RFID Insights
RFID: No Flying Cars
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
RFID Connections
Just like the flying cars predicted by futurists in the 1950s, the potential dangers of RFID predicted by some today are more fantasy than reality.
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010
RFID Connections
Just like the flying cars predicted by futurists in the 1950s, the potential dangers of RFID predicted by some today are more fantasy than reality.
Read More
RFID: Steering Organizations Towards Operational Efficiency
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
RFID Connections
Whether it's for inventory, assets, processes or personnel, clear operational visibility is the key to allowing management to steer an organization towards better profitability.
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Wednesday, August 04, 2010
RFID Connections
Whether it's for inventory, assets, processes or personnel, clear operational visibility is the key to allowing management to steer an organization towards better profitability.
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RFID: Nanotechnology Watch
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
RFID Connections
In the near future, bad environments could produce good results.
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Wednesday, July 07, 2010
RFID Connections
In the near future, bad environments could produce good results.
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RFID: When is RFID Not RFID?
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
RFID Connections
The transformation of RFID tags into "computer chips" and "electronic bar codes" is a growing phenomenon in news articles that show how RFID can be, or is being, used to benefit society. Is it because writers are afraid to identify RFID tags for what they are for fear of negative publicity? Is it ignorance? Is it both?
Read More
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
RFID Connections
The transformation of RFID tags into "computer chips" and "electronic bar codes" is a growing phenomenon in news articles that show how RFID can be, or is being, used to benefit society. Is it because writers are afraid to identify RFID tags for what they are for fear of negative publicity? Is it ignorance? Is it both?
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RFID: Beware the Commodity Mentality
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
RFID Connections
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Add a screwdriver and you can be in real trouble.
You can buy RFID reader/encoders and tags online. There are USB readers you can plug into a wide range of mobile devices. There are kits that allow you to add tags to everyday household items. Even Dell Direct is offering a turnkey RFID IT asset tracking package. And thanks to the increasing number of international standards and interoperability, there's no longer a question of "will this stuff work?" it's a question of "what can I do with this stuff?"
It seems as if RFID is going main-stream and that it's really not all that hard to use RFID. In some respects that's true. In other respects, it couldn't be more wrong.
Read More
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
RFID Connections
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Add a screwdriver and you can be in real trouble.
You can buy RFID reader/encoders and tags online. There are USB readers you can plug into a wide range of mobile devices. There are kits that allow you to add tags to everyday household items. Even Dell Direct is offering a turnkey RFID IT asset tracking package. And thanks to the increasing number of international standards and interoperability, there's no longer a question of "will this stuff work?" it's a question of "what can I do with this stuff?"
It seems as if RFID is going main-stream and that it's really not all that hard to use RFID. In some respects that's true. In other respects, it couldn't be more wrong.
Read More
RFID: Food Safety and Product Recalls
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
RFID Connections
Consumer safety and corporate profits can both benefit from RFID
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Wednesday, April 07, 2010
RFID Connections
Consumer safety and corporate profits can both benefit from RFID
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RFID: Cargo Security and Product Traceability
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
RFID Connections
RFID can help prevent cargo theft and help identify individuals involved in it
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
RFID Connections
RFID can help prevent cargo theft and help identify individuals involved in it
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RFID: For the Public Good
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
RFID Connections
Once again, privacy is in the news with New Hampshire's House passing House Bill 478 limiting RFID [very similar to bills that have twice failed to be passed by the New Hampshire Senate]. And, once again, it contains a list of unreasonable restrictions on RFID. While intended to protect the public's privacy, it neglects mention of anything resembling embedded security features that would both benefit the public and protect individual privacy. As Dan Engels points out in this month's podcast, "RFID: Securing Privacy", improved security -- not the limitations on the use of the technology -- is necessary to ensure privacy.
But there is an issue in these discussions more fundamental than either privacy or security...
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Wednesday, February 03, 2010
RFID Connections
Once again, privacy is in the news with New Hampshire's House passing House Bill 478 limiting RFID [very similar to bills that have twice failed to be passed by the New Hampshire Senate]. And, once again, it contains a list of unreasonable restrictions on RFID. While intended to protect the public's privacy, it neglects mention of anything resembling embedded security features that would both benefit the public and protect individual privacy. As Dan Engels points out in this month's podcast, "RFID: Securing Privacy", improved security -- not the limitations on the use of the technology -- is necessary to ensure privacy.
But there is an issue in these discussions more fundamental than either privacy or security...
Read More
RFID: 2010 Will This Be The Year...?
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
RFID Connections
Will this be the year that RFID security is finally implemented?
As we look forward to 2010, will this be the year that we start seeing security considerations being included as an essential part of RFID system design or will 2010 be remembered for more examples of what was done wrong?
