 | Thursday, July 31, 2008
Issue 882 | | Will Smith, Editor |  |
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Editor's Note: Today's top story is an item-level RFID deployment by SonicWALL, a provider of network security devices. The technology is deployed across the company's extended supply chain, providing visibility even into its suppliers' inventories.
Healthcare product provider Covidien has launched an RFID-based contrast delivery system to prevent (potentially fatal) medical errors during CT imaging (CAT scans). The system, which is designed to ensure that the correct amount and concentration of contrast (chemical) is injected in each patient, works via a data link between tagged syringes and the injection machine that administers the shot. More details in the announcement.
Lastly, RFID World 2008 will feature a workshop on using RFID to secure the food supply chain, a topic the industry has been discussing a lot recently in the wake of the tomato and jalapeņo pepper scares. Entitled Food Traceability: Securing the Food Supply Chain, the workshop will feature the results of a produce traceability RFID pilot conducted by the state of Hawaii (see Islands of Automation: Hawaii Sponsors RFID Trial). |
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Device Maker Deploys Item-Level RFID Across Supply Chain
By Brian Albright
SonicWALL, a provider of network security devices and services, is using an item-level RFID system to track inventory from its suppliers throughout the company's extended supply chain.
Sunnyvale, California-based SonicWALL designs, develops and manufactures network security and remote access appliances and solutions. The company sources its hardware products from a number of contract manufacturers across the globe.
SonicWALL is using InSync Software's Edgeware platform and Asset Tracking Solution, in combination with RFID equipment from Alien Technology and Motorola, to provide real-time visibility into its inventory. InSync is managing the end-to-end deployment of the solution across SonicWALL's supply chain.
The company hopes to reduce in-transit times and lead times, lower inventory levels, and better manage the performance of its original device manufacturers (ODMs, or suppliers). They chose the InSync solution because of its ability to integrate item-level process information from its suppliers into its existing ERP system.
"Their basic need was for real-time visibility of inventory as it proceeded through the manufacturing process," says Yashpaul Dogra, vice president of product marketing and strategy at InSync. "We thought RFID would be a very effective solution for managing to that level of visibility."
InSync provided the RFID software and hardware components to SonicWALL's suppliers. The company receives real-time information about its shipments via RFID readers deployed at its suppliers' facilities, and at a third-party logistics (3PL) provider warehouse.
Passive EPC Gen2 UHF RFID labels containing item-specific product information and a unique identifier are applied to the product shells of each device by the ODM near the end of the manufacturing process, and scanned as they leave the facility. The labels are read again when shipments enter and exit the 3PL warehouse, and when they arrive at SonicWALL's facility in Fremont, California.
The InSync Edgeware platform allows operators to configure, monitor and maintain the RFID devices at the manufacturing and distribution facilities, while the Asset Tracking Solution analyzes the data from all locations.
The software sends that data to SonicWALL's inventory tracking system. It also automatically sends event notices and messages, and triggers alerts when necessary. Dashboard views allow the company to track inventory route, history, and condition, and view real-time inventory levels in remote locations and in-transit.
"Our solution is integrated with several systems within SonicWALL so we can bring that information in from the back end to understand the complete manufacturing process," Dogra says. "We can drill down into the history of all of the manufacturing steps and processes that have occurred to an individual box, and also capture additional information from the readers at the chokepoints so we know when those items are moving into specific locations."
"We chose InSync Software for its ability to provide a single dashboard view of all inventory locations," said Atul Dhablania, vice president of operations for SonicWALL, in a press release. "InSync's solution has delivered this real-time visibility and has additionally allowed us to better manage our ODMs by providing us with indisputable performance metrics."
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| Upcoming Events | RFID World | Sept 8-10, 2008 | MGM Grand | Las Vegas, NV
Now in its 6th year, this industry leading event is recognized as the gathering place for the builders, buyers and sellers of RFID and other Auto-ID technologies. Registration now open! Special Early Bird Savings: Save $300 off registration. Offer ends July 31st. Don't miss out! | RFID Executive Forum - Impact RFID, October 15, 2008 at UCLA
UCLA WINMEC will host its 2008 RFID Executive Forum. This Forum will bring academics, industry practitioners to discuss industry-specific modality of use of RFID and the application of RFID in their industry. For more information, please visit: www.winmec.ucla.edu/rfid/2008 | 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. | | | RFID Tags & Labels | Ferroxtag HF tags: Smart on Metal!
Ferroxtag is a new family of HF RFID tags suitable for operation on metallic surfaces. Ferroxtag's special ferrite antenna was developed using Ferroxcube's years of experience in ferrite technology. The high performance antenna means longer read range with a smaller tag. Visit www.ferroxtag.com | | | Products & Services | Real-Time WIP Visibility Appliance from Omnitrol Networks
Meet the industry's most innovative award winning RFID solution that enables complete work-order traceability in manufacturing. Real-time web-based dashboards and multi-site monitoring for work-order pedigree and traceability, including proactive bottleneck management and real-time performance analytics optimizing shop-floor efficiency. All at the lowest TCO in the marketplace. www.omnitrol.com/WIP. | 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. | | | 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 | | | Research & Whitepapers | RFID Marketing Strategies Report
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