Mayo Clinic Chooses 3M Track and Trace Solutions for Specimen Management
3M (www.3m.com) and Mayo Clinic announce their successful demonstration of a successful pilot program with the installation of a state-of-the-art RFID system in Mayo Clinic's endoscopy surgical suites, where patient tissue samples are collected. 3M researchers visited Mayo Clinic's facilities to learn about its processes and systems requirements and established a solution that worked in Mayo Clinic's operations for specimen management.
Utilizing 3M Track and Trace technology, this RFID system enhances Mayo Clinic's ability to manage specimen and tissue samples from the collection stage to the pathology laboratory. Multiple 3M technologies were brought forward during the five-month pilot project at Mayo Clinic. Results demonstrated quantifiable operational efficiencies in the specimen management process, accurate communication of data, and verification of information. Expansion of the Track and Trace system within the endoscopy practice will take place in planned, controlled phases. 3M and Mayo Clinic expect this rollout to be completed in early 2007.
"3M's solution benefits our patients by ensuring efficient and accurate transfer of collected specimen data to our pathologists, who ultimately analyze and diagnose these important specimens," says Schuyler Sanderson, M.D. Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathologist. "Putting the needs of the patient first and striving to optimize patient safety are utmost in the work we do."
The system is a major application comprising RFID tags, RFID readers, software applications, and system integration technologies. "Our focus was to provide an enabling technology and system solution that would be in keeping with Mayo Clinic's stature and leadership in medicine," says Michael Hansberry, Senior Business Development Manager for 3M Track and Trace Solutions. "By combining 3M's expertise in RFID, user-centered software application development, and systems integration, we did just that."
"This pilot has produced successful results, and we see exciting possibilities in numerous healthcare-related areas," noted Lem Amen, Vice President, 3M Track and Trace Solutions.
Fujitsu's Participation in Japanese Cosmetic Tagging Trial
Fujitsu, Ltd. (www.fujitsu.com) participated in a "futuristic department store" field trial with Mitsukoshi, Ltd., and Shiseido Company, Ltd., with sponsorship by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan. The trial, known as the "2007 Field Trial for Improving Distribution and Logistics Efficiency through the Use of Electronic Tags," marked the first time in Japan that cosmetics were tagged.
The trial was held at a select Shiseido counter and a Mitsukoshi department store where tags were attached to Shiseido's Cle de Peau Beaute products, testers, and samples. Customers were able to view detailed product information through touch-screen terminals by waving a tagged item in front of the reader. Tester stands were assembled to track the number of times customers sampled each product, enabling the system to rank which products were used most often.
The sales staff was also equipped with PCs that held customer's counseling and purchase history, which could be updated by scanning a tagged item. The Shiseido stock center also used tagged products to be used for packing-list checking and in-store inventory. And an in-store trial allowed customers to access product information in an "at home" environment.
"Cosmetic Information" terminals containing word-of-mouth information about products allowed customers to see what other people had to say about the tagged products. Real-time kiosks equipped with digital cameras showed shoppers what they would look like with the selected cosmetics applied. The companies anticipated that these trials would improve inventory efficiency and provide accurate purchase information for customers and cosmetic companies.
Formation of the RFID Technology Council
Eight technology trade groups have joined together, forming an ad hoc council to promote the use of RFID technologies. Using successful implementations of RFID as examples, such as the Wal-Mart and the DoD initiatives, The RFID Technology Council sets out to educate companies and consumers about the benefits of radio frequency identification, while dispelling critics.
Privacy groups concerned about the read range of RFID technology have sighted issues with chips placed in identification documents, which they argue can be tracked all of the time and not just upon request. While privacy groups oppose the technology, groups such as the U.S. Senate RFID Caucus promote it.
The caucus, which is supported by The RFID Technology Council, was formed to better understand RFID technology and its potential benefits. Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan of ND and Republican Senator John Cornyn of TX are both co-chair holders for the U.S. Senate RFID Caucus.
Members of The RFID Technology Council include American Electronics Association, AIM Global, European-American Business Council, IEEE-USA (a unit of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), the Information Technology Association of America, the Information Technology Industry Council, the International RFID Business Association, and the Semiconductor Industry Association. Members of some of these trade groups include names such as Microsoft Corporation, Verizon Communications Inc., and Motorola Inc. Visit www.rfidtechcouncil.org.
