NEWS DESK

ADT Supports University of Arkansas
Research Testing for Inventory Management

ADT (www.adt.com) announces its support of a landmark study by the University of Arkansas Information Technology Research Institute that tested and compared the effectiveness of both EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) and RFID for perimeter theft protection in a retail environment.

"This research was important because we believe EAS and RFID are complementary technologies that can provide retailers with several approaches to preventing theft while improving operational efficiency, depending on their needs, " says Jeffrey Bean, Vice President, ADT Retail Sales and Operations. "Many retailers can benefit from dual EAS-RFID functionality while others may require a sequential, layered approach. Ultimately, this research will help retailers develop strategies to guide their decisions about the most cost-effective way to deploy these technologies. "

Given ADT's extensive experience with RFID, it considers the apparel industry may be well-suited to be a natural early adopter of the technology because apparel is considered an RFID-friendly environment. In contrast, many UHF RFID solutions do not perform well on liquids, metallic packaging, and many types of boxed goods. They also have practical drawbacks such as the cost and size of RFID tags, hang-tag integrity, and the cost of an RFID infrastructure in these applications.

ADT took part in the study based on its long experience of providing retailers with apparel source tagging and EAS solutions from its Sensormatic ® portfolio. In the most recent study, ADT worked with the University's researchers to set up systems, confirm protocols, and support testing in diverse retail theft scenarios.

ADT's Sensormatic business unit operates two of the world's eight EPC global-certified RFID labs. ADT's other retail offerings include fire and security protection as well as Sensormatic traffic-sensing and business analytics applications.

The University's research was sponsored by the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions (VICS) Association, a group of retailers and consumer-focused firms driving innovation and efficiencies in the retail supply chain.

Retail Compliance, EPC Performance
Testing Programs Speed RFID Adoption

Alien Technology (www.alientechnology.com) announces the availability of RFID Comply! ™ – a three-day workshop combining instruction in the art and science of retail industry RFID compliance with product certification through Alien's EPCglobal Accredited Performance Test Center at the RFID Solution Center (www.rfidsolutionscenter.com) in Dayton, Ohio. It provides educational implementation testing and consulting services to organizations involved in the implementation of RFID technology, including enterprises, government agencies, and their partners. It houses sophisticated technical labs, and extensive test and piloting facilities, as well as the capital equipment needed to simulate a wide range of real-world RFID situations in consumer packaged goods, retail, transportation, defense, and pharma.

"The RFID Solution Center is a player-agnostic ecosystem built to spur the rapid and successful adoption of RFID, " says Mark McDonald, Interim Director of the RFID Solution Center. "Over the past two years we have seen end-users, solution providers, software developers, universities, and a host of RFID hardware manufacturers use the center to prove-out a solution. "

RFID Comply! leverages the RFID Solutions Center, which is a 23,000-square-foot vendor-neutral education, research, and partner collaboration center housing a 15,000 square foot simulated supply chain environment. Upon completing the interactive, lab-based learning portion of the program, students team with RSC engineers to apply to their own product EPCglobal testing procedures in the EPC Accredited Performance Test Center. Authorized to conduct both Dynamic Dock Door Portal and Dynamic Conveyor Portal testing, the RFID Solution Center will, upon completion of the program, certify the supplier's product for supply chain performance.

Upon completing the RFID Comply! program, participants will be well-equipped to successfully ship product in compliance with retailer requirements. For more information about RFID Comply!, EPCglobal Accredited Performance Test Center services, and use of the RFID Solutions Center, visit www.RFIDSolutionsCenter.com to download a free whitepaper with insight to RFID compliance for the retail sector.

Avery Dennison RFID Multimedia Training

Avery Dennison RFID offers a comprehensive online training module to help those new to the industry understand and familiarize themselves with RFID systems. At www.rfid.averydennison.com, RFID 101 combines a live narrator with animations, photos, and video to walk viewers through technology basics, applications and markets, system components, RFID label converting, and tag testing and quality. Each main topic is a separate module, allowing the viewer to watch the presentation from start to finish or to customize the presentation by watching select modules based on their own experience or schedule.

