RFID Insights
RFID ROI: Closed Thinking
Thursday, May 08, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At AIM Global's Leadership Summit last week, attendees heard from a number of experts about the RFID market and where its benefits will most likely provide a solid business case in the near term. Closed systems are still the leading candidates for ROI of less than one year but there are other considerations that may begin to move RFID into the general supply chain in ways that have not been as widely discussed.
Read More
Thursday, May 08, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At AIM Global's Leadership Summit last week, attendees heard from a number of experts about the RFID market and where its benefits will most likely provide a solid business case in the near term. Closed systems are still the leading candidates for ROI of less than one year but there are other considerations that may begin to move RFID into the general supply chain in ways that have not been as widely discussed.
Read More
RFID: Applications Under Construction
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There's truth to the old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." It's particularly true with materials used in construction that are no longer easily visible -- or may be completely hidden. Blueprints and building plans are just that: plans. Sometimes what works on paper doesn't work out as smoothly in real life and so small changes have to be made -- changes that don't always get recorded.
Take, for instance, the actual depth and path of cables and pipes on a multi-acre campus or the routing and connections of LAN or optical cables within a building. Locating these "infrastructure assets" can be a real challenge. And RFID can be a real asset.
Read More
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There's truth to the old saying, "Out of sight, out of mind." It's particularly true with materials used in construction that are no longer easily visible -- or may be completely hidden. Blueprints and building plans are just that: plans. Sometimes what works on paper doesn't work out as smoothly in real life and so small changes have to be made -- changes that don't always get recorded.
Take, for instance, the actual depth and path of cables and pipes on a multi-acre campus or the routing and connections of LAN or optical cables within a building. Locating these "infrastructure assets" can be a real challenge. And RFID can be a real asset.
Read More
RFID: Finding an Active ROI
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While some companies may be actively seeking the value proposition of RFID implementation, others have discovered that the value proposition already exists in applications utilizing active RFID. These tend to be closed system applications which, at this point, provide the clearest path to calculating an ROI -- either in direct savings, process improvement or better customer service. Closed systems also do not rely on outside suppliers or customers to achieve 100% tagging, allowing companies complete control over the system. Of equal importance, however, is that tags are reused within the system and, based on cost-per-use, active RFID tags become very economical.
How and where are active tags being used to provide an active ROI? Here are some examples.
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While some companies may be actively seeking the value proposition of RFID implementation, others have discovered that the value proposition already exists in applications utilizing active RFID. These tend to be closed system applications which, at this point, provide the clearest path to calculating an ROI -- either in direct savings, process improvement or better customer service. Closed systems also do not rely on outside suppliers or customers to achieve 100% tagging, allowing companies complete control over the system. Of equal importance, however, is that tags are reused within the system and, based on cost-per-use, active RFID tags become very economical.
How and where are active tags being used to provide an active ROI? Here are some examples.
Read More
RFID: Is All Personally Identifiable Information Really Personal?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In January 2008, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner / Ontario [Canada] issued a report entitled RFID and Privacy; Guidance for Health-Care Providers. The definition of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) cited in this report is seemingly so broad as to be unworkable and is open to wild misinterpretation or misrepresentation. Implementing such a definition of PII could create unreasonable restrictions on the use of RFID solutions where they could otherwise be able to deliver real value.
Furthermore, while this study focused on the use of RFID in healthcare, the issues it raises by use of its definition of PII deserve a close look by any company that produces or uses any form of identification for any purpose.
Read More
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In January 2008, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner / Ontario [Canada] issued a report entitled RFID and Privacy; Guidance for Health-Care Providers. The definition of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) cited in this report is seemingly so broad as to be unworkable and is open to wild misinterpretation or misrepresentation. Implementing such a definition of PII could create unreasonable restrictions on the use of RFID solutions where they could otherwise be able to deliver real value.
Furthermore, while this study focused on the use of RFID in healthcare, the issues it raises by use of its definition of PII deserve a close look by any company that produces or uses any form of identification for any purpose.
Read More
RFID and Brand Protection
Friday, January 04, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Sifting through all the predictions from industry analysts and pundits, it's clear that closed loop applications will continue to provide companies with a recognizable ROI as we move forward into 2008.
It's obvious how RFID can offer significant benefits by providing greater insight into internal processes, inventories and asset allocation. These are "hard" benefits that can be easily put into an ROI calculation. However, other benefits such as product authentication and brand protection are more difficult to calculate but might, in the long run, produce even greater benefits.
Read More
Friday, January 04, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Sifting through all the predictions from industry analysts and pundits, it's clear that closed loop applications will continue to provide companies with a recognizable ROI as we move forward into 2008.
It's obvious how RFID can offer significant benefits by providing greater insight into internal processes, inventories and asset allocation. These are "hard" benefits that can be easily put into an ROI calculation. However, other benefits such as product authentication and brand protection are more difficult to calculate but might, in the long run, produce even greater benefits.
Read More
RFID Connections: A Five Year Evolution
Thursday, December 20, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
When I took over as editor of RFID Connections in April 2003, nearly five years ago, it was a monthly newsletter. It is hard to believe, but AIM Global has been publishing an RFID e-newsletter longer than anyone – nearly ten years now. In 2006, we transitioned to the weekly format to provide more frequent information to the RFID community. We added an executive interview podcast, highlighted significant white papers and case histories, and provided links to significant news releases and articles from a range of other publications.
However, as reporting and commentary on RFID in a wide range of other publications has expanded, the weekly format is proving to be less valuable. Particularly since AIM Global will always focus our efforts on delivering an executive perspective and detailed analysis we are, once again, evolving.
Beginning next month, we will be going to a monthly schedule in order to devote more of our resources to developing focused, in-depth reports on key topics. Some of these reports will be available only to AIM Global or AIM chapter members. Starting in February, RFID Connections will be published the first Wednesday of every month. [For January, we're staying with Thursday because of the New Year holiday.]
Read More
Thursday, December 20, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
When I took over as editor of RFID Connections in April 2003, nearly five years ago, it was a monthly newsletter. It is hard to believe, but AIM Global has been publishing an RFID e-newsletter longer than anyone – nearly ten years now. In 2006, we transitioned to the weekly format to provide more frequent information to the RFID community. We added an executive interview podcast, highlighted significant white papers and case histories, and provided links to significant news releases and articles from a range of other publications.
However, as reporting and commentary on RFID in a wide range of other publications has expanded, the weekly format is proving to be less valuable. Particularly since AIM Global will always focus our efforts on delivering an executive perspective and detailed analysis we are, once again, evolving.
Beginning next month, we will be going to a monthly schedule in order to devote more of our resources to developing focused, in-depth reports on key topics. Some of these reports will be available only to AIM Global or AIM chapter members. Starting in February, RFID Connections will be published the first Wednesday of every month. [For January, we're staying with Thursday because of the New Year holiday.]
Read More
RFID and Data Access Security
Thursday, December 13, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Data security is a serious concern these days with continuing reports of identity theft, breaches of corporate and governmental databases, lost or stolen laptops and hard drives with sensitive information and, yes, questions about RFID systems. Although virtually all data breaches to date have been the result of system security flaws and did not involve RFID, it's clear that ensuring the security of data on RFID tags should be a priority for anyone developing or deploying RFID systems.
Data access security is as indispensable as is our reliance on electronic data storage and exchange. It's clear that solid guidelines and best practices are needed for systems developers to ensure the security of data -- whether at rest (in databases) or when transmitted (via the Internet, WiFi, RFID or any other means). And, when available, these guidelines and best practices need to be properly implemented and rigorously enforced.
AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) has just published guidelines designed to provide system developers and other technical personnel a methodology to assess potential risks and effective countermeasures to prevent unauthorized access to RFID data.
Read More
Thursday, December 13, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Data security is a serious concern these days with continuing reports of identity theft, breaches of corporate and governmental databases, lost or stolen laptops and hard drives with sensitive information and, yes, questions about RFID systems. Although virtually all data breaches to date have been the result of system security flaws and did not involve RFID, it's clear that ensuring the security of data on RFID tags should be a priority for anyone developing or deploying RFID systems.
Data access security is as indispensable as is our reliance on electronic data storage and exchange. It's clear that solid guidelines and best practices are needed for systems developers to ensure the security of data -- whether at rest (in databases) or when transmitted (via the Internet, WiFi, RFID or any other means). And, when available, these guidelines and best practices need to be properly implemented and rigorously enforced.
AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) has just published guidelines designed to provide system developers and other technical personnel a methodology to assess potential risks and effective countermeasures to prevent unauthorized access to RFID data.
Read More
RFID: Sensors, Health and Safety
Friday, December 07, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Can RFID help diabetics maintain proper blood sugar levels? Can RFID help ensure the efficacy of vaccines and other biologicals in the healthcare environment? Can RFID help make sure your food is fresh and help identify the source of contaminants? Can RFID keep you safer on the highway?
Alone or in combination with a variety of sensors, RFID can do all of these things -- and sometimes in ways that aren't immediately obvious.
Read More
Friday, December 07, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Can RFID help diabetics maintain proper blood sugar levels? Can RFID help ensure the efficacy of vaccines and other biologicals in the healthcare environment? Can RFID help make sure your food is fresh and help identify the source of contaminants? Can RFID keep you safer on the highway?
Alone or in combination with a variety of sensors, RFID can do all of these things -- and sometimes in ways that aren't immediately obvious.
Read More
RFID: Too Costly for Airline Luggage?
Thursday, November 29, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
One airline official was recently quoted as stating that RFID is too costly to justify its use since the airline doesn't "lose enough bags to justify that investment." The official stated that 90% accuracy in delivering luggage is "acceptable." For this particular airline, that translates to 25,000 lost bags per day (on average). For peak holiday travel periods, the number would certainly be higher.
Assuming that tags cost the 20 cents cited by the official, for RFID to be "too expensive" to use on its 250,000 bags handled on a daily basis, the airline must believe it spends less than $2 to locate and retrieve each lost bag. And, obviously, this official does not include a value for the customer's travel experience.
Is RFID really "too expensive"? Or could RFID actually help airlines save money if it was used properly?
Read More
Thursday, November 29, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
One airline official was recently quoted as stating that RFID is too costly to justify its use since the airline doesn't "lose enough bags to justify that investment." The official stated that 90% accuracy in delivering luggage is "acceptable." For this particular airline, that translates to 25,000 lost bags per day (on average). For peak holiday travel periods, the number would certainly be higher.
Assuming that tags cost the 20 cents cited by the official, for RFID to be "too expensive" to use on its 250,000 bags handled on a daily basis, the airline must believe it spends less than $2 to locate and retrieve each lost bag. And, obviously, this official does not include a value for the customer's travel experience.
Is RFID really "too expensive"? Or could RFID actually help airlines save money if it was used properly?
Read More
RFID: Education is More Than Explaining the Technology
Thursday, November 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
No matter where you are in the RFID ecosystem -- a company using or considering using the technology, a legislator or member of a public policy committee, or a consumer with concerns about the incursion of RFID into everyday life -- understanding the different versions of the technology is only one part of the process. As the technology improves and expands, so too do potential applications, policies and best practices. Keeping abreast of these activities is a critical aspect of truly understanding RFID.
Despite the efforts of AIM Global, EPCglobal and others, it is clear that more needs to be done to expand awareness of these activities. For example, it has been recently reported that there is a project proposal from the Center for Information Policy Leadership (part of the Privacy and Information practice of a law firm) to come up with some requirements and specifications for a universal symbol identifying the presence of an RFID tag that would be applicable globally across all industries. As last week's Viewpoint by Dan Mullen pointed out, there are currently two such symbols designed for that purpose -- the AIM RFID Emblem and the EPCglobal Seal -- and the AIM RFID Emblem has been available since 2004.
This message is not getting broad enough circulation and begs us to ask some important questions.
Read More
Thursday, November 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
No matter where you are in the RFID ecosystem -- a company using or considering using the technology, a legislator or member of a public policy committee, or a consumer with concerns about the incursion of RFID into everyday life -- understanding the different versions of the technology is only one part of the process. As the technology improves and expands, so too do potential applications, policies and best practices. Keeping abreast of these activities is a critical aspect of truly understanding RFID.
Despite the efforts of AIM Global, EPCglobal and others, it is clear that more needs to be done to expand awareness of these activities. For example, it has been recently reported that there is a project proposal from the Center for Information Policy Leadership (part of the Privacy and Information practice of a law firm) to come up with some requirements and specifications for a universal symbol identifying the presence of an RFID tag that would be applicable globally across all industries. As last week's Viewpoint by Dan Mullen pointed out, there are currently two such symbols designed for that purpose -- the AIM RFID Emblem and the EPCglobal Seal -- and the AIM RFID Emblem has been available since 2004.
This message is not getting broad enough circulation and begs us to ask some important questions.
Read More
RFID: Using the AIM RFID Emblem
Thursday, November 08, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
The AIM RFID Emblem, first introduced in 2004 as a means to identify the presence, type and data content of an RFID tag, has been updated to include additional categories. This is perhaps an appropriate time to review the history and intended use of the AIM RFID Emblem in industrial applications. It's important to note that the AIM RFID Emblem is not intended as a replacement or alternative to the EPCglobal Seal.
Read More
Thursday, November 08, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
The AIM RFID Emblem, first introduced in 2004 as a means to identify the presence, type and data content of an RFID tag, has been updated to include additional categories. This is perhaps an appropriate time to review the history and intended use of the AIM RFID Emblem in industrial applications. It's important to note that the AIM RFID Emblem is not intended as a replacement or alternative to the EPCglobal Seal.
Read More
RFID: Danger! Warning! Headlines in the News!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A key word in a headline can galvanize a reader's attention and, with the growing number of print, electronic and online media outlets all vying for attention, it's perhaps understandable that we're seeing an increasing use of "RFID" in headlines to pique readers’ curiosity.
So, we really shouldn't be all that surprised that a recent headline proclaimed "RFID System Crash Costs Tokyo Trains Millions" rather than "Power Glitch Costs Tokyo Trains Millions" or "Staff Shortage Threatens Commute."
Read More
Thursday, October 25, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A key word in a headline can galvanize a reader's attention and, with the growing number of print, electronic and online media outlets all vying for attention, it's perhaps understandable that we're seeing an increasing use of "RFID" in headlines to pique readers’ curiosity.
So, we really shouldn't be all that surprised that a recent headline proclaimed "RFID System Crash Costs Tokyo Trains Millions" rather than "Power Glitch Costs Tokyo Trains Millions" or "Staff Shortage Threatens Commute."
Read More
RFID: A "State" of Mind
Thursday, October 18, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There seems to be two different approaches to RFID adoption being taken by states these days. On the one hand, there are those states that seem to be saying, "We're not sure what this RFID stuff is but we're opposed to it." Then there are states that are taking the approach of cautious testing to see what it can do for their citizens. And, oddly enough, these states are often geographically adjacent to each other while being miles apart in their views.
