There are plenty of full news stories listed on our main news page - make sure you don't miss them! Here are some of the latest news highlights...  
 · SCM launches contactless time recording system
 · Florida turnpikes upgrade SunPass to eGo Plus tags
 · Survey pins down the business value of RFID
 · Psion Teklogix & N4 partner for industrial safety
 · RFID's new role in fuel theft prevention
 · US Army medical facility tracks records with RFID
 · Alien unveils RFID 'intelligent tag radar'
 · RFID developed to track crop harvesting

 
More: See the main news articles
 

Polymer and high-performance plastics producer, Bayer Material Science, is deploying a series of RFID and sensor-enabled warehousing and logistics automation solutions using InSync's Edgeware platform. The first system manages and automates the placing and picking of high-value assets stored on large storage racks using automated material handling equipment, by using data from Bayer's back-end systems and integrating with the material handling equipment to manage and instruct operators and machinery in the identification, picking, and placing of these items. Future deployments will involve common processes such as weighing scales and other areas of operations that are inherently prone to human error and latency.

Web: http://www.insyncinfo.com

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recently published a report warning that RFID may disrupt the operation of IV pumps and other medical equipment, and occasionally induce "potentially" hazardous incidents in medical devices. But, according to ultra wideband (UWB) technology provider Time Domain Corporation, the tests were performed on passive 125kHz and 900MHz RFID devices and did not include UWB technology. UWB precisely locates and monitors the interaction of assets less than one meter through multiple walls for healthcare applications. Time Domain Corporation says that UWB operates at transmit-power levels more than ten thousand times smaller than the medical devices tested, and poses no significant interference in healthcare environments.

Web: http://www.timedomain.com

The implementation of active RFID in the mining industry provides application solutions that support the required health and safety initiatives that are employed globally, according to Wavetrend. The deployment of active RFID involves many divisions or departments within an organisation and, in many cases, the coherent flow of communications and data between the different divisions of an organisation are complex. Wavetrend, in partnership with its various solutions partners, have created a solution for ore mining companies which, when integrated with a mine's existing operations, provides advantages in terms of both productivity and risk management. The company has published a white paper on the subject, based on active RFID implementations for the location of workers at the construction sites of tunneling projects in Switzerland and Australia, available for download from Wavetrend's web site - click here (free registration required).

Web: http://www.wavetrend.net

Advanced ID has received approval for the incorporation of a subsidiary in Hong Kong, called Advanced ID Asia Pacific Company Limited. As a result, Advanced ID has opened new offices in Hong Kong, led by its newly appointed managing director, Cherry Lim. Ms. Lim has spent her career working with companies that have innovative technology applications, having held positions as CEO and other executive roles in the fields of IT, wireless technologies, and integrated circuits. The establishment of Advanced ID Asia Pacific as a regional headquarters is the latest stage in the company's international expansion strategy, which includes working with clients in China and other regional markets.

Web: http://www.advancedidcorp.com

Nordic ID recently unveiled its Nordic ID Morphic wireless data collection terminal, which also provides voice communications. The device has a user friendly operating system and its compact size makes it easy for personnel to use with one hand. Shaped like a mobile phone, the unit was designed to be small enough to fit comfortably in the hand, and is rugged enough to withstand working conditions in most industrial environments. Whether users are currently using barcodes or other alternatives, backward compatibility provides the ability to fit with most existing systems, with a future upgrade path to RFID with very little further investment. The device features an ARM11 532MHz processor, Windows CE 6.0, 128Mb DDR RAM/150MB Flash (128MB user-accessible), 2.2" QVGA touch-screen display (320x240 pixels), 1D laser scanner, WLAN 802.11b/g, Bluetooth v2.0 with EDR Class 2, USB (via desktop charger), splash and dust protection (IP54), drop resistance to 1.5m on concrete, 21-key keyboard, and phone-like alphanumeric keys. It is 147x54x24mm in size and weighs only 179g including the battery.

