RFID SwitchBoard - News & Announcements
Medical Center Earns National Recognition for Quality Improvement Using IT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Birmingham-based Proventix Systems, Inc. today celebrates with Princeton Baptist Medical Center, also of Birmingham, for the national recognition they received from HIMSS/ASQ for successful adoption of information technology to improve quality. Princeton Baptist was chosen from hundreds as one of two national HIMSS/ASQ Stories of Success for the 22% reduction in healthcare associated infections (HAIs) resulting from their adoption of Proventix's nGage RFID based hand hygiene monitoring system.
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ) annually choose award recipients based on "outstanding accomplishments in the adoption and use of information technology to achieve improved patient safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency."
Princeton Baptist Medical Center is being featured as a "Tier 1" organization, whose story demonstrates how technology helps support the six priorities of the National Priorities Partnership and The Joint Commission's national patient safety goals and priorities.
The nGage system monitors hand hygiene compliance 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Healthcare workers wear badges that are uniquely recognized by control units at soap dispensers throughout the hospital. When the worker enters a room or area where there is a control unit, they are recognized and, upon the completion of a quality hand hygiene event, they are given important, patient-specific information (such as "the patient is at risk for a fall"), general employee information, or employee-specific information (such as stock market reports or sports scores). The messaging creates incentives for healthcare workers at the point of care, improves workflow and creates opportunities for efficiencies while enhancing patient safety and quality of care.
"The information gathered in these case studies will help the industry understand how valuable health IT as a tool can be to improving patient safety and quality," said David A. Collins, MHA, CPHQ, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, who is HIMSS director, healthcare information systems. "By sharing notable quality improvement outcomes, we hope these innovative examples will serve as guidance to others for improved healthcare delivery and demonstrate the benefits of health IT adoption."
Healthcare regulatory agencies identify hand hygiene as the single most important way to reduce infection risk, but high levels of sustained hand hygiene compliance are elusive in healthcare facilities around the world. With nGage, Proventix responded to the call from world leader in agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, Joint Commission and World Health Organization for a new science in quality and safety monitoring technology.
"Proventix and nGage are part of a bigger vision than merely improving hand hygiene," says Proventix CEO, Harvey Nix. "Great minds in clinical quality, such as Dr. Peter Pronovost, author of Safe Patients, Smart Hospitals: How One Doctor's Checklist Can Help Us Change Health Care from the Inside Out, and Atul Gawande , author of The Checklist Manifesto and Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance, have demonstrated that improved quality outcomes are possible in healthcare. The opportunity exists to improve delivery of care through collaboration among healthcare workers and standardized processes. nGage has seized this opportunity by utilizing RFID based wireless technology to monitor, communicate, improve and transform healthcare." In addition to hand hygiene monitoring, Proventix is exploring other capabilities of nGage to monitor other quality events.
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ) annually choose award recipients based on "outstanding accomplishments in the adoption and use of information technology to achieve improved patient safety, quality, effectiveness and efficiency."
Princeton Baptist Medical Center is being featured as a "Tier 1" organization, whose story demonstrates how technology helps support the six priorities of the National Priorities Partnership and The Joint Commission's national patient safety goals and priorities.
The nGage system monitors hand hygiene compliance 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Healthcare workers wear badges that are uniquely recognized by control units at soap dispensers throughout the hospital. When the worker enters a room or area where there is a control unit, they are recognized and, upon the completion of a quality hand hygiene event, they are given important, patient-specific information (such as "the patient is at risk for a fall"), general employee information, or employee-specific information (such as stock market reports or sports scores). The messaging creates incentives for healthcare workers at the point of care, improves workflow and creates opportunities for efficiencies while enhancing patient safety and quality of care.
"The information gathered in these case studies will help the industry understand how valuable health IT as a tool can be to improving patient safety and quality," said David A. Collins, MHA, CPHQ, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, who is HIMSS director, healthcare information systems. "By sharing notable quality improvement outcomes, we hope these innovative examples will serve as guidance to others for improved healthcare delivery and demonstrate the benefits of health IT adoption."
Healthcare regulatory agencies identify hand hygiene as the single most important way to reduce infection risk, but high levels of sustained hand hygiene compliance are elusive in healthcare facilities around the world. With nGage, Proventix responded to the call from world leader in agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, Joint Commission and World Health Organization for a new science in quality and safety monitoring technology.
"Proventix and nGage are part of a bigger vision than merely improving hand hygiene," says Proventix CEO, Harvey Nix. "Great minds in clinical quality, such as Dr. Peter Pronovost, author of Safe Patients, Smart Hospitals: How One Doctor's Checklist Can Help Us Change Health Care from the Inside Out, and Atul Gawande , author of The Checklist Manifesto and Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance, have demonstrated that improved quality outcomes are possible in healthcare. The opportunity exists to improve delivery of care through collaboration among healthcare workers and standardized processes. nGage has seized this opportunity by utilizing RFID based wireless technology to monitor, communicate, improve and transform healthcare." In addition to hand hygiene monitoring, Proventix is exploring other capabilities of nGage to monitor other quality events.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Footwear and Fashion to Drive UHF Passive RFID Item-level Tagging Growth
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RFID Item-Level Tagging (ILT) is being deployed very rapidly in apparel and footwear markets. Item-level passive UHF tags now make up an increasing share of the total world market for RFID tags. The firm forecasts that more than three quarters of a billion RFID tags will be used in global apparel markets in 2011.
“RFID systems allow apparel retailers to get a better handle on inventory, reducing costs and preventing out of stock situations that result in loss of sales,” says ABI Research principal analyst Bill Arnold. “The growth in retail item-level tagging is huge, both in shipments and in total spending. The average growth rate is close to 60% for the next three years. In fact, the number of tags that will be used for retail ILT in apparel alone is likely to exceed the total number consumed over the past five years for all RFID markets combined.”
Major retailers such as Macy’s, JC Penney, and Wal-Mart are leading the charge to make RFID systems commonplace in the retail environment.
Typical ROI times for such RFID deployments are only three to six months, but, says Arnold, “The state of the global economy is still creating serious delays in getting money allocated to retail RFID. Executives are still very uneasy about business conditions and availability of credit, and while ILT systems are technically scalable right down to small businesses, credit will be the big limiting factor for smaller independent stores.”
A related use of RFID in retail is in EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems: loss prevention tags containing only one bit of data. This segment is led by Checkpoint and Tyco Retail Solutions.
Research director Michael Liard adds, “Retail adoption of RFID at the item level parallels the course barcodes took about 30 years ago. The main difference this time is that retail department stores, not grocers, are leading the charge.”
“RFID systems allow apparel retailers to get a better handle on inventory, reducing costs and preventing out of stock situations that result in loss of sales,” says ABI Research principal analyst Bill Arnold. “The growth in retail item-level tagging is huge, both in shipments and in total spending. The average growth rate is close to 60% for the next three years. In fact, the number of tags that will be used for retail ILT in apparel alone is likely to exceed the total number consumed over the past five years for all RFID markets combined.”
Major retailers such as Macy’s, JC Penney, and Wal-Mart are leading the charge to make RFID systems commonplace in the retail environment.
Typical ROI times for such RFID deployments are only three to six months, but, says Arnold, “The state of the global economy is still creating serious delays in getting money allocated to retail RFID. Executives are still very uneasy about business conditions and availability of credit, and while ILT systems are technically scalable right down to small businesses, credit will be the big limiting factor for smaller independent stores.”
A related use of RFID in retail is in EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems: loss prevention tags containing only one bit of data. This segment is led by Checkpoint and Tyco Retail Solutions.
Research director Michael Liard adds, “Retail adoption of RFID at the item level parallels the course barcodes took about 30 years ago. The main difference this time is that retail department stores, not grocers, are leading the charge.”
Categories: Next-Tech News
Federal Aviation Administration Implements RFID
CAMDEN, NJ -- February 1, 2011 (Marketwire) - RFID TagSource today announced they have signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration. This collaborative research will enhance flight safety operations by storing maintenance history information directly on aircraft parts using RFID TagSource's new high memory passive RFID tag, the AeroTag. These tags store information on a small chip that will help track the pedigree of flight certified parts and improve inspection operations.
Work under this agreement is being conducted at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center. This provides the company with unique access to laboratory facilities and resources designed and maintained by the FAA for the benefit of the aerospace industry.
This agreement is an indication of the capabilities the company has developed for RFID in aerospace and defense. Earlier this year, RFID TagSource worked with The Boeing Company on the Air Force ARAI program where specially designed RFID tags were attached to an Air Force F-16 and tested at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
"Companies like RFID TagSource show how South Jersey is poised to be the 'silicon valley' of aviation research and development," said New Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "This is the type of program that creates jobs locally that have a direct positive impact for the industry at large."
"This work supports the mission of the aerospace industry to continually improve flight safety and operational efficiency," said Kevin Donahue, Managing Director, RFID TagSource. "The resources available to us at the FAA Technical Center have really helped speed up our development efforts. This is a fantastic opportunity and exciting time for our company."
Work under this agreement is being conducted at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center. This provides the company with unique access to laboratory facilities and resources designed and maintained by the FAA for the benefit of the aerospace industry.
This agreement is an indication of the capabilities the company has developed for RFID in aerospace and defense. Earlier this year, RFID TagSource worked with The Boeing Company on the Air Force ARAI program where specially designed RFID tags were attached to an Air Force F-16 and tested at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
"Companies like RFID TagSource show how South Jersey is poised to be the 'silicon valley' of aviation research and development," said New Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee. "This is the type of program that creates jobs locally that have a direct positive impact for the industry at large."
"This work supports the mission of the aerospace industry to continually improve flight safety and operational efficiency," said Kevin Donahue, Managing Director, RFID TagSource. "The resources available to us at the FAA Technical Center have really helped speed up our development efforts. This is a fantastic opportunity and exciting time for our company."