Read More
Thursday, October 18, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There seems to be two different approaches to RFID adoption being taken by states these days. On the one hand, there are those states that seem to be saying, "We're not sure what this RFID stuff is but we're opposed to it." Then there are states that are taking the approach of cautious testing to see what it can do for their citizens. And, oddly enough, these states are often geographically adjacent to each other while being miles apart in their views.
Read More
RFID: Conquering "the Last Yard"
Thursday, October 11, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
There have been a number of articles lately questioning major retailers' "commitment" to RFID and highlighting a shift in focus away from the supply chain towards "the last yard" within the store. While this shift is somewhat disappointing (although not entirely true), it's also not all that surprising.
It's not entirely true because RFID labeled or tagged items are still required if companies are going to cover "the last yard" from the store room to the sales floor. And it's not entirely surprising because it's in the store itself that the infrastructure can be quickly installed and managed to provide immediate benefits.
Read More
Thursday, October 11, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
There have been a number of articles lately questioning major retailers' "commitment" to RFID and highlighting a shift in focus away from the supply chain towards "the last yard" within the store. While this shift is somewhat disappointing (although not entirely true), it's also not all that surprising.
It's not entirely true because RFID labeled or tagged items are still required if companies are going to cover "the last yard" from the store room to the sales floor. And it's not entirely surprising because it's in the store itself that the infrastructure can be quickly installed and managed to provide immediate benefits.
Read More
RFID: Illuminating the "Black Hole"
Thursday, October 04, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While transportation has often been referred to as the "black hole" in the supply chain, a recent article in eWeek pointed out a micro version of this phenomena. The "black hole" refers to the lack of product visibility between known transaction points -- say, a distributor's shipping dock and a retail store receiving dock. Today, that distance can be even smaller but no less troubling. Here's why. Stores that allow customers to purchase online and pick up at the store don't really know exactly how many of a particular item is actually available for sale. While the system may show two of a particular item in stock (and allow online purchase of it), in-store customers may have taken them from the shelves but not yet gotten to check-out. In the words of the article, the items have entered the "black hole" between available inventory and sold items. Here's where RFID could really help.
Read More
Thursday, October 04, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While transportation has often been referred to as the "black hole" in the supply chain, a recent article in eWeek pointed out a micro version of this phenomena. The "black hole" refers to the lack of product visibility between known transaction points -- say, a distributor's shipping dock and a retail store receiving dock. Today, that distance can be even smaller but no less troubling. Here's why. Stores that allow customers to purchase online and pick up at the store don't really know exactly how many of a particular item is actually available for sale. While the system may show two of a particular item in stock (and allow online purchase of it), in-store customers may have taken them from the shelves but not yet gotten to check-out. In the words of the article, the items have entered the "black hole" between available inventory and sold items. Here's where RFID could really help.
Read More
RFID: The Big "What If?"
Thursday, September 27, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Even for the most ardent proponents of RFID, the news that Dow Chemical's internal request [see referenced article at end of column] to identify potential RFID applications garnered 450 proposals was mind-boggling. While it's likely that there were duplications among those proposals, the exercise demonstrates that perhaps the one thing that's most lacking in some companies struggling to justify RFID is...imagination.
Read More
Thursday, September 27, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Even for the most ardent proponents of RFID, the news that Dow Chemical's internal request [see referenced article at end of column] to identify potential RFID applications garnered 450 proposals was mind-boggling. While it's likely that there were duplications among those proposals, the exercise demonstrates that perhaps the one thing that's most lacking in some companies struggling to justify RFID is...imagination.
Read More
RFID: Phone Home
Thursday, September 20, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Two of the hot topics in RFID these days are Near Field Communication (NFC) and sensor-enabled tags. NFC offers the promise of enabling cell phones, PDAs and other personal electronic devices to read RFID tags using tiny, integrated readers. Sensor-enabled RFID tags are beginning to move out of the supply chain and are being put to ever increasing consumer-oriented uses, including personal health care. It's not surprising, therefore, that these two areas should come together to put the power and promise of RFID into the hands of users -- more precisely, into the cell phones in their hands.
Read More
Thursday, September 20, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Two of the hot topics in RFID these days are Near Field Communication (NFC) and sensor-enabled tags. NFC offers the promise of enabling cell phones, PDAs and other personal electronic devices to read RFID tags using tiny, integrated readers. Sensor-enabled RFID tags are beginning to move out of the supply chain and are being put to ever increasing consumer-oriented uses, including personal health care. It's not surprising, therefore, that these two areas should come together to put the power and promise of RFID into the hands of users -- more precisely, into the cell phones in their hands.
Read More
RFID: Securing the Benefits of RFID
Thursday, September 13, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A September 12, 2007 article in the ZDNet Anchordesk Newsletter pointed out that it's almost too easy to be an Internet hacker these days. All that's required for a would-be bad guy is to purchase a "toolkit" of malicious software from a hacker and you're off and running. There's a link to an article by Robert Vamosi with details of how this works. But, and this is the important point, there's also a link to a Podcast: Detecting malicious code that discusses ways to protect your computer from these attacks. [See links at the end of this article if you are interested in the article or podcast.]
What does this have to do with RFID? A lot. Computers, the Internet and, more recently, RFID are popular targets for hackers and other unsavory characters who want to subvert the technology for personal gain, to demonstrate their particular skills or simply because they lack a more constructive hobby. And, like the Internet, tools are available for RFID systems that can be employed by system designers to foil these individuals. It's just a matter of being aware of them -- and using them intelligently.
Read More
Thursday, September 13, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A September 12, 2007 article in the ZDNet Anchordesk Newsletter pointed out that it's almost too easy to be an Internet hacker these days. All that's required for a would-be bad guy is to purchase a "toolkit" of malicious software from a hacker and you're off and running. There's a link to an article by Robert Vamosi with details of how this works. But, and this is the important point, there's also a link to a Podcast: Detecting malicious code that discusses ways to protect your computer from these attacks. [See links at the end of this article if you are interested in the article or podcast.]
What does this have to do with RFID? A lot. Computers, the Internet and, more recently, RFID are popular targets for hackers and other unsavory characters who want to subvert the technology for personal gain, to demonstrate their particular skills or simply because they lack a more constructive hobby. And, like the Internet, tools are available for RFID systems that can be employed by system designers to foil these individuals. It's just a matter of being aware of them -- and using them intelligently.
Read More
RFID: The Hang-gliding Abrams Tank
Thursday, August 30, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Take the best capabilities of a hang glider, a sports car, a minivan, an SUV, a tractor trailer and an Abrams M1A2 tank. Then, combine all these optimal performance and capacity characteristics in a functional specification for what you want as your next vehicle. Oh, and insist that it cost less than $20,000.
Sounds reasonable, right? After all, they can all be classed as modes of transport.
That’s not unlike what’s happening in the public’s perception of RFID today.
Read More
Thursday, August 30, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Take the best capabilities of a hang glider, a sports car, a minivan, an SUV, a tractor trailer and an Abrams M1A2 tank. Then, combine all these optimal performance and capacity characteristics in a functional specification for what you want as your next vehicle. Oh, and insist that it cost less than $20,000.
Sounds reasonable, right? After all, they can all be classed as modes of transport.
That’s not unlike what’s happening in the public’s perception of RFID today.
Read More
RFID: "Fresh" Thinking
Thursday, August 23, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
RFID is increasingly being used to help ensure the freshness of goods in the supply chain. When we think of perishable products, we tend to think of fruits, vegetables, flowers and even meat. But...fabrics and fashions?
Yes, indeed. These can be just as perishable. And RFID is increasingly being seen as a way to ensure that an adequate supply of "fresh" fashions is on the racks at an affordable price.
Read More
Thursday, August 23, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
RFID is increasingly being used to help ensure the freshness of goods in the supply chain. When we think of perishable products, we tend to think of fruits, vegetables, flowers and even meat. But...fabrics and fashions?
Yes, indeed. These can be just as perishable. And RFID is increasingly being seen as a way to ensure that an adequate supply of "fresh" fashions is on the racks at an affordable price.
Read More
RFID: Safety First
Thursday, August 16, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Past issues have discussed how RFID could be used to help victims in a wide range of emergency situations from mine accidents to natural disasters. Now, however, it's time to look at how RFID can be used to help protect first responders in some of these situations.
Read More
Thursday, August 16, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Past issues have discussed how RFID could be used to help victims in a wide range of emergency situations from mine accidents to natural disasters. Now, however, it's time to look at how RFID can be used to help protect first responders in some of these situations.
Read More
RFID: Time to Get Paranoid (Really)
Thursday, August 09, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In a recent Black Hat demonstration, RFID passport readers were reportedly "crashed" when a manipulated JPEG 2000 photo was included in an RFID-enabled passport. The corrupted image caused a "buffer overflow" fault in the readers by containing more data than was expected. This has been hyped as a problem with RFID but the truth is that it was a reader programming oversight. Tthe software should have rejected the data (and e-Passport) instead of allowing the buffer overflow to stop the reading program. What's the lesson here? That it's time for manufacturers and implementers of RFID to get paranoid. But in a good way.
Read More
Thursday, August 09, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In a recent Black Hat demonstration, RFID passport readers were reportedly "crashed" when a manipulated JPEG 2000 photo was included in an RFID-enabled passport. The corrupted image caused a "buffer overflow" fault in the readers by containing more data than was expected. This has been hyped as a problem with RFID but the truth is that it was a reader programming oversight. Tthe software should have rejected the data (and e-Passport) instead of allowing the buffer overflow to stop the reading program. What's the lesson here? That it's time for manufacturers and implementers of RFID to get paranoid. But in a good way.
Read More
RFID in the Food Chain: From Seed to Shelf
Thursday, August 02, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In July of this year, a food recall, termed "urgent" by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), covered 90 different products, from chili sauce to corned beef hash to dog food, produced at a plant in Georgia linked to a botulism outbreak. Yet a week after this recall hit the news (TV, radio, print), some smaller stores in Georgia still had the products on the shelves because, reportedly, the stores' managers and employees hadn't heard about the recall.
Could RFID have helped by tracking those products to the store shelf to ensure removal? Absolutely. But RFID has so much more to offer in protecting the safety of food supplies.
Read More
Thursday, August 02, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In July of this year, a food recall, termed "urgent" by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), covered 90 different products, from chili sauce to corned beef hash to dog food, produced at a plant in Georgia linked to a botulism outbreak. Yet a week after this recall hit the news (TV, radio, print), some smaller stores in Georgia still had the products on the shelves because, reportedly, the stores' managers and employees hadn't heard about the recall.
Could RFID have helped by tracking those products to the store shelf to ensure removal? Absolutely. But RFID has so much more to offer in protecting the safety of food supplies.
Read More
RFID: Critiquing the Critics
Thursday, July 26, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
To suggest that RFID is the perfect solution for every problem ignores the obvious: that there is no "perfect" solution for any problem. However, it's equally fallacious to suggest that limitations of an RFID technology mean it should not be deployed at all. Critics are often successful at pointing out what's “wrong” with RFID because they do so without providing either context or alternatives. So, here's a quick guide to uncovering the merit of RFID critiques that you might see
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Thursday, July 26, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
To suggest that RFID is the perfect solution for every problem ignores the obvious: that there is no "perfect" solution for any problem. However, it's equally fallacious to suggest that limitations of an RFID technology mean it should not be deployed at all. Critics are often successful at pointing out what's “wrong” with RFID because they do so without providing either context or alternatives. So, here's a quick guide to uncovering the merit of RFID critiques that you might see
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RFID and U.S. Ports – Where Does Security Fit into the Equation (updated 7/24/07)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
The RFID Senate Caucus addressed the topic of Port Security last week in Washington, D.C. Some of the presentations raised the question about what really matters to marine terminal operators: security or efficiency. Are they at odds with each other or, in fact, could they both be addressed by a common solution?
Read More
Thursday, July 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
The RFID Senate Caucus addressed the topic of Port Security last week in Washington, D.C. Some of the presentations raised the question about what really matters to marine terminal operators: security or efficiency. Are they at odds with each other or, in fact, could they both be addressed by a common solution?
Read More
RFID: Medical Information and Security
Thursday, July 12, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A recent report, by the Council On Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association (AMA) looks at the use of RFID. While it acknowledges that there are no real medical risks, the report seems to confuse the current version of implantable RFID tags with other types of RFID tags. And, while the report doesn't really sound any real alarms about RFID, it's being reported by some media, at least in the headline of some articles, that the report highlights "significant risks."
Read More
Thursday, July 12, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A recent report, by the Council On Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association (AMA) looks at the use of RFID. While it acknowledges that there are no real medical risks, the report seems to confuse the current version of implantable RFID tags with other types of RFID tags. And, while the report doesn't really sound any real alarms about RFID, it's being reported by some media, at least in the headline of some articles, that the report highlights "significant risks."
Read More
RFID: Living Up to Expectations?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A popular topic these days seems to be the slow growth of RFID in full-scale deployments across a broad range of applications. The implication is that RFID isn't delivering on its promise to bring about the "Internet of Things" and provide huge ROI. In fact, we should not be surprised by this. To really understand the state of RFID today, it's important to put the early expectations of the technology in perspective.
Read More
Thursday, June 28, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A popular topic these days seems to be the slow growth of RFID in full-scale deployments across a broad range of applications. The implication is that RFID isn't delivering on its promise to bring about the "Internet of Things" and provide huge ROI. In fact, we should not be surprised by this. To really understand the state of RFID today, it's important to put the early expectations of the technology in perspective.
Read More
RFID: You've Got To Hand It To Consumers
June 21, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Articles often talk about the ways in which RFID will help improve delivery of goods through the supply chain to the consumer. While these improvements will certainly help ensure a good supply of the right products on store shelves, the benefits, to consumers, are essentially invisible -- something happening behind the scenes about which they know little and care less. Thus, despite these very real benefits, RFID doesn't generate much "buzz" at the consumer level. So how do you get consumers excited about RFID?
Read More
June 21, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Articles often talk about the ways in which RFID will help improve delivery of goods through the supply chain to the consumer. While these improvements will certainly help ensure a good supply of the right products on store shelves, the benefits, to consumers, are essentially invisible -- something happening behind the scenes about which they know little and care less. Thus, despite these very real benefits, RFID doesn't generate much "buzz" at the consumer level. So how do you get consumers excited about RFID?
Read More
RFID and Biometrics: A Bad Thing?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Here's something to add to privacy concerns: some worry that the inclusion of biometric data on an RFID-enabled identification document actually increases the risk of identity theft than RFID alone. In fact, the concern applies to any method of encoding biometric data that can be read from a card without the individual's express permission. The other technologies identified as "security risks" were 2D symbols and magnetic stripes, both of which are cited as possible technologies for use on future US ID cards. The concerns were voiced in comments to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to a call for comments on the proposed REAL ID Act.
Read More
Thursday, June 14, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Here's something to add to privacy concerns: some worry that the inclusion of biometric data on an RFID-enabled identification document actually increases the risk of identity theft than RFID alone. In fact, the concern applies to any method of encoding biometric data that can be read from a card without the individual's express permission. The other technologies identified as "security risks" were 2D symbols and magnetic stripes, both of which are cited as possible technologies for use on future US ID cards. The concerns were voiced in comments to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in response to a call for comments on the proposed REAL ID Act.
