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...  
 · Sokymat demos automotive RFID transponders
 · Faynot case study covers RFID in the field
 · Wrigley deploys RFID for added visibility
 · Parrot announces NFC-enabled speaker system
 · Bayer unveils RFID 'contrast media' management
 · New RFID system to aid the waste industry
 · Greener printed batteries for RFID applications
 · Innovision R&T helps to develop the Dot tag

 
More: See the main news articles
 

UPM Raflatac is supplying UHF EPC Gen2 tags to car logistics company Assistor for use in a new real-time vehicle logistics management solution. The RFID technology contributes to the efficient handling of vehicles in demanding environments, namely large harbours and warehouses. The complete solution has been developed by Digia. The system uses passive RFID technology to identify vehicles quickly and reliably. When unloaded from ships, vehicles are equipped with UPM Raflatac's UHF Gen2 DogBone RFID tags. An exact warehouse location is assigned to each vehicle so that it can be easily located with a hand-held RFID reader. A total of 250 readers are used by the system. Each RFID tag carries information about all actions related to the vehicle during storage and production. Assistor will deliver around 370,000 vehicles to Finland, the Baltic countries and Russia this year.

Web: http://www.upmraflatac.com

On Track Innovations' Polish subsidiary, ASEC, is to provide the Transport Department of the City of Warsaw with half a million more public transportation and street parking contactless e-tickets. This is an additional award, following deliveries of more than a million cards that have already been supplied as part of the programme. The additional contract award deliveries are expected to be completed this year. Warsaw residents use OTI's contactless cards for bus, tram, and metro rides, as well as for street parking. ASEC also provided additional services and products for the project including: terminals with integrated contactless readers that enable card loading and perform sale transactions, as well as automated ticket vending machines and software for data gathering and sales monitoring.

Web: http://www.otiglobal.com

KSW Microtec is to launch its new UHF polycarbonate inlay for security-critical applications in the government and enterprise ID sectors at CTST 2008 in Florida, USA, this week. The inlay is ideally suited for the production of border crossing cards, drivers' licences, police ID and national ID cards. Unlike a traditional PET inlay, it is easily laminated into a polycarbonate card, ensuring a matching material connection and thus safeguarding against card delamination. The tag can be produced in roll or sheet format, including customised sheet layouts. KSW incorporates antennae printing and chip assembly.

Web: http://www.ksw-microtec.de

NanoMarkets is offering the printed electronics industry the NanoMarkets Printed Electronics Materials Database. Derived from NanoMarkets' on-going research and analysis programme, the database provides users with detailed information and analysis of over 180 firms active in the printable electronics materials business along with market forecasts - both qualitative and quantitative - of the inks, substrates and barrier materials used in printing displays, RFID, transistors, backplanes, photovoltaics, memory, sensors and batteries. The database also includes an analysis of the trends and developments driving the printable electronics business as a whole and how these trends and developments are impacting the opportunities for specialty chemicals, materials, inks and substrates manufacturers. The searchable database is delivered in pdf format and breaks out into four modules: a supplier index; material trends; market trends and outlook; and market projections.

Web: http://www.nanomarkets.net

Dole Fresh Vegetables is to begin shipping its products on Intelligent Global Pooling Systems' (iGPS Company), completely recyclable all-plastic pallets with embedded RFID tags. The all-plastic pallets meet all GMA requirements, weigh 30% less than typical multi-use wood pallets, are UL 2335 certified fire-retardant and are 100% recyclable. Dole Fresh Vegetables joins Imperial Sugar, Pilgrims Pride, Martori Farms and others that have switched from wood to plastic pallets.

Web: http://www.igps.net

Network Infrastructure provider, Reva Systems, is working with Oracle to enable Oracle E-Business Suite customers to capture and use high-quality RFID data. Reva TAPs are purpose-built RFID Network Infrastructure appliances that provide RFID device control and data processing. TAPs are installed at a facility level to manage the operations of RFID readers and other equipment from many providers, collect the raw tag data, process the data for accuracy and then pass only relevant RFID information to the Oracle E-Business Suite. Reva also provides a set of enterprise RFID management tools which Oracle users can rely on to remotely operate RFID infrastructure and devices across global sites.

