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Editor's Note: Today's top story is the large-scale deployment of semi-passive RFID at a global logistics provider.
More developments in the US Department of Defense RFID roll-out as US Defense Distribution Center has awarded Psion Teklogix a $1.8 million contract to deploy iMotion Edgeware from GlobeRanger across 26 distribution centers around the globe. More details here.
Hewlett-Packard is making headlines today with the announcement of the Memory Spot wireless chip. With a tiny form factor, storage capacity ranging from 256 kilobits to 4 megabits, and data transfer rates comparable to WiFi, it appears to have the makings of a super-charged RFID tag. Commercial availability of the technology is still two years away, however, and the per-chip price could be over $1. Still, the company envisions many of the same applications for the Memory Spot that today are handled by RFID: anticounterfeiting for pharmaceuticals, security passes, and patient wrist bands, for example. Read more about it here.
Lastly, note the two new classified listings below. The first is for CompTIA RFID+, the industry's leading certification, used by companies like Boeing, DHL, ODIN technologies, and Printronix. The second is for the RFID, Barcoding & Emerging Technology for Hospitals and Health Systems conference to be held September 18th to 21st in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
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| Training & Certification | - CompTIA RFID+: The Industry Standard Certification (site)  | | - Enroll in the two day Alien RFID Academy today! (site) | | | | - RFID, Barcoding & Tech for Hospitals and Health Systems (site) | | - RFID for Pharmaceuticals, August 1-2, Philadelphia (site) | | - Emerging RFID Technology & Applications | Aug. 4 | Nebraska (site) | | - LogiPharma 2006, Sept. 18-21, The Four Seasons, Austin, TX (site) | | - EPCglobal US Conference 2006, October 17-19, Los Angeles (site) | | - IDGA presents Military Logistics Summit 2006 (site) | | | RTLS & Active RFID | | 
Sponsored by Ekahau | |
| | - Locate it now. How? Ekahau. That's how! (site) | | | | - Get your free sample Intermec Rigid RFID Tag now! (site) | | - Lowry Smart Trac Labels: Depend on 100% Good Labels (site) | | - CCL Label - Your Global Partner for Labeling & Packaging (site) | | - Repacorp Smart Labels: 100% readability guaranteed! (site) | | | | - RFIDSupplyChain.com: Save on RFID Tags, RFID Readers & More (site) | | - Peel-Stick-Ship: DOD RFID Compliance from SimplyRFID.com (site) | | | RFID Readers | | 
Sponsored by AWID | |
| | - Ensyc Technologies: $395 UHF Desktop Reader (site) | | - AWID -- Gen 2 Certified (site) | | - MTI Wireless Edge: high-quality low-cost panel antennas (site) | | - RFID/Wi-Fi Handheld Interference Analysis (site) | | | Employment | | - RFID Recruiters - 100% Focused on RFID Recruiting (site) | | | Research & White Papers | | - Optimize Your Network in Ten Minutes Flat (site) | | - 2006 RFID Marketing Strategies Report from RFID Update (site) | |
Semi-Passive RFID Deployed at Global 3PL
Power Paper of Israel, together with value-added reseller NBG ID of France, have announced two large-scale RFID deployments at the French distribution centers of a leading global logistics company. The projects utilize tens of thousands of battery-assisted passive UHF RFID tags from Power Paper's PowerID division.
The first deployment tracks alcoholic beverage-loaded pallets within the (unnamed) logistics company's distribution center. Each pallet, which belongs to a retailer client, is tagged with a PowerID label, as are the metal shelves on which the loaded pallets are stored. The pallet tags and shelf tags are then cross-referenced to achieve locationing information. According to Power Paper, 100% read rates are being achieved.
The second deployment tracks pallets from the logistics company's possession to the retailer's. The tagged pallets contain mixed goods, oftentimes including radio frequency-unfriendly materials like metals and liquids. Their "departure" passage through the dock doors at the distribution center is recorded, as is their "arrival" passage through the dock doors at the receiving retail establishment. The goal was to decrease misrouting and assure pallet delivery to the correct store. Read rates are at 99.7%.
In both deployments the business cases have proved compelling, including a significant reduction in pallet shrinkage and misrouting. Also, the logistics company is now able to track inventory weekly instead of quarterly, as was the case before. The result is that the retailer of the alcoholic beverages can pay alcohol excises and duties more accurately and frequently.
The PowerID L-1010 tags used for the deployments are battery assisted, also called "semi-passive". This means that unlike the more standard "pure" passive tags, semi-passive tags include a battery that provides power to the tag chip. This allows for all of the energy received from the RFID reader to be allocated to broadcasting information, which results in a stronger signal from the tag. In contast, pure passive tags use the RFID reader energy to power the chip and transmit information.
Semi-passive tags differ from fully active tags in that they still require stimulation by an RFID reader to broadcast information; in the absence of a reader signal, they lie dormant. In active tags the batteries are comparatively stronger, so the tag signal is broadcast using only the energy of the battery. Active tags can therefore transmit data regardless of the presence of an RFID reader.