Read More
RFID, Bar Codes and Pharmaceutical Authenticity
Thursday, June 07, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Last month saw actions by both the US and European Union (EU) that demonstrated concern about the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain and a serious intent to stem the growing number of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain. The US Senate passed legislation with product authentication provisions and the EU heard from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations on proposed means to halt counterfeiting. Neither action, however, favors RFID and only the EU seems pre-disposed to using any form of automatic identification technology
Read More
Thursday, June 07, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Last month saw actions by both the US and European Union (EU) that demonstrated concern about the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain and a serious intent to stem the growing number of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain. The US Senate passed legislation with product authentication provisions and the EU heard from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations on proposed means to halt counterfeiting. Neither action, however, favors RFID and only the EU seems pre-disposed to using any form of automatic identification technology
Read More
RFID: Living in the (Mis)Information Age
Thursday, May 31, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While recycling for the good of the environment seems to be slow catching on in some places, the recycling of misinformation about RFID seems to be doing quite well. And, these days, it seems that all that's necessary to be a pundit on RFID is to cite some of the previous misinformation to support some vague misgivings about technology -- whether or not they actually apply to RFID. And, it seems to be okay to argue both sides of the technology issue to prove your point: that it's a threat because it works too well and, at the same time, may be prone to failure.
Read More
Thursday, May 31, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While recycling for the good of the environment seems to be slow catching on in some places, the recycling of misinformation about RFID seems to be doing quite well. And, these days, it seems that all that's necessary to be a pundit on RFID is to cite some of the previous misinformation to support some vague misgivings about technology -- whether or not they actually apply to RFID. And, it seems to be okay to argue both sides of the technology issue to prove your point: that it's a threat because it works too well and, at the same time, may be prone to failure.
Read More
RFID: Punish Behavior, Not Technology
Thursday, May 24, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Imagine an unconscious patient requiring immediate medical care being brought into an emergency room following a natural disaster or some other emergency. The person has an RFID card that would give medical professionals access to critical health information and medical history. But they're prohibited from reading it because it would violate the individual's rights to privacy.
Is this an unbelievable scenario? Not really. This year, legislators are considering a plethora of RFID legislation and, unless we're careful, this scenario might well be played out in emergency rooms across the country.
Read More
Thursday, May 24, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Imagine an unconscious patient requiring immediate medical care being brought into an emergency room following a natural disaster or some other emergency. The person has an RFID card that would give medical professionals access to critical health information and medical history. But they're prohibited from reading it because it would violate the individual's rights to privacy.
Is this an unbelievable scenario? Not really. This year, legislators are considering a plethora of RFID legislation and, unless we're careful, this scenario might well be played out in emergency rooms across the country.
Read More
RFID: Container e-Seals Promise: Will Governments Deliver?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
The announcement last week that ISO has added air interface protocols to its 18185 series for electronic security seals (e-Seals) for containers means that, for the first time, e-Seal vendors can develop interoperable products. The promise of an e-Seal standard is that seaports could automatically identify containers that have been tampered with. This will help guard against biological and toxicological attacks as well as to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and diverted products and to help prevent human smuggling.
However, for this promise to truly pay off, it's up to governments to develop "green lanes" to speed clearance of containers through Customs in order to provide sufficient incentive for companies to use e-Seals.
Read More
Thursday, May 17, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
The announcement last week that ISO has added air interface protocols to its 18185 series for electronic security seals (e-Seals) for containers means that, for the first time, e-Seal vendors can develop interoperable products. The promise of an e-Seal standard is that seaports could automatically identify containers that have been tampered with. This will help guard against biological and toxicological attacks as well as to combat the proliferation of counterfeit and diverted products and to help prevent human smuggling.
However, for this promise to truly pay off, it's up to governments to develop "green lanes" to speed clearance of containers through Customs in order to provide sufficient incentive for companies to use e-Seals.
Read More
RFID: Turn to RFID in an Emergency
Thursday, May 10, 2007
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
The 21st century has already seen more than its share of natural disasters and man-made tragedies -- from the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9/11 to the horrific conditions in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. These events have shattered thousands of lives and left family members of both victims and emergency personnel wondering -- for days or weeks -- about the fate of loved ones.
These events have also alerted us to the need to improve emergency communication systems for future disaster situations. This week, U.S. congressional staffers learned that RFID is one technology that can make a significant difference.
Read More
Thursday, May 10, 2007
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
The 21st century has already seen more than its share of natural disasters and man-made tragedies -- from the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 9/11 to the horrific conditions in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. These events have shattered thousands of lives and left family members of both victims and emergency personnel wondering -- for days or weeks -- about the fate of loved ones.
These events have also alerted us to the need to improve emergency communication systems for future disaster situations. This week, U.S. congressional staffers learned that RFID is one technology that can make a significant difference.
Read More
RFID's "Lack of Maturity" a Good Thing
Thursday, May 03, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
With a "mature" technology, you don't often see much by way of startling innovation. By that measure, one thing that was abundantly clear at RFID Journal LIVE! in Orlando earlier this week is that RFID is far from "mature." Companies are developing truly novel applications of RFID and, in some cases, even redefining the paradigm of how RFID is used. Whether any of these new ideas actually see wide spread deployment isn't important. What's important is that creative thinking is rampant in the field of RFID and indications are that the industry will continue to move forward in new and innovative ways for years to come.
Read More
Thursday, May 03, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
With a "mature" technology, you don't often see much by way of startling innovation. By that measure, one thing that was abundantly clear at RFID Journal LIVE! in Orlando earlier this week is that RFID is far from "mature." Companies are developing truly novel applications of RFID and, in some cases, even redefining the paradigm of how RFID is used. Whether any of these new ideas actually see wide spread deployment isn't important. What's important is that creative thinking is rampant in the field of RFID and indications are that the industry will continue to move forward in new and innovative ways for years to come.
Read More
RFID: "Balanced Articles" - Enough Already
Thursday, April 26, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
Recently, two different publications -- one which should have been quite reputable -- offered what appear, on first glance, to be attempts at balanced articles of RFID. They provided an overview, benefits and potential pitfalls (aka threats). On closer reading, however, it's clear that they were written, not by journalists or analysts, but by "researchers" who know very little about the technology. The kind of "balance" in these articles does more harm than good.
Read More
Thursday, April 26, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
Recently, two different publications -- one which should have been quite reputable -- offered what appear, on first glance, to be attempts at balanced articles of RFID. They provided an overview, benefits and potential pitfalls (aka threats). On closer reading, however, it's clear that they were written, not by journalists or analysts, but by "researchers" who know very little about the technology. The kind of "balance" in these articles does more harm than good.
Read More
RFID: Good Enough for Healthcare Asset Tracking?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Recent articles questioning the use of WiFi-based RFID asset tracking (Real Time Locating Systems or RTLS) in healthcare suggest that the ROI has yet to be proven, despite reports from multiple vendors and healthcare providers who have implemented pilots. The authors believe that RFID is too limited to provide the full range of functions needed for real ROI. On the one hand, they're right -- simply sticking an RFID tag on an asset is fairly useless. On the other hand, they're wrong -- the limitation isn't necessarily with RFID but with back-end systems.
Read More
Thursday, April 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Recent articles questioning the use of WiFi-based RFID asset tracking (Real Time Locating Systems or RTLS) in healthcare suggest that the ROI has yet to be proven, despite reports from multiple vendors and healthcare providers who have implemented pilots. The authors believe that RFID is too limited to provide the full range of functions needed for real ROI. On the one hand, they're right -- simply sticking an RFID tag on an asset is fairly useless. On the other hand, they're wrong -- the limitation isn't necessarily with RFID but with back-end systems.
Read More
RFID: How Can I Help You Today?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
[Editor's Note: this is a blog entry made by an RFID tag]
Can I help you track your food back to the specific section of a field in which it was grown in cases of contamination? Can I help ensure the structural safety of your parking garage? Can I help you be reunited with your lost pet? Can I help you make sure everyone has safely evacuated your building in the case of an emergency? Can I help ensure the authenticity and safety of your drugs? Can I help secure your border against biological and chemical threats? Can I help ensure that critical safety equipment in your building is present and functioning? Can I help ensure that you get the proper medical treatment? Can I help you find your luggage among thousands of bags after severe weather has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights? Can I help ensure that HazMat equipment will protect those who are trying to protect you?
I will...if you'll let me.
Read More
Thursday, April 12, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
[Editor's Note: this is a blog entry made by an RFID tag]
Can I help you track your food back to the specific section of a field in which it was grown in cases of contamination? Can I help ensure the structural safety of your parking garage? Can I help you be reunited with your lost pet? Can I help you make sure everyone has safely evacuated your building in the case of an emergency? Can I help ensure the authenticity and safety of your drugs? Can I help secure your border against biological and chemical threats? Can I help ensure that critical safety equipment in your building is present and functioning? Can I help ensure that you get the proper medical treatment? Can I help you find your luggage among thousands of bags after severe weather has forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights? Can I help ensure that HazMat equipment will protect those who are trying to protect you?
I will...if you'll let me.
Read More
RFID: Visibility Beyond the Supply Chain
Thursday, April 05, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While there continues to be tremendous benefits to be gained from RFID in supply chain applications, it's a mistake to believe that simply providing product visibility from Point A to Point B (and all the points in between) is what constitutes "visibility." For many businesses and organizations, asset visibility is as important as -- or more important than -- the visibility of its products.
Read More
Thursday, April 05, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
While there continues to be tremendous benefits to be gained from RFID in supply chain applications, it's a mistake to believe that simply providing product visibility from Point A to Point B (and all the points in between) is what constitutes "visibility." For many businesses and organizations, asset visibility is as important as -- or more important than -- the visibility of its products.
Read More
Container Tracking: RFID vs. Satellite -- An Honest Evaluation
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Bert Moore
Editor
One recent article contrasting RFID and satellite tracking for cargo containers raised some interesting points. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on positive aspects of what satellite tracking could offer, it concentrated on making some fairly dubious assertions about the "faults" of RFID. So, what is the truth about satellite versus RFID for container tracking?
Read More
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Bert Moore
Editor
One recent article contrasting RFID and satellite tracking for cargo containers raised some interesting points. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on positive aspects of what satellite tracking could offer, it concentrated on making some fairly dubious assertions about the "faults" of RFID. So, what is the truth about satellite versus RFID for container tracking?
Read More
RFID: Patent Absurdity
Thursday, March 22, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A recently revealed patent application describes a method for tracking shoppers and their habits using an RFID-enabled item carried by the shopper such as a financial transaction card.
That patent application is part of a proposed "blueprint" for consumer habit monitoring and tracking using a variety of RFID-enabled items. The application also suggested that "consumer tracker" stations (RFID readers) could also be placed in common areas such as schools, shopping centers, bus stations or other places of public accommodation.
There are two things wrong with this. Can you guess what they are?
Read More
Thursday, March 22, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A recently revealed patent application describes a method for tracking shoppers and their habits using an RFID-enabled item carried by the shopper such as a financial transaction card.
That patent application is part of a proposed "blueprint" for consumer habit monitoring and tracking using a variety of RFID-enabled items. The application also suggested that "consumer tracker" stations (RFID readers) could also be placed in common areas such as schools, shopping centers, bus stations or other places of public accommodation.
There are two things wrong with this. Can you guess what they are?
Read More
RFID: "Et tu, Brute?" -- Killing Some RFID "Truths"
Thursday, March 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Since this issue comes out on the Ides of March, the date on which Julius Caesar was reportedly murdered in the Forum by the Senators of Rome "for the good of Rome," it seems appropriate to try to "kill" some widely held "truths" about RFID. Since "RFID Connections" tends to explain the benefits of RFID, this may be seen as "traitorous" -- but it needs to be done "for the good of the industry." Because telling the truth about RFID is the true purpose of this e-newsletter.
Read More
Thursday, March 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Since this issue comes out on the Ides of March, the date on which Julius Caesar was reportedly murdered in the Forum by the Senators of Rome "for the good of Rome," it seems appropriate to try to "kill" some widely held "truths" about RFID. Since "RFID Connections" tends to explain the benefits of RFID, this may be seen as "traitorous" -- but it needs to be done "for the good of the industry." Because telling the truth about RFID is the true purpose of this e-newsletter.
Read More
RFID Traveling Blues
March 8, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President, AIM Global
Last week, as I sat on the tarmac at Washington’s Reagan National airport, following the AIM Showcase and the first event supporting the RFID Caucus in Washington, D.C., I had a chance to reflect on the state of the RFID industry from two different perspectives. I spent time with executives from vendor and user organizations who are the thought leaders in the development and application of the full range of automatic data collection technology and who are naturally enthusiastic about the promise of the technologies. During the same span, I also crossed paths with key “influencers” in government and media who, while interested, clearly have a limited understanding of RFID and are somewhat skeptical about industry claims.
Read More
March 8, 2007
RFID Connections
Dan Mullen
President, AIM Global
Last week, as I sat on the tarmac at Washington’s Reagan National airport, following the AIM Showcase and the first event supporting the RFID Caucus in Washington, D.C., I had a chance to reflect on the state of the RFID industry from two different perspectives. I spent time with executives from vendor and user organizations who are the thought leaders in the development and application of the full range of automatic data collection technology and who are naturally enthusiastic about the promise of the technologies. During the same span, I also crossed paths with key “influencers” in government and media who, while interested, clearly have a limited understanding of RFID and are somewhat skeptical about industry claims.
Read More
RFID: Capacity or Connectivity?
Thursday, March 01, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In a recent interview, Larry Graham, co-chair of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Automatic Identification and Data Collection Workgroup, stated that the auto industry has determined it needs a 1 or 2 kbit tag for its needs. While the auto industry's requirement may seem, to some, to be somewhat excessive, consider that the aerospace industry may need 8 kbits.
This raises the question about the intended function of a serialized AIDC "label" -- should it be merely a license plate for lookup or should it contain enough information to be useful all by itself. It's not a new question.
Read More
Thursday, March 01, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In a recent interview, Larry Graham, co-chair of the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Automatic Identification and Data Collection Workgroup, stated that the auto industry has determined it needs a 1 or 2 kbit tag for its needs. While the auto industry's requirement may seem, to some, to be somewhat excessive, consider that the aerospace industry may need 8 kbits.
This raises the question about the intended function of a serialized AIDC "label" -- should it be merely a license plate for lookup or should it contain enough information to be useful all by itself. It's not a new question.
Read More
RFID: Successful Failure
Thursday, February 22, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
An article in the February 15, 2006 Wall Street Journal ("Wal-Mart's Radio-Tracked Inventory Hits Static") points out that Wal-Mart's roll-out has not met early projections and cites cost and lack of supplier ROI as potential elements that might derail the whole project.
And, while the article's facts are essentially correct, it seems to have been written with the idea that "bad news is good news" -- that is, focusing on the negatives makes better reading. It also seems to suggest that, if implementation of new technology does not go exactly as planned and on a strict schedule, it's destined to fail.