Categories: Next-Tech News
New One-year Umbilical Tag for TotGuard
Ensuring that newborn patients are well cared for means doing more than just providing excellent clinical services, Vancouver-based Guard RFID Solutions Inc. announced that it has begun shipments of its one-year reusable Umbilical Tag for use with its market-leading TotGuard Infant Security system. Along with your standard security procedures and resources, TotGuard protects these tiny patients using the latest in RFID technology that supports alerts and alarms triggered by the TotGuard tags.
Many hospitals already use the TotGuard disposable and three-month umbilical tags, and adding the one-year version solidifies GuardRFID’s market position as the having the best offering of umbilical tags in the industry.
The new TotGuard one-year umbilical tag weighs under six and half grams and the single-use disposable and three-month versions weigh under five grams. The light weight and ergonomic design make the TotGuard umbilical tags the most comfortable on the market today adding negligible weight to the umbilical clamp.
GuardRFID continues to extend its leadership in the selection of tags available to hospitals for infant security, patient protection, asset tracking, and staff location. GuardRFID healthcare solutions are all able to support the entire family of tags and allow customers to implement multiple applications under the same infrastructure.
“We continue to expand our product line in order to further increase the value of our security and RTLS solutions for our healthcare customers,” says Ti Sakata, GuardRFID Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, “TotGuard is the only system available with such a rich selection of tags and we are proud to be able to say that each delivers industry-leading features and performance in terms of patient comfort and safety, ease-of-use, and minimizing nuisance alarms.”
Guard RFID also helps avoid mix-ups between mothers and their babies by using GuardRFID’s Mother Tag. The system will warn you if you happen to be handing over a newborn to the wrong mother.
Many hospitals already use the TotGuard disposable and three-month umbilical tags, and adding the one-year version solidifies GuardRFID’s market position as the having the best offering of umbilical tags in the industry.
The new TotGuard one-year umbilical tag weighs under six and half grams and the single-use disposable and three-month versions weigh under five grams. The light weight and ergonomic design make the TotGuard umbilical tags the most comfortable on the market today adding negligible weight to the umbilical clamp.
GuardRFID continues to extend its leadership in the selection of tags available to hospitals for infant security, patient protection, asset tracking, and staff location. GuardRFID healthcare solutions are all able to support the entire family of tags and allow customers to implement multiple applications under the same infrastructure.
“We continue to expand our product line in order to further increase the value of our security and RTLS solutions for our healthcare customers,” says Ti Sakata, GuardRFID Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, “TotGuard is the only system available with such a rich selection of tags and we are proud to be able to say that each delivers industry-leading features and performance in terms of patient comfort and safety, ease-of-use, and minimizing nuisance alarms.”
Guard RFID also helps avoid mix-ups between mothers and their babies by using GuardRFID’s Mother Tag. The system will warn you if you happen to be handing over a newborn to the wrong mother.
Categories: Next-Tech News
The Second Coming for RFID in Retail: Leading Brands Involved in In-Store RFID Initiatives
According to Aberdeen data, 40% of 125 survey respondents denote that a pilot store is part of their RFID roll-out strategy, and another 10% indicate multi-store deployments. Announced by Aberdeen Group a Harte-Hanks Company in the recently released The 2011 Store-Level RFID Benchmark report, consumer goods, apparel, and consumer electronics are the top three product categories that retailers are currently tagging or plan to tag.
Retailers, once driven toward RFID by supply chain partners and other corporate mandates, found those to be unprofitable approaches. Since then, retailers have discovered that RFID implementation yields better results when motivated by in-store operational improvements. "Given the nature of the growth challenges the retail community faces in stores, and the opportunities for operations and customer process improvement, retailers are hungry for a strategic roadmap and a set of leading indicators as they look to innovate and transform their store operations with RFID," says Sahir Anand, author and vice president / principal analyst, retail and banking at Aberdeen. "Both Wal-Mart and Macy's are leading store-level RFID innovation, per recent developments," says Anand.
Russ Klein, author and vice-president, technology group at Aberdeen says, "Store-level RFID data integration with other store, and headquarter retail planning and execution applications emerge as some of the top enablers for a fifth of retailers. As shown in this report through the case study, this enabler is directly impacting inventory performance areas such as accuracy and cycle count time reduction." RFID data integration into inventory processes can facilitate streamlining of inventory data accuracy, simplify inventory compliance processes such as cycle counts, and even inventory shrink reduction due to theft, damage, or other losses that are common in retail.
As in the case of several top apparel retailers (including Dillard's, JC Penney, Marks & Spencer, and Bloomingdales), item-level tagging and the resultant RFID data integration can be unveiled in store formats and test categories to ascertain operational gains and then expand to other categories for desirable results.
A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the following underwriters: R-Pac, Omnitrol, and Impinj. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: Aberdeen Group.
Retailers, once driven toward RFID by supply chain partners and other corporate mandates, found those to be unprofitable approaches. Since then, retailers have discovered that RFID implementation yields better results when motivated by in-store operational improvements. "Given the nature of the growth challenges the retail community faces in stores, and the opportunities for operations and customer process improvement, retailers are hungry for a strategic roadmap and a set of leading indicators as they look to innovate and transform their store operations with RFID," says Sahir Anand, author and vice president / principal analyst, retail and banking at Aberdeen. "Both Wal-Mart and Macy's are leading store-level RFID innovation, per recent developments," says Anand.
Russ Klein, author and vice-president, technology group at Aberdeen says, "Store-level RFID data integration with other store, and headquarter retail planning and execution applications emerge as some of the top enablers for a fifth of retailers. As shown in this report through the case study, this enabler is directly impacting inventory performance areas such as accuracy and cycle count time reduction." RFID data integration into inventory processes can facilitate streamlining of inventory data accuracy, simplify inventory compliance processes such as cycle counts, and even inventory shrink reduction due to theft, damage, or other losses that are common in retail.
As in the case of several top apparel retailers (including Dillard's, JC Penney, Marks & Spencer, and Bloomingdales), item-level tagging and the resultant RFID data integration can be unveiled in store formats and test categories to ascertain operational gains and then expand to other categories for desirable results.
A complimentary copy of this report is made available due in part by the following underwriters: R-Pac, Omnitrol, and Impinj. To obtain a complimentary copy of the report, visit: Aberdeen Group.
Categories: Next-Tech News
New Fully Automated Check-in/out Solution at Comfort Xpress Hotel
MONTREAL /PRNewswire/ -- Ariane Systems announced that Nordic Choice Hotels has implemented its Allegro Online/Mobile/Kiosk check-in solution with the launch of the hip new Comfort Xpress brand concept. The first Comfort Xpress branded hotel, which opened January 10th in Oslo, Norway with 180 compact rooms, features the hospitality industry's first 100% automated check-in solution.
Through Ariane's Allegro web-based platform, Comfort Xpress guests are invited to check in prior to arrival using the Allegro web/mobile check-in platform. By simply clicking on the link received by email or SMS on their preferred web-enabled device, such as personal computer, laptop, PDA, cell phone or iPad, guests can set up an automatic check-in time, manage room preferences, update their profile, and pre-pay online with a choice of payment options. On the day of arrival, guests receive another email/SMS with their room number and options on how to access the room, either via OpenWays Mobile Key -- using their personal cell phone to go straight to their room and activate the door lock -- or by obtaining an RFID keycard through Ariane's self-service check-in/out kiosks.
Through a recently completed integration with KABA's Saflok door locking system, the Ariane kiosks installed at Comfort Xpress are equipped with a RFID key encoder that dispenses encrypted RFID keycards. These cards provide secure entry to guests' assigned rooms simply by passing the card in front of a reader on the door lock.
A second phase of technology at Comfort Xpress will also integrate the OpenWays Mobile Key cell phone-based front desk bypass system, which will allow guests to directly access their assigned rooms using their personal cell phone as a key. OpenWays' patented solution turns any cell phone into a secured room key using the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credentials and SMS to securely deliver a key code to the correct user anywhere in the world via a unique, encrypted sound pattern. At Comfort Xpress, the OpenWays system will be integrated with the Saflok RFID electronic door locks and the Ariane Allegro web-based check-in solution, maximizing the benefits of all three advanced technologies.
"When we began to develop our new Comfort Xpress brand, we decided to start from scratch and totally abandon the traditional rules by which most hotels today operate, instead pioneering new technologies that are designed to increase cost-efficiency and guest convenience, while also promoting environmental responsibility," said Thomas Westergaard, senior VP of Comfort Hotels for Nordic Choice Hotels. "The airline industry automated the check-in process 10 years ago, and we feel it is time that the hotel industry follows suit. By maximizing the use of new technologies and offering increased self-service options, we are able to cater to the needs of our guests while saving operational costs that can be passed along to them in the form of lower rates. Our 100% self-service check-in process allows guests to check in where, when and how they want, and represents a first in the hospitality industry. We are proud to be setting a new standard."
In order to create the fully automated self-service check-in/out solution for the Comfort Xpress brand, Nordic Choice Hotels initiated the development of a best-of-breed solution, integrating the most advanced technologies available from the hospitality industry's leading suppliers. One criteria was that the technologies had to work seamlessly within Cenium, Nordic Choice Hotels' centralized property management system that is used chain-wide to manage all aspects of each hotel's operation.
Through Ariane's Allegro web-based platform, Comfort Xpress guests are invited to check in prior to arrival using the Allegro web/mobile check-in platform. By simply clicking on the link received by email or SMS on their preferred web-enabled device, such as personal computer, laptop, PDA, cell phone or iPad, guests can set up an automatic check-in time, manage room preferences, update their profile, and pre-pay online with a choice of payment options. On the day of arrival, guests receive another email/SMS with their room number and options on how to access the room, either via OpenWays Mobile Key -- using their personal cell phone to go straight to their room and activate the door lock -- or by obtaining an RFID keycard through Ariane's self-service check-in/out kiosks.
Through a recently completed integration with KABA's Saflok door locking system, the Ariane kiosks installed at Comfort Xpress are equipped with a RFID key encoder that dispenses encrypted RFID keycards. These cards provide secure entry to guests' assigned rooms simply by passing the card in front of a reader on the door lock.