Web: http://www.nordicid.com

Vuance, a provider of radio frequency verification solutions including active RFID, electronic access control, credentialing and critical situation response management, has announced that a number of art dealers are now using AAID's asset tags and passive readers to monitor the status of valuable paintings, both in galleries and during transit. AAID's programmable RFID tags communicate with ultra long-range passive RFID readers to identify the presence and location of assets and company personnel, and provide alarms when assets, such as works of art or computers, aren't in their proper location. This information can be delivered to company management locally or via the internet. The French Art Network, a New Orleans art dealer with multiple locations throughout the US has recently adopted AAID's long range asset tags and passive readers to monitor and secure the presence of valuable artwork in and between its galleries, because senior management was not always present to monitor the inventory in real-time. A full asset management solution was developed by Florida-based Silent Partner Technologies, an AAID/Vuance partner and systems integrator.

Web: http://www.vuance.com

Reva Systems has announced that Samsung SDS, an IT service provider in Korea, is to use Reva TAP appliances to deliver more accurate and manageable RFID solutions for its customers in Korea and other Asian markets. Reva TAPs are purpose-built RFID network infrastructure appliances that provide RFID device control, data processing and infrastructure applications. TAPs install at the facility level to manage the operations of RFID readers and other equipment, collect the raw tag data, process the data for accuracy, run applications at the edge when local workflow or procedures are required and then pass only relevant RFID information to enterprise applications and repositories.

Web: http://www.revasystems.com

Checkpoint Systems has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire OAT Systems. The all-cash transaction is expected to close within two weeks. OAT's international client base consists of companies in the retail, consumer products, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defence industries. Together, Checkpoint and OATSystems will be able to offer merchandise protection and inventory management applications for the retail market. According to Rob van der Merwe, president and CEO for Checkpoint, "The addition of OAT Systems builds upon our previously announced strategy to help retailers and their suppliers migrate more easily with our 'Evolve' EAS platform to EPC/RFID." The current senior management at OAT Systems, including Michael George (president and CEO), will continue to operate the business as a division of Checkpoint. The company will continue to use and develop the OAT Systems brand and software platform to serve retail, consumer products and industrial customers.

For additional information:
·  Visit CheckPoint at http://www.checkpointsystems.com
·  Visit OAT Systems at http://www.oatsystems.com

A white paper from the Smart Card Alliance's Transportation Council examines how transit agencies can serve "unbanked" or "underbanked" individuals (those with no credit or debit card, cheque or savings account), including both the traditional approach of establishing retail sales outlets for fare media and a potential new approach of using network-branded prepaid cards. Unbanked and underbanked households make up more than 20% of the US population. Questions answered include: What is the size of the unbanked market and what tools are available for transit agencies to determine the number of unbanked and underbanked consumers in their geographic region?; How do transit agencies serve the unbanked rider now?; What have transit agencies learned from implementing retail sales networks to support transit product sale and reload for unbanked riders?; What are network-branded prepaid cards and how are programmes implemented?;  How do prepaid cards differ from credit and debit cards?; and What approaches could a transit agency use to work with the financial industry to offer prepaid cards to unbanked riders? The paper can be downloaded here.

Web: http://www.smartcardalliance.org

Crandall Public Library (the central reference library of the Southern Adirondack Library System, which serves Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Hamilton Counties) is to offer members RFID technology from Polaris and Integrated Technology Group (ITG), a division of Vernon Library Supplies. The RFID system will include: Apex XpressCheck patron self-service kiosks; Apex RFID security pedestals; Apex PowerReader wand for inventory purposes; Apex RFID DirectReader software component; Apex AV Xpress security case unlocking system; and Vista Sorting automated materials handling system.