One is reminded, at this point, of the (in)famous article published in a reputable business magazine (that shall remain nameless) ten years after the announcement of the original U.P.C. code and symbol entitled, "UPC, the Grand Experiment That Failed."
Read More
Thursday, February 22, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
An article in the February 15, 2006 Wall Street Journal ("Wal-Mart's Radio-Tracked Inventory Hits Static") points out that Wal-Mart's roll-out has not met early projections and cites cost and lack of supplier ROI as potential elements that might derail the whole project.
And, while the article's facts are essentially correct, it seems to have been written with the idea that "bad news is good news" -- that is, focusing on the negatives makes better reading. It also seems to suggest that, if implementation of new technology does not go exactly as planned and on a strict schedule, it's destined to fail.
One is reminded, at this point, of the (in)famous article published in a reputable business magazine (that shall remain nameless) ten years after the announcement of the original U.P.C. code and symbol entitled, "UPC, the Grand Experiment That Failed."
Read More
RFID: What's in a Name?
Thursday, February 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
What's in a name...or more precisely a term? As Phil Calderbank pointed out in his "Hear and Know" interviews in the past two issues, quite a lot. While it's obvious that the term "spychips" was intentionally coined to instill fear and suspicion in the general public, it seems that the standard term "RFID" may have a similar effect on some people. And that's something the RFID community should consider. And, yes, there are lessons to be learned from bar code implementations.
Read More
Thursday, February 15, 2007
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
What's in a name...or more precisely a term? As Phil Calderbank pointed out in his "Hear and Know" interviews in the past two issues, quite a lot. While it's obvious that the term "spychips" was intentionally coined to instill fear and suspicion in the general public, it seems that the standard term "RFID" may have a similar effect on some people. And that's something the RFID community should consider. And, yes, there are lessons to be learned from bar code implementations.
Read More
RFID: Smart People + Smart Cards = Dumb Hacking Scheme
Thursday, February 08, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In one of those articles that makes you wonder whether some researchers don't need a better hobby, it has been reported that two members of Cambridge University's Computer Laboratory have devised a way to pull off fraudulent financial transactions using PIN-protected smart cards currently being deployed in the UK (to replace conventional magnetic stripe cards). The scheme involves a fraudulent (modified) card reader being placed in a legitimate place of business, the legitimate smart card (being used by a customer), two laptop computers, GSM or WiFi communications between them, a mutilated smart card in the hands of a criminal, a backpack, split-second timing and a few other minor issues.
The whole exercise is designed to prove that the new smart cards are not as secure as is being claimed. Of course, the fact that this scenario is wildly complex and the fact that these smart cards are a whole lot more secure than the magnetic stripe cards they're replacing doesn't seem to enter into the equation.
Read More
Thursday, February 08, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In one of those articles that makes you wonder whether some researchers don't need a better hobby, it has been reported that two members of Cambridge University's Computer Laboratory have devised a way to pull off fraudulent financial transactions using PIN-protected smart cards currently being deployed in the UK (to replace conventional magnetic stripe cards). The scheme involves a fraudulent (modified) card reader being placed in a legitimate place of business, the legitimate smart card (being used by a customer), two laptop computers, GSM or WiFi communications between them, a mutilated smart card in the hands of a criminal, a backpack, split-second timing and a few other minor issues.
The whole exercise is designed to prove that the new smart cards are not as secure as is being claimed. Of course, the fact that this scenario is wildly complex and the fact that these smart cards are a whole lot more secure than the magnetic stripe cards they're replacing doesn't seem to enter into the equation.
Read More
RFID: Near Field Close at Hand?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Over the past year, there have been a few announcements about the ability of long-range tags to be read by near field communications (NFC) techniques. The significance of this is that properly configured Gen2 UHF tags could be employed for item-level tagging where it's important to differentiate among a number of closely spaced items for applications such as retail checkout or hospital pharmacies.
NFC, however, is stirring more interest in more consumer-oriented applications that can be integrated into NFC-enabled mobile phones. Will these applications bring us one step closer to general acceptance of RFID or will consumers see NFC as being an entirely different technology?
Read More
Thursday, February 01, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Over the past year, there have been a few announcements about the ability of long-range tags to be read by near field communications (NFC) techniques. The significance of this is that properly configured Gen2 UHF tags could be employed for item-level tagging where it's important to differentiate among a number of closely spaced items for applications such as retail checkout or hospital pharmacies.
NFC, however, is stirring more interest in more consumer-oriented applications that can be integrated into NFC-enabled mobile phones. Will these applications bring us one step closer to general acceptance of RFID or will consumers see NFC as being an entirely different technology?
Read More
RFID: It's Not for the Birds...Yet
Thursday, January 25, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Those with a long history in the AIDC industry might remember "Buzz," the bar coded bee. Researchers affixed special, very small bar code symbols to bees to track their exit and entry to hives. Back in the mid-80s, researchers had called the AIM office to inquire about the possibility of using RFID to track the bees but, at the time, even the smallest transponders were too heavy to allow the bees to fly -- and that would rather have defeated the purpose of the study.
Today, however, it's a different world. "Buzz" now has some thoroughly modern cousins that are being tracked with, yes, RFID. But that's not the most important part of the story.
Read More
Thursday, January 25, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Those with a long history in the AIDC industry might remember "Buzz," the bar coded bee. Researchers affixed special, very small bar code symbols to bees to track their exit and entry to hives. Back in the mid-80s, researchers had called the AIM office to inquire about the possibility of using RFID to track the bees but, at the time, even the smallest transponders were too heavy to allow the bees to fly -- and that would rather have defeated the purpose of the study.
Today, however, it's a different world. "Buzz" now has some thoroughly modern cousins that are being tracked with, yes, RFID. But that's not the most important part of the story.
Read More
Putting RFID In Its Place
Thursday, January 18, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
The recent acquisition of WhereNet by Zebra Technologies has momentarily raised public awareness about Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS) -- an awareness that's perhaps long over due. And it will likely create debate about proprietary RTLS systems versus those that use WiFi. The relative merits of different RTLS systems -- or even RTLS itself -- isn't the issue here. The issue is ROI.
Read More
Thursday, January 18, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
The recent acquisition of WhereNet by Zebra Technologies has momentarily raised public awareness about Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS) -- an awareness that's perhaps long over due. And it will likely create debate about proprietary RTLS systems versus those that use WiFi. The relative merits of different RTLS systems -- or even RTLS itself -- isn't the issue here. The issue is ROI.
Read More
RFID: Market Fragmentation or Creative Expansion?
Thursday, January 11, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Ultra-low, low, high and ultrahigh frequency; active, passive, battery-assisted passive; license plate only, huge memories; read-only, read/write; labels, tags, cards, RFID-enabled cell phones -- the proliferation of options for RFID is mind-boggling. Does this indicate a total lack of direction in the future of RFID or is it a sign that the technology is healthy, robust, and still growing? A recent, media teleconference presented by AIM Global featuring Julie England, of Texas Instruments, and Joe White, of Motorola Enterprise Mobility (formerly Symbol Technologies) provided some keen insight into this dynamic.
Read More
Thursday, January 11, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Ultra-low, low, high and ultrahigh frequency; active, passive, battery-assisted passive; license plate only, huge memories; read-only, read/write; labels, tags, cards, RFID-enabled cell phones -- the proliferation of options for RFID is mind-boggling. Does this indicate a total lack of direction in the future of RFID or is it a sign that the technology is healthy, robust, and still growing? A recent, media teleconference presented by AIM Global featuring Julie England, of Texas Instruments, and Joe White, of Motorola Enterprise Mobility (formerly Symbol Technologies) provided some keen insight into this dynamic.
Read More
RFID: Close At Hand
Thursday, January 04, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In 2006, much of the media attention focused, justifiably, on Gen2 UHF and longer-range RFID tags for use in logistics. As we enter 2007, however, equal attention should be given to applications a little "closer at hand" -- in fact, in your hand. Integration of RFID readers into cell phones and PDAs, along with advances in sensor-enabled tags and the growing interest in Near Field Communications (NFC) applications and sensors, might see an entirely new RFID model emerging: personal RFID.
Read More
Thursday, January 04, 2007
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In 2006, much of the media attention focused, justifiably, on Gen2 UHF and longer-range RFID tags for use in logistics. As we enter 2007, however, equal attention should be given to applications a little "closer at hand" -- in fact, in your hand. Integration of RFID readers into cell phones and PDAs, along with advances in sensor-enabled tags and the growing interest in Near Field Communications (NFC) applications and sensors, might see an entirely new RFID model emerging: personal RFID.
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RFID: Success by Association
Thursday, December 21, 2006
AIM Global
Dan Mullen
President, AIM Global
If one thing differentiates successful innovators from laggards, it's this: leadership -- leadership in the development of standards, in studies, in pilot programs, in the broad advancement of their particular field. Yes, it's an investment -- in time, in personnel, in money, in risk -- but the ROI comes in more ways than the laggards will ever see.
Innovators take risks and laggards think that, by waiting, they can simply reap all the benefits of the efforts of the innovators. But laggards often find that, by the time they discover a particular application requirement or process doesn't fit well with their operations, it's too late to change the requirement. Why? Because the innovators have developed requirements and processes that meet their needs. And laggards sat on the sidelines while their futures were decided by others.
So, as 2006 comes to a close, you have to ask yourself whether you're going to be an innovator or a laggard in 2007. Will you control your future or be controlled by it?
Read More
Thursday, December 21, 2006
AIM Global
Dan Mullen
President, AIM Global
If one thing differentiates successful innovators from laggards, it's this: leadership -- leadership in the development of standards, in studies, in pilot programs, in the broad advancement of their particular field. Yes, it's an investment -- in time, in personnel, in money, in risk -- but the ROI comes in more ways than the laggards will ever see.
Innovators take risks and laggards think that, by waiting, they can simply reap all the benefits of the efforts of the innovators. But laggards often find that, by the time they discover a particular application requirement or process doesn't fit well with their operations, it's too late to change the requirement. Why? Because the innovators have developed requirements and processes that meet their needs. And laggards sat on the sidelines while their futures were decided by others.
So, as 2006 comes to a close, you have to ask yourself whether you're going to be an innovator or a laggard in 2007. Will you control your future or be controlled by it?
Read More
RFID: Active, Passive and Other -- Clarification
Thursday, December 14, 2006
AIM Global
Craig K. Harmon
QED Systems
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 Vocabulary Rapporteur
GUEST EDITORIAL: The AIM Viewpoint in the December 7, 2006 issue of RFID Connections confuses rather than clarifies the question. The following is a response to that column and an attempt to more clearly define the distinction between "active" and "passive" tags.
Read More
Thursday, December 14, 2006
AIM Global
Craig K. Harmon
QED Systems
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 Vocabulary Rapporteur
GUEST EDITORIAL: The AIM Viewpoint in the December 7, 2006 issue of RFID Connections confuses rather than clarifies the question. The following is a response to that column and an attempt to more clearly define the distinction between "active" and "passive" tags.
Read More
RFID: Active, Passive or Other?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
With interest in sensor-enabled or extended memory (in the range of kilobytes) RFID tags, people are becoming aware of the fact that some passive RFID tags have batteries in them to power sensors, data loggers and maintain memory. The terms "semi-active," "semi-passive," and "battery assisted passive (BAP)" are being used rather interchangeably to describe this type of tag. But what do these terms really mean? And does the industry even agree on the definition of active?
Read More
Thursday, December 07, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
With interest in sensor-enabled or extended memory (in the range of kilobytes) RFID tags, people are becoming aware of the fact that some passive RFID tags have batteries in them to power sensors, data loggers and maintain memory. The terms "semi-active," "semi-passive," and "battery assisted passive (BAP)" are being used rather interchangeably to describe this type of tag. But what do these terms really mean? And does the industry even agree on the definition of active?
Read More
Guest Viewpoint: RFID Violates Packaging Symmetry -- What To Do About It
Thursday, November 16, 2006
AIM Global
Packaging design deals with form, fit, function and aesthetics. These elements constitute the basis for nearly all product packaging as we know it. Adding singular features or foreign devices such as RFID tags can induce asymmetry and present enormous challenges to packaging design.
Read More
Thursday, November 16, 2006
AIM Global
Packaging design deals with form, fit, function and aesthetics. These elements constitute the basis for nearly all product packaging as we know it. Adding singular features or foreign devices such as RFID tags can induce asymmetry and present enormous challenges to packaging design.
Read More
RFID Issues: Privacy in Public Places
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
AIM Global
For those following the various privacy concern debates, two new applications have surfaced to fuel fears of privacy invasion: one designed for access control that allows companies to track employees within their facilities and one intended to track passengers in airline terminals. These applications are, in the eyes of many concerned with personal privacy, embodiments of their worst nightmares. But now it's time to ask the question, "How much privacy are we entitled to in a public place?"
Read More
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
AIM Global
For those following the various privacy concern debates, two new applications have surfaced to fuel fears of privacy invasion: one designed for access control that allows companies to track employees within their facilities and one intended to track passengers in airline terminals. These applications are, in the eyes of many concerned with personal privacy, embodiments of their worst nightmares. But now it's time to ask the question, "How much privacy are we entitled to in a public place?"
Read More
RFID: The Invisible Success
Thursday, October 26, 2006
AIM Global
For many, RFID has historically been an "invisible" technology; first, because it originally existed primarily in niche (closed) applications and, second, because people couldn't actually "see" it working. Today, the issue isn't so much seeing RFID as a viable technology but, rather, finding companies that are willing to talk about their "invisible" RFID applications, applications that are returning a solid ROI. Companies see their RFID applications as significant competitive advantage and tend to keep quiet about them. In many ways, they're doing themselves a disservice.
Read More
Thursday, October 26, 2006
AIM Global
For many, RFID has historically been an "invisible" technology; first, because it originally existed primarily in niche (closed) applications and, second, because people couldn't actually "see" it working. Today, the issue isn't so much seeing RFID as a viable technology but, rather, finding companies that are willing to talk about their "invisible" RFID applications, applications that are returning a solid ROI. Companies see their RFID applications as significant competitive advantage and tend to keep quiet about them. In many ways, they're doing themselves a disservice.
Read More
EU RFID Consultations
Thursday, October 19, 2006
AIM EMEA
Between early March and July this year, the European Union (EU) hosted a series of workshops in Brussels, Belgium on the emergence of RFID technology. These workshops were attended by the entire spectrum of stakeholders: manufacturers, system integrators, academicians, public bodies and regulators, and scientific institutions from all the EU Member states and from a number of countries outside of the EU. It is hoped that these consultations will prove a starting point for sound and secure implementation of RFID in Europe and around the world. Many news reports have produced snippets of the presentations, focusing on a limited number of comments. Following is a more complete report on the October 16, 2006 conference.
Read More
Thursday, October 19, 2006
AIM EMEA
Between early March and July this year, the European Union (EU) hosted a series of workshops in Brussels, Belgium on the emergence of RFID technology. These workshops were attended by the entire spectrum of stakeholders: manufacturers, system integrators, academicians, public bodies and regulators, and scientific institutions from all the EU Member states and from a number of countries outside of the EU. It is hoped that these consultations will prove a starting point for sound and secure implementation of RFID in Europe and around the world. Many news reports have produced snippets of the presentations, focusing on a limited number of comments. Following is a more complete report on the October 16, 2006 conference.