Dan Cadigan, Senior Strategic Project Leader, BP Lubes - Americas Supply Chain, says: "Avery Dennison's RFID 101 tutorial is probably the best introduction to the technology overall that I have come upon. After watching the training module, I have a better understanding of how RFID applications can streamline my business operations. "

Content for RFID 101 was developed by the technical team at Avery Dennison RFID's Atlanta Technical Center (ATC). Much of the content was inspired by Avery Dennison's work with myriad of end-users and other RFID stakeholders who have visited the ATC over the last couple of years for free product testing and other technical services and training.

"We produced RFID 101 to help people get up to speed quickly on RFID without spending a lot of time and money, " says Bob Cornick, Vice President and General Manager at Avery Dennison RFID. "We are dedicated to doing all we can to ensure successful RFID implementations. RFID 101 is just one of many initiatives we offer to help manufacturers, retailers, and other potential end-users, understand and deploy RFID in the real world. "

RFID 101 is available in English, German, Spanish, and French. The subjects covered by RFID 101 are:

• Why RFID? History and current applications
• ABCs of EPC – Electronic Product Codes and other industry standards
• How RFID Works – Technology overview and system configurations
• Application Considerations – Challenges and opportunities with real-world RFID implementations

A New Look at Pharma by OTA

OTA Training (www.otatraining.com) announcess that it is offering vertical-specific RFID training for the pharmaceutical industry. Its new module, "RFID in Pharma and Life Sciences," is the first of OTA Training's many vertical specific training solutions to be rolled out throughout the year of 2008. By keeping with OTA Training's proven E3 methodology, the quality of OTA Training's training will continue to be carried out to ensure that each additional course offering is made effective, engaging, and easy to follow. OTA Training sees this as the next step in providing companies in the pharmaceutical industry with the foundation they need to meet the demand of future regulation and advancements in the use of RFID technology.

ChronoTrack Systems and Impinj Bring RFID to
L.A. Marathon with the Road Race Timing System

Recently formed ChronoTrack Systems, Inc. (www.chronotrack.com) announces that the company's road race timing system, based on Impinj UHF Gen 2 RFID technology, performed flawlessly at the recent Los Angeles Marathon, held on March 2, 2008.

ChronoTrack's "D" timing tag allows race organizers to print an integrated bib and tag for each participant, encoding the runner's bib number into the tag's RFID chip at the time of printing. The peel-off, disposable portion of the bib becomes a tag that runners attach to their shoes. ChronoTrack's tag solution is lighter, less expensive than previous timing methods, and most important to race organizers and participants – disposable. Runners no longer need to stand in long lines to "tag check" their timing devices as with previous solutions. And after the race, tired participants can avoid yet another line to return expensive tags.

"ChronoTrack's solution contributed to the best L.A. marathon in its 23-year history and I'm very pleased," says Terry Collier, Executive Race Director of the L.A. Marathon. "Our third party timing verifier told us it was the most accurate timing method he'd ever seen, and he compared it against the same method used to time the Olympics. Both race setup and clean up were much easier – hours instead of days, we needed fewer volunteers and far less equipment. We easily saved between $15,000 and $20,000, had a smoother race operation, and heard nothing but praise from race participants. "

ChronoTrack worked closely with Impinj, Inc. (www.impinj.com), a leading supplier of UHF Gen 2 RFID solutions, to create and perfect the timing system that includes proprietary race timing software, Impinj Speedway ® readers, and specialized UHF reader antennas. The system provided finish line results and split timing data to runners at the 10K, one-half marathon, and 30K points. ChronoTrack's system accurately recorded 99.84% of all race participants, easily matching the best results achieved using previous timing solutions.

Intelleflex and Minds Inc. Partner to Deliver Extended Capability RFID Solutions for Hot Mix Asphalt Tracking

Intelleflex Corporation (www.intelleflex.com) announces a partnership with Minds Inc. (www.mindsinc.ca) to deliver automated, real-time tracking solutions for companies that need to monitor the flow of hot mix asphalt (HMA) from production to paving.

HMA is a real-time business where the timing and temperature of asphalt is critical for optimal paving conditions. Proper coordination between the plant, delivery trucks, and paving contractors is key to ensuring a smooth operation. Companies that rely on verbal or paper-based tracking and dispatching systems often find themselves lacking timely and accurate information required to synchronize operations between asphalt producers, truck operators, and pavers. This can result in delayed schedules, poor paving conditions, and lost revenue.

