 | Thursday, March 9, 2006
Issue 313 | | Will Smith, Editor |  |
|
|
Editor's Note: Today's top story is a look at last week's RFID World conference that took place from Monday to Wednesday in Dallas, Texas. Leslie Downey covered the event, speaking with end-users, vendors, and the conference organizers. Leslie is a principal at RFID Revolution LLC, a Washington, DC-based firm providing RFID marketplace consulting services. She and her associates provide a market-based perspective to vendors and end-users of RFID products and services on how to close the gap between a promising technology and a successful commercial solution.
The large annual technology trade show CeBIT opened today in Hanover, Germany. At the conference, Gerd Wolfram, managing director of IT for giant German retailer and RFID early adopter METRO, predicted that item-level tagging for all consumer products won't happen for another decade and a half.
Lastly, research firm In-Stat has released a report on the Chinese RFID tag market. The firm notes that China's ID card initiative is one of the world's largest RFID projects and will be the leading driver of Chinese demand for tags until 2008, when the tagging of retail items will surpass that of ID cards. |
|
|
RFID World Sees Technology Taking Root
By Leslie Downey, RFID Revolution
"Uptake of RFID technology will be gradual, similar to growth of the Internet. There's no it moment," noted RFID World 2006 attendee Bill Wilkinson of American Packaging Corporation. "But," he added, "it's amazing the difference a year makes." Indeed, at the RFID World Conference and Exposition last week there were ample signs that RFID technology was taking root.
Attendance at this year's show was 3,500, 20 percent higher than 2005. At 200, the number of exhibitors was up 50 percent, with "more than 150 already re-signed for next year," according to Tim Downs, president of the conference's organizer Shorecliff Communications (recently acquired by CMP Media).
Attendees were not only more numerous, they were also better educated. "Whereas last year end-users were coming to learn, this year they're coming with projects in mind and looking for total solutions," observed Joe Sandoval, director of US distribution sales for Printronix. Added Justin Hotard, director of product management-RFID for Symbol Technologies, "People are coming with larger deployments, and have a better sense of what they can and can't do."
Another difference: last year, the vast majority of end-user attendees were seeking to comply with mandates. This year, by contrast, exhibitors estimated that over half the attendees were proactively investigating ways in which RFID technology could improve enterprise productivity. This year's group was more focused on asset tracking than Wal-Mart compliance, and more interested in "within-the-four-walls" operational improvements than the supply chain.
Product and service vendors were there to respond to the diverse demand. Ekahau demonstrated its WiFi-based asset-locating solution to throngs of visitors, including hospital administrators seeking to cost-effectively track diagnostic and therapeutic units worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ekahau and Symbol have collaborated to offer an inventory-locating solution for retail supply chains, as well as pharmaceutical, healthcare, government, and other industries. Symbol's MC9000 mobile computing RFID reader now incorporates Ekahau's software to enable companies to pinpoint the location of EPC RFID-tagged objects.
Another provider of real-time location systems (RTLS) for asset tracking is RF Code, who displayed solutions featuring its 303 and 433 MHz Mantis active tags and readers and TAVIS (Total Asset Visibility) software. The company's tags are recognized for their small size, low cost, and long battery life (ten+ years). Its software supports a wide range of AIDC devices, including passive RFID, mesh networks, bar code, and GPS. "We recently announced support for Symbol's XR400 Gen2 reader," said Tony Da Silva, vice president of sales.
At Sun Microsystems' RFID Test Center near the convention center, Comtrol demonstrated the power of its new, RFID-enabled EdgeWare controller to enable real-time, intelligent routing decisions in manufacturing environments. Sensor information can be fed to RFID tags on objects moving through a manufacturing process, and RFID readers feed this tag information to the Comtrol unit, which in turn feeds the product line controller for real-time routing. Sun's RFID software embedded in the EdgeWare controller communicates real-time information from the plant floor to SAP's AII (Auto-Identification Infrastructure) ERP system. "This facilitates Sarbanes-Oxley compliance because financial reporting is reliable only to the degree the factory control data are accurate and timely," noted Kris Ryberg, director of product development & corporate strategy at Comtrol. "CFO's are seeing payback of six to ten times within a year or two."
Exhibitors at RFID World were diverse in other ways. Vendors like Globe Composite Solutions (GCS) showed RFID-complementary products. GCS displayed non-metallic conveyor sections designed to dramatically improve RFID system performance in parcel, distribution, industrial, and other applications. A host of Korean vendors brought geographic diversity. "Many of them came to diversify their sourcing, and expressed satisfaction with new relationships established," according to Shorecliff's events director Kim Allen. "And many have already signed on for next year."