A second phase of technology at Comfort Xpress will also integrate the OpenWays Mobile Key cell phone-based front desk bypass system, which will allow guests to directly access their assigned rooms using their personal cell phone as a key. OpenWays' patented solution turns any cell phone into a secured room key using the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credentials and SMS to securely deliver a key code to the correct user anywhere in the world via a unique, encrypted sound pattern. At Comfort Xpress, the OpenWays system will be integrated with the Saflok RFID electronic door locks and the Ariane Allegro web-based check-in solution, maximizing the benefits of all three advanced technologies.
"When we began to develop our new Comfort Xpress brand, we decided to start from scratch and totally abandon the traditional rules by which most hotels today operate, instead pioneering new technologies that are designed to increase cost-efficiency and guest convenience, while also promoting environmental responsibility," said Thomas Westergaard, senior VP of Comfort Hotels for Nordic Choice Hotels. "The airline industry automated the check-in process 10 years ago, and we feel it is time that the hotel industry follows suit. By maximizing the use of new technologies and offering increased self-service options, we are able to cater to the needs of our guests while saving operational costs that can be passed along to them in the form of lower rates. Our 100% self-service check-in process allows guests to check in where, when and how they want, and represents a first in the hospitality industry. We are proud to be setting a new standard."
In order to create the fully automated self-service check-in/out solution for the Comfort Xpress brand, Nordic Choice Hotels initiated the development of a best-of-breed solution, integrating the most advanced technologies available from the hospitality industry's leading suppliers. One criteria was that the technologies had to work seamlessly within Cenium, Nordic Choice Hotels' centralized property management system that is used chain-wide to manage all aspects of each hotel's operation.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Lower Hardware Costs to Increase Growth for RFID Market across Asia Pacific
Singapore – Governments of several countries in the Asia Pacific region have played key roles in supporting various industries in adopting RFID. Though the technology is expensive due to heavy investment in hardware, the RFID market continues to grow every year.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Asia Pacific RFID Markets, finds that the total RFID market earned revenues of $600-$800 million in 2009 and estimates this to be over $2.0 billion by 2016, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7 percent.
“The emergence of source tagging and growing supply chain applications are also key growth drivers in the industry,” observes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Parul Oswal. “Source tagging is increasingly becoming popular, especially in Asia Pacific countries that are suppliers to big retailers in the United States.”
With goods being tagged at the manufacturing or packaging stage rather than the store, store associates are left free to focus on customer service. Source tagging thus helps enhance sales and reduces shrinkage in the supply chain.
However, the cost of RFID hardware is still considered high and many companies are hesitant to invest in the technology fearing poor return on investment (ROI). Implementing a full-fledged system can cost $10 million to $25 million for a large manufacturer.
The cost of tags depends on the quantity ordered, the type of IC and antenna used along with the manufacturing method, the amount of testing, and the type of inlay packaging used. The cost of readers varies based on the read range required, the intelligence of readers required to read the information on the tags, and the ability to read multiple tags at one go.
Besides the cost of tags and readers, other expenditures include middleware, application software, and system integration costs, as well as other hidden costs.
“Ensuring compliance and understanding the broader strategic role of the technology is essential since companies will likely need to upgrade their networks and storage to cope with the volume of data captured by the RFID system,” adds Oswal. “Hence, the complete cost of RFID implementation can be high for several organizations, especially small and medium size enterprises.”
This issue can only be managed once the volumes become bigger and technological developments help reduce the cost of RFID. In the mean time, RFID vendors must concentrate their efforts and investments in applications that are increasingly becoming popular with a quick ROI for clients.
The technology, being environmentally friendly, is likely to be well received as enterprises focus on green supply chain and reduction of carbon emission. With the economy starting to show signs of recovery, RFID technology is expected to play a more vital role within enterprises.
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Donna Jeremiah, Corporate Communications, at djeremiah@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Asia Pacific RFID Markets, finds that the total RFID market earned revenues of $600-$800 million in 2009 and estimates this to be over $2.0 billion by 2016, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.7 percent.
“The emergence of source tagging and growing supply chain applications are also key growth drivers in the industry,” observes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Parul Oswal. “Source tagging is increasingly becoming popular, especially in Asia Pacific countries that are suppliers to big retailers in the United States.”
With goods being tagged at the manufacturing or packaging stage rather than the store, store associates are left free to focus on customer service. Source tagging thus helps enhance sales and reduces shrinkage in the supply chain.
However, the cost of RFID hardware is still considered high and many companies are hesitant to invest in the technology fearing poor return on investment (ROI). Implementing a full-fledged system can cost $10 million to $25 million for a large manufacturer.
The cost of tags depends on the quantity ordered, the type of IC and antenna used along with the manufacturing method, the amount of testing, and the type of inlay packaging used. The cost of readers varies based on the read range required, the intelligence of readers required to read the information on the tags, and the ability to read multiple tags at one go.
Besides the cost of tags and readers, other expenditures include middleware, application software, and system integration costs, as well as other hidden costs.
“Ensuring compliance and understanding the broader strategic role of the technology is essential since companies will likely need to upgrade their networks and storage to cope with the volume of data captured by the RFID system,” adds Oswal. “Hence, the complete cost of RFID implementation can be high for several organizations, especially small and medium size enterprises.”
This issue can only be managed once the volumes become bigger and technological developments help reduce the cost of RFID. In the mean time, RFID vendors must concentrate their efforts and investments in applications that are increasingly becoming popular with a quick ROI for clients.
The technology, being environmentally friendly, is likely to be well received as enterprises focus on green supply chain and reduction of carbon emission. With the economy starting to show signs of recovery, RFID technology is expected to play a more vital role within enterprises.
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Donna Jeremiah, Corporate Communications, at djeremiah@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Confidex Supplies RFID e-seal to Identify Returnable Transit Items
Confidex recently announced that its special UHF Gen2 RFID tags are being used in Container Centralen's full scale RFID roll-out called "Operation Chip It!". Confidex developed and delivered tags to IBM Denmark and this tag will be used as an electronic seal by Container Centralen A/S on its fleet of 3.5 million CC Containers. The new tag brings unprecedented transparency in the supply chain as well as improves overall quality of CC Container pool by reducing risk of counterfeit containers to be included into the pool.
Starting from January 10th, Confidex tags are identifying each and every 3.5 million CC Containers in the "Operation Chip It!". "This is the largest UHF RFID tag implementation in RTI's (Returnable Transit Items) worldwide and also the largest purchase order of EPC Gen2 specialty tags ever," said Torbjörn Andersson, Vice President of Sales at Confidex. We are very pleased that IBM and Container Centralen selected Confidex and our unique tag design, which we were working on for over two years with Container Centralen as the lead customer.
"Confidex's extensive work in the design and test of a tag specialized for Container Centralen's specialized environment was the major reason for selecting Confidex as our tag supplier" says Mikael Erthmann, Executive Project Manager for Global Business Services at IBM. "Confidex has worked very closely with IBM throughout the project in order to manage all the different requirements and secure delivery of the tags for this large and challenging RFID project."
By utilizing its patent pending tag design, Confidex developed an electronic RFID "e-seal" which can securely authenticate the origin of the CC Container and which meets the tough customer requirements. This anti-tampering feature was achieved without compromising the small tag size and the read performance requirements of the logistics operations.
To be effective such a high quantity of tags also had to be easy to attach, without additional tools, in any conditions. What's more, the tag needed to be able to withstand extremely harsh use outdoors. The e-seals are identified and verified with RFID handheld devices, supplied by NordicID and others.
The CC Container - flower and pot plant trolley - is designed to meet the specific needs of the horticultural industry. Today it serves users from Sicily to Norway, as the acknowledged standard within the industry. Since the CC Container is also used as a retail display unit, the flowers and plants can be transported directly from the grower to the consumer in the store. By eliminating the need for product handling in between, goods are less likely to get damaged and overall distribution costs are reduced.
"The successful conclusion of this project is a great example what happens when key partners like IBM, NordicID and Confidex work together. By co-operating we've developed a unique total solution system for an incredibly demanding security RFID application," said Jarkko Miettinen, Vice President of New Business Development at Confidex.
Starting from January 10th, Confidex tags are identifying each and every 3.5 million CC Containers in the "Operation Chip It!". "This is the largest UHF RFID tag implementation in RTI's (Returnable Transit Items) worldwide and also the largest purchase order of EPC Gen2 specialty tags ever," said Torbjörn Andersson, Vice President of Sales at Confidex. We are very pleased that IBM and Container Centralen selected Confidex and our unique tag design, which we were working on for over two years with Container Centralen as the lead customer.
"Confidex's extensive work in the design and test of a tag specialized for Container Centralen's specialized environment was the major reason for selecting Confidex as our tag supplier" says Mikael Erthmann, Executive Project Manager for Global Business Services at IBM. "Confidex has worked very closely with IBM throughout the project in order to manage all the different requirements and secure delivery of the tags for this large and challenging RFID project."
By utilizing its patent pending tag design, Confidex developed an electronic RFID "e-seal" which can securely authenticate the origin of the CC Container and which meets the tough customer requirements. This anti-tampering feature was achieved without compromising the small tag size and the read performance requirements of the logistics operations.
To be effective such a high quantity of tags also had to be easy to attach, without additional tools, in any conditions. What's more, the tag needed to be able to withstand extremely harsh use outdoors. The e-seals are identified and verified with RFID handheld devices, supplied by NordicID and others.
The CC Container - flower and pot plant trolley - is designed to meet the specific needs of the horticultural industry. Today it serves users from Sicily to Norway, as the acknowledged standard within the industry. Since the CC Container is also used as a retail display unit, the flowers and plants can be transported directly from the grower to the consumer in the store. By eliminating the need for product handling in between, goods are less likely to get damaged and overall distribution costs are reduced.