Web: http://www.revasystems.com

The Missouri Department of Corrections (MDOC) has chosen Alanco Technologies' TSI Prism systems for up to an additional five probation/parole early release facilities. The MDOC previously purchased two TSI PRISM systems in 2006, which have been operated in similar facilities located in Farmington and St. Joseph, Missouri. Two new contract installations, valued at approximately $300,000, will begin immediately at facilities in Hannibal and Kennett, Missouri, with additional facilities to be scheduled in Kansas City, Fulton and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The total potential value of the new contract is approximately US$750,000. The Missouri early release facilities, housing up to fifty inmates each, will be used to re-integrate inmates from a prison environment back into society or, in some cases, serve as an alternative to a state prison sentence. Inmates are allowed to leave the facility during the day for work or to seek employment and return at specified times.

Web: http://www.alanco.com

KSW Microtec reports that it has developed an RFID-enabled UHF Gen 2 transponder for magnetic tape cartridges using UCODE G2X integrated circuits provided by NXP Semiconductors. Converted into a label, the transponder can be interfaced with data security, data tracking, and tape management systems. "In a data-oriented business environment, reliable tape management is becoming indispensable," explained Niels Bauer, business segment manager for KSW Microtec. KSW designed the transponder to meet increasing demand from tape manufacturers and data storage companies for a reliable method of identifying and tracking storage media such as magnetic tape cartridges. The IC has a 512-bit user memory, and was designed for a ten year lifecycle after being converted into a label.

Web: http://www.ksw-microtec.de

The winning paper (entitled 'Value of Sparse RFID Traceability Information in Asset Tracking during Migration Period') of the IEEE and ODIN Technologies' Best RFID Paper for 2008 award was Tatsuya Inaba of the Keio Research Institute at Keio University in Japan. The paper is a treatise on how to maximise value for Returnable Transport Items or reusable containers through the use of RFID technology. It was rates as "an important work" for three reasons: it focuses on how to deliver maximum value from RFID for the specific application of tracking reusable containers; it discusses how container Rental Service Providers can employ RFID to provide greater value to their customers; and it provides a working model for predicting container location and the need for replacements.

Web: http://www.odintechnologies.com

In its 'Contactless Strategy & Forecast' report, Javelin Strategy & Research highlights how the promotion of non-network payment products will drive acceptance, thwart competition and pave the path for what card networks and issuers consider to be the eventual goal: mobile payments. The technologies and strategies described in the report will lead to radical changes in personal finance for every consumer, merchant and financial institution. According to the research, progress is slowed because there isn't sufficient incentive for merchants and wireless carriers to make essential investments that will enable contactless infrastructure development and the evolution to NFC-based mobile payments. If industry-wide cooperation occurs, Javelin projects that 57 million consumers will be using chip-embedded credit cards to make contactless payments by 2013, which is more than double the 24.8 million in 2008 and will be bolstered primarily by expansion of contactless products into gift cards and private label cards. Momentum is occurring as significant subsidies from card networks spur progress with fast-food restaurants, stadium concessionaires, convenience stores, and fuel retailers. But such efforts are insufficient to serve as the catalyst for broad adoption of mobile payments and the projected 57 million consumer users could slip substantially - to a comparatively stagnant 34 million - if card networks fail to take recommended steps outlined in the report.

Web: http://www.javelinstrategy.com

Wavetrend Technologies has developed software device kits for three active RFID readers (the RX300, RX900 and RX1000) that interface with Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2, using Serial, Ethernet or Wireless technology. BizTalk Server provides a scalable, versatile platform that delivers extensive core process management technologies and yields meaningful data from RFID infrastructure.