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Wednesday, January 06, 2010
RFID Connections
Will this be the year that RFID security is finally implemented?
As we look forward to 2010, will this be the year that we start seeing security considerations being included as an essential part of RFID system design or will 2010 be remembered for more examples of what was done wrong?
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RFID: Update -- The Health Care Initiative
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
RFID Connections
Project Designed to Ensure Benign Operation of RFID in Health Care Settings
Of the various studies and reports on the use of RFID in Health Care settings, one key issue has been absent: transparency. While some equipment has been identified and some testing parameters have been specified, there is insufficient detail to allow any of the tests to be replicated by another institution.
The AIM Health Care Initiative (HCI) is designed to change all that.
Read More
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
RFID Connections
Project Designed to Ensure Benign Operation of RFID in Health Care Settings
Of the various studies and reports on the use of RFID in Health Care settings, one key issue has been absent: transparency. While some equipment has been identified and some testing parameters have been specified, there is insufficient detail to allow any of the tests to be replicated by another institution.
The AIM Health Care Initiative (HCI) is designed to change all that.
Read More
RFID: Printed Electronics - Sooner or Later?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
RFID Connections
The March 2009 Viewpoint talked about advances in organic (also called "plastic") printed RFID and its potential to provide "smart packaging" and make tagging everyday objects more feasible. Recent announcements about inorganic (metallic) inks may bring low cost printed RFID tags even closer and may even bring about printed UHF tags by overcoming one of the key limitations (to date) of organic inks.
Read More
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
RFID Connections
The March 2009 Viewpoint talked about advances in organic (also called "plastic") printed RFID and its potential to provide "smart packaging" and make tagging everyday objects more feasible. Recent announcements about inorganic (metallic) inks may bring low cost printed RFID tags even closer and may even bring about printed UHF tags by overcoming one of the key limitations (to date) of organic inks.
Read More
RFID: Will France Be the New Leader in NFC Applications?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
RFID Connections
Back in the 1970s, the French phone system was considered to be horribly outdated and inefficient. By the early 1980s, it was considered to be the most advanced system in the world.
How did this happen? Because the French chose not to simply "upgrade" their phone system to bring it to the same level as the rest of Europe, instead they took a look at what telecommunications could be and brought out the Minitel* -- a text-based system that looks, today, a lot like the early Internet.
Now, the French government appears to be making the same bold move with near field communication (NFC).
Read More
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
RFID Connections
Back in the 1970s, the French phone system was considered to be horribly outdated and inefficient. By the early 1980s, it was considered to be the most advanced system in the world.
How did this happen? Because the French chose not to simply "upgrade" their phone system to bring it to the same level as the rest of Europe, instead they took a look at what telecommunications could be and brought out the Minitel* -- a text-based system that looks, today, a lot like the early Internet.
Now, the French government appears to be making the same bold move with near field communication (NFC).
Read More
RFID: Can RFID Survive the "Internet of Things"?
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
RFID Connections
Is the concept of the "Internet of Things" hindering RFID deployment?
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Wednesday, September 02, 2009
RFID Connections
Is the concept of the "Internet of Things" hindering RFID deployment?
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RFID: Reusing "Disposable" Tags
Wednesday, August 04, 2009
RFID Connections
A study recently released by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) shows that "disposable" labels used on returnable containers for fresh produce can be reused a number of times.
For returnable containers in closed-loop applications this may make sense. But does it make sense in other applications?
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Wednesday, August 04, 2009
RFID Connections
A study recently released by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) shows that "disposable" labels used on returnable containers for fresh produce can be reused a number of times.
For returnable containers in closed-loop applications this may make sense. But does it make sense in other applications?
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RFID: The Case for NFC
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
I attended a meeting of the Atlanta, GA Wireless Technology Forum two weeks ago where near field communication (NFC) was the topic. There was a lot of interest but also a lot of debate about the technology. One key question was, "Since most mobile devices can both read and display 2D bar codes, why can't 2D bar codes be used instead of NFC?" It was also noted that even the most recent versions of popular mobile devices do not include NFC capabilities. This prompted the question of how feasible it is that NFC applications will be implemented at any time in the near future.
Those were both good points. In fact, the current capabilities of most mobile devices to read and display 2D bar codes are already being used for a variety of applications such as airline boarding passes, event ticketing and so forth. But there are applications where 2D symbols are not the best choice. Those are the applications where NFC is the best -- or only -- real solution. And, recent technical developments are beginning to provide a possible time-line for applications.