"The successful conclusion of this project is a great example what happens when key partners like IBM, NordicID and Confidex work together. By co-operating we've developed a unique total solution system for an incredibly demanding security RFID application," said Jarkko Miettinen, Vice President of New Business Development at Confidex.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Motorola Solutions Unveils Next-Gen Retail Solutions
New mobile computing, voice and imaging solutions help bring the right information to the right place at the right time
NEW YORK– Jan. 10, 2011 – Motorola Solutions Inc. today unveiled its vision for Next Generation Enterprise Mobility solutions that will address and empower the continuing growth of mobile workers, facilitate more accurate and real-time asset visibility, and engage the ever more knowledgeable and smarter customer. With an initial focus on retail, Next Generation Enterprise Mobility is a holistic approach for defining complete technology solutions that will help transform enterprises into even more productive and profitable businesses.
Motorola also introduced today the DS9208 presentation imager, DS4208 handheld imager, MC9190-G industrial mobile computer and announced TEAM Express as a standard feature across its portfolio of voice-capable mobile computers enabling push-to-talk communications among multiple, disparate devices.
Empower the mobile worker
Connecting mobile workers to information and communications when and where they need it, improving their ability to collaborate and proactively meet customer needs at the point of contact.
The physical location of your workforce will be less important than providing them with the tools and connectivity to be productive anywhere. Every worker will become a connected, collaborative mobile worker armed with instant access to detailed information, rich media and communications via a device that is appropriate for their role. These leaner, more mobile workforces will require flexible solutions that allow expanded access to job-specific, actionable data. Evolving priorities will require workers to quickly switch tasks as needed and provide management with the visibility to check task status at any given time. In the future, intelligent network triggers will help ensure the right worker receives the right information in real time to successfully complete the right task. Productivity and job satisfaction will increase along with the ability to instantly resolve issues as they occur.
Enable Real-Time Asset Visibility
Achieving real-time visibility to all assets across enterprise operations with the ability to monitor and control inventory throughout the supply chain.
Real-time visibility to critical assets will include more than merchandise, but all equipment, appliances and devices across your entire operation. Tracking inventory effectively translates directly to delivery speed and the ability to improve efficiencies and delight customers. High-value assets will be uniquely coded, tagged, identified and tracked at all key process points.
Knowing exactly what you have on-hand and where it is will allow you to more efficiently get it to where it needs to go. And that will also apply to your most valuable assets – employees. Better tracking data and analytics will provide greater visibility to all aspects of your operation, as well as the ability to trigger the appropriate response automatically – replenish inventory, assign prioritized tasks – transforming your business into a smarter, more agile enterprise.
Engage the smarter customer
Building stronger relationships with smarter customers means delivering rich, meaningful interactions at numerous points within the supply chain – in the warehouse, in-store, online or anywhere the customer wants to be engaged.
Smarter customers will connect with your business digitally. Loyalty will be gained – or lost – through personalized interactions and access to the information that matters most. Informed customers have higher expectations. They use the full power of the Internet and social media to validate product and service claims, compare prices online and share information about yours and competitors’ services. They will also conduct research instantly from wherever they are. This means your employees will need to be better prepared to provide the service and information these smarter customers expect. To do that, they will need connectivity and visibility equal to or beyond what your customers have and the ability to access that information in a fast, secure and appropriate manner.
The bottom line? To positively influence loyalty you will need to personalize the customer experience, providing the access and applications to improve purchase interactions. And give your customers a reason to come back.
NEW YORK– Jan. 10, 2011 – Motorola Solutions Inc. today unveiled its vision for Next Generation Enterprise Mobility solutions that will address and empower the continuing growth of mobile workers, facilitate more accurate and real-time asset visibility, and engage the ever more knowledgeable and smarter customer. With an initial focus on retail, Next Generation Enterprise Mobility is a holistic approach for defining complete technology solutions that will help transform enterprises into even more productive and profitable businesses.
Motorola also introduced today the DS9208 presentation imager, DS4208 handheld imager, MC9190-G industrial mobile computer and announced TEAM Express as a standard feature across its portfolio of voice-capable mobile computers enabling push-to-talk communications among multiple, disparate devices.
Empower the mobile worker
Connecting mobile workers to information and communications when and where they need it, improving their ability to collaborate and proactively meet customer needs at the point of contact.
The physical location of your workforce will be less important than providing them with the tools and connectivity to be productive anywhere. Every worker will become a connected, collaborative mobile worker armed with instant access to detailed information, rich media and communications via a device that is appropriate for their role. These leaner, more mobile workforces will require flexible solutions that allow expanded access to job-specific, actionable data. Evolving priorities will require workers to quickly switch tasks as needed and provide management with the visibility to check task status at any given time. In the future, intelligent network triggers will help ensure the right worker receives the right information in real time to successfully complete the right task. Productivity and job satisfaction will increase along with the ability to instantly resolve issues as they occur.
Enable Real-Time Asset Visibility
Achieving real-time visibility to all assets across enterprise operations with the ability to monitor and control inventory throughout the supply chain.
Real-time visibility to critical assets will include more than merchandise, but all equipment, appliances and devices across your entire operation. Tracking inventory effectively translates directly to delivery speed and the ability to improve efficiencies and delight customers. High-value assets will be uniquely coded, tagged, identified and tracked at all key process points.
Knowing exactly what you have on-hand and where it is will allow you to more efficiently get it to where it needs to go. And that will also apply to your most valuable assets – employees. Better tracking data and analytics will provide greater visibility to all aspects of your operation, as well as the ability to trigger the appropriate response automatically – replenish inventory, assign prioritized tasks – transforming your business into a smarter, more agile enterprise.
Engage the smarter customer
Building stronger relationships with smarter customers means delivering rich, meaningful interactions at numerous points within the supply chain – in the warehouse, in-store, online or anywhere the customer wants to be engaged.
Smarter customers will connect with your business digitally. Loyalty will be gained – or lost – through personalized interactions and access to the information that matters most. Informed customers have higher expectations. They use the full power of the Internet and social media to validate product and service claims, compare prices online and share information about yours and competitors’ services. They will also conduct research instantly from wherever they are. This means your employees will need to be better prepared to provide the service and information these smarter customers expect. To do that, they will need connectivity and visibility equal to or beyond what your customers have and the ability to access that information in a fast, secure and appropriate manner.
The bottom line? To positively influence loyalty you will need to personalize the customer experience, providing the access and applications to improve purchase interactions. And give your customers a reason to come back.
Categories: Next-Tech News
iGPS Announces Agreement with Kettle Brand Chips
ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company, LLC) announced today that Kettle Brand Chips will begin shipping its products throughout the U.S. on iGPS' all-plastic pallets with embedded RFID tags, commencing immediately. Founded in 1978, Kettle Brand Chips pioneered the kettle-cooked style with its all natural hand-cooked potato chips. Growing at a record pace, the company offers a wide variety of all natural snack foods including Kettle Brand Potato Chips, Kettle Brand Baked Potato Chips, Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Potato Chips, Kettle Brand Organic Potato Chips, Kettle Brand Tias! snacking tortilla chips, Kettle Brand Roaster-Fresh Nut Butters, and Kettle Brand Handcrafted Nuts.
"Our decision to switch to iGPS was based on our desire to upgrade the quality of pallet carrying our products and to utilize a more environmentally sustainable solution than wood," said Joe Iagulli, Vice President of Supply Chain for Kettle Brand. "iGPS' solution fulfills both of our objectives, and we know that our retail partners will appreciate this value enhancement to our supply chain."
"Kettle Brand Chips is a truly great brand with outstanding products and a unique identity," said Bob Moore, Chairman and CEO of iGPS. "We are delighted to welcome them to the iGPS family."
In just four years of operation, iGPS has revolutionized the way goods are being shipped throughout the North American supply chain. Its lightweight, 100 percent recyclable all-plastic pallet is rapidly replacing wood as the platform of choice among the world's most innovative companies.
Switching from wood pallets to lighter-weight iGPS plastic pallets yields game-changing operational savings. Studies performed by iGPS customers consistently show bottom-line savings of up to $2 per pallet load, thanks to lower transport costs, dramatically reduced production downtime, larger loads per pallet, reduced product damage and fewer rejected loads.
Aside from providing proven operational savings, iGPS is setting a new standard in pallet hygiene, as its pallets are easily cleaned, do not absorb fluids that can cross-contaminate food and never require treatment with toxic pesticides or fungicides. In fact, iGPS' pallet is the world's only rental pallet to receive Food Equipment Certification from NSF International, the foremost testing and certification authority with respect to food-related equipment.
"Our decision to switch to iGPS was based on our desire to upgrade the quality of pallet carrying our products and to utilize a more environmentally sustainable solution than wood," said Joe Iagulli, Vice President of Supply Chain for Kettle Brand. "iGPS' solution fulfills both of our objectives, and we know that our retail partners will appreciate this value enhancement to our supply chain."
"Kettle Brand Chips is a truly great brand with outstanding products and a unique identity," said Bob Moore, Chairman and CEO of iGPS. "We are delighted to welcome them to the iGPS family."
In just four years of operation, iGPS has revolutionized the way goods are being shipped throughout the North American supply chain. Its lightweight, 100 percent recyclable all-plastic pallet is rapidly replacing wood as the platform of choice among the world's most innovative companies.
Switching from wood pallets to lighter-weight iGPS plastic pallets yields game-changing operational savings. Studies performed by iGPS customers consistently show bottom-line savings of up to $2 per pallet load, thanks to lower transport costs, dramatically reduced production downtime, larger loads per pallet, reduced product damage and fewer rejected loads.
Aside from providing proven operational savings, iGPS is setting a new standard in pallet hygiene, as its pallets are easily cleaned, do not absorb fluids that can cross-contaminate food and never require treatment with toxic pesticides or fungicides. In fact, iGPS' pallet is the world's only rental pallet to receive Food Equipment Certification from NSF International, the foremost testing and certification authority with respect to food-related equipment.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Printed and Chipless RFID Forecasts, Technologies & Players 2011-2021
Something that printed and chipless RFID technologies have already demonstrated or have the potential to achieve this. Interestingly, few of the biggest chip RFID suppliers are working on these technologies.
Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- The biggest opportunity for RFID is the item level tagging of all things. This ultimately calls for a very low cost tag, something that printed and chipless RFID technologies have already demonstrated or have the potential to achieve this. Interestingly, few of the biggest chip RFID suppliers are working on these technologies. Instead, printers, packagers and electronics companies are leading development, some seeing the ultra low cost RFID tag as just the beginning - with integrated ultra low cost components such as displays, sensors and power to come. This is the only report to cover the technologies, players, opportunities and challenges of what will be the most widely used RFID technologies. Detailed forecasts are given and global progress assessed.
Ten year forecasts
RFID tags that do not contain a silicon chip are called chipless tags - some of which can be printed. The primary potential benefit of the most promising chipless tags is that eventually they could be printed directly on products and packaging for 0.1 cents and replace ten trillion barcodes yearly with something far more versatile and reliable.
The next ten years will see a rapid gain in market share of mainstream printed and chipless RFID tags. The numbers sold globally will rise from 40 million in 2009 to 624 billion in 2019. By value, printed and chipless versions will rise from less than $5 million in 2009 to $3.93 billion in 2019, one third of all income from RFID tags in 2019 because most of the increase in penetration will be by price advantage. In 2019, the average price of an item level tag will be 1 cent but chipless versions will be less - particularly so when printed directly onto packaging. However, only a small proportion will be directly printed onto packaging by 2019. Chip versions will be about 4 cents for highest volumes in 2019 and chipless versions about 0.4 cents.
This report gives the penetration of printed and chipless RFID into many different market verticals over the next ten years. It gives assessment of the different technology options and profiles of the main companies developing these.
Forecasts by technology type
For the lowest cost technologies, we consider how the cost structure will probably not be on a per tag basis, where the value of the tags in hundreds of billions is only a few million dollars, but those involved will make money on licensing the technology, readers, data management etc.
Dallas, TX -- (SBWIRE) -- The biggest opportunity for RFID is the item level tagging of all things. This ultimately calls for a very low cost tag, something that printed and chipless RFID technologies have already demonstrated or have the potential to achieve this. Interestingly, few of the biggest chip RFID suppliers are working on these technologies. Instead, printers, packagers and electronics companies are leading development, some seeing the ultra low cost RFID tag as just the beginning - with integrated ultra low cost components such as displays, sensors and power to come. This is the only report to cover the technologies, players, opportunities and challenges of what will be the most widely used RFID technologies. Detailed forecasts are given and global progress assessed.
Ten year forecasts
RFID tags that do not contain a silicon chip are called chipless tags - some of which can be printed. The primary potential benefit of the most promising chipless tags is that eventually they could be printed directly on products and packaging for 0.1 cents and replace ten trillion barcodes yearly with something far more versatile and reliable.
The next ten years will see a rapid gain in market share of mainstream printed and chipless RFID tags. The numbers sold globally will rise from 40 million in 2009 to 624 billion in 2019. By value, printed and chipless versions will rise from less than $5 million in 2009 to $3.93 billion in 2019, one third of all income from RFID tags in 2019 because most of the increase in penetration will be by price advantage. In 2019, the average price of an item level tag will be 1 cent but chipless versions will be less - particularly so when printed directly onto packaging. However, only a small proportion will be directly printed onto packaging by 2019. Chip versions will be about 4 cents for highest volumes in 2019 and chipless versions about 0.4 cents.
This report gives the penetration of printed and chipless RFID into many different market verticals over the next ten years. It gives assessment of the different technology options and profiles of the main companies developing these.
Forecasts by technology type
For the lowest cost technologies, we consider how the cost structure will probably not be on a per tag basis, where the value of the tags in hundreds of billions is only a few million dollars, but those involved will make money on licensing the technology, readers, data management etc.
Categories: Next-Tech News
RFID Market Poised for Rapid Expansion till 2013
Despite the economic problems, 2009 witnessed significant progress in the application of RFID technology. With the rising interest of end users and awareness about technology in different applications and verticals, the RFID technology is gradually turning into an authentic and reliable option for identification. Besides, the entry of new players, re-positioning of some companies as RFID-focused, new product and service launches, technology upgradation, standards evolution, partnerships and alliances, mergers and acquisitions and general market awareness benefit the RFID industry.
According to RNCOS' new research report “Global RFID Market Analysis till 2010”, the RFID market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 17% in the period 2011-2013 to a value of approximately US$ 9.7 Billion. The overall growth in RFID is expected to outpace other automatic identification technologies like barcode. The reason behind this phenomenal growth is that the various applications in different verticals have emerged around this technology.
At the regional level, we have found that Asia-Pacific will witness the highest growth in terms of revenue. The region is anticipated to account for 27% of the entire RFID market by 2013. Other regions like Europe and North America are also focusing on improving their business processes with the RFID technology. For instance, the RFID market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 19% during the forecast period. Another important market driver is the continuous investment by the RFID vendors. The technology appeals to traditional barcode vendors as sensors are typically combined with active RFID.
According to their analysis, maximum enterprises in the European countries are using RFID for person identification/access control, while in the Asia Pacific countries logistics and retail are the emerging sectors using RFID technology. Other verticals like transportation, consumer packaged goods will continue to use the technology in almost all the regions in near future. Application segments such as security-based solutions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare are in the emerging stage and are expected to drive growth in the market.
As per their research, among the Americas, North American passive RFID market will witness a rapid development. The readers market is likely to see significant growth in coming years. This growth will result from the ongoing standardization initiatives in the RFID arena. In addition, the introduction of small-sized and less expensive readers will increase options for end users; thereby, raising competition levels among reader manufacturers. With the increasing rate of RFID adoption by retail giants and defense segment, the North American RFID middleware and software market generated huge revenue in 2006 and is expected to nearly double it by 2013.
RNCOS has also found that the global RFID market recorded fast pace growth even during the tough economic conditions. The market has been driven by numerous mandates, new product and service launch, entry of new players, technological advancements, re-positioning of some companies as RFID-focused, partnerships and alliances, general market awareness, mergers & acquisitions and standards evolution. Besides, demand for RFID software, hardware and services is widely affected by the application areas, where RFID is being used. Maximum demand came from the transportation sector that accounted for around 28% of the total RFID market in 2009.
The report provides an extensive research and prudent analysis of the RFID market worldwide. Various established and emerging RFID applications in different verticals have been covered in the report to understand the current and future market outlook of RFID in these verticals. The report also discusses the global RFID market rationally and helps clients to analyze the opportunities and factors critical to the success of global RFID industry both in short and long-term. Besides, the report includes the RFID market trends and developments in various key countries across the world.
“Global RFID Market Analysis till 2010” presents a thorough study of the global RFID market and its future potential till 2013. The report covers various vertical segments like, healthcare, retail, automotive, and consumer packaged goods. At the regional level, the report covers Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. The report also provides recent industry trends and developments and aims at providing the best consultancy to clients.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: www.rncos.com/Report/IM576.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: www.rncos.com/promotion.htm
According to RNCOS' new research report “Global RFID Market Analysis till 2010”, the RFID market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 17% in the period 2011-2013 to a value of approximately US$ 9.7 Billion. The overall growth in RFID is expected to outpace other automatic identification technologies like barcode. The reason behind this phenomenal growth is that the various applications in different verticals have emerged around this technology.
At the regional level, we have found that Asia-Pacific will witness the highest growth in terms of revenue. The region is anticipated to account for 27% of the entire RFID market by 2013. Other regions like Europe and North America are also focusing on improving their business processes with the RFID technology. For instance, the RFID market in Germany is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 19% during the forecast period. Another important market driver is the continuous investment by the RFID vendors. The technology appeals to traditional barcode vendors as sensors are typically combined with active RFID.
According to their analysis, maximum enterprises in the European countries are using RFID for person identification/access control, while in the Asia Pacific countries logistics and retail are the emerging sectors using RFID technology. Other verticals like transportation, consumer packaged goods will continue to use the technology in almost all the regions in near future. Application segments such as security-based solutions, pharmaceuticals and healthcare are in the emerging stage and are expected to drive growth in the market.
As per their research, among the Americas, North American passive RFID market will witness a rapid development. The readers market is likely to see significant growth in coming years. This growth will result from the ongoing standardization initiatives in the RFID arena. In addition, the introduction of small-sized and less expensive readers will increase options for end users; thereby, raising competition levels among reader manufacturers. With the increasing rate of RFID adoption by retail giants and defense segment, the North American RFID middleware and software market generated huge revenue in 2006 and is expected to nearly double it by 2013.
RNCOS has also found that the global RFID market recorded fast pace growth even during the tough economic conditions. The market has been driven by numerous mandates, new product and service launch, entry of new players, technological advancements, re-positioning of some companies as RFID-focused, partnerships and alliances, general market awareness, mergers & acquisitions and standards evolution. Besides, demand for RFID software, hardware and services is widely affected by the application areas, where RFID is being used. Maximum demand came from the transportation sector that accounted for around 28% of the total RFID market in 2009.
The report provides an extensive research and prudent analysis of the RFID market worldwide. Various established and emerging RFID applications in different verticals have been covered in the report to understand the current and future market outlook of RFID in these verticals. The report also discusses the global RFID market rationally and helps clients to analyze the opportunities and factors critical to the success of global RFID industry both in short and long-term. Besides, the report includes the RFID market trends and developments in various key countries across the world.
“Global RFID Market Analysis till 2010” presents a thorough study of the global RFID market and its future potential till 2013. The report covers various vertical segments like, healthcare, retail, automotive, and consumer packaged goods. At the regional level, the report covers Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. The report also provides recent industry trends and developments and aims at providing the best consultancy to clients.
For FREE SAMPLE of this report visit: www.rncos.com/Report/IM576.htm
Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: www.rncos.com/promotion.htm
Categories: Next-Tech News
At Hiroshima Rose Nursery High-Value Rose Plants Tagged for Instant Location Visibility
Petah Tikva, Israel – PowerID has announced that Honest, a leading automatic identification system integrator and software vendor in Japan, has deployed a real-time locating system (RTLS) for high-value rose plants at the Hiroshima Rose Nursery, based on PowerID’s BAP tags. Honest purchased the tags from PowerID’s Tokyo-based partner and agent, Japan21.
