 | Thursday, April 10, 2008
Issue 816 | | Will Smith, Editor |  |
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Editor's Note: Today's top story is a look at the RFID industry response to the anti-skimming law recently passed in the state of Washington (see Washington RFID Bill Expected to Become Law Today). Some observers think the regulation will lead to a bevy of similar laws around the country. At least 28 states are believed to have pending RFID legislation, and there are federal-level efforts underway around the world.
IBM and OATSystems have announced their selection by Airbus to provide the software platform for the airline manufacturer's RFID deployment, announced last June (see Airbus Taps ODIN, Signals Aerospace RFID Adoption). The deployment is aimed at streamlining Airbus's supply chain and manufacturing operations. IBM and OAT claim that the contract is the manufacturing industry's single largest RFID software transaction to date.
Lastly, note the new classified listing below for Confidex RFID tags and tickets, used in a variety of applications ranging from tracking items in the retail supply chain to automotive manufacturing and petrochemical installations. |
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| RFID Tags & Labels | - Confidence in RFID - Confidex tags and tickets (site)  | | | RTLS & Active RFID | | 
Sponsored by Ekahau | |
| | - Locate it now. How? Ekahau. That's how! (site) | | | Products & Services | | - PCB Tracking & Visibility Solution from Omnitrol Networks (site) | | - Employees steal over $1 billion per week from employers (site) | | | Upcoming Events | | - North Texas RFID Happy Hour at the Venetian - April 17, 2008 (site) | | - AWA PABS08 N. America Conference, Sept 11-12, Chicago, IL (site) | | - AWA PABS08 Asia Conference, Dec 4-5 - Hong Kong, China (site) | | - European Supply Chain & Logistics, 13-15 May, Germany (site) | | - SCAN & RFID CHINA 2008, June 19-21, Guangzhou, China (site) | | | Training & Certification | | - RFID Essentials e-learning - Learn RFID in hours! (site) | | | Employment | | - RFID Recruiters - 100% Focused on RFID Recruiting (site) | | | Research & Whitepapers | | - RFID Marketing Strategies Report (site) | |
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Washington RFID Law Could Pave Way For More
By John Burnell
RFID legislation recently passed in the state of Washington (see Washington RFID Bill Expected to Become Law Today) is being viewed as precedent setting, for better and for worse. Some view it as good because the law is not vague or especially far reaching. But others view it as a potentially bad precedent because RFID-specific laws might not be necessary at all, and now the Washington law is likely to encourage efforts in other states.
"Policy makers at the state and federal levels pay attention to what is happening in other venues. Since Washington was successful in getting one of the first RFID regulations passed, other states will take notice," Doug Farry of McKenna Long & Aldridge, a San Diego law firm that specializes in RFID and has experience in public policy issues, told RFID Update. The firm did not lobby Washington regarding the new state laws, but several of his clients did on their own, according to Farry. "The precedent in Washington will help get passage on others."
There are at least 28 other states with pending RFID legislation, according to Farry. His firm maintains the RFID Law Blog, which tracks RFID legislative activity and other industry news.
Most pending legislation focuses on one of two areas: safeguarding personal information, such as the Washington skimming law, or providing notification that RFID tags and readers are in use, which is motivated by the growing use of RFID in retail. The European Union is also currently preparing notification-oriented RFID regulations (see EU Drafting New RFID-Oriented Privacy Protections).
In its blog, McKenna Long & Aldridge noted the original bill to regulate RFID in Washington had many more restrictions, which were stripped out to win passage. From that perspective, the final law was something of a victory for the RFID industry. It is a very tightly defined regulation that restricts behavior (skimming), not RFID technology itself.
However, Farry expects the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jeff Morris, to try again by reintroducing the stripped restrictions as separate new bills, much like California State Senator Joe Simitian did after his proposed RFID legislation was blocked (see California RFID Restrictions Get Governor's Veto). Simitian now has five separate bills pending in the state legislature.
Many RFID professionals feel the industry does not need more regulation. AIM Global advances a widely supported argument that many activities targeted by RFID legislation are already covered by existing laws, so RFID-specific rules and restrictions are not necessary. The Washington skimming law is an example. Washington citizens are already protected by multiple identity theft and privacy laws, AIM Global President Dan Mullen told RFID Update. AIM provided information to the state during the legislative process and follows regulatory developments around the world.
"You have to wonder if many of these laws are really necessary, or if the activity is already covered by existing regulations," Mullen said.