Secure Patient Care and Safety through SATO's Positive Patient Identification Solution
SATO America Inc. (www.satoamerica.com) and International Business Solutions Alliance, LLC, have entered into an agreement to offer secure patient care and safety through SATO's Positive Patient Identification solution.
SATO's Positive Patient Identification solution includes: SATO's DuraMark thermal wristbands, which work seamlessly with existing bedside barcode systems to ensure that the right patient receives the right treatment at the right time; CTMD thermal printers with anti-bacterial exteriors, which are operationally quiet, allowing for use in sensitive hospital environments; and the Label Gallery 2HC that easily interfaces with current hospital information systems to allow the use of advanced technologies. The system allows hospital workers to print the right wristband for the right patient on demand, improving the banding, tracking and administration of the hospital.
Jamie Stallings, Healthcare Product Manager at SATO America says: "Also important to note, SATO's Positive Patient ID solution meets or exceeds the demanding requirements of the FDA, AHA, HIPAA, and provides compliance with JCAHO guidelines for patient identification and safety."
Checkpoint Systems' and METRO Group's Trials
Checkpoint Systems Inc. (www.checkpointsystems.com) announced the company's involvement in a series of UHF RFID trials in preparation for METRO Group's UHF rollout expansion plans scheduled for 2007. The Varena trials, which were conducted in one of METRO Group's distribution centers near Hamm, Germany, were intended to improve tag readability in high-density read environments and to confirm the strength of the RFID portal dock door solution. The trials were supervised by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) task group 34 (TG34).
Checkpoint helped with the design work for the hardware solution and acted as the hardware integrator for the trials. The 36 RFID-enabled dock door portals, used to validate the success of simultaneous operations, were procured, configured, and installed by Checkpoint. The system used a four-channel synchronized approach under the ETSI 302 208 standard.
Thirty-six loading dock doors tracked pallets of 62 individually tagged cases, containing RFID unfriendly materials such as cans, liquids, and metal lined items. The tests achieved a 98.5% read rate of some 4.5 million recorded individual reads through the course of the trials. As a result of the success, Metro and Checkpoint are collaborating on the plans for Metro's 2007 roll-out.
RFID Tribe Hosts RFID Investment Summit at RFID World
RFID Tribe (www.rfidtribe.com) will be hosting the first RFID Investment Summit as a pre-show to the RFID World convention. Held on March 26th, the event will be a day-long event focusing on opportunities and challenges, intellectual property issues, and perspectives from analysts, investors and CEOs.
Credited speakers will address subjects such as funding opportunities, intellectual property, the balance between R&D and consulting, technologies delivering innovation, and "the application's promise land."
Mark Johnson, President of RFID Tribe and Chairman of the event, says: "The RFID Investment Summit is a terrific place for investors and firms seeking capital to meet and trade ideas. Participants will come away with new insight into the investment landscape for RFID technology." Visit www.rfid-world.com/rfid07 for more information and registration.
Berkley Varitronics adds Netkrom Technologies as an International Distributor
Berkley Varitronics Systems (www.bvsystems.com) has announced Netkrom Technologies to be the exclusive WiFi distributor for Peru. Netkrom - a designer, developer, and manufacturer of communications equipment, antennas, and accessories for wireless networking - runs a branch office in Lima, Peru, with corporate headquarters located in Miami, FL.
Berkley Varitronics has over 25 sales locations around the world to which the Netkrom Technologies expertise will be added. Netkrom works in license-free radio frequency bands (900 MHz, 2.4, 5.2 and 5.8 GHz), lowering the installation and maintenance costs for customers. The company also stocks BVS WiFi based products such as the BumbleBee and Yellowjacket series.
Intermec's Success with Partnerships
Intermec has established reputable partnerships over the years, producing groundbreaking and innovative products for the RFID industry. The new year has started off strong for the company, taking credit for their hand in creating an RFID program for an Illinois community college and introducing a new RFID enabled forklift system. They've also honored their partners for extraordinary achievements.
Intermec and Stratum Global have created an RFID program at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. The program allows for hands-on experience for students in a simulated industrial warehouse environment to prepare them for the workplace.
Students will become familiar with factory portals where tagged boxes or pallets move through the passageway for inventory processing. They will be using Intermec's IF5 RFID readers with 700 series mobile computers and portal antennas. Stratum Global lead the project, providing their TagNet RFID software suite. The program was partially funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act Initiative grants, provided by the Illinois Community College Board.
