2006
AIM Global presents a two-day interactive program featuring education and networking opportunities with the industry executives that are defining today's RFID landscape. The conference program includes Hewlett-Packard keynote, interactive panel discussions, and end user RFID implementation presentations. For details and registration, visit the website. | RFID Smart Labels USA 2006 from IDTechEx
Best coverage of high value large niche markets, user experiences, new technologies and how to make RFID smart labels. Hear from GE, Chevron, Tyson Foods, LG, BA, DHL, The Royal Mail, DoD, and others. March 28-29, Boston, MA. The fifth annual event by IDTechEx. Quote 'RFIDUPDATE' and save 15% | 3rd annual RFID World Asia * 26 – 28 April 2006 * Singapore
Asia's most established and leading RFID technology expo, RFID World Asia, is back to present you the largest showcase of RFID technologies and solutions in Singapore. Hear and learn from world-class RFID users the latest case studies and pilot programmes, presentations and panel discussions. Visit the event website today! | The 2006 Retail Summit | March 26-28 |Chandler, AZ
This summit will provide IT and Operations executives in the Retail industry the opportunity to hear speakers from Family Dollar Stores Inc, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Chain Store Age Magazine, Circuit City Stores Inc and many more! For more information on the speakers, programme, media partners and registration visit www.theretailsummit.com | RFID, Tracking & Barcoding for Hospitals, March 21-22
Join us to hear first-hand case studies on how leading hospitals & health networks have implemented electronic barcode scanning & RFID technology to cut expenses, improve productivity & increase patient safety. Quote RFID Update VIP code RA77 and Save 10%! Call 800-882-8684 or visit www.iqpc.com | | | Converting & Labels | Repacorp Smart Labels: 100% readability guaranteed!
Repacorp offers RFID enabled pressure sensitive labels and tags. Our RFID labels are available in a wide range of sizes and 100% tested prior to shipment. Best of all, our inlay insertion process is flexible, frequency-neutral, and is compatible with most EPC/ISO compliant transponders. Certified Alien Converter. 1-800-323-4415 or visit www.repacorp.com | MPI Label Systems: Visit us at RFID World Booth #1322
Leader in providing RFID labels to CPG, DoD, and Pharmaceutical industries. Labels and tags are inspected prior to shipping to ensure 100% readability. We offer stock programs, various inlays, custom materials and adhesives. MPI also offers full line of RFID equipment (printers, readers, and automatic applicators). Call 1-800-837-2134 (RFID sales) www.mpilabels.com | RxTrackNSecure cGMP printed RFID Labels, 100% Readability
New Jersey Packaging offers a full range of pre-printed, die-cut pressure sensitive cGMP compliant labels incorporating RFID tags. Featuring 100% readability, the RFID tags are delivered ready to use for a wide range of individual item, case, and pallet applications. Complete implementation support available. E-mail RxTrackNSecure@newjerseypackaging.com, call (973) 808-8107, or visit: www.newjerseypackaging.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 | Monarch RFID Labels: Guaranteed With 100% Refund!
Monarch RFID supplies from Paxar are factory tested twice and guaranteed! You receive a 100% refund for any returned, failed Monarch label (110% if used in a Monarch printer/encoder). Paxar has supplies for all printers, using all major inlays, including Gen 2, and comprehensive lab support. Call 1-800-543-6650, #2717 or visit www.paxar.com | Nashua Corporation: EPC RFID Label Transponders
Nashua SmartLabels brand of converted RFID label and tags combine a variety of printable facesheets and specialty adhesive with EPC Class 1, UHF Gen 2 and Class 0+ inlays from leading inlay manufacturers. Nashua SmartLabels are offered in standard and custom label form factors. All Nashua SmartLabels ship "100% tested-good." www.nashuasmartlabels.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 | | | RFID Readers | 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 | RFID/Wi-Fi Handheld Interference Analysis
Bumblebee is a calibrated spectrum analyzer measuring Wi-Fi & RFID frequencies 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz from one handheld unit. Features include 3 waveform traces, peak hold, peak search, spectrogram, histogram and packet/interference triggers. BumbleBee supports direction finding antennas for pinpointing interference sources, hackers and adjacent networks. www.bvsystems.com | AWID Gen 2 Certified Readers - $995
Available Now - Starting at $995. THREE Year Warranty. Read Ranges up to 28 ft. AWID includes everything you need to get up and running today: Reader, antennas, cables, Gen 2 tags, and middle-ware. Why pay more for less? Shop on-line 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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