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
I attended a meeting of the Atlanta, GA Wireless Technology Forum two weeks ago where near field communication (NFC) was the topic. There was a lot of interest but also a lot of debate about the technology. One key question was, "Since most mobile devices can both read and display 2D bar codes, why can't 2D bar codes be used instead of NFC?" It was also noted that even the most recent versions of popular mobile devices do not include NFC capabilities. This prompted the question of how feasible it is that NFC applications will be implemented at any time in the near future.
Those were both good points. In fact, the current capabilities of most mobile devices to read and display 2D bar codes are already being used for a variety of applications such as airline boarding passes, event ticketing and so forth. But there are applications where 2D symbols are not the best choice. Those are the applications where NFC is the best -- or only -- real solution. And, recent technical developments are beginning to provide a possible time-line for applications.
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RFID and the Cold Chain: A "Fresh" Approach
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
It might seem that using temperature-logging sensor-equipped RFID tags to help reduce waste in the perishable goods supply chain would be an obvious solution. In fact, Doug Standley of Deloitte Consulting, which cooperated with the University of Arkansas on a study of temperature variations in refrigerated trailers, was quoted: "Loss and damage of perishable goods during storage and transportation is a substantial global issue, with some industry sources estimating that losses of up to 33 percent on perishable freight are common."
So why, with such potential benefits, hasn't the cold chain widely adopted this solution? Cost is probably one issue. But a larger one may be that the so-called supply chain is, in many cases, a series of independent "links" that do not yet have the logistics or communications capabilities to deal with these tags or their data.
Read More
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
It might seem that using temperature-logging sensor-equipped RFID tags to help reduce waste in the perishable goods supply chain would be an obvious solution. In fact, Doug Standley of Deloitte Consulting, which cooperated with the University of Arkansas on a study of temperature variations in refrigerated trailers, was quoted: "Loss and damage of perishable goods during storage and transportation is a substantial global issue, with some industry sources estimating that losses of up to 33 percent on perishable freight are common."
So why, with such potential benefits, hasn't the cold chain widely adopted this solution? Cost is probably one issue. But a larger one may be that the so-called supply chain is, in many cases, a series of independent "links" that do not yet have the logistics or communications capabilities to deal with these tags or their data.
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RFID is Dead...Long Live RFIT
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At RFID Journal Live! in Orlando last week (28-29 April 2009) it became obvious that RFID has outgrown the "identification" (ID) part of the acronym and now deserves to be viewed as "information technology" (IT).
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At RFID Journal Live! in Orlando last week (28-29 April 2009) it became obvious that RFID has outgrown the "identification" (ID) part of the acronym and now deserves to be viewed as "information technology" (IT).
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RFID: Legislative Action
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At some recent legislative hearings on whether to limit, regulate or restrict RFID in some way, advocates of RFID finally began to get their views heard. Why? Because many of the advocates weren't companies manufacturing or selling RFID, they were companies and agencies actively using the technology. They were able to point out to state legislators how the technology was actively benefitting citizens of the state. And their real world experiences helped put to rest some of the more outlandish claims of some privacy advocates.
At the same time, there are new concerns that some companies and governmental agencies are implementing RFID technology without giving adequate attention to the need for security and, therefore, privacy. Concerns about covert reading of ID cards and similar items must be addressed because they highlight real or potential system vulnerabilities that expose not only individuals but the entire system to unnecessary risk.
It is up to those in the RFID community -- both vendors and end users -- to be heard in legislative hearings and community forums in order to present a balanced view of the technology and point to ways in which it can be implemented securely so that it can continue to provide benefits while protecting the integrity of the system and personal privacy.
Read More
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
At some recent legislative hearings on whether to limit, regulate or restrict RFID in some way, advocates of RFID finally began to get their views heard. Why? Because many of the advocates weren't companies manufacturing or selling RFID, they were companies and agencies actively using the technology. They were able to point out to state legislators how the technology was actively benefitting citizens of the state. And their real world experiences helped put to rest some of the more outlandish claims of some privacy advocates.
At the same time, there are new concerns that some companies and governmental agencies are implementing RFID technology without giving adequate attention to the need for security and, therefore, privacy. Concerns about covert reading of ID cards and similar items must be addressed because they highlight real or potential system vulnerabilities that expose not only individuals but the entire system to unnecessary risk.
It is up to those in the RFID community -- both vendors and end users -- to be heard in legislative hearings and community forums in order to present a balanced view of the technology and point to ways in which it can be implemented securely so that it can continue to provide benefits while protecting the integrity of the system and personal privacy.
Read More
Organic RFID: New Hope for Open Systems and Privacy?
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Recent announcements on advancements in organic RFID, also known as plastic electronics, indicate that these low-cost, flexible tags may be viable products sooner rather than later. And that may be just what's needed to help spur more wide-spread deployment of RFID in open systems -- and help address privacy concerns at the same time.