Read More
AIM Viewpoint -- RFID and Privacy: Think Before You Implement
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
AIM Global
Privacy concerns aren't going to go away. In fact, they're going to continue to be an important issue for RFID as well as other AIM technologies. As technologies evolve and become more capable, the potential to design applications that could pose a privacy problem will only increase. It is up to the vendors and users to think through an application thoroughly in order to develop a robust system for the customer and to anticipate -- and avoid -- possible privacy and security concerns.
Read More
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
AIM Global
Privacy concerns aren't going to go away. In fact, they're going to continue to be an important issue for RFID as well as other AIM technologies. As technologies evolve and become more capable, the potential to design applications that could pose a privacy problem will only increase. It is up to the vendors and users to think through an application thoroughly in order to develop a robust system for the customer and to anticipate -- and avoid -- possible privacy and security concerns.
Read More
RFID: Objects in the Future May Be Closer Than They Appear
Thursday, October 05, 2006
AIM Global
Fifteen years ago, the ability to use special inks to print millions of RFID tags on conventional printing presses -- and the utopian goal for item-level RFID tagging -- was, according to one industry pundit, "about three years away." Over the years, the timeframe tended to remain the same -- three years away. More recently, however, with increased research and interest in the technology, the projection was revised to "somewhere in the not-too-distant-but-don't-hold-your-breath future."
While the caveat "don't hold your breath" still holds true, the future seems to be approaching more rapidly than anticipated.
Read More
Thursday, October 05, 2006
AIM Global
Fifteen years ago, the ability to use special inks to print millions of RFID tags on conventional printing presses -- and the utopian goal for item-level RFID tagging -- was, according to one industry pundit, "about three years away." Over the years, the timeframe tended to remain the same -- three years away. More recently, however, with increased research and interest in the technology, the projection was revised to "somewhere in the not-too-distant-but-don't-hold-your-breath future."
While the caveat "don't hold your breath" still holds true, the future seems to be approaching more rapidly than anticipated.
Read More
RFID: The Item-Level Tagging Question
Thursday, September 28, 2006
AIM GLobal
It's not so much a question of "whether" some high value items will eventually be RFID tagged but "how." There are proponents of either high frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) with pilot projects to support the feasibility of both. AIM has published a position statement on item-level tagging that concludes, "the marketplace will, as it has with all automatic identification and mobility products, evaluate the options and select the technology standard that best meets its needs and application environments." But does the marketplace have all the information it needs to make that choice?
Read More
Thursday, September 28, 2006
AIM GLobal
It's not so much a question of "whether" some high value items will eventually be RFID tagged but "how." There are proponents of either high frequency (HF) or ultra-high frequency (UHF) with pilot projects to support the feasibility of both. AIM has published a position statement on item-level tagging that concludes, "the marketplace will, as it has with all automatic identification and mobility products, evaluate the options and select the technology standard that best meets its needs and application environments." But does the marketplace have all the information it needs to make that choice?
Read More
RFID: Authenticity vs. Pedigree
Thursday, September 21, 2006
AIM Global
There is increasing economic incentive for companies to not only secure their own supply chains but to keep tabs on the distribution portion of it to prevent counterfeit, pirated, adulterated, and "grey market" goods from being introduced. It's not just a matter of brand protection; serious injuries and even death have resulted from counterfeit products as diverse as brake pads and baby formula. But there's a significant difference between proving authenticity and providing product "pedigree."
Read More
Thursday, September 21, 2006
AIM Global
There is increasing economic incentive for companies to not only secure their own supply chains but to keep tabs on the distribution portion of it to prevent counterfeit, pirated, adulterated, and "grey market" goods from being introduced. It's not just a matter of brand protection; serious injuries and even death have resulted from counterfeit products as diverse as brake pads and baby formula. But there's a significant difference between proving authenticity and providing product "pedigree."
Read More
RFID: Legislation - Good News and Not-So-Good News
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
AIM Global
California SB 768, the Identity Information Protection Act of 2006, passed the State Senate on August 30, 2006. The Governor has 30 days to sign it. It has been expected that this legislation would pass in one form or another -- the question was, "which" form. The good news is that industry representatives and legislators worked together to craft the final wording that was deemed acceptable to both sides. That's also the not-so-good news.
Read More
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
AIM Global
California SB 768, the Identity Information Protection Act of 2006, passed the State Senate on August 30, 2006. The Governor has 30 days to sign it. It has been expected that this legislation would pass in one form or another -- the question was, "which" form. The good news is that industry representatives and legislators worked together to craft the final wording that was deemed acceptable to both sides. That's also the not-so-good news.
Read More
RFID: A Dearth of Direction
Thursday, September 07, 2006
AIM Global
In the August 30, 2006 AIM Viewpoint, I pointed out that a large number of RFID standards exist so the complaint that "there are no standards" is not a valid excuse for not implementing RFID. What is lacking, however, is real direction from industry organizations. Aside from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and several large retailers, there does not seem to be the fundamental support that helped start the trend towards bar code marking 30 years ago. The question we have to ask is, "Haven't you learned anything from the past?"
Read More
Thursday, September 07, 2006
AIM Global
In the August 30, 2006 AIM Viewpoint, I pointed out that a large number of RFID standards exist so the complaint that "there are no standards" is not a valid excuse for not implementing RFID. What is lacking, however, is real direction from industry organizations. Aside from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and several large retailers, there does not seem to be the fundamental support that helped start the trend towards bar code marking 30 years ago. The question we have to ask is, "Haven't you learned anything from the past?"
Read More
RFID: A Plethora of Standards
Thursday, August 31, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
A common excuse for not implementing RFID is "there are no standards." In fact, quite the opposite is true. A large number of international standards exist that define RFID technology and, in some cases, data structure and applications. For those who bemoan the supposed lack of standards, perhaps the problem is a lack of knowledge about where to find them.
Read More
Thursday, August 31, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
A common excuse for not implementing RFID is "there are no standards." In fact, quite the opposite is true. A large number of international standards exist that define RFID technology and, in some cases, data structure and applications. For those who bemoan the supposed lack of standards, perhaps the problem is a lack of knowledge about where to find them.
Read More
RFID Security: No Simple Answers
Thursday, August 24, 2006
AIM Global
Threats to any system -- including RFID -- come in many forms and in varying degrees of probability and severity. AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) is currently developing a document that examines RFID security, threats and countermeasures.
In developing this document, it is already clear that security is a complex issue that is both application- and commodity-dependent. In short, there are no "cookie cutter" or “short and sweet” answers to providing the right level of, or approach to, security.
Read More
Thursday, August 24, 2006
AIM Global
Threats to any system -- including RFID -- come in many forms and in varying degrees of probability and severity. AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) is currently developing a document that examines RFID security, threats and countermeasures.
In developing this document, it is already clear that security is a complex issue that is both application- and commodity-dependent. In short, there are no "cookie cutter" or “short and sweet” answers to providing the right level of, or approach to, security.
Read More
RFID: Cloning vs. Spoofing
Thursday, August 17, 2006
AIM Global
Given the proper equipment and circumstances, it is possible to fool an RFID reader into believing it's receiving data from an RFID tag or card. This is called "spoofing" and is often what's referred to when someone alleges they've "cloned" an RFID tag.
What's the difference between "cloning" and "spoofing"? And is it a cause for real concern?
Read More
Thursday, August 17, 2006
AIM Global
Given the proper equipment and circumstances, it is possible to fool an RFID reader into believing it's receiving data from an RFID tag or card. This is called "spoofing" and is often what's referred to when someone alleges they've "cloned" an RFID tag.
What's the difference between "cloning" and "spoofing"? And is it a cause for real concern?
Read More
RFID: Cloning vs. Copying
Thursday, August 10, 2006
AIM Global
There have been a few recent reports stating that RFID tags have been "cloned" in various demonstrations. The term "cloning" is so widely used that one might be led to believe that that's what has actually been done.
The truth is, none of these demonstrations has demonstrated "cloning" of RFID tags. Data has been read and written to another tag. And that's "copying" not "cloning."
Read More
Thursday, August 10, 2006
AIM Global
There have been a few recent reports stating that RFID tags have been "cloned" in various demonstrations. The term "cloning" is so widely used that one might be led to believe that that's what has actually been done.
The truth is, none of these demonstrations has demonstrated "cloning" of RFID tags. Data has been read and written to another tag. And that's "copying" not "cloning."
Read More
RFID-Enabled Document: Use-full or Use-Not
Thursday, August 03, 2006
AIM Global
Some of the measures being considered for "protecting" RFID-enabled documents make about as much sense as would removing the wheels from all motor vehicles to "protect" drivers from traffic accidents. While undoubtedly effective, one would have to wonder if it's the best approach.
Read More
Thursday, August 03, 2006
AIM Global
Some of the measures being considered for "protecting" RFID-enabled documents make about as much sense as would removing the wheels from all motor vehicles to "protect" drivers from traffic accidents. While undoubtedly effective, one would have to wonder if it's the best approach.
Read More
RFID: Ensuring Personal Privacy is Good Business
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In another recent thrashing of RFID, Vrije Universiteit (Holland) Professor Andrew Tanenbaum is quoted as saying, "Industry thinks nothing about invading your privacy." In fact, the opposite is true. Not only is AIM, its member companies, and other concerned industry groups diligently working on developing privacy and security recommendations, the RFID industry has recognized that ensuring the public's privacy is good business.
Read More
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
In another recent thrashing of RFID, Vrije Universiteit (Holland) Professor Andrew Tanenbaum is quoted as saying, "Industry thinks nothing about invading your privacy." In fact, the opposite is true. Not only is AIM, its member companies, and other concerned industry groups diligently working on developing privacy and security recommendations, the RFID industry has recognized that ensuring the public's privacy is good business.
Read More
US Senate RFID Caucus: A Good Start
Thursday, July 20, 2006
AIM Global
Usually, when "legislators" and "RFID" are used in the same sentence, people in the industry tend to cringe. In this case, however, two US Senators have taken a very positive step in establishing a Senate RFID Caucus to help staffers understand the benefits and limitations of RFID technology.
Senator Dorgan (North Dakota) and Senator Cornyn (Texas), who co-founded the caucus, seem to understand that education, not legislation, is the immediate need when it comes to government and RFID.
Read More
Thursday, July 20, 2006
AIM Global
Usually, when "legislators" and "RFID" are used in the same sentence, people in the industry tend to cringe. In this case, however, two US Senators have taken a very positive step in establishing a Senate RFID Caucus to help staffers understand the benefits and limitations of RFID technology.
Senator Dorgan (North Dakota) and Senator Cornyn (Texas), who co-founded the caucus, seem to understand that education, not legislation, is the immediate need when it comes to government and RFID.
Read More
RFID Users: Thinking Outside the "Big Box"
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
One of the services offered by AIM Global is the ability for potential users to submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) via the AIM Global web site. What strikes me in reviewing these RFPs is the diversity and creativity of some of these requests.
Read More
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
One of the services offered by AIM Global is the ability for potential users to submit Requests for Proposals (RFPs) via the AIM Global web site. What strikes me in reviewing these RFPs is the diversity and creativity of some of these requests.
Read More
RFID: One Voice Can Make a Difference
Thursday, June 29, 2006
AIM Global
Have you ever felt passionate about an industry issue, shaken your head, and decided not to take a stand because you were only one voice and "one person can't possibly make a difference?" Last week, a delegation from AIM Global met with major US business media in Washington, DC and New York City. This group of companies -- often business competitors -- joined together to deliver a common message: that RFID is delivering benefits today and our industry will continue to listen and address legitimate privacy and information security concerns.
They found that speaking with one voice can make a difference.
Read More
Thursday, June 29, 2006
AIM Global
Have you ever felt passionate about an industry issue, shaken your head, and decided not to take a stand because you were only one voice and "one person can't possibly make a difference?" Last week, a delegation from AIM Global met with major US business media in Washington, DC and New York City. This group of companies -- often business competitors -- joined together to deliver a common message: that RFID is delivering benefits today and our industry will continue to listen and address legitimate privacy and information security concerns.
They found that speaking with one voice can make a difference.
Read More
Forced RFID Implants - Much Ado About Nothing
Thursday, June 22, 2006
AIM Global
On May 31, 2006, news reports read, "Civil libertarians cheered yesterday upon news that Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a law making it a crime to require an individual to be implanted with a microchip. Activists and authors Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre joined the celebration, predicting this move will spell trouble for the VeriChip Corporation, maker of the VeriChip human microchip implant."
It's interesting that the two opposing forces here, those promoting "national security" and those protecting "personal privacy" tend to use the same tactics.
Read More
Thursday, June 22, 2006
AIM Global
On May 31, 2006, news reports read, "Civil libertarians cheered yesterday upon news that Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed a law making it a crime to require an individual to be implanted with a microchip. Activists and authors Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre joined the celebration, predicting this move will spell trouble for the VeriChip Corporation, maker of the VeriChip human microchip implant."
It's interesting that the two opposing forces here, those promoting "national security" and those protecting "personal privacy" tend to use the same tactics.
Read More
RFID: Time to Lead
Thursday, June 15, 2006
AIM Global
Daniel P. Mullen
President
AIM Global
Thomas Paine, one of America's founding fathers, said “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” These words, often repeated to me by my father, quite succinctly state the choice that those in the business of RFID have to make.
AIM Global is a leader in education, standards, guidelines and advocacy for AIDC technologies and invites you to be a leader too.
On Wednesday, 7 June 2006, I was pleased to represent AIM Global at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee meeting in San Francisco, California. This committee had just released a draft statement on the use of RFID for human identification that contained a number of unsupported conclusions and erroneous assumptions.
This draft report, along with recent regulatory and legislative activities (pending or enacted) within the European Union, Asia, and at the state level here in the United States, highlight a continuing and growing need for education and outreach to ensure that accurate and balanced RFID information reaches the market, the media, and policy makers around the world.
Read More
Thursday, June 15, 2006
AIM Global
Daniel P. Mullen
President
AIM Global
Thomas Paine, one of America's founding fathers, said “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” These words, often repeated to me by my father, quite succinctly state the choice that those in the business of RFID have to make.
AIM Global is a leader in education, standards, guidelines and advocacy for AIDC technologies and invites you to be a leader too.
On Wednesday, 7 June 2006, I was pleased to represent AIM Global at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee meeting in San Francisco, California. This committee had just released a draft statement on the use of RFID for human identification that contained a number of unsupported conclusions and erroneous assumptions.
This draft report, along with recent regulatory and legislative activities (pending or enacted) within the European Union, Asia, and at the state level here in the United States, highlight a continuing and growing need for education and outreach to ensure that accurate and balanced RFID information reaches the market, the media, and policy makers around the world.
Read More
AIM Global Responds to DHS Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
AIM Global
On June 7, 2006, AIM Global president Dan Mullen addressed the Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Draft Report, “The Use of RFID for Human Identification.” The meeting, held at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, California, was a forum to review comments from industry representatives and individual citizens.
