Intensive Two-Day Brand Protection Conference Featured During Graphics of the Americas
This year's Graphics of the Americas conference and expo will be held February 27 to March 1, 2008, in Miami Beach, FL. With a theme of "Integrating Security Innovations," the Brand Protection Conference at the show promises to be a jam-packed two-day conference track (28th and 29th) that will help brand owners and package designers decide what are the best brand security measures for their specific applications.
Attendees will learn about the latest technologies and techniques to protect packages from counterfeiting, including a hands-on case study. Attendees will hear a keynote discussion from the leading consumer packaging company in the world — Procter & Gamble. This will be followed by discussions on security printing techniques, security inks, RFID, DNA, near IR dye targets, holograms, design, machine vision, and more...
There will be a special presentation on the counterfeiting of a package with a hands-on demonstration. The package and the knockoff will be available for examination. The same package will be printed incorporating security techniques to illustrate the implementation and effect of the technologies.
For more information on the Brand Protection Conference, Click here.
For more information on Graphics of the Americas, visit http://www.graphicsoftheamericas.com.
Note: Brand Protection Conference Admission includes Graphics of the Americas registration.
Early Registration is $595! Register Now Right Here or call 888-472-9655 and press 2 at the prompt.
Featured speakers include: Greg Bassinger, Brand Security Consultant; Paul Fox, Procter & Gamble; Max Golter, bielomatik jagenberg Inc.; Elliott Grant, Yottamark; Bud Gray, Acucote Inc.; John Halotek, ITWCovid; Deborah Hutcheson, AGFA; TomJay, SICPA; Michael S.Kelley, Packaging Integrations LLC; Patrick Laden, Security Ink; Dan Lieberman, Hologramas de Mexico; David R. Lightfoot; Chesapeake Resource Group; Michael O'Neil, Prodocument Solutions and Chair of NASPO; Gene Panger, TUV Rheinland Group; Steve Powell, Eastman Kodak Company; Ron Romanik, Package Design Magazine; Steven Simske, HP; Wendell Smith, Technology Transfer Group; Jeffrey Strahl, H.W. Sands Corporation; Richard Warner, Security Printing Consultant.
Savi Networks Records 25,000th e-Seal Shipment on SaviTrak™ System to Monitor Cargo Security and Location
Savi Networks recently recorded the 25,000th commercial cargo shipment tagged with standards-based electronic seals (e-Seals) moving through its global wireless network, which is set up at port facilities handling 20% of world trade. The SaviTrak™ information service monitors in real-time the location and security status of commercial cargo shipments.
SaviTrak™ customers in Asia and South America are discovering that the real-time data the system captures from shipments tagged with active RFID e-Seals enhances security visibility, speeds clearance by their countries’ Customs authorities, and reduces in-transit inventory costs. For example, Emprevi Ltda., a logistics and security firm, said the Savi Networks system has cut security costs in Colombia by $300 per container trip for its customers, which include Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Cadbury Adams. Western Digital, a leader in information storage products, says that per-trip costs have been reduced by $40 for point-to-point shipments from its manufacturing facilities to Royal Thai Customs authorities in Bangkok because the automated security devices speed collaboration and government clearances.
“Today, commercial shippers are discovering the benefits of our automated global network that integrates both security and supply chain visibility information onto a single common platform,” says Neil Smith, CEO of Savi Networks. “e-Seal-enabled information networks are a key step toward implementing Customs ‘green lanes’ that add extra security, new velocity to global supply chains, and greater efficiency for our customers.”
Smith adds that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s recent announcement that it plans to mandate mechanical seals on all containers coming into the U.S. after Oct. 15, 2008, is an important step on the path to safer ports and borders. The announced mandate also will help generate even more interest in the deployment of e-Seals to help automate security verification processes.
Smith views the pending mechanical seal mandate as a logical first step toward widespread deployment of ISO 18185-based e-Seals, which are based in part on the international standard for mechanical seals, ISO 17712. “While mechanical seals don’t provide the rich benefits of electronic seals, ISO 18185 does incorporate bolt-seal standards, which helps accelerate the trend toward greater use of e-Seals to automate seal verification processes,” Smith says.
In all 25,000-plus shipments, e-Seals were utilized on shipments monitored by SaviTrak™, a software service that captures data automatically from all types of wireless devices attached to shipments moving through Savi Networks’ infrastructure. Further, Savi Networks is working closely with several international Customs organizations on global container pilot projects utilizing e-Seals based on the ISO 18185 standard to evaluate their effectiveness for faster green lane clearances.