Read More
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Recent announcements on advancements in organic RFID, also known as plastic electronics, indicate that these low-cost, flexible tags may be viable products sooner rather than later. And that may be just what's needed to help spur more wide-spread deployment of RFID in open systems -- and help address privacy concerns at the same time.
Read More
RFID: Curbing Shrink in a Tight Economy
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
According to the Global Retail Theft Barometer, retailers experienced total shrinkage of $105B in 2008. Of that, more than half, $62B, was reportedly the result of employee theft, vendor discrepancies and various internal errors. With today's economy, these numbers are likely to grow. Curbing supply chain and in-store shrink should be a major initiative for retailers -- and identifying its source is the first step.
RFID certainly offers the promise to help curb shrink. Vendor labeling is the key to a successful program to improve visibility throughout the supply chain but it may be the toughest to achieve. Many vendors claim their existing bar code systems are already adequate but underlying objections might be that vendors do not see any direct benefits and may not want to expose inefficiencies and errors in their operations.
But there are ways to overcome these objections or, at least, expose them for what they are.
Read More
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
According to the Global Retail Theft Barometer, retailers experienced total shrinkage of $105B in 2008. Of that, more than half, $62B, was reportedly the result of employee theft, vendor discrepancies and various internal errors. With today's economy, these numbers are likely to grow. Curbing supply chain and in-store shrink should be a major initiative for retailers -- and identifying its source is the first step.
RFID certainly offers the promise to help curb shrink. Vendor labeling is the key to a successful program to improve visibility throughout the supply chain but it may be the toughest to achieve. Many vendors claim their existing bar code systems are already adequate but underlying objections might be that vendors do not see any direct benefits and may not want to expose inefficiencies and errors in their operations.
But there are ways to overcome these objections or, at least, expose them for what they are.
Read More
RFID: 2009 - the Year of Association?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Much of the attention on the potential for wide-spread RFID deployment has focused on major initiatives: retail supply chain, Department of Defense, and healthcare. Yet, if history is any guide, it may be the less well publicized initiatives that are the harbingers of RFID adoption.
In 2008, many of the success stories were of closed-loop applications: asset tracking in hospitals, manufacturing, libraries and even bookstores. There were also solid pilots for food traceability and other supply chain applications. But 2008 also saw increasing activity by industry associations developing their own standards for RFID use. It is that activity, in areas not traditionally associated with automatic ID initiatives, which are of special interest.
Read More
Thursday, January 08, 2009
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
Much of the attention on the potential for wide-spread RFID deployment has focused on major initiatives: retail supply chain, Department of Defense, and healthcare. Yet, if history is any guide, it may be the less well publicized initiatives that are the harbingers of RFID adoption.
In 2008, many of the success stories were of closed-loop applications: asset tracking in hospitals, manufacturing, libraries and even bookstores. There were also solid pilots for food traceability and other supply chain applications. But 2008 also saw increasing activity by industry associations developing their own standards for RFID use. It is that activity, in areas not traditionally associated with automatic ID initiatives, which are of special interest.
Read More
RFID: The Return on Returns
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
This month's podcast with Ken Laing on the use of RFID for orthopedic surgical kits highlights the benefits of item level tagging for managing returns. Even companies that adopt (or have adopted) a "slap and ship" approach for shipping can benefit from what may be perceived as just an additional cost. While there's a clear return-on-investment (ROI) for tracking returnable transport items and "floating" assets (kegs, cylinders, etc. that are sent to a customer and returned for refilling), using RFID to identify and manage returned items can also provide a solid ROI as long as the calculation includes all the direct and indirect benefits such a system can provide.
Read More
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
This month's podcast with Ken Laing on the use of RFID for orthopedic surgical kits highlights the benefits of item level tagging for managing returns. Even companies that adopt (or have adopted) a "slap and ship" approach for shipping can benefit from what may be perceived as just an additional cost. While there's a clear return-on-investment (ROI) for tracking returnable transport items and "floating" assets (kegs, cylinders, etc. that are sent to a customer and returned for refilling), using RFID to identify and manage returned items can also provide a solid ROI as long as the calculation includes all the direct and indirect benefits such a system can provide.
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RFID: Revolutionizing Patient Monitoring?
Friday, November 07, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There is a lot of talk about RFID in healthcare -- from patient identification to medical equipment tracking to pharmaceutical and the supply chain safety and efficiency. But there's not that much talk about the patient except as an indirect beneficiary of the technology.
But that may be about to change. A synergistic combination of new sensor technologies, RFID and cell phones promises to usher in a new era of patient convenience, safety and, surprisingly, cost reduction.
