RFID

The possibility of encoding multiple types of data on a single RFID tag is becoming a reality. A recent study conducted by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) that involved General Motors and Grupo Antolin reveals its feasibility, and this will enable the use of RFID for tracking reusable containers. The multiple data types include user information and a unique item identifier (UII). Both these will help multiple players in the automotive supply chain in encoding and using the tags for their own specific requirements.

The study will help the entire auto industry since automakers, suppliers of parts and logistics firms would all be able to benefit from a common set of tags, instead of having to invest in tags of their own for data catering to their needs. This was highlighted by a staff researcher of the General Motors Research and Development Division, Fangming Gu. He stated that all the information required like the UII, sequence numbers of containers, container ID etc could be stored on an EPC Gen 2 tag that has a user memory between 512 bits and 2 kilobits. This will also resolve the auto industry’s problem with the high cost of RFID tags, which has been a major impediment in the implementation of RFID technology in the industry. While there is a distinct preference for customized tags holding information meant exclusively for their requirements, the concept of having a tag containing information relevant for all users, could transform the way these businesses work.

In 2005 a presentation was made at the AIAG AutoTech Conference about how $750 million was lost every year since barrels, boxes, pallets and reusable containers were lost or misplaced. This presentation inspired the research study according to Bill Hoffman, the leader of the project and the founder, managing director of Hoffman Systems, an RFID and barcode software integration company. One way this loss could be minimized
is to somehow increase supply chain visibility by using identification labels on reusable containers that are read when they change hands. The labels cannot be barcodes because the information stored on barcodes cannot be changed once they are printed. RFID technology would be the ideal solution but the high tag cost was a major deterrent. This led to the investigation of finding ways to use the same tag to supply all the requirements of all the supply chain participants. This would minimize the number of tags used by every container.

The tag had to be able to hold two different types of data and to check whether a single physical tag would be able to do so, the first attempt was at programming an EPCglobal serialized Global Returnable Asset Identifier(GRAI) into the distinctive item identifier memory bank of the tag. This was followed by the encoding of the ISO-based data identifier information into the tag’s user memory bank.

The study was aimed at proving that data from the RFID tags could be used by multiple users from suppliers, companies and transporters. For instance, an end user could enter an ID number found in the software, find its link to the container ID and get details about how the container was transported or where it was last used. They would also be able to get details about the containers in transit, any delays in the shipments and so on.

Based on these findings of the study, the automotive industry are contemplating the use of RFID for tracking reusable containers, but have yet to take the first step. A recommendation for a B-11 automotive item level RFID standard is being formulated by AIAG’s Pallet and Lid Committee.

Temporary RFID interrogators were installed at three different places as part of the study. The initial plan was to install two at supplier plants and one at a receiving plant. However, some damages prevented this and instead one was installed at the entry/exit gate of the Grupo Antolin’s Lake Orion Sequencing Center, in order to track the containers entering or leaving the facility for the Marlette assembly plant. The second interrogator from Motorola was also placed at the Lake Orion Sequencing Center to read tags that were attached to containers shipped from and to the GM plant and also from Grupo Marlette. The tags used were a type of Gen 2 EPC ultra high frequency with 512 bits of user memory. One tag was attached to each returnable asset.

The first step was to fit RFID tags on to Grupo Antolin’s racks and place them one on top of the other in a trailer. As they moved out of Marlette, they were read once, and a second time as they entered the Lake Orion premises. The next step was to encode the tags with the GRAI and trailer number, and link the tag ID in the software to the product part number and the quantity. Each of the tags was placed in a pouch that had a printed shipping label and attached to the container. At Grupo Antolin’s Lake Orion facility, the tags got encoded with sequence numbers and then shipped to the GM assembly plant. Here they were unloaded and the empty containers returned to the Sequencing Center where the tags were read one more time.

In real life applications the tag data stored in MB11 memory would be erased after the racks have been unloaded and be rewritten with new information.