Web: http://wavetrend.net

VeriChip Corporation is soon to launch its first-ever direct-to-consumer marketing campaign in South Florida. As part of the campaign, the company has renamed its patient identification system Health Link and created a new web site to provide information about the product and how to enrol as a member. Health Link uses a secure, private, online database to connect consumers and their personal health record, providing emergency room doctors and nurses with immediate access to medical and emergency contact information. The microchip stores a unique 16-digit identification number and is injected just under the skin in the rear upper portion of the right arm. When a Health Link member presents in an emergency department unconscious, unresponsive or confused, emergency medical personnel use the Health Link scanner to retrieve the member's identification number.

Web: http://www.verichipcorp.com

Ship2Save has announced the launch of its new RFID cabinet key system, using Impinj's UHF Gen 2 RFID chips, readers, and antennas. The solution has been integrated into an AVS Key and Inventory Solutions Inc. offering which prevents the theft of cars at luxury vehicle dealerships by warning staff when a possible theft could occur. The system's approach is to prevent thefts rather than detect them during or after the event, simply by authenticating car keys upon their return from test drives (a common car theft technique). According to Eddie Ng, Project Manager for Ship2Save, the smart cabinet is already used for one aspect of the sales process at dealerships, and AVS Key and Inventory Solutions will be evaluating other application areas where smart systems could positively impact the bottom line.

Web: http://www.ship2save.com

Avery Dennison's Printer Systems Division has announced the availability of its new RFID Solution for Sam's Club compliance. The system was designed to meet the needs of various sized consumer goods providers, and eliminates the need for them suppliers to source individual RFID components and supplies. The system includes service, lab support, installation, and expert consulting services, and meets all of Sam's Club's start-up requirements. The kit's 'smartEPC' software is provided by Smart Label Solutions, and features conversion to RFID compliant tags, RFID tag validation, scalability, and built-in EPC and bar code compliance formats. The kit comprises a Monarch 9855 printer/encoder, an multi-protocol RFID reader, label supplies, and a 'Technology Investment Protection' programme which ensures free technological upgrades for the Monarch printer/encoder.

Web: http://www.ris.averydennison.com

ViVOtech has extended its ViVOpay line of contactless readers into the kiosk market by introducing the new 'ViVOpay Kiosk' contactless payment module. The new product is certified to work with all major contactless payment programmes and can also allow third-party kiosk host systems to accept contactless payments without compliance re-certification. ViVOpay Kiosk is an add-on module that was designed for use with indoor and outdoor kiosks. Apart from being compatible with all major contactless payment programmes (such as PayPass, ExpressPay, and PayWave), it also works with upcoming NFC mobile phone payment technologies for ticketing, promotions, and coupons redemption applications. Typical uses of the module are expected to include transportation, retail, parking, and other unattended kiosk applications.

Web: http://www.vivotech.com

SVG Distribution, a distributor of videogame entertainment products, has adopted epcSolutions' RFIDTagManager for Sam's Club to help meet the current RFID pallet tagging requirement from Sam's Club. SVG needed a solution to meet compliance requirements for RFID tagging for full pallet, single SKU shipments to the Sam's Club distribution centre in Desoto, Texas. The 'RFIDTagManager for Sam's Club' system, which is based on epcSolutions' SensorOS system, provided an out-of-the-box solution that includes an SQL database, EPCIS and connectivity to all the necessary RFID hardware. The system is also easily integrated with existing ERP and other back-end systems (such as Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards and others).

Web: http://www.epcsolutions.com/sams

While many companies are challenged with accounting for both owned and leased IT assets within their data centres, a greater concern is often the potential compromise of security if data centre assets are removed without permission. As a result, a system from NCR and RF Code, called 'NCR TransitionWorks for Data Centre Visibility', has been built to help combat these concerns by providing a way of tracking the location of each data centre IT asset in real time. RFID tags are applied to individual assets as well as the racks that house them, and tag readers are mounted on the racks. Administrators can then monitor, track and manage their assets directly, as the system can instantly detect and alert appropriate personnel about any asset's removal from a rack, providing exact information about when and from which rack the asset was removed.