Read More
Friday, November 07, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There is a lot of talk about RFID in healthcare -- from patient identification to medical equipment tracking to pharmaceutical and the supply chain safety and efficiency. But there's not that much talk about the patient except as an indirect beneficiary of the technology.
But that may be about to change. A synergistic combination of new sensor technologies, RFID and cell phones promises to usher in a new era of patient convenience, safety and, surprisingly, cost reduction.
Read More
RFID: The Dialogue Continues
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
“The nation that outcomputes will outcompete.” This statement, delivered by Deborah Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness, during her keynote address at last week’s Transatlantic Business Dialogue’s RFID Symposium held in Washington, DC, defined a key challenge for the speakers and attendees of the event.
What made this dialogue different from many that occur at the myriad of RFID events was a focus on collaboration of the U.S. and the European Union, and a renewed determination to define the key issues that need to be resolved in order to allow for widespread adoption of RFID.
Read More
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
RFID Connections
Linda Young
Director, Business Development
AIM Global
“The nation that outcomputes will outcompete.” This statement, delivered by Deborah Wince-Smith, President of the Council on Competitiveness, during her keynote address at last week’s Transatlantic Business Dialogue’s RFID Symposium held in Washington, DC, defined a key challenge for the speakers and attendees of the event.
What made this dialogue different from many that occur at the myriad of RFID events was a focus on collaboration of the U.S. and the European Union, and a renewed determination to define the key issues that need to be resolved in order to allow for widespread adoption of RFID.
Read More
RFID: Possibilities Abound
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In reviewing the Industry and Corporate news summary articles for this month's issue, it struck me that many of the topics "RFID Connections" has touched on in the past are now being offered or proposed as commercial products: the use of RFID/RTLS to help ensure the safety of miners and the use of what is essentially an "on" switch to secure financial transaction cards to name two.
That is perhaps the key note in the RFID industry today: that opportunities to solve problems and address concerns still present the greatest business possibilities and benefits to the end user.
Read More
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
In reviewing the Industry and Corporate news summary articles for this month's issue, it struck me that many of the topics "RFID Connections" has touched on in the past are now being offered or proposed as commercial products: the use of RFID/RTLS to help ensure the safety of miners and the use of what is essentially an "on" switch to secure financial transaction cards to name two.
That is perhaps the key note in the RFID industry today: that opportunities to solve problems and address concerns still present the greatest business possibilities and benefits to the end user.
Read More
RFID: A Time for Understanding
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
The introduction of any new technology is bound to create a certain amount of confusion and, while RFID has been around for many years, it's still essentially a "new" technology because of its rapid -- and continuing -- evolution. This continuing evolution makes it difficult to stay current with what RFID can and (still) cannot do, what the different versions of the technology are, how they might apply in the real world, and how and when to best take advantage of what RFID offers.
In that regard, there are four types of RFID understanding required: understanding the full range of RFID technologies, understanding their capabilities and limitations, understanding their place in a data collection and management system, and understanding their potential cultural impact (both corporate and consumer).
Read More
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
The introduction of any new technology is bound to create a certain amount of confusion and, while RFID has been around for many years, it's still essentially a "new" technology because of its rapid -- and continuing -- evolution. This continuing evolution makes it difficult to stay current with what RFID can and (still) cannot do, what the different versions of the technology are, how they might apply in the real world, and how and when to best take advantage of what RFID offers.
In that regard, there are four types of RFID understanding required: understanding the full range of RFID technologies, understanding their capabilities and limitations, understanding their place in a data collection and management system, and understanding their potential cultural impact (both corporate and consumer).
Read More
RFID and Financial Transactions: Will Mobile Phones Replace Contactless Cards?
August 06, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There is growing debate over whether mobile phones (NFC) would be a better choice for electronic payments than contactless cards. Those in favor of the mobile phone solution point to the fact that, since mobile devices contain microprocessors, they can offer additional layers of security against eavesdropping on contactless payments. On the other side of the debate are those who point to the fact that Apple's iPhone was hacked within days of its introduction and such attacks could pose greater threats to users' financial data than eavesdropping on a single card.
However, the relative merits and limitations of the available technologies are not the only issues.
Read More
August 06, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
There is growing debate over whether mobile phones (NFC) would be a better choice for electronic payments than contactless cards. Those in favor of the mobile phone solution point to the fact that, since mobile devices contain microprocessors, they can offer additional layers of security against eavesdropping on contactless payments. On the other side of the debate are those who point to the fact that Apple's iPhone was hacked within days of its introduction and such attacks could pose greater threats to users' financial data than eavesdropping on a single card.
However, the relative merits and limitations of the available technologies are not the only issues.