The tags used in the study included Squiggle and TIE inlays from Alien, Portumus-I from Starport Technologies and IT 65 from Intermec. Intermec’s CN3 and IP30 RFID handheld interrogators were used to show that the tag’s MB01 and MB11 memory could be read as and when required. The handhelds were also used to change the MB11 data randomly. This was meant to show that in-service reprogramming was possible. They were able to prove that both memories MB01 and MB11 are readable at very fast speeds. The three fixed interrogators read the tags at observed rates of 100 per cent. The total number tagged and tracked included 250 racks owned by Grupo Antolin and 50 owned by GM.

The readers functioned from a 15 ft range and in the process picked up stray tags as well from other moving vehicles. This could be prevented by shielding or using the antenna by placing them in a better manner.

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Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe will now be able to get assistance in comprehending and leveraging the potential benefits of RFID technology from a new EU funded project that is starting in May and will be operational from the next two years. The biggest advantage of RFID technology is that it makes real time data collection easy with no need for physical contact or line of sight alignment. The project will be managed by UEAPME, the European craft and the SME employers’ organization. It will operate across six European countries coordinating eight pilots in multiple sectors, and the sole aim of the RFID-ROI-SME project is to enhance the adoption levels of RFID technology in SMEs.

The project is aimed at helping both the manufacturers and users of RFID technology. It will promote the use of RFID technology in the SMEs so that they can benefit from all the advantages it offers, and at the same time create a demand so that manufacturers have adequate business opportunities. It will be able to show how RFID is beneficial across various business sectors and in diverse cases with the aid of case studies, blue prints and best practices.

The project has Sebastiano Toffaletti as its coordinator who feels that RFID has enormous potential which has yet not been tapped by SMEs in the EU. The goal of the project is to assist in accomplishing this at individual company level and for the EU as a whole, so that it can take the lead in the process of technological change.

The popularity of RFID is linked to price considerations. Considered an expensive technology to adopt, a major chunk of the expenditure in this field comes from large corporations. This can be attributed to the resource crunch often faced by SMEs. However, prices of RFID equipment are consistently coming down, but till they fall below a certain level there will not be sufficient demand from SMEs. Once that happens, the mass market will bring the required shift.

The project will highlight not just the benefits of RFID but also deal with the threats posed by it. Advantages include easier traceability of products and services, better document tracking, reduction of delays and losses, and optimization of logistical processes. However its threats include the theft of information stored about patients and individuals, and the potential harmful effects of radio magnetic waves when attached to human wrists.

With the intention of ensuring that SMEs in the EU remain highly competitive in the global arena, the European Commission’s Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Program has selected eight companies from six countries to run the pilot projects for introducing RFID at SMEs. The coordinator of the program is UEAPME which will manage the consortium and ensure standardization of procedures and processes adopted by the pilots. The project has adopted a horizontal approach involving sectors as varied as logistics, plastics, construction, packaging, apparel, archiving, e-ticketing and security.
Each sector has to evaluate how profitable an investment in RFID can be, and which would be the ideal technological architecture to adopt. Monthly updates about the progress of the project will be posted on a website www.rfid-roi-sme.eu, and will also carry all detailed information about the project.

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RFID or Radio Frequency Identification was first used for retail operations by Wal-Mart, and consequent to its success, other retailers are trying to use this technology beyond the warehouse. RFID technology uses radio tags as a means of identifying products and services, and Wal-Mart used them for keeping track of all that was stored in warehouses. This led to improved tracking systems and it turned out to be a more efficient way of handling warehouse supplies. Based on this successful exercise, Wal-Mart decided to use RFID technology in shop floors as well.

The Wal-Mart experiment was duplicated by other leading retail chains as well. This also meant additional budgetary allocations for implementing this technology and suppliers of RFID pushed for the benefits it offered for accuracy in tracking products. Thus RFID began to gain popularity as a method of improving supply chain management and inventory control, which would eventually yield results in term of lower costs.

Research conducted by the Sam M. Walton College of Business linked with the University of Arkansas showed an average accuracy level of 62% for apparel inventories, but implementing RFID technology increased the level to 95%. Accuracy in inventory operations will lead to a sales surge because exact details of stocks will be available. According to statistics collected by Dr Bill Hardgrave, Director of the RFID Research Center at the same university, the use of RFID technology helped to increase sales by at least 2-5%. It also enables retailers to track misplaced and stolen and get to know as soon as that happens. This reveals the ability of the technology to increase product and item visibility, and also of processes involved in inventory management.