For additional information:
·  Visit NCR at http://www.ncr.com
·  Visit RF Code at http://www.rfcode.com

Premo Group has begun offering a 'HARSH-TAG-80' UHF RFID tag for industrial and outdoor environments, with applications including metal surfaces. The tag's design allows for good reading performance on objects including reusable plastic containers (RPC), wood or metal cages, pallets and unit loading devices (ULDs), vehicles, and tractors and trailers. The plastic enclosure is IP68 (Polyamid PA6) compliant and is UL94 V-0 flame resistant. The RFID chip is EPC Gen 2 compatible, with 96 bits of free memory for user data. The whole tag weighs 150g and is 125x81x15mm in size. The read range on non-metal surfaces is up to 4 metres, and 2 metres on metal surfaces. The tag can operate from -40 degrees C to +65 degrees C, in any antenna/reader orientation.

Web: http://www.grupopremo.com

RFID is gaining momentum in most industries, and in 2007 more than 3,000 RFID projects were implemented worldwide, according to German adhesives manufacturer DELO. As a result, DELO and Intune Circuits (a Finnish manufacturer of RFID antennas) have begun a research project, supported by Muehlbauer (a smart label production line manufacturer). The objective was to investigate compatibility issues for turn-key solutions for the manufacturing of smart label inlays, and to provide complete and harmonised solutions for the entire RFID value chain. The compatibility of different components such as antennas, adhesives and machines for inlay production was tested in DELO's research laboratories and at Muehlbauer over several months. From DELO's point of view, the results showed that heat-curing epoxies are most suited for bonding onto aluminium UHF antennas. Consequently, the three partners have since developed a plug-and-play solution enabling efficient and reliable production of RFID inlays.

Web: http://www.delo.de

PowerID has announced the general availability of its BAP label product line using the EPCglobal Class 1, Generation 2 air protocol. The new labels address the needs of organisations that use an EPC Gen 2 RFID infrastructure but find that the performance of passive RFID does not meet all of their tracking needs. Using PowerID's proprietary thin and flexible power source, the new labels offer low-cost and high performance even in challenging physical environments, and operate in the UHF range (850-960 MHz). The BAP labels were designed to track challenging materials - such as liquids, metal, and paper - that can negatively affect the reliability of RFID technology. With support for EPCglobal Gen 2 technology, users can leverage existing RFID infrastructure to read BAP labels along with passive labels without any additional investment in new equipment. The Gen 2 BAP labels will be available in mass quantities from Q3 2008.

Web: http://www.power-id.com

Sirit has announced the launch of its new INfinity 110 (the 'IN110') high frequency RFID reader module designed for embedded applications. The new reader supports several tag protocols and was designed for integration into RFID devices such as handheld readers, mobile or stationary printers, and point-of-sale terminals. The IN110 uses the new Texas Instruments TRF7960 chip and provides application developers with a variety of tag choices by supporting numerous protocols including ISO 14443A and B, ISO 15693, TI Tag-it, NXP EPC, NXP UID, NXP iCode, NXP MIFARE, Ultralite, and Inside PicoTag. Potential applications for the IN110 include security and access control, electronic payments, ticketing, e-passports, document tracking, patron management, product authentication and medical uses such as patient management and pharmaceuticals tracking.

Web: http://www.sirit.com

In Virginia, USA, Prince William County has adopted the Compass system from RFID technology provider Vuance to provide increased electronic access control security in some of its official buildings. Over a year ago, Prince William County Buildings & Grounds Office identified a need for better access control in selected buildings, including two police stations, its 911 centre, and various office buildings. The system is being installed and maintained by M.C. Dean, one of Vuance's business partners. Based on the current project, additional installations are also planned for the future. Compass manages access into, within and out of a facility. Personnel credentials recorded on badges and cards are read by readers at entrances and exits, and access through doors is automated. The system will also integrate the appropriate buildings into the County's existing IT network.