The PowerID battery-assisted tags were chosen because they met the necessary criteria of 99.5% read rates regardless of orientation (which was a challenge given the RF-unfriendly contents of the pallets) and safe for use around food and beverage. Standard passive tags could not deliver the required read rate, and fully active tags were bulky, relatively expensive, and dependent on batteries whose close vicinity to food and beverage was not suitable.
Founded in 1997, Power Paper specializes in thin and flexible micro-power source technology and devices. In addition to the RFID market, where it focuses on asset tracking in RF-unfriendly environments, the company participates in the skincare market, selling microelectronic patches that have rejuvenating effects. It raised $30 million in venture capital last year.
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| Training & Certification | CompTIA RFID+: The Industry Standard Certification
CompTIA RFID+ ensures your employees have the foundation-level skills and knowledge to implement and maintain RFID systems. Companies such as ODIN technologies, DHL, Printronix and Boeing employ CompTIA RFID certified professionals. CompTIA RFID+ demonstrates professionalism to customers, improves employee job satisfaction and reduces hiring costs. Click here for more information. | 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 July and August. | | | Upcoming Events | RFID, Barcoding & Tech for Hospitals and Health Systems
September 18-21, 2006 at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. To register, please visit the conference website or call Customer Service at 1-800-882-8684. Please use code IUS_10331 when registering. | RFID for Pharmaceuticals, August 1-2, Philadelphia
RFID for Pharmaceuticals will feature keynotes from Pfizer and Purdue Pharma and case studies from companies that have reaped benefits from RFID. For more information go to www.aliconferences.com or call 888-362-7400. Register before June 30 and save $400. Mention RFID Update and save an additional $100. | Emerging RFID Technology & Applications | Aug. 4 | Nebraska
Don't miss the Emerging RFID Technology & Applications 2006 Conference & Exhibition, Aug. 4 in Bellevue, Nebraska, near Omaha. Featuring cutting-edge talks by RFID leaders, including Denton Clark of Lockheed Martin, plus software and hardware exhibits. Cost is only $49 or $25. For more information and to register: www.bellevue.edu/rfidnebraska | LogiPharma 2006, Sept. 18-21, The Four Seasons, Austin, TX
LogiPharma, now in its 5th year, is the best investment you'll make in your supply chain this year. This definitive pharmaceutical supply chain conference will help you ensure that your supply chain is controlled, efficient, and leverages profitability at every level. Register now with code XM59CL and receive a 15% discount! | EPCglobal US Conference 2006, October 17-19, Los Angeles
The EPCglobal US Conference provides you with accurate and impartial information on the latest standards/technology to help you build & refine your EPC/RFID implementations. Connect with leading end user pioneers - Meet with industry experts - Learn the secrets of successful EPC/RFID deployment - Optimize implementations from strategy to execution. www.EPCglobalUs.org/conference | IDGA presents Military Logistics Summit 2006
At the Military Logistics Summit hundreds of senior-level attendees will converge to share case studies, view new and emerging technologies, network with their peers, define challenges and benchmark progress with military logistics experts. Registration Information: To register attendees can call 1-800-882-8684 or 1-973-256-0211, email info@idga.org, or visit the website | | | 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. | | | RFID Tags & Labels | Get your free sample Intermec Rigid RFID Tag now!
Intermec’s Large Rigid tag is a truly passive UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that delivers superior performance on a variety of surfaces. The tag is available in both Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6B versions, works over a broad range of temperatures and withstands exposure to harsh substances. Rigid RFID Tag | 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 | 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 | 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 | | | Products & Services | RFIDSupplyChain.com: Save on RFID Tags, RFID Readers & More
Looking to comply with RFID mandates or implement RFID in your business processes? RFIDSupplyChain.com -- a leader in RFID hardware, software, services and solutions -- provides the latest RFID tags, readers, antennas, smart labels, printers and portals from Alien, Symbol, Intermec, Omron, Printronix, Zebra and BlueBean. Purchase RFID Technology Solutions | Peel-Stick-Ship: DOD RFID Compliance from SimplyRFID.com
SimplyRFID Pro-Tags provide instant DOD RFID compliance for as little as $.70 cents per pre-programmed tag. SimplyRFID creates pre-packaged RFID solutions that are simple, tested, and proven. Visit us at www.simplyRFID.com to find a proven solution for your RFID need. | | | 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 | AWID -- Gen 2 Certified
AWID is a founding member of EPCglobal; a founding member of the RFID IP Patent Pool & participates in the Intermec RFID Rapid Start licensing program. AWID has been a trusted name in RFID technology since 1997. In 2004 and 2005, over 100,000 AWID readers were put into production systems. http://gen2.awid.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 | 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 | | | 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 & White Papers | Optimize Your Network in Ten Minutes Flat
In this first installment of FORTE's "FOUR IN FORTY" whitepaper series, learn how to optimize your network in five steps. Make your network work for you and achieve distribution zen. Get the whitepaper, "Optimizing Your Network". | 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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