Read More
RFID in Healthcare: Risk or Benefit?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A study on "Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Frequency Identification Inducing Potentially Hazardous Incidents in Critical Care Medical Equipment" published in the 25 June 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)1 demonstrated that RFID readers can, under certain conditions, interfere with medical equipment typically used in critical care settings. This has raised concerns about RFID deployment in the hospital2.
Medical experts not connected with the study have pointed out that there have been no injuries reported in any healthcare setting where RFID is in use. Nonetheless, AIM Global and its members welcome testing on the potential effects of RFID on implantable medical devices and medical equipment to ensure that RFID can be used safely in a healthcare environment.
Read More
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
A study on "Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Frequency Identification Inducing Potentially Hazardous Incidents in Critical Care Medical Equipment" published in the 25 June 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)1 demonstrated that RFID readers can, under certain conditions, interfere with medical equipment typically used in critical care settings. This has raised concerns about RFID deployment in the hospital2.
Medical experts not connected with the study have pointed out that there have been no injuries reported in any healthcare setting where RFID is in use. Nonetheless, AIM Global and its members welcome testing on the potential effects of RFID on implantable medical devices and medical equipment to ensure that RFID can be used safely in a healthcare environment.
Read More
RFID: Product Recalls and "The Last Inch"
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
When it comes to product recalls, pulling products from the supply chain in a timely manner is critical. Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and major retailers are well equipped to deal with product recalls and ensure that products are pulled from warehouses and sales areas. But smaller retailers -- including internet sites -- are not so well equipped to handle the "last inch" in the supply chain: the store shelves and consumers' homes. Effectively addressing the "last inch" is the most critical aspect of product recalls and a problem which RFID can impact.
Read More
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
RFID Connections
Bert Moore
Editor
When it comes to product recalls, pulling products from the supply chain in a timely manner is critical. Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and major retailers are well equipped to deal with product recalls and ensure that products are pulled from warehouses and sales areas. But smaller retailers -- including internet sites -- are not so well equipped to handle the "last inch" in the supply chain: the store shelves and consumers' homes. Effectively addressing the "last inch" is the most critical aspect of product recalls and a problem which RFID can impact.
Read More
RFID and Contactless "Smart" Documents
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
RFID Connections
RFID Connections interviewed Julie England, VP, Texas Instruments and General Manager RFID Systems, about contactless technology in government identification documents.
Julie's views can be heard by clicking on the “podcast” in the article. So if you don’t have time to read the entire interview now, you can download it onto your iPod/MP3 player and listen in on your way home.
Note: Written transcript has been edited from audio interview for grammar and syntax.
Read More
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
RFID Connections
RFID Connections interviewed Julie England, VP, Texas Instruments and General Manager RFID Systems, about contactless technology in government identification documents.
Julie's views can be heard by clicking on the “podcast” in the article. So if you don’t have time to read the entire interview now, you can download it onto your iPod/MP3 player and listen in on your way home.
Note: Written transcript has been edited from audio interview for grammar and syntax.
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.
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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
Guest Editorial: Is All Personally Identifiable Information Really Personal?
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
RFID Connections
In response to last month's Viewpoint, Dr. Cavoukian expands on the issue of personally identifiable information and how it should be treated. In fact, a rebuttal of last month's Viewpoint. Her views are appreciated.
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008
RFID Connections
In response to last month's Viewpoint, Dr. Cavoukian expands on the issue of personally identifiable information and how it should be treated. In fact, a rebuttal of last month's Viewpoint. Her views are appreciated.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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RFID 2.0
Friday, December 07, 2007
RFSec
White Paper
RFSec
Could it be that the early disappointments with expectations for item-level tagging now mark
a turning point for RFID? RFIDsec and our global partners believe that RFID technology is now
more important than ever. We see exciting new possibilities, based on the new generation of RFID Solutions” or “RFID 2.0.”
In addition to changes in the ways that developers and end-users can use RFID technology, “RFID 2.0” will require enhanced security in the RFID Tags and in the communication between Reader and RFID Tag.
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Friday, December 07, 2007
RFSec
White Paper
RFSec
Could it be that the early disappointments with expectations for item-level tagging now mark
a turning point for RFID? RFIDsec and our global partners believe that RFID technology is now
more important than ever. We see exciting new possibilities, based on the new generation of RFID Solutions” or “RFID 2.0.”
In addition to changes in the ways that developers and end-users can use RFID technology, “RFID 2.0” will require enhanced security in the RFID Tags and in the communication between Reader and RFID Tag.
Read More
Common RFID Implementation Issues: 10 Considerations for Deployment
Thursday, November 01, 2007
RFID Connections
Alien Technology
White Paper
Today, industries are looking beyond the realm of compliance, as they seek competitive advantages and integrate RFID much earlier into their production processes. Innovative companies are expanding the use of RFID in their supply chain, logistics and asset tracking operations. As a result, they are achieving demonstrable improvements in supply chain visibility, forecast accuracy, reduced out-of-stock situations and reduced counterfeiting.