Savi Networks already has deployed data capture infrastructure in facilities at the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Savannah, and Norfolk; the Chinese ports of Hong Kong, Yantian, Shekou, Shatian, Chiwan, and Mawan; the Korean ports of Busan and Kwangyang; the European ports of Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Felixstowe (UK); and, the ports in Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Laem Chabang, Thailand.
Zoundz™ — a Fusion of Light and Sound
Toy company Zizzle offers a product called Zoundz™, which uses RFID technology to create a “fusion of self-composed music with an accompanying light show.” Though Zizzle is no longer manufacturing this product, the editors of RFID Product News thought it was such an interesting and fun use of RFID that we just had to share it with our readers!
The toy consists of a white platform and several pawns of varying shapes, colors, and even consistencies (one is a fuzzy ball, while the rest are transparent plastic). Each pawn houses an RFID chip. There are three “hot spots” on the white platform where the pawns are placed. The chips are read at these spots, and according to what piece it is (and which of the three hot spots it is placed on), a different musical loop will be played and light pattern will flash underneath it. The color of the light reflects what type of music the pawn produces with red indicating a sharper tone while blue reflects softer more soothing sounds. Users can use one, two, or three pawns at a time in different combinations to alter the musical and light effects. The music’s tempo, volume, echo, and sustain properties can also be altered.
Zoundz can also be used to play your own music by connecting it to a music source with a standard jack (cord provided). It can even be used as an alarm clock. Its suggested retail price is $49.99. Check it out online at www.zizzle.com.
Intelleflex Further Expands Extended Capability RFID Product Offerings with Badge Tag
Intelleflex Corporation announces the availability of the BAT-7300, an advanced RFID badge tag with exceptional operating range and large on-tag memory. It can be read at distances exceeding 35 meters (100+ ft), even through clothing and when in close proximity to the body. It is equipped with 60k bits of secure rewriteable on-tag memory. This rich feature set enables applications that track personnel movement, provide zone access control, and utilize information such as user data, authentication keys, security clearance and access privileges stored directly on the badge.
The BAT-7300, when used in conjunction with Intelleflex’s multi-protocol readers and other members of the company’s tag family, can also be used to track simultaneously the movement of RFID tagged assets and staff. In applications such as vehicle yard management and IT asset tracking this provides visibility to both the asset and the person(s) responsible for its movement and handling, affording new levels of control, security and accountability.
“Standard badge tags are good for close proximity building access, but lack the range for applications that involve longer distances”, says Jeff Irland, Director, Enterprise Security Initiative for Unisys. “With Intelleflex’s extended capability badge tag, we can now offer customers a solution for zonal control and security in open areas.”
“The introduction of this tag further expands our product offerings, ensuring we meet the needs of our customers with an enhanced portfolio of Extended Capability RFID products,” says Sam Liu, Director of Marketing at Intelleflex. “Our customers have diverse needs, and we are excited about the opportunities to meet these needs with a growing line of battery-assisted RFID products.”
Intelleflex’s BAT-7300 tag is currently available for shipping. For additional information, please visit www.intelleflex.com.
Asset Management Conference and Expo
The Asset Management Conference and Expo is taking place January 22-23 at the Sheraton Atlanta, in Atlanta, GA. The event will include sessions that will focus on the practice of asset management in a variety of functional disciplines and industries including: manufacturing, defense/aerospace, IT assets, utilities/municipalities, transportation/logistics, and medical/healthcare. Some technologies that will be covered include active and passive RFID, barcoding and data collection, and mobile computing.
On Monday, January 21, there is a RFID4U Certification training program offered. Separate registration is required for this: www.assetexpo.com.
On Tuesday, January 22, there is a session called “Enterprise Data Integration: Sharing Information,” which will be presented by a speaker from SAP. It will cover how to integrate real-time asset management and maintenance data across the enterprise to improve asset utilization and reliability, while enhancing the effectiveness of existing enterprise applications. It will also cover how RFID and other technologies can help with data import, making your asset management data transparent to share with your existing ERP and Enterprise applications to enhance the value of your investment.
On Wednesday, January 23, there is a session called “Using RFID for Materials Management in Industrial Manufacturing,” presented by Morris Brown, Program Manager - Materials Management, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). This session will discuss the history and current state of RFID technology in the automotive industry. Real-world applications will be discussed as well as global standardization efforts surrounding RFID technology. Resources will be identified to assist in your asset management and RFID implementation programs.
The cost for standard registration is $795; the cost for Expo Hall only is $199. Visit www.assetexpo.com.