Some of the leading radio tag manufacturers include Alien Technology, Texas Instruments and Motorola. Radio tags are generally the size of a pinhead and various types of these manufactured to be either attached to the hangtags of garments, sewn inside the garments, or even used with an adhesive and placed on the outfit in question. These can then be tracked with readers similar to barcode scanners. These are some of the numerous ways of implementing RFID technology in a retail organization.

The potential of RFID
The potential of RFID is yet to be fully realized, and analysts believe this technology to be in its adolescent stage that has not found its rightful niche. This is because retailers are only just starting to use it and understand its phenomenal potential. RFID tags can offer customers some benefits like:
• getting in touch with sales personnel while trying out an outfit
• Contacting friends on Facebook or other networks while in a trial room of a store.

The store or retail outlet will be able to use RFID tags to get more customer inputs by getting access to the products they pick up, what they try and so on. Eventually they will be able to issue customer loyalty cards that will be loaded all types of information about the customer from the retailer’s point of view.

RFID systems from the company Xterprise are being tried and tested for the last one year by the Los Angeles based American Apparel. The results have been very positive but many initial loopholes are being plugged before the system can be completely implemented to yield even better results.

What is evident is that RFID systems have made into the retail segment but have yet to unleash their full potential. Thus they are positively an instrument for the future. As the technology and the systems get perfected, costs are consistently coming down. For instance, the price of radio tags has reduced from 30 cents to even as low as 9 cents, as found by IDC Retail Insights, a market research organization in Framingham, Massachusetts. Adopting the RFID system and implementing it is however, still confined to richer companies with larger funds at their disposal. This is because the cost involved could range between £2000 to £20,000. This is despite the fact that the expense incurred is recovered within a 6-12 month period with enhanced traceability, increased sales and all the other benefits of RFID technology. The technology will be universally applicable only when costs fall to as low as a penny for a radio tag, and is affordable by all the players in the retail sector. Till such a time comes it may remain a luxury meant for a privileged few top retailers.

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Intermec has launched a software reader system called ARX that is able to point out tag according to their movement through motion detection techniques. This reader software enables readers to be able to distinguish between motionless tags in the same area as the active tags of interest. The ARX is one of the three Intermec launches for the year unveiled at RFID Journal Live! 2010, that was held a few days ago at Orlando, Fla. ARX stands for Advanced RFID Extensions, which is able to sift readings of tags located near a reader but not moving through any portal, like a dock door. Other launches include the IF2 Network Reader, which is a new fixed position, ultra-high frequency (UHF) interrogator, and an IT36 Durable Asset Tag. While the IF2 will be available in the third quarter of the year, the IT36 will be released in the fourth quarter.

A common complaint of users of RFID was the problem in identifying tags of interest because stray tags were always noticed in the same vicinity like a distribution center with tagged boxes or pallets placed close to a reader. The ARX was thus created to differentiate between these stray tags present in any over crowded environment, and those that are relevant, are waiting to be read while they move. At present ARX is being offered by Intermec with its IF61 fixed interrogators launched in 2007, and the Intermec forklift system. The forklift system comes with a vehicle mounted IV7 RFID reader, which is tethered to the CV60 vehicle mounted computer. Depending on future demand, the company may even offer ARX as an additional feature on the IV7 in conjunction with the CV30 vehicle mounted computer. Since mobile determination data is not applicable to a mobile reader, the ARX extensions cannot be supported on the Intermec IP30 handheld device.

The ARX software is able to check whether or not a tag is in motion with the aid of the EPCglobal LLRP or low level reader protocol extensions that analyze data from Intermec ‘ s RFID readers. ARX uses the information it mines from the series of reads to determine whether a tag is moving, and after that decide if its data should be sent to the company ‘ s back end system.

Intermec uses the return signal strength indicator data or RSSI data, plus the phase angle of the RF wave received, which can be used to compute a tag ‘ s speed since it changes over time. The system can easily inform a user about whether or not a tag is in motion, and also if it is near a portal, a reader or in a specific zone.