This whitepaper identifies a few common RFID implementation issues and presents practical lessons learned, based on numerous production deployments across many industries.
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Thursday, November 01, 2007
RFID Connections
Alien Technology
White Paper
Today, industries are looking beyond the realm of compliance, as they seek competitive advantages and integrate RFID much earlier into their production processes. Innovative companies are expanding the use of RFID in their supply chain, logistics and asset tracking operations. As a result, they are achieving demonstrable improvements in supply chain visibility, forecast accuracy, reduced out-of-stock situations and reduced counterfeiting.
This whitepaper identifies a few common RFID implementation issues and presents practical lessons learned, based on numerous production deployments across many industries.
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Automating Industrial Supply Chains
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Intermec
Intermec
White Paper
It’s not uncommon for companies to gain 20 percent more productivity in areas they’ve automated. Now imagine those same gains across every function. Or the dramatic increase in manufacturing flexibility gained by having total visibility into your upstream supply chain as well as changes in demand downstream.
That’s what total automation can do for an industrial/manufacturing enterprise. It can dramatically improve operations by providing real-time data to all the interdependent parts of the supply chain.
[Login to AIM Store required to download]
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Thursday, October 18, 2007
Intermec
Intermec
White Paper
It’s not uncommon for companies to gain 20 percent more productivity in areas they’ve automated. Now imagine those same gains across every function. Or the dramatic increase in manufacturing flexibility gained by having total visibility into your upstream supply chain as well as changes in demand downstream.
That’s what total automation can do for an industrial/manufacturing enterprise. It can dramatically improve operations by providing real-time data to all the interdependent parts of the supply chain.
[Login to AIM Store required to download]
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Real-time RFID Analytics at the Edge of Enterprise Systems
Thursday, October 04, 2007
RFID Connections
Hersh Bhargava
RafCore Systems
The success of an RFID deployment depends on the accuracy of the data reads and on the analysis of the received data. As RFID technology is maturing, enterprises can adopt the technology in a bigger way and move towards item-level tagging. Analysis and deciding the business-relevance of the data then becomes increasingly critical because an RFID network, just from a single warehouse, could possibly generate terabytes of data. In order to stand the test of time for achieving true business value and cost reduction, a higher degree of real-time Business Activity Monitoring (BAM - aggregation and analysis of relevant information to get accurate information) is needed near the edge of the enterprise systems, where the need for data analysis and integration is critical.
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Thursday, October 04, 2007
RFID Connections
Hersh Bhargava
RafCore Systems
The success of an RFID deployment depends on the accuracy of the data reads and on the analysis of the received data. As RFID technology is maturing, enterprises can adopt the technology in a bigger way and move towards item-level tagging. Analysis and deciding the business-relevance of the data then becomes increasingly critical because an RFID network, just from a single warehouse, could possibly generate terabytes of data. In order to stand the test of time for achieving true business value and cost reduction, a higher degree of real-time Business Activity Monitoring (BAM - aggregation and analysis of relevant information to get accurate information) is needed near the edge of the enterprise systems, where the need for data analysis and integration is critical.
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Error Proofing with RFID
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Intermec
White Paper
Intermec
Specialized RFID tags that are optimized for use on or around metal are an effective and viable alternative to bar codes for error proofing applications in manufacturing. This white paper details the financial impact of errors and recalls, explains how RFID can be used for error proofing and other manufacturing processes, presents the benefits of RFID-based processes, and describes developments in tag technology that make RFID a reliable resource for automotive process tracking and error proofing.
Read More
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Intermec
White Paper
Intermec
Specialized RFID tags that are optimized for use on or around metal are an effective and viable alternative to bar codes for error proofing applications in manufacturing. This white paper details the financial impact of errors and recalls, explains how RFID can be used for error proofing and other manufacturing processes, presents the benefits of RFID-based processes, and describes developments in tag technology that make RFID a reliable resource for automotive process tracking and error proofing.
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Stop and Smell the...RFID
Thursday, August 16, 2007
RFID Connections / GlobeRanger
For FloraHolland, a colossal co-op of approximately 7,000 flower and plant growers worldwide, expediting the flow of product to ensure maximum freshness and profit was more than just a "walk in the park." The logistics of the ornamental flower and plant trade are complex. The product is perishable and vulnerable, making speed, reliability and real-time information essential to buyers and sellers.
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Thursday, August 16, 2007
RFID Connections / GlobeRanger
For FloraHolland, a colossal co-op of approximately 7,000 flower and plant growers worldwide, expediting the flow of product to ensure maximum freshness and profit was more than just a "walk in the park." The logistics of the ornamental flower and plant trade are complex. The product is perishable and vulnerable, making speed, reliability and real-time information essential to buyers and sellers.