Bill Hood, Stratum's Global Chief Operating Officer says: "The Oakton Community College RFID Center creates a bridge between the education and the industrial community to accelerate the adoption of RFID technology."
The Adaptable Load Backrest and Antenna Cell system has been introduced by Intermec and Cascade, the world leader in the design and manufacturing of lift truck attachments. This system allows forklift drivers to recall complete real-time inventory data without leaving the vehicle, improving performance and safety, and reducing the cost of RFID forklift deployments. It accommodates almost all forklifts on the market, is factory-certified, and meets OSHA and industry safety requirements.
Cisco Systems was awarded a special Alliance Partner of the Year award at Intermec's Global Sales Summit for providing innovative wireless solutions for Intermec customers around the world. Gary Jones, Vice President of Global Channels says: "Together with the application, services, and programs of our Honours Partners, we deliver the unbeatable combination of Cisco's industry-leading wireless infrastructure with the power and reliability of Intermec's mission-critical data collection and mobile computing systems to bring superior value to our customers. We commend Cisco on an award winning year."
Dietze Enterprises to Expand into RFID Sector
Dietze Enterprises, a worldwide supplier of lead-retrieval equipment for the exposition and event industry, is expanding its participation in the RFID market. Recently, the company has pushed its way into the RFID market with the new RFBADGE, a complete solution that incorporates existing RFID technology and devices into one package. After fine tuning the product, customers will see higher ROI for trade shows, while attendees receive added value to their experience.
Now the company is directing its attention towards serving markets outside of the tradeshow industry by providing RFID wristbands, RFID-enabled touch-screen tablet computers, and RFID enabled access control terminals. These products are expected to succeed in applications such as asset identification and tracking, healthcare, supply replenishment, preventative maintenance, and access control.
Huge RFID Order for Xterprise
Xterprise Incorporated (www.xterprise.com) has place an order for 4.5 million RFID tags for iGPS, North America's largest pool of RFID enabled reusable plastic shipping pallets. This order is part of an end-to-end application based on Xterprise's Asset Management to support iGPS's growing population of shipping pallets.
The solution uses Microsoft software technology platform and RFID inlays and labels from Alien Technologies, Avery Dennison, and Zebra. Xterprise developed, as well as manages, this complete supply chain solution for iGPS.
With this order, Xterprise's annual RFID tag shipment is estimated to be over 10 million tags for 2007. "This is one of the largest single RFID tag orders that the industry has seen in three years and we're thrilled to have been selected by iGPS to deliver this mission critical solution for them," says Dean Frew, Founder and CEO of Xterprise.
Signature RFID Solution for the Hotel Industry
VingCard has been awarded the Best Innovation in the Technologies & Networks category at the Equip'Hotel 2006 trade show for its Signature RFID electronic-locking solution. Guests at select hotels are currently using this RFID enabled door-locking system by way of keycard - and in the near future, by near field communication (NFC) compatible cell phones.
The current Signature RFID system is used by hotel chains such as Marriott International, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, among many others. Guests are given a keycard, keyfob carrier, or wristband to access their room, but instead of sliding the key through a door lock, the guests simply wave the device in front of the reader. The readers are customizable by the hotel chain, and can easily be upgraded from mag-stripe or combo technology readers.
Older contactless locks may be outdated compared to the new Signature RFID system, which has a 13.56 MHz frequency range compared to the late 1990's 125kHz limit. These older standards also may not be compliant with today's RFID standards. Signature RFID is an open-platform RFID lock that is compatible with the leading RFID ISO standards and the new NFC secure transaction platform.
Cell phones with NFC compatibility may become the next keycard. Remote check-in will be available to guests through SMS (Short Message System) before they arrive at the hotel. Booking confirmation number, room number, and an encrypted room key access code will be sent straight to the guest's cell phone, so that all the guest needs to do on arrival is swipe his/her cell phone in front of the reader to open the door. This technology is rapidly expanding for credit card companies, public transport operators, and handset manufacturers. Analysts predict that 50% of cell phones by the year 2010 will be equipped with NFC chips.
ValËrie Lobry, Director of Equip'Hotel says: "Signature RFID by VingCard with NFC-compatible cell phones opens a new era in customer satisfaction and efficiency at check-in/check-out. This solution truly stood out from among the many applications that compete every year for this prestigious award."