The report, which contains a number of erroneous assumptions and unsupported conclusions, is critical of RFID. Mr. Mullen offered a more balanced perspective on the technology.
Read More
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
AIM Global
On June 7, 2006, AIM Global president Dan Mullen addressed the Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Draft Report, “The Use of RFID for Human Identification.” The meeting, held at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco, California, was a forum to review comments from industry representatives and individual citizens.
The report, which contains a number of erroneous assumptions and unsupported conclusions, is critical of RFID. Mr. Mullen offered a more balanced perspective on the technology.
Read More
RFID -- The Ongoing EU Public Consultations
June 8, 2006
AIM Global
Andrew Britts
New Business Director
AIM EMEA
The European Commission (EU) has instigated one of its widest public consultations ever to investigate the benefits and risks associated with the wider introduction of the RFID technology.
Read More
June 8, 2006
AIM Global
Andrew Britts
New Business Director
AIM EMEA
The European Commission (EU) has instigated one of its widest public consultations ever to investigate the benefits and risks associated with the wider introduction of the RFID technology.
Read More
RFID Criticism Welcome
Thursday, May 25, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
While it may seem that critics of RFID are doing everything they can to hinder the deployment of RFID in some applications, they are, in fact, benefiting suppliers as well as users by helping to push the envelope of technical solutions, prompting re-evaluation of assumptions, and helping ensure sound implementations.
Criticism of existing products and processes has also spurred the development of even more advanced RFID products and is creating new business opportunities for some RFID companies.
Read More
Thursday, May 25, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
While it may seem that critics of RFID are doing everything they can to hinder the deployment of RFID in some applications, they are, in fact, benefiting suppliers as well as users by helping to push the envelope of technical solutions, prompting re-evaluation of assumptions, and helping ensure sound implementations.
Criticism of existing products and processes has also spurred the development of even more advanced RFID products and is creating new business opportunities for some RFID companies.
Read More
RFID: the Privacy Conundrum
Thursday, May 18, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
The recent announcement that Levi Strauss and Co. (Levis) would be supplying an undisclosed retailer with clothing with RFID tags has understandably sparked controversy.
The question being asked is, "Why did Levis announce the plan if the company was going to be secretive about the location?"
Privacy groups have stated that they would stage protests at the store if they knew its location.
That, in fact, is the conundrum manufacturers and retailers face today: keeping plans secret leads to protests; announcing plans leads to protests.
What to do?
Read More
Thursday, May 18, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
The recent announcement that Levi Strauss and Co. (Levis) would be supplying an undisclosed retailer with clothing with RFID tags has understandably sparked controversy.
The question being asked is, "Why did Levis announce the plan if the company was going to be secretive about the location?"
Privacy groups have stated that they would stage protests at the store if they knew its location.
That, in fact, is the conundrum manufacturers and retailers face today: keeping plans secret leads to protests; announcing plans leads to protests.
What to do?
Read More
RFID: For the Common Good
Thursday, May 11, 2006
AIM Global
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
Suppose, 15 years ago, you had been told about a technology that could potentially erase (or copy) all the files from your computer, aid criminals in stealing your credit card and bank information, and even make you a party to unethical and illegal activities. And suppose a state legislature proposed banning that technology. Would you have supported the legislation?
Or suppose that you had been told that there was a new technology on the horizon that would claim one life every 13 minutes in the United States alone, damage the environment, and leave the country hostage to foreign interests. Would you have supported banning that technology?
Couched in those terms, many people would.
Yet if such legislation had been enacted, neither the Internet nor the automobile would be in use today.
Read More
Thursday, May 11, 2006
AIM Global
Dan Mullen
President
AIM Global
Suppose, 15 years ago, you had been told about a technology that could potentially erase (or copy) all the files from your computer, aid criminals in stealing your credit card and bank information, and even make you a party to unethical and illegal activities. And suppose a state legislature proposed banning that technology. Would you have supported the legislation?
Or suppose that you had been told that there was a new technology on the horizon that would claim one life every 13 minutes in the United States alone, damage the environment, and leave the country hostage to foreign interests. Would you have supported banning that technology?
Couched in those terms, many people would.
Yet if such legislation had been enacted, neither the Internet nor the automobile would be in use today.
Read More
Item-Level RFID Tagging: The Cluttered Landscape
Thursday, May 04, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
At RFID Journal Live! this year, one of the hot topics was, "Which frequency is best for item-level tagging?" RFID Connections has already covered this from a variety of perspectives but not only is the frequency "landscape" getting more cluttered, the answer to the question seems to be more elusive than ever. And that may be the good news.
Read More
Thursday, May 04, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
At RFID Journal Live! this year, one of the hot topics was, "Which frequency is best for item-level tagging?" RFID Connections has already covered this from a variety of perspectives but not only is the frequency "landscape" getting more cluttered, the answer to the question seems to be more elusive than ever. And that may be the good news.
Read More
RFID and Homeland Permeability
Thursday, April 27, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
There have been a number of recent announcements about proposed applications of RFID for U.S. travel documents. A recent request for proposal sought an RFID card that could be read "while the card is in a wallet or purse, inside a car traveling up to 35 mph."
However, it's a mistake to assume that any of these proposed uses would actually be used for Homeland "Security." The fact is, none of the proposed uses of RFID-enabled documents would be effective in locating or tracking illegal immigrants, potential terrorists, or anyone who didn't want to be located or tracked.
Read More
Thursday, April 27, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
There have been a number of recent announcements about proposed applications of RFID for U.S. travel documents. A recent request for proposal sought an RFID card that could be read "while the card is in a wallet or purse, inside a car traveling up to 35 mph."
However, it's a mistake to assume that any of these proposed uses would actually be used for Homeland "Security." The fact is, none of the proposed uses of RFID-enabled documents would be effective in locating or tracking illegal immigrants, potential terrorists, or anyone who didn't want to be located or tracked.
Read More
How Human DNA Stands In the Way Of "Six Sigma and the Single Tag" Success
Thursday, April 20, 2006
AIM Global
Pat King
Michelin
Like any sequel, the original often becomes a cult classic while the sequel falls short of the original mark. I can tell you that the original "Six Sigma and the Single Tag" published in RFID Journal [introducing "Singulation Theory"] has hit its mark.
Read More
Thursday, April 20, 2006
AIM Global
Pat King
Michelin
Like any sequel, the original often becomes a cult classic while the sequel falls short of the original mark. I can tell you that the original "Six Sigma and the Single Tag" published in RFID Journal [introducing "Singulation Theory"] has hit its mark.
Read More
Will There Ever Be a "Universal" RFID Reader
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
At Smart Labels USA in March, speakers from both the US Department of Defense (DoD) and General Electric stated that, because they are making RFID a signification part of their operations -- and using a number of RFID technologies -- what they need to optimize employee efficiency is a "universal" RFID reader.
Currently, 433 MHz (active), 13.56 MHz (passive), and 860-960 MHz (passive, UHF) tags are the most commonly used in asset management, item ID and logistics applications. Developing a "universal" reader that can successfully -- and efficiently -- be configured to, or automatically, recognize these three different RFID technologies poses significant challenges.
Is a "universal" reader possible?
Read More
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
At Smart Labels USA in March, speakers from both the US Department of Defense (DoD) and General Electric stated that, because they are making RFID a signification part of their operations -- and using a number of RFID technologies -- what they need to optimize employee efficiency is a "universal" RFID reader.
Currently, 433 MHz (active), 13.56 MHz (passive), and 860-960 MHz (passive, UHF) tags are the most commonly used in asset management, item ID and logistics applications. Developing a "universal" reader that can successfully -- and efficiently -- be configured to, or automatically, recognize these three different RFID technologies poses significant challenges.
Is a "universal" reader possible?
Read More
RFID Implants: Making the Body Electric
Thursday, March 30, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Implanted RFID tags have been receiving a lot of attention lately. Originally used to provide unique identification for race horses and family pets, they are now being increasingly considered as a way to provide a "loss proof" identification device for people.
Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the tags for implantation in humans, primarily as a "license plate" key to access individual's medical records, there have been a number of other applications for which these tags have been proposed or even used, at least on a trial basis.
Are implanted RFID tags the wave of the future or a potential misuse of technology?
Read More
Thursday, March 30, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
Implanted RFID tags have been receiving a lot of attention lately. Originally used to provide unique identification for race horses and family pets, they are now being increasingly considered as a way to provide a "loss proof" identification device for people.
Since the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the tags for implantation in humans, primarily as a "license plate" key to access individual's medical records, there have been a number of other applications for which these tags have been proposed or even used, at least on a trial basis.
Are implanted RFID tags the wave of the future or a potential misuse of technology?
Read More
International RFID Experts Say Your Pets and Computers are Safe from RFID Viruses
Thursday, March 23, 2006
AIM Global
Joint Release
Issued by members of the
International RFID Standards Community
Several articles, including one entitled, “Study Says Chips in ID Tags Are Vulnerable to Viruses" were published on 15 March 2006 and widely circulated by the world’s press. The articles describe work done by a group that is affiliated with the computer science department at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam highlighting the possible problem of virus propagation in RFID tag environments.
RFID scientists and experts from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) met in Kyoto, Japan this week with the leadership of the AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) RFID Experts Group as part of an ongoing effort to address issues involved with the fielding of RFID systems.
Read More
Thursday, March 23, 2006
AIM Global
Joint Release
Issued by members of the
International RFID Standards Community
Several articles, including one entitled, “Study Says Chips in ID Tags Are Vulnerable to Viruses" were published on 15 March 2006 and widely circulated by the world’s press. The articles describe work done by a group that is affiliated with the computer science department at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam highlighting the possible problem of virus propagation in RFID tag environments.
RFID scientists and experts from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) met in Kyoto, Japan this week with the leadership of the AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) RFID Experts Group as part of an ongoing effort to address issues involved with the fielding of RFID systems.
Read More
RFID Viruses: Your Cat is Safe
Thursday, March 16, 2006
AIM Global
AIM RFID Experts address virus claims
Daniel P. Mullen
President
AIM Global
A technical paper published during a conference yesterday, 15 March, in Pisa, Italy, titled "Is your Cat Infected with a Computer Virus?" claims that RFID tags can be used to corrupt databases and even potentially to spread computer viruses.
Many of the basic assumptions in the paper overlook a number of fundamental design features necessary in automatic data collection systems and good database design. In other words, the researchers built a system with a weakness and then proceeded to show how the weakness could be exploited. Not surprisingly poor system design, whether capturing RFID tag information, bar code information or keyboard entered data will create vulnerabilities.
Read More
Thursday, March 16, 2006
AIM Global
AIM RFID Experts address virus claims
Daniel P. Mullen
President
AIM Global
A technical paper published during a conference yesterday, 15 March, in Pisa, Italy, titled "Is your Cat Infected with a Computer Virus?" claims that RFID tags can be used to corrupt databases and even potentially to spread computer viruses.
Many of the basic assumptions in the paper overlook a number of fundamental design features necessary in automatic data collection systems and good database design. In other words, the researchers built a system with a weakness and then proceeded to show how the weakness could be exploited. Not surprisingly poor system design, whether capturing RFID tag information, bar code information or keyboard entered data will create vulnerabilities.
Read More
RFID: Invading Women's Underwear?
Thursday, March 09, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
It may seem that privacy advocates' worst fears have come true. Marks & Spencer, a major UK retailer, has announced that it is extending its RFID item marking trials to additional stores and to several types of multiple-sized items -- including women’s underwear.
Privacy advocates fear that the tagging of clothing items -- and of particular concern to some, women's underwear -- will lead to covert snooping by perverts and governmental agencies.
Just how much of a threat to personal privacy is this new initiative? Or is it a threat at all?
Read More
Thursday, March 09, 2006
AIM Global
Bert Moore
Editor
It may seem that privacy advocates' worst fears have come true. Marks & Spencer, a major UK retailer, has announced that it is extending its RFID item marking trials to additional stores and to several types of multiple-sized items -- including women’s underwear.
Privacy advocates fear that the tagging of clothing items -- and of particular concern to some, women's underwear -- will lead to covert snooping by perverts and governmental agencies.
Just how much of a threat to personal privacy is this new initiative? Or is it a threat at all?
Read More
RFID Interactive Attendees Gain Valuable Insights and Contacts
Thursday, March 02, 2006
AIM Global
Finding the right opportunities to improve business processes is key to success today. The right opportunity was just what attendees at AIM Global's RFID Interactive event found. They had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from leading-edge thinkers and implementers of RFID.
RFID Interactive, the user-focused portion of the AIM Global annual meeting, was a two-day event that began with a keynote address by Mr. Didier Chenneveau, VP, Operations, Ink and Printer Group Americas, Hewlett-Packard Company and culminated with a tour of the RFID-enabled port facility operated by Total Terminals International (TTI), a joint venture between Marine Terminals Corporation (MTC) and Hanjin Shipping, and Embarcadero Systems Corporation (ESC).
In between these events, presentations explained working RFID systems that were improving efficiencies and saving money. Several presentations also offered a clear view of the future based on solid implementation plans.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Patrick F. King, Global Electronics Strategist, Michelin, the 2006 recipient of AIM Global's Don Percival Award.
Read More
Thursday, March 02, 2006
AIM Global
Finding the right opportunities to improve business processes is key to success today. The right opportunity was just what attendees at AIM Global's RFID Interactive event found. They had the unique opportunity to meet and learn from leading-edge thinkers and implementers of RFID.
RFID Interactive, the user-focused portion of the AIM Global annual meeting, was a two-day event that began with a keynote address by Mr. Didier Chenneveau, VP, Operations, Ink and Printer Group Americas, Hewlett-Packard Company and culminated with a tour of the RFID-enabled port facility operated by Total Terminals International (TTI), a joint venture between Marine Terminals Corporation (MTC) and Hanjin Shipping, and Embarcadero Systems Corporation (ESC).
In between these events, presentations explained working RFID systems that were improving efficiencies and saving money. Several presentations also offered a clear view of the future based on solid implementation plans.
Attendees also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Patrick F. King, Global Electronics Strategist, Michelin, the 2006 recipient of AIM Global's Don Percival Award.
Read More
AIM Global 2005: Uncommon Leadership and Growth
Thursday, February 23, 2006
AIM Global
In 2005, AIM Global focused its resources in three primary strategic areas – Advocacy, Standards and Chapters. These efforts paid off as never before while pointing us to new challenges and opportunities. The Association's increasing influence, visibility and membership growth validate that we are taking on the tasks most important to achieve our objectives -- but we will not stand in place.
AIM's activities are bringing together key vendors and users of Automatic Identification and Mobility technologies to provide solutions and capitalize on opportunities. Perhaps you should join us.
Last year, AIM Global reached millions of readers, viewers and listeners worldwide, contributing to, or being cited by, major business publications, vertical market trade publications and industry publications. The Association was called upon many times over to support educational initiatives with expert speakers, writers, speaker recommendations, and program guidance.