With the Intelleflex and Minds solution, companies are able to automatically track the exact product, weight, loading time, departure and arrival time, and location where the asphalt is laid. This information can then be integrated with existing systems to provide a real-time view of the entire operation anywhere, anytime – even over the web and mobile devices. Producers will then be able to share the information with their contractors as a value added service. Intelleflex and Minds are currently engaged in customer accounts in North America and Europe.

Pierre Vidaillac, President of Minds Inc., says: "We chose the Intelleflex RFID platform because of its range and ability to perform under challenging conditions such as outdoors, on vehicles, and around hot asphalt. It also provided the best value for our customers. "

"With over 90% of the roads in the U.S. built using asphalt, the market opportunity is tremendous, " says Sam Liu, Director of Marketing at Intelleflex.

ThingMagic, Ford, and DEWALT to
Provide First RFID-Enabled Trucks

ThingMagic (www.thingmagic.com) announces a partnership with industrial power tools manufacturer DEWALT (www.dewalt.com) and Ford Motor Company (www.ford.com) to equip 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty pickups and E-Series vans with an embedded RFID asset tracking system enabled by ThingMagic's Mercury5e readers. Ford Work Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT uses a specifically designed RFID reader system powered by ThingMagic's Mercury5e embedded module and a pair of antennas, in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings mounted in the pickup box, to enable Ford and DEWALT customers to track RFID-tagged assets – such as tools, construction equipment, and materials – in the truck and ensure that vehicle contents are easily accounted for and quickly located at all times.

Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to offer passive, embedded RFID technology in its vehicles, allowing customers to capitalize on RFID's capabilities, including asset tracking and inventory control, to ensure crews arrive and leave the job site with the right tools and materials for their jobs. As part of the Ford Work Solutions, a collection of affordable technologies that will assist Ford customers in better running their business. Tool Link by DEWALT is the result of a partnership between leaders in the embedded RFID technology space, professional power tool industry, and the automotive business.

Building on DEWALT's knowledge of the professional power tool market, ThingMagic's Advanced Development Group has also designed rugged, reliable RFID labels that allow truck operators to tag, scan, and track expensive tools, equipment, and other assets using the ThingMagic- designed system. Additionally, Ford Works Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT is designed to support loss prevention of equipment and supplies through real-time inventory updates.

The ThingMagic Mercury5e embedded reader module can read hundreds of RFID tags per second, regardless of environmental conditions, and achieve more 100% read rates through its use of the embedded version of the MercuryOS. ThingMagic Mercury5e embedded reader modules are also designed to survive physically challenging deployment environments.

Axcess RFID System Implemented by U.S. Military

Axcess International, Inc. (www.axcessinc.com) announces the implementation of its Micro-Wireless RFID system by the U.S. military to enable automatic inventory accounting and perimeter security for ordnance assets. Micro-Wireless technology allows for ultra-small, low cost wireless identification transmitters to be assigned to each asset, enabling automatic tracking, local area location determining, and automatic security monitoring.

The military initially selected Axcess' Micro-Wireless system for a pilot program because of its proven domain expertise in automatically identifying, tracking and protecting assets. During the thorough laboratory testing that began early last year, the military integrated the Axcess system into its core software system. The total system is now being implemented in the arms storage facility. Various forms of wireless tags are placed on the different types of armament. The items' electronic identifications are enrolled in the software to provide an automatic, real time inventory of each armament and its location based on its transmitted signal. Any unauthorized movement of an armament outside the storage area, automatically triggers an alert. The handling of armaments can be linked to authorized service personnel electronically via an RFID personnel badge so the authorized movement does not trigger an alert. Sensor based tags can also be deployed to report on environmental conditions to which the ordnance is exposed, such as temperature, humidity, and shock.

Viracon Picks AeroScout for Asset Visibility
Across Glass Manufacturing Facilities

AeroScout, Inc. (www.aeroscout.com), a provider of Unified Asset Visibility solutions, announces that Viracon, an architectural glass fabricator in the U.S. and a subsidiary of Apogee Enterprises, is installing an AeroScout solution to track, monitor, and manage all glass carriers throughout its three manufacturing facilities in Owatonna, Minnesota; Statesboro, Georgia; and St. George, Utah.