Lyngsoe's Trolley Management System for Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport will be implementing an RFID enabled trolley management system to increase the availability of trolleys throughout the large airport. The system will be provided by Lyngsoe Systems (www.lyngsoesystems.com), who also deployed the first (and largest) RFID Baggage Handling system for Hong Kong International Airport.
An estimated 24.8 million passengers traveled through Dubai International in 2005. That number is expected to increase to 60 million by 2010, and with the airport trolley systems running inefficiently as it is, Dubai recognized it was time for an upgrade. Lyngsoe Systems' Catellae Trolley Management system will provide a real-time tracking and overview of trolley locations throughout the airport.
A tag placed on each trolley will be readable by any of 60 readers installed in places such as parking areas, elevators, check-in areas, and reclaim areas throughout the airport. Trolley usage will increase and the problem of dormant vehicles is expected to decrease, providing customers with a faster, efficient, and more pleasurable trip. Four hundred trolleys will be initially tagged in Terminal 3 of the airport.
The Catallae system is connected to the airport's flight information system and bases real-time information and forecasted system algorithms to predict where the trolleys are at all times.
I.D. Systems Inc. Proves its Position on the Fast 500 List
I.D. Systems (www.id-systems.com) has made the Deloitte's Fast 500 List, a ranking system based on the revenue percentage for companies from the last year, for the second year in a row. Ranking 107 out of 500 thanks to their growth percentage of 1,959% within the last five years, I.D. Systems proves itself to be a rapidly growing and maturing company. Its Wireless Asset Management Solutions have continued to attract interest and gain momentum in markets requiring secure protection for high-value enterprise assets. And by the way 2007 is starting out for I.D. Systems, a third year on the Fast 500 may be in sight.
C&D Technologies has entered an agreement with I.D. Systems to distribute a battery management system for industrial trucks. This system is based on I.D. System's Wireless Asset Net platform, which uses RFID to track, monitor, control, and analyze material handling vehicles and other asset in environments such as manufacturing or distribution facilities. Multiple batteries may be needed throughout the day to power these vehicles, and the new battery monitoring system will increase productivity by reducing operator/vehicle down time.
I.D. Systems has also landed a deal with a leading defense contractor for an approximate value of $1.5 million. The company's Wireless Equipment Monitoring & Control System has been ordered to manage material handling vehicles at a major U.S. shipyard that builds and services naval and commercial ships. Another order for I.D. Systems RFID-based access control and time-and-attendance system will be integrated at three shipyards on the Gulf Coast to increase efficiency of shipyard gate management.
The Wireless Asset Net industrial vehicle management system is receiving attention too, as it receives two new orders from Tyler Pipe and from Canadian Tire Retail. Both orders will help to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and create safer work environments.
Nissan Motor Company has also placed an order with I.D. Systems for its Wireless Asset Net vehicle management system for their Decherd, TN, manufacturing plant. This technology is expected to reduce operating costs and help the factory comply with safety regulations by controlling fleet activity.
IBM Pilots RFID for Schiff Nutrition
Schiff Nutrition International - a U.S. based manufacturer or vitamins and nutritional supplements - and IBM (www.ibm.com) announced a new RFID pilot to better anticipate current and future customer needs and improve efficiency. This makes Schiff the first mid-size manufacturer to execute such a program.
After researching RFID technology, Schiff turned to IBM Global Services and Business Partner, OATSystems (www.oatsystems.com), for the initial design, testing, and implementation of their RFID infrastructure. Schiff is using OATSystem's OATxpress and IBM's WebSphere RFID Premises Server for the project's middleware.
"We turned to IBM for their RFID testing facilities, expertise in software and data integration and extensive partner network - they could deliver the whole package, and did, on time and below budget," says Rod Farrimond, Manager Business Analysis, Schiff Nutrition.
Impinj to Integrate Into Purdue Pharma's Supply Chain
Impinj (www.impinj.com) announced the Purdue Pharma L.P. will integrate Impinj's Gen 2 RFID products into high-speed Pharmaceutical packaging lines for improved pharmaceutical supply chain efficiency and security.