As the industry worked diligently to bring standards efforts to completion, AIM Global provided important standards leadership, industry views and practical RFID implementation guidance. Industry executives, scientists, users, communication professionals, and analysts led the way through their participation in the Technical Symbology Committee (TSC), the RFID Experts Group (REG), the Education and Public Policy Committee, the Healthcare Action Group, the AIM Global Board, and all members who devoted their time to growing the industry.
Read More
Thursday, February 23, 2006
AIM Global
In 2005, AIM Global focused its resources in three primary strategic areas – Advocacy, Standards and Chapters. These efforts paid off as never before while pointing us to new challenges and opportunities. The Association's increasing influence, visibility and membership growth validate that we are taking on the tasks most important to achieve our objectives -- but we will not stand in place.
AIM's activities are bringing together key vendors and users of Automatic Identification and Mobility technologies to provide solutions and capitalize on opportunities. Perhaps you should join us.
Last year, AIM Global reached millions of readers, viewers and listeners worldwide, contributing to, or being cited by, major business publications, vertical market trade publications and industry publications. The Association was called upon many times over to support educational initiatives with expert speakers, writers, speaker recommendations, and program guidance.
As the industry worked diligently to bring standards efforts to completion, AIM Global provided important standards leadership, industry views and practical RFID implementation guidance. Industry executives, scientists, users, communication professionals, and analysts led the way through their participation in the Technical Symbology Committee (TSC), the RFID Experts Group (REG), the Education and Public Policy Committee, the Healthcare Action Group, the AIM Global Board, and all members who devoted their time to growing the industry.
Read More
Counterfeits Bad, RFID Good
Thursday, February 16, 2006
AIM Global
It's a sobering fact that in one month, this past December , companies lost an estimated $16 million (US) due to counterfeit products. Each year, losses from counterfeiting and product diversion continue to increase. In light of these losses -- which do not include losses due to theft -- there is a growing economic incentive to use Automatic Identification and Mobility technologies, particularly RFID, to secure the supply chain.
The other sobering fact, in addition to the financial losses, is that the distribution of counterfeit or adulterated products poses a direct threat to the public. And the problem is more wide-spread than people suspect.
Read More
Thursday, February 16, 2006
AIM Global
It's a sobering fact that in one month, this past December , companies lost an estimated $16 million (US) due to counterfeit products. Each year, losses from counterfeiting and product diversion continue to increase. In light of these losses -- which do not include losses due to theft -- there is a growing economic incentive to use Automatic Identification and Mobility technologies, particularly RFID, to secure the supply chain.
The other sobering fact, in addition to the financial losses, is that the distribution of counterfeit or adulterated products poses a direct threat to the public. And the problem is more wide-spread than people suspect.
Read More
RFID Security: Getting Serious
Thursday, February 09, 2006
AIM Global
Concerns about RFID security issues abound. It appears that many of these concerns are, in fact, legitimate.
The most troubling of all the reports is a recent demonstration by a Dutch TV station and a Dutch security firm. In this demonstration, data from the prototype Dutch RFID-enabled passport was "skimmed" and the security cracked in about 2 hours -- allowing access to the character-based and biometric information stored on the tag. Credible sources claim that it might be possible to do this not just in proximity (from the design parameter of about 10 cm) but up to 10 meters away. However, there have been some rumors that it was also shown later that the final encrypted version of the chip could not be cracked in the same way.
As much as anything, the Dutch demonstration shows that care must be taken when developing prototype demonstrations.
These reports of attacks on RFID systems get a lot of publicity. What does not receive such great publicity is the fact that the RFID industry has been taking serious steps to develop best practices and technical solutions to combat hacking.
Read More
Thursday, February 09, 2006
AIM Global
Concerns about RFID security issues abound. It appears that many of these concerns are, in fact, legitimate.
The most troubling of all the reports is a recent demonstration by a Dutch TV station and a Dutch security firm. In this demonstration, data from the prototype Dutch RFID-enabled passport was "skimmed" and the security cracked in about 2 hours -- allowing access to the character-based and biometric information stored on the tag. Credible sources claim that it might be possible to do this not just in proximity (from the design parameter of about 10 cm) but up to 10 meters away. However, there have been some rumors that it was also shown later that the final encrypted version of the chip could not be cracked in the same way.
As much as anything, the Dutch demonstration shows that care must be taken when developing prototype demonstrations.
These reports of attacks on RFID systems get a lot of publicity. What does not receive such great publicity is the fact that the RFID industry has been taking serious steps to develop best practices and technical solutions to combat hacking.
Read More
RFID in the Supply Chain: Interview with Brad Jarvis
Thursday, February 02, 2006
RFID Connections
RFID Connections interviewed Brad Jarvis, Director of Product Marketing for Printronix, on lessons learned from pilots, the impact of EPC Gen2 and the state of the RFID market in the supply chain.
Read More
Thursday, February 02, 2006
RFID Connections
RFID Connections interviewed Brad Jarvis, Director of Product Marketing for Printronix, on lessons learned from pilots, the impact of EPC Gen2 and the state of the RFID market in the supply chain.
Read More
Which is Better: RFID Legislation or RFID Guidelines?
Thursday, February 2, 2006
AIM Global
With legislation currently pending in both New Hampshire (USA) and California (USA) -- and legislation recently introduced in new RFID bills in Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Washington State -- intended to regulate the use of RFID in various forms, the question needs to be asked whether legislation is the answer or whether the industry should develop, adopt and enforce its own best practice policies to ensure the effective use of RFID while addressing legitimate privacy and security concerns.
Read More
Thursday, February 2, 2006
AIM Global
With legislation currently pending in both New Hampshire (USA) and California (USA) -- and legislation recently introduced in new RFID bills in Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Washington State -- intended to regulate the use of RFID in various forms, the question needs to be asked whether legislation is the answer or whether the industry should develop, adopt and enforce its own best practice policies to ensure the effective use of RFID while addressing legitimate privacy and security concerns.
Read More
RFID and Employee Safety
Thursday, January 26, 2006
AIM Global
In the wake of two deadly U.S. mine tragedies in West Virginia in three weeks, the Sago Mine in which 12 miners died and the Alma No. 1 mine in which two miners lost their lives, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III promised mine safety reform -- including electronic tracking of miners underground. Sadly, the idea isn't new. It was implemented in England in the late 1970s. It's time to catch up -- in mines and other hazardous workplaces.
Read More
Thursday, January 26, 2006
AIM Global
In the wake of two deadly U.S. mine tragedies in West Virginia in three weeks, the Sago Mine in which 12 miners died and the Alma No. 1 mine in which two miners lost their lives, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III promised mine safety reform -- including electronic tracking of miners underground. Sadly, the idea isn't new. It was implemented in England in the late 1970s. It's time to catch up -- in mines and other hazardous workplaces.
Read More
RFID and Servigistics—The Right Part at The Right Time
Thursday, January 26, 2006
RFID Connections
Servigistics, a leading service parts management solution provider, received numerous industry awards throughout 2005 for improving customer service levels and profitability while reducing inventory at global leading companies. Cliff Isaacson, Servigistics Director of Product Marketing, explains how RFID could play a key role in achieving even more stunning results.
Read More
Thursday, January 26, 2006
RFID Connections
Servigistics, a leading service parts management solution provider, received numerous industry awards throughout 2005 for improving customer service levels and profitability while reducing inventory at global leading companies. Cliff Isaacson, Servigistics Director of Product Marketing, explains how RFID could play a key role in achieving even more stunning results.
Read More
RFID Tag Quality: Performance Where It Counts
Thursday, January 19, 2006
AIM Global
Last week's Editorial discussed the challenges of defining and measuring RFID tag quality. One approach to defining and measuring tag quality is the development of "bench testing" parameters being developed by ISO/IEC JTC-1/SC 31/WG 3/SG 1. [see link at end of article] This type of testing will determine performance baselines for various types of tags in a controlled environment and will allow the development of both compliance and conformance certifications.
The other approach is to define quality based on performance and survivability parameters in an actual application. After all, no matter how well a tag performs in the lab, what matters in the long run is how well it performs on the job.
One project within AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) is tackling that aspect of RFID tag quality.
Read More
Thursday, January 19, 2006
AIM Global
Last week's Editorial discussed the challenges of defining and measuring RFID tag quality. One approach to defining and measuring tag quality is the development of "bench testing" parameters being developed by ISO/IEC JTC-1/SC 31/WG 3/SG 1. [see link at end of article] This type of testing will determine performance baselines for various types of tags in a controlled environment and will allow the development of both compliance and conformance certifications.
The other approach is to define quality based on performance and survivability parameters in an actual application. After all, no matter how well a tag performs in the lab, what matters in the long run is how well it performs on the job.
One project within AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) is tackling that aspect of RFID tag quality.
Read More
RFID: Where the Jobs Are
Thursday, January 19, 2006
AIM Global
An interview with Sheldon Myeroff of Direct Recruiters on the RFID market and employment needs.
Read More
Thursday, January 19, 2006
AIM Global
An interview with Sheldon Myeroff of Direct Recruiters on the RFID market and employment needs.
Read More
RFID Insider: Interview with Peter Langworthy
Thursday, January 12, 2006
RFID Connections
When it comes to evaluating RFID, the "view from the trenches" can offer real insight. RFID Connections asked Peter Langworthy, the senior program manager for the Northrop Grumman Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) Center in Williamsburg, VA, USA, for his insights into the opportunities and challenges of RFID implementation.
Read More
Thursday, January 12, 2006
RFID Connections
When it comes to evaluating RFID, the "view from the trenches" can offer real insight. RFID Connections asked Peter Langworthy, the senior program manager for the Northrop Grumman Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) Center in Williamsburg, VA, USA, for his insights into the opportunities and challenges of RFID implementation.
Read More
Editorial: RFID Quality
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
AIM Global
At this point in time, determining an adequate way to measure -- or even define -- RFID quality is somewhat akin to predicting the winners of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Unlike bar code, where quality measures can predict fairly closely how well a bar code symbol will perform in an open system, RFID open systems currently have entirely too many variables and unknown factors. What's more, there are a number of components that make up an RFID transponder, each of which might require its own quality measure.
Despite these obstacles, progress is being made.
Read More
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
AIM Global
At this point in time, determining an adequate way to measure -- or even define -- RFID quality is somewhat akin to predicting the winners of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Unlike bar code, where quality measures can predict fairly closely how well a bar code symbol will perform in an open system, RFID open systems currently have entirely too many variables and unknown factors. What's more, there are a number of components that make up an RFID transponder, each of which might require its own quality measure.
Despite these obstacles, progress is being made.
Read More
RFID Insider Interview: Tom Miller
Thursday, January 05, 2006
RFID Connections
RFID Connections caught up with Tom Miller, chair of AIM Global's Board of Directors, during his holiday vacation. Tom was kind enough to offer his retrospective on 2005 and a look ahead to significant events of 2006.
Read More
Thursday, January 05, 2006
RFID Connections
RFID Connections caught up with Tom Miller, chair of AIM Global's Board of Directors, during his holiday vacation. Tom was kind enough to offer his retrospective on 2005 and a look ahead to significant events of 2006.
Read More
Editorial: 2006 -- the Year of RFID Legislation?
Thursday, January 05, 2006
AIM Global
For those familiar with the general political sentiments of residents of New Hampshire (which has the state motto "Live Free or Die"), it's not surprising that privacy concerns prompted legislation restricting RFID use. What is significant, however, is that the wording of the original draft of the bill (HB 203) has been replaced by amended text that is specific to tracking and takes a more measured view of RFID in general.
According to an article in the Manchester, NH ”Union Leader," Curtis J. Barry, who lobbies for the Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire, said, “Many of the proposals made in the (original) bill that were onerous and burdensome on retailers were not included in the bill as it now reads, but we still have some concerns about the wording and continue to question the necessity” for the bill.
With all the prognostications about the coming year, perhaps what will be the hallmark of 2006 will be a flurry of state legislation pertaining to RFID.
Read More
Thursday, January 05, 2006
AIM Global
For those familiar with the general political sentiments of residents of New Hampshire (which has the state motto "Live Free or Die"), it's not surprising that privacy concerns prompted legislation restricting RFID use. What is significant, however, is that the wording of the original draft of the bill (HB 203) has been replaced by amended text that is specific to tracking and takes a more measured view of RFID in general.
According to an article in the Manchester, NH ”Union Leader," Curtis J. Barry, who lobbies for the Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire, said, “Many of the proposals made in the (original) bill that were onerous and burdensome on retailers were not included in the bill as it now reads, but we still have some concerns about the wording and continue to question the necessity” for the bill.
With all the prognostications about the coming year, perhaps what will be the hallmark of 2006 will be a flurry of state legislation pertaining to RFID.
Read More
2005: REG Year in Review
Thursday, December 29, 2005
AIM Global
In its first full year under the AIM Global umbrella the RFID Experts Group (REG) has accomplished quite a bit, has fulfilled many of its original tasks, and has become a vibrant voice for RFID within AIM Global.
The original purpose of the AIM Global RFID Experts Group (REG) was to provide practical RFID implementation guidance not traditionally included in international standards or customer requirements. However, along the way, the REG uncovered a number of other issues related to RFID that are (were) not being covered by Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) and consortia. Today the REG has 14 activities underway to help address a wide range of RFID implementation issues. It has begun to see success in reaching out to the international community to foster the development of REGs in other regions of the world. The most active of these groups is REG-Japan.
The following is a summary of the REG's accomplishments and current projects.
Read More
Thursday, December 29, 2005
AIM Global
In its first full year under the AIM Global umbrella the RFID Experts Group (REG) has accomplished quite a bit, has fulfilled many of its original tasks, and has become a vibrant voice for RFID within AIM Global.
The original purpose of the AIM Global RFID Experts Group (REG) was to provide practical RFID implementation guidance not traditionally included in international standards or customer requirements. However, along the way, the REG uncovered a number of other issues related to RFID that are (were) not being covered by Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) and consortia. Today the REG has 14 activities underway to help address a wide range of RFID implementation issues. It has begun to see success in reaching out to the international community to foster the development of REGs in other regions of the world. The most active of these groups is REG-Japan.
The following is a summary of the REG's accomplishments and current projects.
Read More
Education is the Key
Thursday, December 29, 2005
AIM Global
It's possible that when we look back at this point in time with the perspective of ten or twenty years, we may see it as the pivotal year for RFID. Or not. The majority of potential users still have to address questions about ROI, implementation issues, data management and information exchange. While they may not have answers yet, at least many of them are thinking seriously about it.
What we will certainly remember, looking back at this point in time, is that RFID education reached a tipping point. And that may be the more important historical landmark.
Read More
Thursday, December 29, 2005
AIM Global
It's possible that when we look back at this point in time with the perspective of ten or twenty years, we may see it as the pivotal year for RFID. Or not. The majority of potential users still have to address questions about ROI, implementation issues, data management and information exchange. While they may not have answers yet, at least many of them are thinking seriously about it.
What we will certainly remember, looking back at this point in time, is that RFID education reached a tipping point. And that may be the more important historical landmark.
Read More
EPC Data Sharing Essential
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
AIM Global
Several recent studies and reports have concluded that, even for the large manufacturers who were instrumental in the development of EPC, the ROI for EPC implementation is primarily evident only for retailers or end users such as the Department of Defense. Despite this, manufacturers remain optimistic.