Honest developed the system for inventory control for its customer, Hiroshima Rose Nursery. The nursery, which grows about 500 types of roses, requires accurate real-time inventory and location data, primarily for customer inquiries. To achieve this goal, Honest tagged thousands of plants with PowerID PowerG tags, installed ceiling-antennas, and connected the latter to standard RFID readers in the nursery’s greenhouses to provide instant plant visibility. With the system in place, customers are now able to log on to the nursery’s portal and check inventory and plant status in real-time, expanding business opportunities for the nursery.
“We chose PowerID’s tags because we required a reasonably priced tag that could be read from twenty meters,” said Hironao Sone, Fellow at Honest. “PowerID’s BAP tags met both these requirements, which to us is unique since affordability and excellent performance are two traits that are usually mutually exclusive.”
PowerID’s partner and agent in Japan, Japan21 suggested PowerID’s BAP tags after understanding Honest’s tag requirements. Honest expects to deploy the same system in other rose nurseries and envisions other agriculture customers requiring similar systems for real-time location of inventory.
“We are delighted that our BAP RFID tags are being successfully used in an RTLS application at the Hiroshima Rose Nursery,” said Erez Kahani, CEO of PowerID. “We are also happy that our partnership with Japan21 continues to flourish and bear fruit, and we look forward to continued traction in the Japanese market.”
Honest developed the system for inventory control for its customer, Hiroshima Rose Nursery. The nursery, which grows about 500 types of roses, requires accurate real-time inventory and location data, primarily for customer inquiries. To achieve this goal, Honest tagged thousands of plants with PowerID PowerG tags, installed ceiling-antennas, and connected the latter to standard RFID readers in the nursery’s greenhouses to provide instant plant visibility. With the system in place, customers are now able to log on to the nursery’s portal and check inventory and plant status in real-time, expanding business opportunities for the nursery.
“We chose PowerID’s tags because we required a reasonably priced tag that could be read from twenty meters,” said Hironao Sone, Fellow at Honest. “PowerID’s BAP tags met both these requirements, which to us is unique since affordability and excellent performance are two traits that are usually mutually exclusive.”
PowerID’s partner and agent in Japan, Japan21 suggested PowerID’s BAP tags after understanding Honest’s tag requirements. Honest expects to deploy the same system in other rose nurseries and envisions other agriculture customers requiring similar systems for real-time location of inventory.
“We are delighted that our BAP RFID tags are being successfully used in an RTLS application at the Hiroshima Rose Nursery,” said Erez Kahani, CEO of PowerID. “We are also happy that our partnership with Japan21 continues to flourish and bear fruit, and we look forward to continued traction in the Japanese market.”
Categories: Next-Tech News
Jewelry Chain CLEOR uses RFID to Improve Inventory Management
Impinj, Inc. announced that French jeweler CLEOR has implemented a chain-wide RFID solution that significantly improved inventory accuracy and supply chain efficiency throughout all of its 50 stores, which process nearly one million pieces of jewelry annually. Since implementing RFID, the company has benefitted from reduced out-of-stocks, decreased stock levels, lower operating costs and measurably increased sales volume.
The RFID solution developed by Frequentiel, a systems integrator, and Tageos, a manufacturer of RFID labels and antennas, employs multiple read points throughout the supply chain including:
- Shipment Receiving: Impinj Speedway Revolution readers with Tageos Cube antennas read incoming bags, each containing 100 pieces of RFID tagged jewelry. The automated shipment receiving process dramatically reduces time spent inspecting jewelry at the DC/warehouse, resulting in considerable cost savings and increased inventory accuracy.
- Delivery Verification: Store employees verify receipt of jewelry packed in small plastic bags using Speedway Revolution readers and Tageos mat antennas. The RFID solution decreases time spent verifying stock delivery and increases store inventory accuracy.
- On-Shelf Inventory: Employees use handheld readers based on Impinj Indy reader chips and Tageos paddle antennas to frequently inventory items on store shelves. The return on investment for inventory control has been substantial. A process that once consumed four days now requires only four hours and reduces damage by eliminating physical handling of jewelry.
"System integrators once viewed jewelry as difficult to tag with RFID, but Frequentiel and Tageos have overcome the challenges typical of reading small metal objects to deliver an elegant solution for CLEOR," said Scot Stelter, senior director of marketing at Impinj, Inc. "We expect this market will grow rapidly now that our partners have demonstrated a solution with compelling ROI."
The RFID solution developed by Frequentiel, a systems integrator, and Tageos, a manufacturer of RFID labels and antennas, employs multiple read points throughout the supply chain including:
- Shipment Receiving: Impinj Speedway Revolution readers with Tageos Cube antennas read incoming bags, each containing 100 pieces of RFID tagged jewelry. The automated shipment receiving process dramatically reduces time spent inspecting jewelry at the DC/warehouse, resulting in considerable cost savings and increased inventory accuracy.
- Delivery Verification: Store employees verify receipt of jewelry packed in small plastic bags using Speedway Revolution readers and Tageos mat antennas. The RFID solution decreases time spent verifying stock delivery and increases store inventory accuracy.
- On-Shelf Inventory: Employees use handheld readers based on Impinj Indy reader chips and Tageos paddle antennas to frequently inventory items on store shelves. The return on investment for inventory control has been substantial. A process that once consumed four days now requires only four hours and reduces damage by eliminating physical handling of jewelry.
"System integrators once viewed jewelry as difficult to tag with RFID, but Frequentiel and Tageos have overcome the challenges typical of reading small metal objects to deliver an elegant solution for CLEOR," said Scot Stelter, senior director of marketing at Impinj, Inc. "We expect this market will grow rapidly now that our partners have demonstrated a solution with compelling ROI."
Categories: Next-Tech News
Jewelry Chain CLEOR uses RFID to Improve Inventory Management
Impinj, Inc. announced that French jeweler CLEOR has implemented a chain-wide RFID solution that significantly improved inventory accuracy and supply chain efficiency throughout all of its 50 stores, which process nearly one million pieces of jewelry annually. Since implementing RFID, the company has benefitted from reduced out-of-stocks, decreased stock levels, lower operating costs and measurably increased sales volume.
The RFID solution developed by Frequentiel, a systems integrator, and Tageos, a manufacturer of RFID labels and antennas, employs multiple read points throughout the supply chain including:
- Shipment Receiving: Impinj Speedway Revolution readers with Tageos Cube antennas read incoming bags, each containing 100 pieces of RFID tagged jewelry. The automated shipment receiving process dramatically reduces time spent inspecting jewelry at the DC/warehouse, resulting in considerable cost savings and increased inventory accuracy.
- Delivery Verification: Store employees verify receipt of jewelry packed in small plastic bags using Speedway Revolution readers and Tageos mat antennas. The RFID solution decreases time spent verifying stock delivery and increases store inventory accuracy.
- On-Shelf Inventory: Employees use handheld readers based on Impinj Indy reader chips and Tageos paddle antennas to frequently inventory items on store shelves. The return on investment for inventory control has been substantial. A process that once consumed four days now requires only four hours and reduces damage by eliminating physical handling of jewelry.
"System integrators once viewed jewelry as difficult to tag with RFID, but Frequentiel and Tageos have overcome the challenges typical of reading small metal objects to deliver an elegant solution for CLEOR," said Scot Stelter, senior director of marketing at Impinj, Inc. "We expect this market will grow rapidly now that our partners have demonstrated a solution with compelling ROI."
The RFID solution developed by Frequentiel, a systems integrator, and Tageos, a manufacturer of RFID labels and antennas, employs multiple read points throughout the supply chain including:
- Shipment Receiving: Impinj Speedway Revolution readers with Tageos Cube antennas read incoming bags, each containing 100 pieces of RFID tagged jewelry. The automated shipment receiving process dramatically reduces time spent inspecting jewelry at the DC/warehouse, resulting in considerable cost savings and increased inventory accuracy.
- Delivery Verification: Store employees verify receipt of jewelry packed in small plastic bags using Speedway Revolution readers and Tageos mat antennas. The RFID solution decreases time spent verifying stock delivery and increases store inventory accuracy.
- On-Shelf Inventory: Employees use handheld readers based on Impinj Indy reader chips and Tageos paddle antennas to frequently inventory items on store shelves. The return on investment for inventory control has been substantial. A process that once consumed four days now requires only four hours and reduces damage by eliminating physical handling of jewelry.
"System integrators once viewed jewelry as difficult to tag with RFID, but Frequentiel and Tageos have overcome the challenges typical of reading small metal objects to deliver an elegant solution for CLEOR," said Scot Stelter, senior director of marketing at Impinj, Inc. "We expect this market will grow rapidly now that our partners have demonstrated a solution with compelling ROI."
Categories: Next-Tech News
RFID Readers Power International Retail Inventory Management Solution
SUNNYVALE, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble announced that its ThingMagic M5e and M5e-Compact RFID reader modules are being used as part of an inventory management system deployed by Gerry Weber, an international fashion and lifestyle company based in Germany. ThingMagic embedded RFID readers power several components of the system including handheld scanners used for inventory, Point-Of-Sale (POS) devices, and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) gate antennas. The system has been deployed in 150 "Houses of Gerry Weber" retail stores in Germany and throughout Europe.
To streamline its inventory and order management processes, Gerry Weber recently began embedding EPC Gen 2 RFID tags from Avery Dennison into the care labels of approximately 25 million garments it manufactures annually. During the receiving process at its retail locations, Gerry Weber staff scan the RFID tags with Nordic ID PL3000 UHF RFID Cross Dipole handhelds powered by ThingMagic M5e-Compact embedded RFID readers. Use of RFID for this inventory activity can save store employees a significant amount of time, as they no longer have to count items by hand or scan individual bar codes when orders arrive. The Nordic ID mobile computers are also being used for retail floor inventory, resulting in reduced labor requirements, increased inventory accuracy, and improved product availability.