Since implementing a pilot program of AeroScout's asset tracking solution in Q4 2007, Viracon has been able to reduce search time for glass carriers, eliminate lost carriers, and reduce manual tracking of expedited orders. This has delivered increased productivity and eliminated unnecessary item reproduction and scrap. Based on these results the company is now moving to a full production installation.

"Superior manufacturing processes require a deep view into the location and status of customer orders as they move throughout the production line, " says Sheila Miexner, Vice President, Process Improvement. "After implementing the pilot of AeroScout's solution, we've been able to document drastically reduced time requirements for locating glass carriers, from several minutes to less than one minute. We anticipate this program will help increase production throughput, improve productivity, and ultimately impact our bottom line when the program is fully implemented. "

AeroScout's T2EB Industrial Tags are mounted on more than 5,000 of Viracon's glass carriers, the devices that transport in-process glass throughout the facilities. These rugged, long-life tags communicate over Viracon's Cisco Unified WiFi network, and relay status and accurate location as carriers transport glass between cutting, tempering, and lamination stations throughout Viracon's industrial hangars. AeroScout MobileView software maps and displays their locations and enables workers to search for specific customer orders and see where they are in the production process. The MobileView API is integrated into Viracon's inventory management system, keeping the location and status of glass carriers up to date for inventory purposes. Viracon plans to rollout AeroScout's Unified Asset Visibility solution across all of the company's facilities by Q4 2008.

Secura Key Releases Access Control Resource CD

Secura Key (www.securakey.com) releases its new and improved access control resource CD. Available free upon request, this CD contains datasheets, technical manuals, configuration guides, and training materials to fully equip dealers to sell, install, and service Secura Key products. In addition, the most recent version of the popular SK-NET ™ software is included, which is an easy-to-use Windows application for use with SK-ACP control panels and Secura Key e*Tag ® contactless smartcards and readers, Radio Key® Proximity cards and readers, or any technology using a Wiegand interface. Secura Key offers simple, single-door access control units as well as software based systems controlling up to 200 doors.

Requests for copies of this new tool should be sent to mail@securakey.com. Secura Key products are available through major distributors of security, access control, locking hardware, and gate control equipment.

Zebra Technologies Acquires Multispectral Solutions, Inc.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (fwww.zebra.com) announces the acquisition of Multispectral Solutions, Inc. (MSSI). Based in Germantown, MD, MSSI is a global provider of ultra wideband (UWB) real-time locating systems and other UWB-based wireless technology. Terms of the all-cash transaction are not disclosed. MSSI will become part of the Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group business unit.

"MSSI's products and technology are an excellent complement to Zebra's Gen 2 passive RFID and other active RFID products," says John Dillon, Senior Vice President of Zebra Technologies and General Manager of Zebra Enterprise Solutions Group. "With a strong reputation for quality and innovation, UWB technology from MSSI is particularly attractive for its locating precision and cost advantages in challenging industrial environments. It will enable us to provide more solutions for our customers to identify, track, and manage assets, people, and transactions. "

MSSI products, including its Sapphire DART real-time locating system, are currently used in manufacturing, distribution, retail, and government in a broad range of asset and personnel tracking applications. MSSI systems are deployed to locate personnel in high-risk environments, such as refineries, for greater industrial safety. Other important MSSI applications include the location and tracking of high-value corporate IT assets in large-scale data centers and the tracking of inventories, material handling equipment, and parts in complex manufacturing environments.

Founded in 1988 by Dr. Robert J. Fontana, a Fellow of the IEEE, award-winning MSSI is a pioneer in the development and commercialization of UWB, a radio technology. Using very low energy for short-range, high- bandwidth communications, UWB can be used to locate items with accuracy from one foot to within inches. It is ideally suited for use in electronically "noisy" environments such as factories, warehouses, and computer room installations because of UWB's ability to withstand interference caused by radio signal reflection off metal and other surfaces. The small size, low cost, and long battery life of UWB transmitters make solutions incorporating UWB technology an excellent choice for real-time location of multiple assets or people for safety and security purposes.

"As part of Zebra Technologies, we will be able to accelerate the development and deployment of our UWB-based solutions, " states Dr. Fontana. "Zebra's financial strength, global reach, and deep domain expertise in several industries make it the ideal organization with which to move forward. "