Web: http://www.vuance.com

Intelleflex has announced its new FBT-7400 FOB tag, a long range, compact tag designed for loop attachment to key rings and other similar items. Applications include tracking of tools and equipment for real-time inventory visibility and automated check-out/check-in procedures, and the tracking of keys used to gain access to secured assets such as vehicles, buildings and equipment. The approximately 0.5 cubic-inch tag offers a read/write range of up to 75 feet.

Web: http://www.intelleflex.com

Sirit has confirmed that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of RSI ID Technologies Inc, a vertically integrated manufacturer of antennas, inlays and tags for specialised passive RFID applications. In accordance with the terms of the agreement announced on 4th March 2008, the deal has been structured as an all stock transaction with an initial payment of 10 million Sirit Common Shares plus additional shares to be issued over a 21 month period (based on achieving certain financial targets). The transaction has received all requisite regulatory approvals including that of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Web: http://www.sirit.com

Patient Care Technology Systems (PCTS) has announced that Lehigh Valley Hospital (in Cedar Crest, Allentown, PA, USA) has successfully implemented its Amelior ORTracker system in the perioperative department. The automatic tracking software was adopted to help improve the efficiency of surgical care by visualising the real-time care status of patients and the location of department resources. The Cedar Crest location is the first of three Lehigh Valley Hospital facilities to implement the software. The automatic tracking software was implemented with an ultrasound indoor positioning system from PCTS business partner Sonitor Technologies. Wireless badges for patients, staff and mobile medical devices will all use an ultrasound signal to communicate their location to sensors throughout the perioperative department. The real-time location information is collected by the Amelior ORTracker software which uses an advanced perioperative rules engine to identify patient care milestones based on the location, movement and interactions between patients, caregivers and medical devices. Caregivers are able to visualise patient flow using web-based software without having to manually enter data or rely on telephones and overhead pages to manage their work.

Web: http://www.pcts.com

Sirit has announced that its INfinity 510 UHF reader has been certified to operate under China's latest radio regulations. Sirit received its compliance certificate from the State Radio Regulation Committee (SRRC) in China which confirms that the IN510 meets the qualifications of compliance under the operational bandwidth, interoperability and performance standards established in March 2007. The SRRC is part of the Ministry of Information Industry which ensures that all RFID products sold in China meet specific standards for radio frequency devices. "Receiving Chinese certification opens up many opportunities for Sirit to fully engage with partners and customers to expand our presence in this region," said Tony Sabetti, vice president of RF Solutions for Sirit. The IN510 is also operationally compatible in many countries throughout Asia, including Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.

Web: http://www.sirit.com

The International Supply Chain Education Alliance is to run a training seminar called 'Going physical-free' during RFID Journal's sixth annual conference and exhibition (16th to 18th April in Las Vegas, USA). The aim of the seminar is to help participants to define inventory record accuracy in terms of the benefits and costs that are important for their organisation. Delegates will also learn to establish an effective cycle-counting process that will improve inventory record accuracy, conduct effective root-cause analysis so they can find and fix the issues that lead to poor performance, and build a business case and an implementation plan to eliminate physical inventories. Participants will gain an understanding of the implications of RFID technology on inventory record accuracy and cycle-counting processes.

Web: http://www.rfidjournal.com

Alanco Technologies reports that NEC Australia has begun the installation of a Wi-Fi compatible TSI PRISM RFID inmate tracking system at the Alexander Maconochie Centre prison in Canberra. NEC has incorporated Alanco's technology into its suite of security systems and integration services, which it is marketing to the 100 other prison facilities throughout Australia and New Zealand. The RFID system will be used to monitor physical separation and to control movement between various segments of the population and will provide a range of staff efficiency and cost reduction measures. The total project value is in excess of US$1.0 million.

Web: http://www.tsiprism.com