Web: http://www.integratedtek.com

The RFID World 2008 conference has been expanded to offer demonstrable vertical market RFID solutions, discussion forums, seminars and symposia that address the increased demand from industry leaders for an RFID solutions-focused event. Issues in the spotlight include Food traceability - securing the food supply chain; Pharma E-pedigree - compliance plus longer term business transformation goals; Hospital and healthcare organisations - using RFID to improve operating efficiency; Apparel, footwear and the retail experience; The consumer experience - advertising, marketing and media; Manufacturing & automation - integrating RFID & RTLS for optimised operations and control; and Transportation, logistics and supply chain preparedness. RFID World 2008: Beyond RFID: Global Solutions for the Auto ID Community will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand from 8th to 10th September 2008.

Web: http://www.techinsights.com

Digital Angel's Destron Fearing business unit has been awarded US$885,000 in contracts with the Portland, Oregon-based Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal agency under the US Department of Energy, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers, for Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) technology. One award, for US$760,000, is for the initial development phase of a large antenna reader system for the Bonneville Dam, covering a nine-month period beginning next month. The budget for this multi-phase project has a total of US$2.5 million in funding, covering an estimated total 18-month period. The later phases of this project have not yet been awarded. The multiplex reader project award, for US$125,000, is for reader systems for river applications. In its work with the BPA, Destron Fearing employs PIT technology in conjunction with an RFID antenna to monitor salmon movement in the dam passages in the Columbia and Snake River Basins in the Pacific Northwest.

Web: http://www.digitalangel.com

Alanco Technologies' subsidiary, Alanco/TSI PRISM, has been awarded a contract valued at US$850,000 by the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide a major system upgrade and three years of extended maintenance on a TSI PRISM RFID inmate tracking system that has been in operation since 2003 at the Logan Correctional facility in Lincoln, Illinois. The new contract begins next month with an initial payment of some US$300,000. Alanco/TSI PRISM will provide 2,000 new generation inmate wrist transmitters and 300 new staff belt-mounted transmitters employing advanced technology, requiring less maintenance, and providing greater transmission range. The new transmitters also feature an extended battery life approaching twenty-four months, and incorporate a new patented single strap closure mechanism, which reduces the enrolment/de-enrolment time per inmate by over 70%.

Web: http://www.alanco.com

Zebra Technologies has introduced a cartridge-based patient ID solution to make wristband printing easier and more cost-effective for healthcare organisations. The new system combines the small-footprint HC100 thermal printer and easy-to-load cartridges containing Zebra's Z Band direct anti-microbial-coated, thermal wristbands. Unlike many laser solutions, the system generates individual wristbands on demand. There is no need for staff to load labels into a special tray, print the labels, attach them to wristbands and apply laminate coatings. The system features built-in wireless connectivity, which simplifies implementation and enables users to easily move printers to different locations throughout the hospital.

Web: http://www.zebra.com

The NFC Forum held its first Spotlight conference earlier this month to discuss and demonstrate NFC transport and city life applications. The programme featured presentations by NFC Forum Vice Chairman Gerhard Romen of Nokia, Dr Wolf Heine of T-Systems, and other representatives of organisations that have deployed NFC projects around the world. Demonstrations and a moderated panel discussion were also on the agenda. Open to NFC Forum members and invited guests, the afternoon event took place at the LivingXXL restaurant in Frankfurt's Eurotower. More than 60 NFC transport and city life projects are now underway worldwide, enabling consumers to purchase public transport tickets, pay for parking, obtain municipal and tourist information, buy products and perform other transactions using their NFC-enabled mobile phones.

Web: http://www.nfc-forum.org

HP has introduced a service that enables customers to reduce property loss, increase security and improve audit controls in the data centre with RFID technology. The HP Factory Express RFID Service tracks critical data centre assets, such as HP factory-built servers, storage devices and rack enclosures, so customers can continuously monitor the equipment as soon as it is received at their facilities. When deployed as part of a full RFID solution from HP and its partners, the service automates and tracks device movement, providing an accurate inventory of all assets throughout their lifecycle. HP's RFID tagging process allows technology devices to be scanned from the factory to the customer without requiring workers to manually inventory each asset. Customers can then quickly locate and maintain devices with minimal employee intervention, saving time and reducing loss or theft of technology assets.