RFID-enabled point of sale and electronic article surveillance systems designed by RAKO Security-Label GmbH have also been deployed by Gerry Weber to automate purchasing and electronic theft-protection processes. The highly integrated system includes ThingMagic M5e embedded RFID readers to automate the acquisition of sales information at the point of purchase and provide protection against potential shoplifters by detecting items leaving the store. In addition to automating purchase data collection, the system sends an alert when removed items have no record of being scanned at point of sale, indicating a potential theft.
"Gerry Weber has made a commitment to RFID based upon the significant value its extensive testing and business case analysis has proven," said Bernd Schoner, vice president, Business Development of Trimble's ThingMagic Division. "The use of our powerful embedded RFID engines lays the foundation for several applications in retail environments. We are very pleased to be a part of this initiative solution and believe it provides yet another exceptional example of the value of RFID in the retail market."
Companies serving the retail market — like Nordic ID and RAKO Security-Label — choose ThingMagic RFID modules for their small form factor, ease of integration, and superior tag read rate across a variety of operating conditions. The ThingMagic family of embedded RFID readers are designed to enable mobile and stationary devices from battery-powered hand-held readers where small size and low power consumption are essential, to application specific devices like POS terminals and EAS solutions where extended read ranges and rapid tag singulation are required.
To streamline its inventory and order management processes, Gerry Weber recently began embedding EPC Gen 2 RFID tags from Avery Dennison into the care labels of approximately 25 million garments it manufactures annually. During the receiving process at its retail locations, Gerry Weber staff scan the RFID tags with Nordic ID PL3000 UHF RFID Cross Dipole handhelds powered by ThingMagic M5e-Compact embedded RFID readers. Use of RFID for this inventory activity can save store employees a significant amount of time, as they no longer have to count items by hand or scan individual bar codes when orders arrive. The Nordic ID mobile computers are also being used for retail floor inventory, resulting in reduced labor requirements, increased inventory accuracy, and improved product availability.
RFID-enabled point of sale and electronic article surveillance systems designed by RAKO Security-Label GmbH have also been deployed by Gerry Weber to automate purchasing and electronic theft-protection processes. The highly integrated system includes ThingMagic M5e embedded RFID readers to automate the acquisition of sales information at the point of purchase and provide protection against potential shoplifters by detecting items leaving the store. In addition to automating purchase data collection, the system sends an alert when removed items have no record of being scanned at point of sale, indicating a potential theft.
"Gerry Weber has made a commitment to RFID based upon the significant value its extensive testing and business case analysis has proven," said Bernd Schoner, vice president, Business Development of Trimble's ThingMagic Division. "The use of our powerful embedded RFID engines lays the foundation for several applications in retail environments. We are very pleased to be a part of this initiative solution and believe it provides yet another exceptional example of the value of RFID in the retail market."
Companies serving the retail market — like Nordic ID and RAKO Security-Label — choose ThingMagic RFID modules for their small form factor, ease of integration, and superior tag read rate across a variety of operating conditions. The ThingMagic family of embedded RFID readers are designed to enable mobile and stationary devices from battery-powered hand-held readers where small size and low power consumption are essential, to application specific devices like POS terminals and EAS solutions where extended read ranges and rapid tag singulation are required.
Categories: Next-Tech News
UMD Reveals Significant Impact of Robotics, Automation on Pharmacy Efficiency
BALTIMORE — (BUSINESS WIRE) — The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) has improved delivery turnaround time, reduced personnel costs and enhanced nurse satisfaction. This was the overriding theme of a presentation by UMMC at the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) midyear conference in Anaheim. The presentation, “From Dock to Bedside: Automating the Entire Medication Use Process,” revealed best practices for achieving a safer, streamlined, accountable and cost-saving medication use system.
The MedEx system, which can be integrated with Aethon’s autonomous TUG robots, is the industry’s first fully automated chain-of-custody solution for hospital pharmacies. It combines robotics with RFID tags and readers, biometric (finger print) security, secure carts and lock boxes at nurse stations. MedEx tracks the real-time location and chain-of-custody history of any medication using the RFID tag on each dose.
MedEx has cut in half the number of steps required of nurses to obtain medications. “The TUGs have eliminated the need for signatures, copious paperwork, controlled substance counts and actual keys for the lock box,” said UMMC’s Katherine Mulligan, RN. “Once we retrieve the medications, sending the TUG on its way is as easy as closing the drawers and pressing the green ‘go’ button.”
These features allow hospital pharmacies to know the real-time status of any medication delivery. MedEx utilizes passive RFID, barcodes, biometrics, remote monitoring and secure carts transported by TUG robots.
“Combining the power of MedEx with the TUG robots completely automates themedication delivery process, eliminating the need for manual deliveries or hardcopy receipt signatures,” said Aethon CEO Aldo Zini. “Aethon’s pharmacy solution contributes greatly to hospital quality by ensuring that medication has reached its final destination, is retrieved by the right person and is properly stored. Having accurate, real-time information is a great help in reducing wasted inventory and time spent looking for missing medications.”
Using TUG technology, MedEx allows the pharmacy to improve the frequency, reliability and accountability of all medication deliveries. Medications are kept secure in a locked cart and can only be retrieved with a proper code and fingerprint combination. TUG robots make deliveries according to a pre-determined schedule as well as perform on-demand deliveries.
The MedEx system, which can be integrated with Aethon’s autonomous TUG robots, is the industry’s first fully automated chain-of-custody solution for hospital pharmacies. It combines robotics with RFID tags and readers, biometric (finger print) security, secure carts and lock boxes at nurse stations. MedEx tracks the real-time location and chain-of-custody history of any medication using the RFID tag on each dose.
MedEx has cut in half the number of steps required of nurses to obtain medications. “The TUGs have eliminated the need for signatures, copious paperwork, controlled substance counts and actual keys for the lock box,” said UMMC’s Katherine Mulligan, RN. “Once we retrieve the medications, sending the TUG on its way is as easy as closing the drawers and pressing the green ‘go’ button.”
These features allow hospital pharmacies to know the real-time status of any medication delivery. MedEx utilizes passive RFID, barcodes, biometrics, remote monitoring and secure carts transported by TUG robots.
“Combining the power of MedEx with the TUG robots completely automates themedication delivery process, eliminating the need for manual deliveries or hardcopy receipt signatures,” said Aethon CEO Aldo Zini. “Aethon’s pharmacy solution contributes greatly to hospital quality by ensuring that medication has reached its final destination, is retrieved by the right person and is properly stored. Having accurate, real-time information is a great help in reducing wasted inventory and time spent looking for missing medications.”
Using TUG technology, MedEx allows the pharmacy to improve the frequency, reliability and accountability of all medication deliveries. Medications are kept secure in a locked cart and can only be retrieved with a proper code and fingerprint combination. TUG robots make deliveries according to a pre-determined schedule as well as perform on-demand deliveries.
Categories: Next-Tech News
XtremeSignPost, Inc. Launches Patented Mobile Consumer-Based RFID Advertising Service
DAVIS, Calif.-- (BUSINESS WIRE) --XtremeSignPost, Inc. has launched a consumer-based advertising service. The company has developed an integrated system for mobile RFID advertising that is based around XtremeSignPost’s U.S. patent 7598869 and U.S. patent 7843334 that issued November 30, 2010 entitled “Method to promote and distribute multimedia content using radio frequency identification tags.”
XtremeSignPost’s service promotes customer-based advertising through the sharing of consumer experiences using SMS, instant messaging, email, or social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. In this process, RFID-enabled cell phones are used to recall and share consumer experiences from personalized RFID-tagged consumer products.
The mobile RFID service was launched in Davis, California. The city was selected because of its vibrant community, commitment to biotechnology, world class university, and close proximity to the Bay Area. XtremeSignPost’s system uses cell phones and RFID-tagged commercial products to record, recall, and share diverse multimedia such as music, photos, and videos. The service allows for access to consumer-based information in a mobile setting. The interactive advertising system enables the customer to upload their personal reviews, videos, and messages. The service allows businesses to reward customers who frequently share their experiences. The interactive advertising system appeals to young, mobile, active consumers who are sharing their experiences using computers, cameras, and cell phones.
The consumer-based advertising service was initiated at the Stonegate Pastry, Coffee, and Video shop using XtremeSignPost’s RFID-tagged stickers and Nokia’s 6212 cell phone. The advertising system will work with the Nexus S cell phones running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) that will be released today.
XtremeSignPost’s advertising system is called “The Internet of Experiences.” It introduces a new paradigm in advertising that enhances viral marketing, brand name identification, consumer loyalty, and customer satisfaction. Advertisements powered by XtremeSignPost will work seamlessly with Nokia’s Symbian, Apple’s iPhone, ISIS Mobile Payment, and Google’s Gingerbread platforms. “Eat a pastry and share it too. This place was recommended by Friends,” stated Dr. Monto Kumagai, CEO and President of XtremeSignPost, Inc.
XtremeSignPost’s service promotes customer-based advertising through the sharing of consumer experiences using SMS, instant messaging, email, or social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. In this process, RFID-enabled cell phones are used to recall and share consumer experiences from personalized RFID-tagged consumer products.
The mobile RFID service was launched in Davis, California. The city was selected because of its vibrant community, commitment to biotechnology, world class university, and close proximity to the Bay Area. XtremeSignPost’s system uses cell phones and RFID-tagged commercial products to record, recall, and share diverse multimedia such as music, photos, and videos. The service allows for access to consumer-based information in a mobile setting. The interactive advertising system enables the customer to upload their personal reviews, videos, and messages. The service allows businesses to reward customers who frequently share their experiences. The interactive advertising system appeals to young, mobile, active consumers who are sharing their experiences using computers, cameras, and cell phones.
The consumer-based advertising service was initiated at the Stonegate Pastry, Coffee, and Video shop using XtremeSignPost’s RFID-tagged stickers and Nokia’s 6212 cell phone. The advertising system will work with the Nexus S cell phones running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) that will be released today.