The Intermec ARX is different from similar systems released by Impinj and Alien Technology. Impinj had released its firmware in 2007 that supported the LLRP protocol. It enables its Speedway RFID EPC Gen 2 reader to send signals about the direction to middleware. This helps the users to know which tags have been read by the interrogator and in which direction the tagged products move. Alien technology had released a direction-sensing for its interrogators. The new Intermec offering called ARX is able to

take into account the environmental conditions, the signal ‘ s phase angle etc before it sends the information to the server, while the other two simply derive data on the basis of speed or the information collected about the direction of the tags.

The ARX is also equipped to take into account the noise and environmental interference with a combination of factors. In case of a conflict about whether a tag is a stray one or not, ARX will use a neutral network to determine the truth. The network will decide on the basis of a vast amount of information collected from portals or forklifts in a typical exercise.

ARX is being used by a large number of companies having warehouses or similar tag rich environments.

The IT36 Durable Asset Tag will be launched in the third quarter of 2010 with more memory than what any of its predecessors have had. With the EPC Gen 2 passive UHF tag supporting both ETSI and FCC regulations, it is fit for use in both Europe and North America. It is ideally suited for wooden pallets and reusable plastic containers, and other non metal surfaces. Its small and durable form factor has 512 bits of memory and likely to cost the same amount as the other similar Gen 2 tags.

The launch of the IF2 Network Reader is slated for later in the year at lower prices than others in its category. It is being designed with a smaller form factor but will include the ARX software and the SmartSystems client which will allow users to change device settings, update software applications remotely and send firmware upgrades. This is likely to save both time and cost of deployment, besides lower hardware maintenance costs. The reader will come with four inputs and four outputs, and will have DC power or be powered over Ethernet.

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Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is set to transform lives and businesses more than any other invention. In a recent study published in the International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, it has been stated that RFID could prove to be extremely useful in the aftermath of an earthquake in the rescue operations to save lives. The study has been conducted by Yen-Chun Jim Wu of the National Sun Yat-Sen University, Taiwan, and Ching-Yuan Hung of the National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Both have stated that the ‘golden’ rescue period is within the first seventy-two hours of the earthquake. The efficiency of the emergency operations at this time will determine how many lives can be saved and how many people rescued from under the rubble. Quick response is needed keeping in mind the risk of aftershocks and that of more buildings collapsing, explosions and fires spreading. The biggest out of all is still the rescue of people in busy areas like schools, hospitals and offices.

The researchers feel that the constant upgrading of information on casualties and the losses incurred can be immediately sent to managers of the disaster response team. This will enable them to take action to arrange for supplies and aid to reach them in the best possible manner in the quickest period of time. RFID becomes useful in applying real time information for faster relief measures and more thorough search operations for casualties. The model used by the researchers is the Sichuan earthquake of May 2008 that measured 8.0 on the Richter scale. Immediately after the disaster, a hundred aftershocks were felt of a magnitude of 4.0. Using RFID in such a situation, or any similar one, would have helped in multiple ways. The researchers have been able to use RFID for an application which would mitigate numerous post disaster challenges. These would include monitoring of evacuation processes and keeping track of evacuees, checking on relief and medical supplies, and better implementation of emergency measures.

The concept of using RFID sounds appealing but there are a number of practical issues involved. Even the researchers are aware of the limitations involved. For instance, every building is unable to keep track of all its activities before a disaster occurs or install security systems that can cope with disasters. However, major public venues where people do collect, can be equipped with RFID technology so that the number of people trapped in them could be calculated. This would include schools, hospitals, theatres and so on. This would be possible by issuing identity cards to employees and temporary cards with radio tags to visitors. RFID technology embedded in identity tags at hospitals would provide the required identification. The ethical and moral dimension of tagging the public and students also needs to be taken into account.