Attendees and exhibitors noted that the increasing number of Gen2-compliant products was generating renewed interest in the market. Recent progress toward critically needed global RFID standards (Gen2 is not a global standard) was described by conference speaker Pat King, global electronics strategist at Michelin Tires. Dr. King spoke of efforts by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), including Michelin, to facilitate cooperation between EPCglobal and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The successful result was a harmonized way in which tire manufacturers, OEM customers (like Ford), and retailers will present user data on tags, thereby supporting maintenance applications and recalls worldwide. The new protocol can be used to benefit other vertical industries, like pharmaceuticals and aerospace.
Two leading indicators of market acceptance of RFID are the number of individuals receiving RFID technology training, and the volume of business handled by RFID systems integrators, those companies typically asked in first by accounts wishing to commence RFID pilots. RFID World 2006 offered evidence that both are trending upward.
CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) announced the results of its recent survey of members, indicating a future shortage of the "RFID talent pool". In an effort to upgrade skills, the organization has developed the CompTIA RFID+ Certification, a vendor-neutral program aimed at technology professionals with six to 24 months of experience. "Twenty-two companies representing manufacturers, distributors, systems integrators, education and training providers, and end-users sponsored the program," said David Sommer, CompTIA's vice president of electronic commerce. The first live examination is scheduled for March 28.
RFID4U, an RFID training company exhibiting at the show, highlighted its new, four-day RFID+ Certification Class. Twenty-five classes have been scheduled in various cities through August. In the second quarter, the company will be introducing a CD containing a practice exam. It also offers a number of other training classes for people at all levels of RFID knowledge. "We're seeing more and more end-users enroll in our classes," said Sam Patadia, vice president of engineering, adding, "classes held during the past many months have been full." Rob Sabella, president of OTA, another company offering RFID+ Certification training, roamed the exhibit hall with other OTA'ers distributing "beta copies" of OTA's new "RFID+ Exam Cram" self-study guide. The guide will be available in April. OTA's new certification training program consists of a three-day introductory class already offered and a soon-to-be-offered, two-day class focused on the certification exam. The company will also be introducing a parallel suite of e-learning courses.
Two pure-play RFID integrators exhibiting at the show, Xterprise and ODIN technologies, reported robust growth during the last three years. Steve Hall, senior vice president of global sales at Xterprise, said his company had completed more than 80 projects to date, including more than 30 physical implementations. "While we have assisted and continue to assist many companies complying with retail industry mandates, more than half our projects have not been mandate-driven," he added. ODIN technologies has also completed more than 30 implementations. "Budgeted projects are increasing both in number and size," said Bret Kinsella, chief operating officer at ODIN, "and include everything from active RFID asset management to HF item management." Revenue at both companies is growing at 300 percent per year. "People invest in this technology so they can increase throughput and reduce inventory," Kinsella observed. "RFID is demonstrating it can deliver."
| Forward this to a colleague |
|
|
|
|
| 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 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! | | | Products & Services | CDOTechDirect.com: RFID Solutions, Services, and Hardware
CDOTechDirect.com is the source for RFID solutions and hardware! Brought to you by the RFID experts at CDO Technologies, we offer proven and repeatable solutions, services and consulting, and RFID hardware. Slap-and-Ship labels, On-Demand printing solutions, asset tracking, and more. Special: Paxar 9855 RFID Printer only $3995! Visit the CDOTechDirect.com site. | 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. | | | 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 | | | 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 | | | Training & Certification | 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 March and April. | 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 at Lowry's premier RFID Center. Register today! | | | 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. Shop on-line now! | | | Converting & Labels | MPI Label Systems: A Full-Service RFID Provider
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 | 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 | 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 |
This email was intended for , who subscribed
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.
RFID Update Editor: Will Smith, editor@rfidupdate.com
Press releases and public relations inquiries should be directed to Will.
To advertise in RFID Update, email advertising@rfidupdate.com to request a media kit.
RFID Questions? Ask at RFID Talk (www.RFIDtalk.com).
Forward this issue of RFID Update to your colleagues, or tell them to subscribe free at: www.RFIDupdate.com
View all past issues of RFID Update in the archive.
Update your subscription settings: subscriptions@rfidupdate.com
We take your privacy seriously. View our Privacy Policy here.
RFID Update -- The RFID Industry Daily
3213 Duke Street #266
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.rfidupdate.com
© 2006, ALX Technologies. All Rights Reserved. |
|
|