XtremeSignPost’s advertising system is called “The Internet of Experiences.” It introduces a new paradigm in advertising that enhances viral marketing, brand name identification, consumer loyalty, and customer satisfaction. Advertisements powered by XtremeSignPost will work seamlessly with Nokia’s Symbian, Apple’s iPhone, ISIS Mobile Payment, and Google’s Gingerbread platforms. “Eat a pastry and share it too. This place was recommended by Friends,” stated Dr. Monto Kumagai, CEO and President of XtremeSignPost, Inc.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Importance of RFID Discussed in Warehouse Management News
RFID manufacturers are finding innovative ways to improve everyone's lives. This technology is not only improving the supply chain, it is helping handicapped workers perform their job, making the food supply safer, and even reducing traffic congestion. Here are a few examples according to QC Software:
1) An RFID developer simplified the packing process for the visually impaired to improve order accuracy and productivity. When product containing an RFID tag is scanned, the computer determines if the product and amount are correct and relays the information to the worker through audio alerts and commands. Workers then use a simple touch screen with yes/no options.
2) An international food distributor is using RFID tags embedded in container seals to accurately track the temperature, security and location of containers transported from overseas to stores in the U.S.
3) An Italian manufacturer of stone products sells close to a million pieces yearly and distributes internationally. Using waterproof tags that can withstand exposure to dust and machine vibrations, they improved inventory tracking from point of purchase to the consumer by 80%.
4) An RFID chip manufacturer developed an RFID tag that is the size of a grain of sand. While it has a very short read range, this tag can be used to authenticate documents and consumer products. The tags are difficult to find, making it harder for counterfeiters to remove.
5) Companies tracked sales and location data from RFID tags on product displays in the store to ensure the most popular displays were placed on the floor at the right time and location. Sales improved 200 -400%.
6) The state of Utah has installed one of the first electronic toll-collection systems to maintain traffic flow. Drivers apply RFID tags to their cars. These tags transmit ID numbers to readers that are several feet away, while cars travel at 55 mph.
To read the entire article go to the current issue of Warehouse Management News, http://www.qcsoftware.com/PDFs/Newsletter_Nov_2010.pdf, where QC Software looks at how RFID Technology is Transforming the world.
1) An RFID developer simplified the packing process for the visually impaired to improve order accuracy and productivity. When product containing an RFID tag is scanned, the computer determines if the product and amount are correct and relays the information to the worker through audio alerts and commands. Workers then use a simple touch screen with yes/no options.
2) An international food distributor is using RFID tags embedded in container seals to accurately track the temperature, security and location of containers transported from overseas to stores in the U.S.
3) An Italian manufacturer of stone products sells close to a million pieces yearly and distributes internationally. Using waterproof tags that can withstand exposure to dust and machine vibrations, they improved inventory tracking from point of purchase to the consumer by 80%.
4) An RFID chip manufacturer developed an RFID tag that is the size of a grain of sand. While it has a very short read range, this tag can be used to authenticate documents and consumer products. The tags are difficult to find, making it harder for counterfeiters to remove.
5) Companies tracked sales and location data from RFID tags on product displays in the store to ensure the most popular displays were placed on the floor at the right time and location. Sales improved 200 -400%.
6) The state of Utah has installed one of the first electronic toll-collection systems to maintain traffic flow. Drivers apply RFID tags to their cars. These tags transmit ID numbers to readers that are several feet away, while cars travel at 55 mph.
To read the entire article go to the current issue of Warehouse Management News, http://www.qcsoftware.com/PDFs/Newsletter_Nov_2010.pdf, where QC Software looks at how RFID Technology is Transforming the world.
Categories: Next-Tech News
Ekahau Delivers RTLS to Prestigious Brazilian Cancer Institute
RESTON, Virginia, /PRNewswire/ -- Ekahau Inc announced that Ekahau RTLS is being utilized as the underlying real-time tracking and bi-directional communications technology for a staff tracking solution at Instituto do Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira - ICESP, part of the "Sistema FMUSP-HC" system, which is the largest public cancer treatment center in Latin America. The hospital, which spans 28 floors in a building located in the heart of Sao Paulo, Brazil, will use the Ekahau technology to track response time to patients who are in cardiac arrest or when their conditions quickly become unstable.
Ekahau RTLS is the foundation of ICESP's custom-built software, SIGAME, which was developed by RFsense, a Brazilian RTLS and RFID solutions provider, with the support of Ekahau's local distributor Synergy Tecnologia. SIGAME integrates with ICESP's existing VoIP PBX system, enabling the hospital to manage code occurrences and track all healthcare professionals involved in the process. ICESP is using the solution to comply with Utstein guidelines, an international method for reporting cardiac arrest.
"Our evaluation process on location and tracking technologies started in 2008, and after some research we found that we already had almost 80 percent of the infrastructure needed to implement an RTLS solution for tracking people and medical assets using the existing Wi-Fi network. When we launched our Code Blue/Yellow project in 2009 it was clear that an RTLS solution was crucial to quickly locate professionals in a multi-story hospital like ours. Ekahau was the only solution on the market that could deliver bi-directional communications, essential for healthcare professionals to acknowledge the emergency alerts, and could integrate with our existing PBX system and leverage the existing Wi-Fi network, without requiring significant expense for additional infrastructure, such as portals and exciters," said Erika Yazaki, project manager at ICESP. "The SIGAME solution from RFsense is built on top of Ekahau's platform and enables us to gather information and establish efficiency metrics that would have been much more complicated to do with other vendors' technologies. Since we are a public hospital, it is fundamental to adopt tools which provide a tight control over personnel, assets and processes in order to deliver full accountability to the society."
Ekahau RTLS provides ICESP with valuable information related to the hospital staff's response to Code Blue cardiac arrests, which require a three-minute response time, and Code Yellow situations, when patients' conditions become unstable and require no greater than a five-minute response. When a code occurs, staff members who are near the patient are alerted on their Ekahau T301BD badge tag. Individual staff members, who may be involved in other cases, can reject the call by pushing a button on their tag and the alarm will be escalated to other staff. The badge also provides informational text messages related to the event. All responses are logged in ICESP's database, including when the code was called, where each responding staff member was located at that time, the total response time for each person and the time the code was closed based on staff pushing a button on their tag.
The location and time information in the database enables ICESP to improve their response time and evaluate processes, as well as providing information to show that each emergency was attended to in a timely manner.
"Cancer hospitals can be a challenging environment to deploy an RTLS system. If a solution needs to be hardwired into the hospital, isolating the work areas and subsequently decontaminating them can be quite costly and pose a threat to patient safety," said Clay Chase, vice president of Worldwide Sales at Ekahau. "By using the existing WI-Fi network, Ekahau RTLS was deployed without having to run wires and install additional hardware. Furthermore the system is able to leverage the communications capabilities offered by Wi-Fi that most proprietary systems lack."
Ekahau's staff tracking application with bi-directional paging communications is the first use case being deployed by ICESP. Planning is already under way to leverage the system for tracking and managing clinical assets and for environmental monitoring of temperature and humidity in patient care areas and hospital refrigerators and freezers that are used to store tissue samples and medications.
Ekahau RTLS is the foundation of ICESP's custom-built software, SIGAME, which was developed by RFsense, a Brazilian RTLS and RFID solutions provider, with the support of Ekahau's local distributor Synergy Tecnologia. SIGAME integrates with ICESP's existing VoIP PBX system, enabling the hospital to manage code occurrences and track all healthcare professionals involved in the process. ICESP is using the solution to comply with Utstein guidelines, an international method for reporting cardiac arrest.
"Our evaluation process on location and tracking technologies started in 2008, and after some research we found that we already had almost 80 percent of the infrastructure needed to implement an RTLS solution for tracking people and medical assets using the existing Wi-Fi network. When we launched our Code Blue/Yellow project in 2009 it was clear that an RTLS solution was crucial to quickly locate professionals in a multi-story hospital like ours. Ekahau was the only solution on the market that could deliver bi-directional communications, essential for healthcare professionals to acknowledge the emergency alerts, and could integrate with our existing PBX system and leverage the existing Wi-Fi network, without requiring significant expense for additional infrastructure, such as portals and exciters," said Erika Yazaki, project manager at ICESP. "The SIGAME solution from RFsense is built on top of Ekahau's platform and enables us to gather information and establish efficiency metrics that would have been much more complicated to do with other vendors' technologies. Since we are a public hospital, it is fundamental to adopt tools which provide a tight control over personnel, assets and processes in order to deliver full accountability to the society."
Ekahau RTLS provides ICESP with valuable information related to the hospital staff's response to Code Blue cardiac arrests, which require a three-minute response time, and Code Yellow situations, when patients' conditions become unstable and require no greater than a five-minute response. When a code occurs, staff members who are near the patient are alerted on their Ekahau T301BD badge tag. Individual staff members, who may be involved in other cases, can reject the call by pushing a button on their tag and the alarm will be escalated to other staff. The badge also provides informational text messages related to the event. All responses are logged in ICESP's database, including when the code was called, where each responding staff member was located at that time, the total response time for each person and the time the code was closed based on staff pushing a button on their tag.
The location and time information in the database enables ICESP to improve their response time and evaluate processes, as well as providing information to show that each emergency was attended to in a timely manner.
"Cancer hospitals can be a challenging environment to deploy an RTLS system. If a solution needs to be hardwired into the hospital, isolating the work areas and subsequently decontaminating them can be quite costly and pose a threat to patient safety," said Clay Chase, vice president of Worldwide Sales at Ekahau. "By using the existing WI-Fi network, Ekahau RTLS was deployed without having to run wires and install additional hardware. Furthermore the system is able to leverage the communications capabilities offered by Wi-Fi that most proprietary systems lack."
Ekahau's staff tracking application with bi-directional paging communications is the first use case being deployed by ICESP. Planning is already under way to leverage the system for tracking and managing clinical assets and for environmental monitoring of temperature and humidity in patient care areas and hospital refrigerators and freezers that are used to store tissue samples and medications.
Categories: Next-Tech News
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