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Popularity is increasing for wireless LANs in health agencies, especially hospitals. Wi-Fi based Real Time Locating systems, or RTLS, allows up-to-the-minute tracking of either people or objects within a wireless network. Wi-Fi tags, with extended life battery operation, are attached or embedded on equipments that accept wireless signals via tags to establish the actual location of the object or person. This technology is even being leveraged for extra applications such as monitoring temperatures to ensure they remain within established thresholds.

The recent adoption of Wi-Fi technology-based tracking is now implemented in the hospital setting. Since hospitals are generally large facilities, they often make effort to keep track of high costs assets efficiently. By placing an unobtrusive tag on the object of high value, or immediately desirable pieces of equipment, the hospitals can easily solve problems of loss because they no longer have to trace apparatus using outdated methods.

Wi-Fi Technology Enhances Equipment Libraries

Acute hospitals across the nation have implemented paraphernalia libraries to centralize their management of frequently used equipment. These extensive libraries typically include medical equipment that are needed on short notice, most often Volumetric Infusion Pumps (IV Pumps). Often the libraries also include syringe drivers and Patient Controlled Analgesia Pumps (PCAs).

Using RFID tags in unison with the hospital Wi-Fi system can offer unique operating benefits to the existing equipment library. This technology provides hospitals with real-time information on the actual usage and location of the equipment. In addition, hospitals can send the automated status updates directly to staff members when necessary. The system can keep account of equipment inventory and notify staff on insufficient surplus of devices or when the equipment needs to be collected and replaces. This enables the actual library to be reduced by 10 percent, thus saving hospitals a great deal of money. Therefore, a typical District General Hospital (DGH) can save up to £50,000 by reducing their equipment libraries by just a mere 10 percent, since most libraries have a value of approximately £500,000.

Easy to locate the specialist equipment

RFID Systems like the Airetrak Resource View have the ability to monitor more specialized equipment. Thipris can include equipment like ultrasound Site Rite units, or pumps that have been calibrated for other specific functions, such as theater. Using systems that are built similarly to Resource View can enable a hospital to immediately located the units on a moment’s notice. This system can also report when the specialized equipment leaves an area, thereby ensuring that untrained staff who are unqualified do not operate the equipment.

Acute hospitals gain many clear benefits by using this technology. Most pointedly, they can improve patient care by making sure that specialist equipment is readily accessible. By making sure the equipment is stored in appropriate areas and used by appropriate staff, the hospital is also reducing the clinical risk that may happen in instances of improper use.

The use of lifting equipment and Bariatrics

The NHS is affected by an increasing amount of obese patients who require the use of special equipment such as bariatric lifts and chairs. This equipment is hard to manage because it is generally dispersed throughout the hospital. Generally, the equipment is not managed by any library or Medical Device department. Bariatric lifts and chairs require specialist use and management, but sometimes the equipment can be easily confused with other types of common hospital equipment such as regular beds or wheelchairs. This is problematic when considering the specialized use required by the equipment.

This type of equipment is regulated by specific rules and regulations such as the Pressure Systems Regulations of 2000, or the LOLER provisions of 1998. In addition the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations of 1998 are contingent on the use of equipment. Tracking these pieces of equipment is essential to best business practices. It ensures a great benefit to clinical staff by reducing the time spent trying to find lost or misplaced equipment. It also assists the NHS in meeting the appropriate health and safety obligations because it ensures the equipment is available for inspection or testing on a moment’s notice. Usually, the NHS will own bariatric equipment that values over $500,000. If the equipment is properly managed, the acute hospitals can see reductions up to 10 percent, even if the demand increases.

Staff Security

The NHS reported that staff security is an increasing concern. It reported rising attacks on a year to year basis. The 2007 Healthcare Commission conducted a survey which found that NHS reports 26 percent of staff harassment, bullying, or abuse by patients or the patient’s relatives.

Using Wi-Fi technology for asset tracking ensures a reliable solution for NHS staff security. Personnel would be able to carry a small RFID tag, which can report their location to system tracking units like Resource View. If the employee feels threatened at any time, they can simply press a button on their tag to activate instant assistance. Alerts range from alarm options to calling on remote colleagues or nearby monitoring stations. Options include sound alarm panels, text message alerts, priority emails, or even engaging an alarm on the responding system.