Web: http://www.hp.com

RFID compliance solution provider, epcSolutions, is offering a free training course to show how to become compliant with Sam's Club's RFID requirements. The training course, on 25th June 2008, is based on its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club RFID implementations and provides a step by step approach to meeting the business and technical requirements. The webinar will deal, point by point, with the requirements and rules for tagging and shipping, EDI, such as Advance Shipment Notices (ASN), Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and Retail Link configuration for RFID tagged products. Topics to be covered include: overview; implementation plan; business workflow; information integration; RFID hardware; and labelling requirements. Interested parties can register for the seminar here.

Web: http://www.epcsolutions.com

Can/US Enviro-Energy, a logistics and engineering firm based in Montréal, with facilities in Champlain, NY, is using RFID technology to manage the mandatory recycling process of stationary batteries as well as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) equipment and direct current power systems for telecom applications and utilities' organisations. The company enlisted the assistance of Academia RFID to study its processes, build the business case and deliver a feasibility report for the use of RFID technology. Since early 2008, based on the results of a 3 month pilot, the company has included RFID technology in its battery replacement and recycling process, allowing its customers to be alerted as soon as their batteries have been accepted by their destined recycling stations. This real-time capability allows customers to immediately apply for return credits, receive an e-document attesting to its receipt (legally required) and assure that the battery will be properly recycled.

Web: http://www.rfidacademia.com

The Taiwan RFID 2008 show, also known as the Taiwan International RFID Applications Show, will be run in conjunction with Taitra's (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) flagship electronics show, Taitronics, at the new Nangang Exhibition Hall in October 2008. Some 25,000 visitors attended the 2007 Taiwan RFID show, with the five largest buyer groups coming from the US, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. The Taiwan International RFID Applications Conference, held in conjunction with the show, will feature Zhang Qi, chairperson of the China RFID Alliance, and focus on RFID applications in the region.

Web: http://www.taitra.org.tw

Dole Fresh Vegetables has successfully completed the testing of and will begin expanding the use of iGPS pallets. Dole also completed testing of iGPS plastic pallets in combination with plastic RPCs. Dole's system ties the iGPS pallet ID with its product's UPC to aid in tracking the product's movement throughout the supply chain. iGPS's all-plastic RFID and barcode-enabled pallet meets all GMA requirements, weighs 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallets, is UL2335 certified fire-retardant and 100% recyclable.

Web: http://www.igps.net

A Frost & Sullivan white paper, entitled 'Strategic Assessment: Asia Pacific RFID Innovations and Ideas', provides a perspective on the latest trends and innovations in RFID. The paper discusses the RFID innovations that are in the various stages of the innovation cycle and expected to be widespread in the near future. Increasing end-user awareness is driving RFID companies to develop RFID hardware equipment that offers superior returns, enhanced privacy, larger memory, as well as more features and form factors. Companies can enhance their RFID operations through alliances or acquisitions and aim to generate enough volumes to support the tag cost and the technological advances. The success of the improved RFID tags is heavily dependent on the solving of several commercial and engineering issues. Some of these concerns include development of affordable RFID tags, performance in complex environments, management and validation of the vast amount of data collected, and resolution of social issues regarding protection of personal data and user privacy.

Web: http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c93624

An independent study which discussed the benefits gained from providing health care workers with immediate access to patient medical records during a mass casualty scenario, presented at the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine's Annual Meeting, revealed that use of the VeriChip for access to patient medical history verification significantly decreased the emergency care charges among critically injured patients in a randomised, blinded, prospective mass casualty scenario. The study found that the use of the VeriChip for access to patient records significantly decreased the emergency care charges among critically injured patients, with a mean decrease in ordered charges of US$685.67 per patient. The study can be accessed online at http://www.aemj.org (Academic Emergency Medicine Journal, Vol. 15, No.5, Supplement1, May 2008, pS99 number 241).