Existing regulations haven't historically deterred new technology legislation, according to Farry. "Legislation isn't always about solving a problem. It's often about a politician associating him or herself with an emerging technology so they can show their constituents how tech-savvy and forward-thinking they are," he said. "There is a consistent and predictable legislative curve for new technology. What is happening with RFID happened with the Internet, with cell phones, and with radio."
That will be little comfort to RFID solution providers, who face the prospect of having to deal with 50 laws for 50 states, plus other requirements around the world.
"The activity in Washington could certainly influence other states," Mullen said. "That's all the more reason the industry should make sure legislators are well informed about RFID -- including its benefits, what it can do, and what it can't do -- so they don't legislate anything that will negatively impact how people can use the technology to benefit."
"In the mid '90s, politicians attached themselves to the Internet and proposed a lot of regulations. RFID is now at that stage," said Farry. "Eventually, those who are interested in seeing the technology flourish start working with lawmakers to encourage responsible use of the technology."
There are several industry public policy efforts. AIM developed a logo intended to be included on packaging and on signs to indicate that items include RFID tags, or that RFID readers are present. The graphic was recently submitted to the ISO for consideration as an international standard, which could come later this year, according to Mullen. He said there has been more interest and adoption for the logo from the industrial segment than from retail. EPCglobal requires its subscribers to notify consumers about RFID systems in use and has issued Consumer Product Guidelines. The Smart Card Alliance and American Electronics Association are also known to be active in the legislative process.
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| RFID Tags & Labels | Confidence in RFID - Confidex tags and tickets
The challenges of various industries lead Confidex to develop a comprehensive offering of special tags and labels. Confidex tags are used in a variety of applications ranging from tracking items in the retail supply chain to automotive manufacturing and petrochemical installations. Confidex designs and manufactures contactless tickets for public transport. Visit www.confidex.fi | | | 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. | | | Products & Services | PCB Tracking & Visibility Solution from Omnitrol Networks
Off-the-shelf solution provides automated real-time visibility and complete electronic pedigree for traceability on parts and WIP providing real-time dashboards, alerts and reports for shop-floor management. The pedigree information is automatically programmed into Texas Instruments' RFID tag for access to critical data without the need for connection to a back-end database. Learn more. | Employees steal over $1 billion per week from employers
the American Management Association reports. 95% of businesses are victimized by employee theft. Managers are reluctant to ask questions, because trusted employees may feel offended, leaving business owners in a difficult situation. What can you do? Nox: Intelligent Perimeter Defense from Simply RFID provides advanced security and protection for business assets. | | | Upcoming Events | North Texas RFID Happy Hour at the Venetian - April 17, 2008
The April North Texas RFID Happy Hour will be held on the 3rd floor of the Venetian Congress Center in Las Vegas. Sponsors of the RFID Happy Hour will be handing out RFID tagged swizzle stick invitations which will give the holders a chance to win a Free Drink. www.northtexasrfid.com | AWA PABS08 N. America Conference, Sept 11-12, Chicago, IL
AWA is organizing the Product Authentication & Brand Security Conference 2008 on September 11-12 in Chicago, IL. The event includes presentations and panel discussions with brand owners, legal authorities, associations, converters and suppliers; also networking sessions, a supplier forum, a social program and more. Find more on the program here. | AWA PABS08 Asia Conference, Dec 4-5 - Hong Kong, China
AWA presents the Asian Product Authentication & Brand Security Conference 2008, to be held on 4 & 5 December in Hong Kong, China. PABS08 Asia focuses on the threats specific to the Asia Pacific region, various elements of IP Theft, and leading-edge solutions. Find more on the program here. | European Supply Chain & Logistics, 13-15 May, Germany
Bringing together Europe's leading providers of supply chain management to evaluate best practices and to move the supply chain agenda into the boardroom. Also, featuring the AMR Research Strategy Session: What makes a supply chain world class in today's global market? More information here: www.supplychain.eu.com | SCAN & RFID CHINA 2008, June 19-21, Guangzhou, China
As one of the earliest, most specialized and authoritative exhibitions in China, approved and supported directly from State Ministry, the 8th SCAN & RFID CHINA 2008 will present you the impressive up-dated development and market of RFID technology in rising China. To know more, please go to www.scan-china.com. | | | Training & Certification | RFID Essentials e-learning - Learn RFID in hours!
RFID Essentials, new Web-based training from RFID Revolution, gets professionals up to speed quickly and cost effectively. Course 1, "Introduction to RFID", is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop, accessible anytime from anywhere. In eight hours, you acquire the knowledge you need to advance your organization's RFID initiative and speed return on investment. Learn more | | | 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 | | | Research & Whitepapers | RFID Marketing Strategies Report
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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