Using Airbed Mattresses with RFID technology

Airbed mattresses can be a major issue for NHS because of the required provisions and management of this type of equipment. However, hospitals can now implement RFID technology to track mattresses around the hospital. The tags can automatically record when the mattresses leave the storage area, in addition to alerting NHS when mattresses are in use. Using systems like Resource View to track the air mattresses helps to improve overall efficiency and patient safety. This is especially true in the instance where NHS runs a unique mattress scheme. In addition, NHS can use location records to verify that the mattress has been cleaned according to the correct regime, and that the procedure follows infection control requirements. NHS must follow these regulations, and monitor them, even if the trust uses third party cleaning or cleans the mattresses in house.

The use of call buttons can also improve hospital efficiency. Call buttons can indicate when a mattress is no longer required, so it can be removed, cleaned and stored. For trusts who rent mattresses, the Resource View technology can also send automatic notifications to the rental companies. This helps the trust avoid unnecessary rental changes. For instance, the average cost of renting s standard mattress is about $140 dollars per week, and perhaps considerably more for any specialist mattress. Avoiding the unnecessary rental altogether can save thousands of dollars a year.

Use RFID for Temperature Monitoring

Hospitals and laboratories need to monitor refrigerators that store blood or drug products. This is a requirement established by MHRA guidelines and is required to gain Clinical Pathology Accreditation. By combining temperature monitoring with a wireless LAN location, in real time, provides hospitals with new possibilities. For instance, the new system can be rapidly deployed since there is no need to install cumbersome wiring. An additional benefit includes the ability to monitor refrigerators in remote locations, otherwise not easily accessible. Another beneficial feature includes the ability to install temperature proves that can be used to monitor blood while in transit.

Temperature probes, generally deployed by Airetrak, can be easily calibrated to meet UKAS standards. Correctly storing blood and drug products is not only essential, but a clear regulatory requirement and a definitive essential in patient care. Accurately monitoring temperature reduces the risk of administering contaminated product. It also avoids the financial burden of replacing spoiled products if they are wrongly stored.

Other RFID Applications

Remember, RFID asset tracking is not necessarily exclusive to hospitals. Many enterprises use RFID technology. This includes colleges old and new that use Wi-Fi infrastructure to track assets like lab equipment, IT resources, and PCs or laptops. Manufacturers and other logistic providers face a similar problem of keeping track of valuable assets. RFID is now being considered for other industries such as retail, shopping centers, stadiums, and child care centers. These are the types of facilities where tracking is essential to the success of the business. RFID is useful technology that is gaining wide popularity across these platforms and more.

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3M Track and Trace Solutions together with Socket Mobile introduced an adaptable, user-friendly and safe system of monitoring, pinpointing and administering assets, focusing on small and medium-scale companies

Socket hardware together with 3M software, comprised of 3M RFID or barcode labels, the SoMo 650 portable computer and dual purpose Compact Flash RFID Reader-Scan Card 6P of Socket, will be incorporated into the asset and stock monitoring procedure.

Businesses will have better adaptability in choosing a system that will be appropriate for their requirements due to the compatibility of the solution to 3M as well as third party barcode and RFID labels.

Additionally, a Tier III information system will routinely save the information which will allow it to be retrieved from anyplace at anytime making it unnecessary to establish and set up other servers.

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Socket Mobile, Inc. realized the need for a low frequency RFID option compatible with its SoMo 650 handheld computers.  Consumers were requesting applications that could provide access control and asset management.  The innovative supplier of mobile solutions in the workplace has added GAO RFID to its Socket Third-Party Accessory Recommendation (STAR) program.  GAO is globally known for providing solutions to businesses for integration in such fields as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

The STAR program lists GAO as its first low frequency RFID provider and highly recommends this partnership for compatibility with the SoMo 650.  Socket Mobile remains committed to its quality products that enable businesses to function in a mobile environment.  The GAO RFID offers value to an existing first-rate product with its first companionable reader, the 125 kHz low frequency PDA CF Interface RFID 221002.  This is one of many products Socket Mobile hopes to utilize for its consumer market in helping companies to increase productivity and eliminate multiple tasks.

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