Read More
RFID: The China Conundrum -- EPCglobal Responds
Thursday, August 02, 2007
RFID Connections / EPCglobal
Chris Adcock
President, EPCglobal Inc.
I read with interest your interview with Mr. Craig Harmon on “RFID and the China Conundrum.” During the interview Mr. Harmon raised a number of points which need clarification in particular EPCglobal’s finance model.
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Thursday, August 02, 2007
RFID Connections / EPCglobal
Chris Adcock
President, EPCglobal Inc.
I read with interest your interview with Mr. Craig Harmon on “RFID and the China Conundrum.” During the interview Mr. Harmon raised a number of points which need clarification in particular EPCglobal’s finance model.
Read More
RFID: The Global View
Thursday, July 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Dr. Peter Harrop
IDTechEx
As the $5 billion RFID market moves strongly to over $25 billion in ten years, advances are on a broad front. RFID is providing safety, security, cost reduction, increased sales, reduced crime and much more. In this article, Dr. Peter Harrop looks at some recent examples.
Read More
Thursday, July 19, 2007
RFID Connections
Dr. Peter Harrop
IDTechEx
As the $5 billion RFID market moves strongly to over $25 billion in ten years, advances are on a broad front. RFID is providing safety, security, cost reduction, increased sales, reduced crime and much more. In this article, Dr. Peter Harrop looks at some recent examples.
Read More
“Smart” RFID Networks
Thursday, June 21, 2007
RFID Connections
Hersh Bhargava
RafCore Systems
RFID networks need to provide value added services in order to give better visibility to inventory movement across supply chain or closed loop applications like Asset tracking or Work In Progress tracking.
Read More
Thursday, June 21, 2007
RFID Connections
Hersh Bhargava
RafCore Systems
RFID networks need to provide value added services in order to give better visibility to inventory movement across supply chain or closed loop applications like Asset tracking or Work In Progress tracking.
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CompTIA RFID+™ Certification -- Your "Need to Know"
Thursday, March 2, 2006
RFID Connections
Those responsible for RFID installations need special skill sets including knowledge of wireless and wired communications networks, data collection software, edgeware/middleware, printing and reading devices, device drivers, and, of course, an understanding of RFID technology and standards.
As both EPC™ and non-EPC RFID implementations expand, having skilled and qualified personnel to implement, manage and maintain a wide range of RFID technologies becomes more critical. However, with the growing number of vendor-oriented and private training and certification programs, it may be difficult to identify truly qualified personnel from those who have only a limited skill set.
David Sommer, vice president of electronic commerce for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), discusses the vendor-neutral certification program developed by CompTIA in cooperation with leading organizations from the RFID industry and how CompTIA RFID+™ certification will provide a solid foundation on which to base potential employee or vendor evaluations.
Read More
Thursday, March 2, 2006
RFID Connections
Those responsible for RFID installations need special skill sets including knowledge of wireless and wired communications networks, data collection software, edgeware/middleware, printing and reading devices, device drivers, and, of course, an understanding of RFID technology and standards.
As both EPC™ and non-EPC RFID implementations expand, having skilled and qualified personnel to implement, manage and maintain a wide range of RFID technologies becomes more critical. However, with the growing number of vendor-oriented and private training and certification programs, it may be difficult to identify truly qualified personnel from those who have only a limited skill set.
David Sommer, vice president of electronic commerce for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), discusses the vendor-neutral certification program developed by CompTIA in cooperation with leading organizations from the RFID industry and how CompTIA RFID+™ certification will provide a solid foundation on which to base potential employee or vendor evaluations.
Read More
RFID and Shared Assets -- When Competitors Become Colleagues
Thursday, February 16, 2006
RFID Connections
Whether it's utilizing common data among competitors or understanding the human side of implementing technology, here are the key points to consider when considering RFID to maximize value in your supply chain. David Adams, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Technology at TrenStar discusses new ways to look at the supply chain, asset management, and RFID (among other things).
[You need to] "...figure out what information you need to harvest from your supply chain in order to make the best business decisions. Once you do that you can decide on the most appropriate technology for your needs."
Read More
Thursday, February 16, 2006
RFID Connections
Whether it's utilizing common data among competitors or understanding the human side of implementing technology, here are the key points to consider when considering RFID to maximize value in your supply chain. David Adams, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Technology at TrenStar discusses new ways to look at the supply chain, asset management, and RFID (among other things).
[You need to] "...figure out what information you need to harvest from your supply chain in order to make the best business decisions. Once you do that you can decide on the most appropriate technology for your needs."
Read More