Read More
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
AIM Global
Several recent studies and reports have concluded that, even for the large manufacturers who were instrumental in the development of EPC, the ROI for EPC implementation is primarily evident only for retailers or end users such as the Department of Defense. Despite this, manufacturers remain optimistic.
Read More
Guest Editorial: RFID Is A Great Technology -- But It's Not Perfect
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
AIM Global
Technology offering improved efficiency seems to always be accompanied by a number of headaches. For example, when the wireless local area network (WLAN) standard IEEE 802.11 (commonly known as WiFi) was introduced, it was widely accepted in the supply chain but lacked vendor interoperability and security, which hindered broad adoption. While most of the 802.11 headaches have been remedied and the technology has become widely adopted, the wireless industry now faces the opportunities and challenges of a new technology which promises to improve efficiency: RFID.
Read More
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
AIM Global
Technology offering improved efficiency seems to always be accompanied by a number of headaches. For example, when the wireless local area network (WLAN) standard IEEE 802.11 (commonly known as WiFi) was introduced, it was widely accepted in the supply chain but lacked vendor interoperability and security, which hindered broad adoption. While most of the 802.11 headaches have been remedied and the technology has become widely adopted, the wireless industry now faces the opportunities and challenges of a new technology which promises to improve efficiency: RFID.
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Spychips: Fact or Fiction?
Thursday, October 27, 2005
AIM Global
A book review. The discussion of RFID and Privacy, at least for the time being are linked. Read this review of the latest book to relay the conspiracy theories and conjecture.
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Thursday, October 27, 2005
AIM Global
A book review. The discussion of RFID and Privacy, at least for the time being are linked. Read this review of the latest book to relay the conspiracy theories and conjecture.
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Editorial: RFID IDs -- Who Benefits and How?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
AIM Global
The furor caused by California State Senator Joe Simitian's proposed three-year moratorium on RFID-enabled ID cards has obscured two rather fundamental questions: what are the specific kinds of information that should be encoded on an RFID-enabled document and what specific benefits would the holder and issuer gain from this form factor?
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Tuesday, October 25, 2005
AIM Global
The furor caused by California State Senator Joe Simitian's proposed three-year moratorium on RFID-enabled ID cards has obscured two rather fundamental questions: what are the specific kinds of information that should be encoded on an RFID-enabled document and what specific benefits would the holder and issuer gain from this form factor?
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EPC: The Cost of Compliance
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
AIM Global
One of the recurring questions about EPC is, "How much is this going to cost me?" While every company is different -- and the cost depends on whether you're implementing a one-printer slap-and-ship program or one that reaches further back into the enterprise, one thing is clear: it's not cheap.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2005
AIM Global
One of the recurring questions about EPC is, "How much is this going to cost me?" While every company is different -- and the cost depends on whether you're implementing a one-printer slap-and-ship program or one that reaches further back into the enterprise, one thing is clear: it's not cheap.
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Editorial: RFID Legislation -- Protection or Pause Button?
Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The recently drafted "RFID" legislation in California is the latest attempt by some who would prefer to avoid concrete discussion on the pluses and minuses of using RFID and would simply ban the technology rather than understand it.
As many of our readers know, Radio Frequency Identification technology has been around for many years. Specific applications of RFID in security, toll collection, payment transactions, livestock management, manufacturing and many others have been installed with great success. In many cases the application of RFID has provided added security, efficiency, speed, convenience, or other benefits to the everyday consumer or business.
It is true that RFID, like any other technology, can be utilized in inappropriate ways but the key question is whether the recently proposed legislation protects anyone or just “hits the pause button” on the needed discussions that can guide society on how this technology can and should be used?
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Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The recently drafted "RFID" legislation in California is the latest attempt by some who would prefer to avoid concrete discussion on the pluses and minuses of using RFID and would simply ban the technology rather than understand it.
As many of our readers know, Radio Frequency Identification technology has been around for many years. Specific applications of RFID in security, toll collection, payment transactions, livestock management, manufacturing and many others have been installed with great success. In many cases the application of RFID has provided added security, efficiency, speed, convenience, or other benefits to the everyday consumer or business.
It is true that RFID, like any other technology, can be utilized in inappropriate ways but the key question is whether the recently proposed legislation protects anyone or just “hits the pause button” on the needed discussions that can guide society on how this technology can and should be used?
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RFID Cards & Security Poll
Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The last Web Poll on the AIM Global and RFID.org websites asked visitors their views on potential privacy threats posed by RFID-enabled ID cards. The response was overwhelmingly negative -- only 31% felt they posed little risk -- but the comments are more telling than the results.
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Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The last Web Poll on the AIM Global and RFID.org websites asked visitors their views on potential privacy threats posed by RFID-enabled ID cards. The response was overwhelmingly negative -- only 31% felt they posed little risk -- but the comments are more telling than the results.
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RFID IP Consortium Update
Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The recently-announced RFID IP Consortium continues to generate interest and media coverage. Overall, reception of the concept has been positive but even the group's sponsors admit that there is a lot of work to be done and many questions to be addressed.
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Monday, August 29, 2005
AIM Global
The recently-announced RFID IP Consortium continues to generate interest and media coverage. Overall, reception of the concept has been positive but even the group's sponsors admit that there is a lot of work to be done and many questions to be addressed.
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Guest Editorial: Privacy Invasion as ROI
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Stapleton-Gray & Assoc. Inc.
In the January 2004 issue of "RFID Connections" we published an article on "The ROI of Spying." That article looked at the cost of implementing a hypothetical "spy network" to track people into or out of public places.
In this Guest Editorial, Ross Stapleton-Gray, Ph.D. of Stapleton-Gray & Associates, Inc. points out that there are other considerations and that such a network would not need to be created by a central agency such as the U.S. government.
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Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Stapleton-Gray & Assoc. Inc.
In the January 2004 issue of "RFID Connections" we published an article on "The ROI of Spying." That article looked at the cost of implementing a hypothetical "spy network" to track people into or out of public places.
In this Guest Editorial, Ross Stapleton-Gray, Ph.D. of Stapleton-Gray & Associates, Inc. points out that there are other considerations and that such a network would not need to be created by a central agency such as the U.S. government.
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Breaking News: Group Proposes RFID Patent Pool
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
AIM Global
Following the model of the successful patent licensing consortia formed and implemented around essential technologies in the MPEG-2 and DVD industries, a group of companies involved with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology have worked together to develop an intellectual property (IP) licensing consortium.
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Wednesday, August 10, 2005
AIM Global
Following the model of the successful patent licensing consortia formed and implemented around essential technologies in the MPEG-2 and DVD industries, a group of companies involved with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology have worked together to develop an intellectual property (IP) licensing consortium.
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The China Card
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
The scheduled meeting earlier this month between representatives of Chinese ministries involved with RFID and representatives of the U.S. government and various RFID groups, organized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was cancelled by the Chinese due to "visa problems." Some insiders believe the meeting was cancelled because the Chinese feel that U.S. interests are too closely tied to those of EPCglobal. Others feel it's just politics as usual.
Whatever the reason, it's a clear indication that the Chinese want a strong voice in deciding how RFID will be used in global trade. And, if Wal*Mart can be viewed as a 5,000 lb. gorilla (that's used to getting what it wants), China may well be a 10,000 lb. gorilla.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
The scheduled meeting earlier this month between representatives of Chinese ministries involved with RFID and representatives of the U.S. government and various RFID groups, organized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was cancelled by the Chinese due to "visa problems." Some insiders believe the meeting was cancelled because the Chinese feel that U.S. interests are too closely tied to those of EPCglobal. Others feel it's just politics as usual.
Whatever the reason, it's a clear indication that the Chinese want a strong voice in deciding how RFID will be used in global trade. And, if Wal*Mart can be viewed as a 5,000 lb. gorilla (that's used to getting what it wants), China may well be a 10,000 lb. gorilla.
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Technology Insight: Cheaper RFID Chips?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
There's an adage in the computer industry that "memory is cheap." Not so with the integrated circuits (ICs) used in RFID transponders. Memory size is a significant factor in the cost of a chip: the more memory, the larger the chip, the greater the cost.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
There's an adage in the computer industry that "memory is cheap." Not so with the integrated circuits (ICs) used in RFID transponders. Memory size is a significant factor in the cost of a chip: the more memory, the larger the chip, the greater the cost.
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Editorial: Chaos Theory and RFID
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
How does chaos theory apply to RFID? More importantly, what is the "Butterfly Effect" and how does it affect RFID?
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
How does chaos theory apply to RFID? More importantly, what is the "Butterfly Effect" and how does it affect RFID?
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Editorial: Chaos Theory and RFID
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
How does chaos theory apply to RFID? More importantly, what is the "Butterfly Effect" and how does it affect RFID?
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Tuesday, July 26, 2005
AIM Global
How does chaos theory apply to RFID? More importantly, what is the "Butterfly Effect" and how does it affect RFID?
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Editorial: The Ethos of Panic and Doom
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
AIM Global
It seems as if the path to instant notoriety as a technology guru these days is to find fault -- real or imagined -- with some form of RFID. RFID is a hot topic and one that most people don't (or won't) understand, which makes it easy to misrepresent. So, for those who'd like to become an overnight celebrity, herewith, the 10 ten things you need to do to become a messenger of panic and doom.
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Tuesday, May 24, 2005
AIM Global
It seems as if the path to instant notoriety as a technology guru these days is to find fault -- real or imagined -- with some form of RFID. RFID is a hot topic and one that most people don't (or won't) understand, which makes it easy to misrepresent. So, for those who'd like to become an overnight celebrity, herewith, the 10 ten things you need to do to become a messenger of panic and doom.
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Editorial: "Privacy" vs. Safety
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
AIM Global
It's time some of the privacy advocates overcame their knee-jerk reaction every time RFID is mentioned and consider the real world implications before raising privacy issues.
The latest objection is over the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup Organizing Committee's use of RFID in World Football (Soccer) championship tickets. Some privacy advocates are concerned because fans buying tickets have to supply personal information and, with RFID tickets, "they" might be able to track the fan's location in the stadium.
What these objections really mean is that a few individuals' spurious concerns about a possible violation of personal privacy should take precedence over the safety of thousands of fans.
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Tuesday, April 26, 2005
AIM Global
It's time some of the privacy advocates overcame their knee-jerk reaction every time RFID is mentioned and consider the real world implications before raising privacy issues.
The latest objection is over the FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) World Cup Organizing Committee's use of RFID in World Football (Soccer) championship tickets. Some privacy advocates are concerned because fans buying tickets have to supply personal information and, with RFID tickets, "they" might be able to track the fan's location in the stadium.
What these objections really mean is that a few individuals' spurious concerns about a possible violation of personal privacy should take precedence over the safety of thousands of fans.
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RFID-tagged Passports: Deterrent or Threat?
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
AIM Global
The proposal by the U.S. government to use RFID for passports has raised not only the usual concerns about privacy but a more troubling concern that such documents might make U.S. citizens targets in certain parts of the world.
Does this proposal, which is designed to reduce the risk to U.S. citizens in this country, actually endanger them in other countries?
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Tuesday, April 26, 2005
AIM Global
The proposal by the U.S. government to use RFID for passports has raised not only the usual concerns about privacy but a more troubling concern that such documents might make U.S. citizens targets in certain parts of the world.
Does this proposal, which is designed to reduce the risk to U.S. citizens in this country, actually endanger them in other countries?
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When is RFID not RFID?
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
AIM Global
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently denied that it is planning to use RFID for its employee ID badges. Instead DHS asserts it intends to use ISO 14443 (Contactless Smart Cards) which it claims is a different kind of RF.
It's not. It's just a different application of RFID.
The question is why the DHS felt it necessary to claim that Contactless Smart Cards (CSC) are not RFID. It seems as if they wanted to avoid a PR problem but they seem to have created an even larger one.
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Tuesday, April 05, 2005
AIM Global
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently denied that it is planning to use RFID for its employee ID badges. Instead DHS asserts it intends to use ISO 14443 (Contactless Smart Cards) which it claims is a different kind of RF.
It's not. It's just a different application of RFID.
The question is why the DHS felt it necessary to claim that Contactless Smart Cards (CSC) are not RFID. It seems as if they wanted to avoid a PR problem but they seem to have created an even larger one.
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RFID and Privacy Laws
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
AIM Global
In addition to the call by C.A.S.P.I.A.N. to changes in a wide range of labeling and consumer protection laws (see http://www.spychips.com/press-releases/right-to-know-bill.html), another proposal for changes or enhancements to current federal legislation concerning RFID has emerged. While it may not have the popular appeal for consumer privacy as C.A.S.P.I.A.N.'s proposal, it certainly addresses many of the concerns about possible "cracking" of RFID.
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Tuesday, March 22, 2005
AIM Global
In addition to the call by C.A.S.P.I.A.N. to changes in a wide range of labeling and consumer protection laws (see http://www.spychips.com/press-releases/right-to-know-bill.html), another proposal for changes or enhancements to current federal legislation concerning RFID has emerged. While it may not have the popular appeal for consumer privacy as C.A.S.P.I.A.N.'s proposal, it certainly addresses many of the concerns about possible "cracking" of RFID.
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RFID Hacking Threat Overstated
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
AIM Global
What's the threat from hackers breaking RFID encryption for gasoline purchases and car immobilizers? It exists but it's more on the level of something that's possible rather than something that's likely to happen.
This is one of those stories that receives a lot of attention from the media -- particularly the "tech" media -- but not a lot of analysis. Herewith, the full story.
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Tuesday, February 15, 2005
AIM Global
What's the threat from hackers breaking RFID encryption for gasoline purchases and car immobilizers? It exists but it's more on the level of something that's possible rather than something that's likely to happen.
This is one of those stories that receives a lot of attention from the media -- particularly the "tech" media -- but not a lot of analysis. Herewith, the full story.
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Implantable RFID
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
AIM, Inc.
The recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of human use of implantable RFID tags has generated a lot of debate even among tech analysts and has again provided fodder for privacy advocates.
AIM, Inc. has no position on the use of implantable RFID transponders in people. The following is offered as an impartial examination of the current VeriChip technology, its potential benefits as well as some of the issues and concerns its use would raise.
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Tuesday, October 26, 2004
AIM, Inc.
The recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of human use of implantable RFID tags has generated a lot of debate even among tech analysts and has again provided fodder for privacy advocates.
AIM, Inc. has no position on the use of implantable RFID transponders in people. The following is offered as an impartial examination of the current VeriChip technology, its potential benefits as well as some of the issues and concerns its use would raise.
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Missing-the-Point Central
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
AIM, Inc.
From the specter of tagging school children to RFID hacker tools, there have been recent news reports that seem significant but, upon closer reading, display a fundamental lack of understanding of RFID technology.
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Tuesday, August 10, 2004
AIM, Inc.
From the specter of tagging school children to RFID hacker tools, there have been recent news reports that seem significant but, upon closer reading, display a fundamental lack of understanding of RFID technology.
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