Web: http://www.verichipcorp.com

According to a new report from Bloor Research, entitled 'RFID Middleware - From RFID to Sensory Network', there are three primary reasons for using RFID/Sensor Network middleware: to encapsulate the applications from device interfaces; to process the raw observations captured by the readers and sensors so that applications see only meaningful, high-level events (thereby reducing the volume of information that they need to process); and  to provide an application-level interface for managing readers and querying sensory device observations. The report suggests that most of the RFID middleware available today provides these features. But while RFID and other remote sensing technologies provide a level of automation that was not previously possible with labelling technologies (bar codes that needed human intervention, for example), this level of automation requires that the readers and sensors be monitored and managed remotely. Thus, in addition to the these functions, an RFID middleware solution should also provide - or at least integrate with - a management and monitoring interface. The report has been made available for free download - click here.

Web: http://www.bloor-research.com

Tagsys has announced the release of its new ARIO 370L-HL RFID tag. The tag's button-like design aims to improve service levels for businesses such as elder care facilities and hospitals, and its white casing enables the tag to be sewn discretely onto light-coloured items. By attaching it directly to laundered items helps to guarantee that garments will be returned to their proper owners. The ARIO 370L-HL's two-hole architecture enables the tag to be sewn onto garments either manually or automatically using most sewing machines without compromising its durability. Each ARIO 370L-HL is guaranteed to survive 200 washing cycles.

Web: http://www.tagsysrfid.com

Gemalto reports that it has been contracted by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) to help support the launch of a new NFC (near field communication) programme in Trento, Italy. TIM will be trialling the use of Gemalto's transport application embedded in mobile phone SIM cards to allow citizens to use a mobile phone as an access device for public transport. Users are able to purchase tickets wherever they are, at any time, through their mobile phone, and validate their transport pass even when the handset is turned off.

Web: http://www.gemalto.com

Sokymat Automotive has launched a miniature laundry tag, the S-Tag10, which is a 13.56MHz RFID transponder, 10mm wide and 2mm thick. The tag was designed to aid the pre-sorting of soiled garments, linens or mops in industrial laundries in order to allocate each one to the proper washing process or manual handling that's required. The wash-proof transponders are resistant to aggressive chemical agents, moisture, dirt, heat and pressure, and is guaranteed for 100% reliability for 200 washing and drying cycles (in accordance with DIN EN ISO15797). Due to its small size, the S-Tag10 is ideal for personal garments in scenarios where individual items need to be tracked at all times. The S-Tag family is available with a variety of different ISO 15693-compatible chips.

Web: http://www.sokymat-automotive.de

While many companies focus on RFID technology for access control, contactless payments and electronic document security, a Swiss company has begun using RFID technology to help the blind and visually impaired with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, riding on public transportation, and taking prescription medicines. The Bones Inc. Milestone 312 (available from July 2008) is a compact and low-cost personal digital assistant (PDA) that incorporates a multi-standard RFID reader from Texas Instruments. People can use the device to scan RFID tags attached to various items and then record a voice note for each using the PDA's embedded speech capability. At home, users can tag household items such as clothing, food, and CDs so that they can easily recognise them when they are rescanned and identified with the voice note. Outside the home, the devices could also be used on public transit (St. Gallen in Switzerland has already installed reference tags for all public transport), at pharmacies, or even in other places such as museums.

Web: http://www.bones.ch

The RFID design, manufacturing and engineering company, Confidex, has opened an office in Raubling, Germany, and has appointed Florian Jungmeier (who was with Avery Dennison, where his latest role was Marketing & Sales Director, EMEA, in its RFID division) as the Director of Sales & Business Development for EMEA. The company has also added EuroID Tagnology, Metra Blanska, CaptureTech, Reseaumatique, CoreRFID, Agid, Aida Centre, Frequentiel, Coderco, Tagproduct, CreativeSystems, and Teknopalas as its newest resellers in Europe.

Web: http://www.confidex.net