Scheduled for production-level deployment in the second quarter of 2007, Purdue Pharma's Gen 2 RFID-enabled packaging line will utilize the Impinj GrandPrix UHF RFID solution, comprising Speedware readers, tags powered by Monza chips, and application-specific near-field reader antennas. The packaging line will be certified for production readiness under SYSTECH International's TIPS Serialized Product Tracking solution that includes exhaustive tests modeling Purdue Pharma Production packaging environments. During advanced testing, the Impinj-powered packaging line surpassed tag read rate requirements with 100% tag readability.
"We are working to implement innovative solutions that will enhance security within the supply chain," says Aaron Graham, Vice President of Corporate Security and Chief Security Officer at Purdue Pharma. "The Impinj RFID technology has been selected as an integral part of our packaging line improvements to help the company establish an e-Pedigree process that will significantly improve the delivery of products from the factory to the pharmacy counter."
Parelec Launches New Website
A new website, www.parelec.com, has been developed to introduce the recently restructured Parelec Inc., following its recent acquisition of RTLS provider, Precision Systems. The website fully details the integration of the products and solutions of the combined companies.
"We wanted customers and prospects to have an easy navigation path to the information they seek," notes Geva Barash, President and CEO of Parelec. "Some visitors will be looking for RFID solutions, while other may be interested in conductive inks for other applications."
Other key links on the website include Solutions, Products, Technology, Downloads & Support, and News & Events. The new website also provides background for visitors interested in learning the differences between passive and active RFID technology.
RFID in Space
Intermec will be providing RFID tags for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) test to observe how various tags are affected in outer space. The test will help decide whether RFID tags can be used for a future manned mission to Mars.
Paper and plastic RFID tags will be launched with the U.S. space shuttle Endeavour in July for a trip to the International Space Station. Here the tags will be placed in a container and attached outside of the station for a duration time of one year. The tags will be tested to see how atmospheric conditions such as extreme heat and cold, UV radiations, and vacuum conditions will affect them. RFID readers will be placed both inside and outside of the space station to collect information.
If the tags withstand these tests, they will then be tested again on a pre-moon-rocket launch that is estimated to occur in about 27 months. It's believed that if the tags can work on the moon, then they will probably be able to work on Mars.
These tests are important for NASA so that they can further safety and efficiency on future space launches. Tags may then be used for inventory management and automatic registration, measuring atmospheric conditions, immediate data input from outside of the spacecraft, and vehicle management.
Down the Hatch RFID
A patent for an ingestible RFID tag is opening new doors for observing the digestion of medicines. This technology attaches a purposely fragile RFID tag to a pill so that observers can see how much medicine was ingested. It also shines light on the way our bodies absorb medicine, offering new information for verifying proper use and dosage of medications.
Previous methods of monitoring involved poking and prodding the human body, causing discomfort and risk of injury or infection for the patients and costly expenses for doctors. An ingestible camera was also used for monitoring in the past, but this causes swallowing discomfort and outrageous costs for doctors.
Passive RFID tags, however, can be implemented and tracked by a reader outside of the body. When the fragile tag is broken off of the medicine, and then again, when it is completely destroyed, this information can be read and used to develop new insight on safety precautions. The idea for this technology resembles that of implantable RFID chips that can be embedded within the skin of a patient without reaction or rejection.
This technology could be ideal for monitoring the medication of nursing home patients, athletes, military personnel, and children, to determine whether they are taking their prescriptions or taking unauthorized ones.
CompTIA Certification in Singapore
The first ever CompTIA RFID+ certification training course, held in the Siemens Training Center in Singapore, was a success. Seventeen participants attended the course that ran from January 23-26, and again for a second set from January 30-February 2. The four day training course taught students about different RFID technologies, implementing and troubleshooting RFID systems, and the different standards and regulations required.
After being taught by Senior Instructor Eva Zeisel from RFID4U, students took a CompTIA RFID+ exam to prove their newly added RFID knowledge, in which everyone passed. CompTIA RFID+ certification is recognized world wide as a validation of the technical knowledge required for RFID professionals.
John Venarot, President and CEO of CompTIA, says: "RFID systems are complex, and difficult to install and integrate because unpredictable variables can occur at any stage of the deployment. The more experience, trained, and certified the RFID team, the better they will be able to overcome any challenges, and deliver the highest-quality RFID service to customers."
The next CompTIA RFID+ certification training course will be held in Singapore in March. Visit www.comptia.org.
