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Closed-loop RFID Applications (Part 1)
Monday, December 10, 2007
by Adi Tedjasaputra
Open-loop RFID applications are still the most challenging RFID applications in different areas of retail supply chain. With the ultimate goal of achieving complete supply chain visibility, open-loop RFID applications are still facing the challenge of 100 percent read rate requirement beyond pilot projects and trials. In addition, the time to achieve full Return on Investment (ROI) in open-loop RFID applications is typically longer than closed-loop applications. The understanding of closed-loop RFID applications can better prepare end-users and vendors to plan RFID adoption strategy while preparing for successful open-loop RFID applications.
Several months ago, a consortium of GS1 Australia and RMIT claimed the achievement of 100 percent read rate during a two-month RFID pilot in Australia. During the pilot of National EPC Network Demonstrator Project (NDP) Extension, the team tagged each pallet to produce electronic proof of deliveries (ePODs).
Last month, the world's fourth largest retailer - Metro Group announced the completion of operational rollout of RFID technology in its 180 stores and warehouses in Germany. The rollout is the largest RFID project in the European retail sector after claiming 98.5 percent read rate in trials across its distribution centers early this year.
While we hear more good news about the successful pilots and rollouts of open-loop RFID applications, some RFID vendors have already shifted their efforts to cater the demand for RFID technology in closed-loop applications, rather than open-loop RFID applications in retail supply chain sector. The change very much reflects the fact that the current demand for RFID technology in supply chain sector is still very much less than expected. On the other hand, the demand for RFID technology in diverse close-loop applications has grown significantly during the past few years.
What is Closed-loop RFID Applications?
Closed-loop RFID applications is the use of RFID technology by an organisation to achieve specific goals or solve specific problems, usually through process re-engineering. Different from open-loop RFID applications that require tight and also often complex cooperation with different stakeholders in different organisations, closed-loop RFID applications benefit from the possibility to execute RFID technology adoption plans according to a time frame decided solely by an organisation - usually the end-user itself.On the RFID system level, the infrastructure required by closed-loop RFID applications is often simpler than open-loop RFID applications. There is no issue or less issue of data sharing and ownership among different organisations compared to open-loop RFID applications. The RFID system security requirement is usually less complex than open-loop RFID applications.
The second part will provide some examples of closed-loop RFID applications that can deliver values for different end-users.
The writer is the Founder of RFID Asia - The Prominent RFID Community in Asia.
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Labels: closed-loop, project, rfid, scm, security, technology
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RFID in Supply Chain Environment (Part 2)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
by Jack Tay
There is little question that RFID is fast becoming a critical component in the new world of supply chain management, especially in fast growing Asian economies. This is especially so for Asian companies that do import and export business with large Western nations such as the United States and greater Europe. However, even as RFID is necessary, it is important to determine carefully just what needs to be done, and who can help make RFID a success within the company.
When the crucial steps of an RFID implementation project have been carefully integrated, the reliability of system performance can be guaranteed. A dynamic "feedback loop" approach is essential to any ability to provide such guarantees. RFID-services vendors with the requisite experience and expertise to take this approach will have no difficulty offering a performance guarantee with the systems they implement.
Automotive manufacturing and RFID
Increasingly, Asia Pacific is fast becoming the new automotive region, given that manufacturing and labor costs are far lower than the United States and Europe. For example, region-specific models of Chevrolet are manufactured in South Korea (such as the Optra), while Volkswagen and Skoda now has shared manufacturing in China, catering specifically to the mainland Chinese market with the popular VW Passat and Skoda Octavia (and now Superb) models. Even mainstream Japanese car manufacturers are relocating some of their manufacturing of region-specific models (such as Altis and Corolla) to lower-cost locations such as Thailand.
Some manufacturers have used RFID to keep track of the most critical (and sometimes most expensive) item of a car, the engine block. RFID tagging can help reduce misplaced engines (which must be scrapped due to the sensitivity of such products). It is possible that RFID tagging can become important in keeping track of major parts within a car, including the drivetrain assembly, in the near future.
Recommended approach to implementing RFID
Before implementing RFID, it is important to conduct a feasibility analysis of the supply chain environment. Setting out to do a conceptual model, with the right definitions, you should then analyze the process within your entire supply chain (all the way to your ultimate customer and include all stakeholders).
After creating a budget with an invitation to your vendor for demonstrations and any small scale tests, you need to conduct an analysis of your sites, and then have some of your personnels to gauge the usability of the RFID system.
You should attempt to launch your RFID installation in phases, with a test or pilot site, running for perhaps a reasonable length of time, to iron out any kinks in the system. Once you are assured that it will work enterprise-wide, then roll out the system to the entire site. It is also important to re-visit every step of this process of implementation, to ensure that you can improve or tweak the system as necessary.
Outsourcing to a partner
In an ideal scenario, or at least a very small implementation, it may be possible to roll out your RFID system entirely by your in-house team. However, there may be a wisdom to outsource the implementation to a professional services partner, to reduce possible problems during implementation, and also to create accountability and reduce your own exposure to risk. Why is it so?
Researchers have advised that unless you happen to be a data integration specialist, it is entirely possible that your information architecture will break, or affect the corporate ROI.
RF is also an esoteric science whereby specialized skills may be needed to diagnose the RF environment for a site, and to install readers and testing tag performance.
And since RFID expertise is usually not in-house, it may require an outside professional to ensure a solid hardware configuration that will provide better reliability and performance. Nothing beats real world deployment experience, and so for good professional services partners, they would bring to the table real experience that can solve deployment problems, even for pilot runs. Of course, it is important to ensure that your potential partner does indeed have such real world experience, and not simply a portfolio of clients who were "sold" the RFID hardware and other third-party software.
The writer is the Regional Marketing Manager of Intermec Asia Pacific.
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Labels: business, china, project, rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking
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RFID in Supply Chain Environment (Part 1)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
by Jack Tay
While RFID (radio frequency identification) technology is no longer a new or emerging technology, its adoption in Asia Pacific is sporadic, with pockets of accelerated adoption in certain economies, and certain industries. Against the backdrop of regulatory requirements and internal audit controls which put more stringent demands on operating enterprises, whereby more accountability and traceability must be accomplished, the RFID technology adoption situation would theoretically imply that RFID systems would become commonplace everywhere in Asia.
Some countries, such as China, South Korea and Japan, have successful and more widespread adoption of RFID than other countries in Asia Pacific. Many RFID adoptions come from established sites which have other forms of supply chain implementations, and therefore, are considered retrofitted RFID adoptions. While RFID implementations from scratch would be considered the easiest from a technological point of view, we must not discount that many sites would require a phased-in approach of RFID, starting perhaps with test sites to ensure compatibility with enterprise and back-end software.
What makes RFID great for the modern supply chain environment?
Unlike traditional barcode systems, RFID readers do not require a visual line of sight. This can be useful for proximity scanning of RFID tags on tagged items, rather than demanding personnel to be positioned visually within the logistics items to check their availability. Therefore, RFID systems can be extremely useful for supply chain environments that use optimized storage planning, where items can be stacked back to back. And because of proximity scanning rather than line of sight requirements, more data collection along the entire supply chain can be set up easily, without dramatic process changes.
With RFID tags, whether passive or especially active tags, more information can be stored on the tags, compared to traditional barcodes. For active RFID tags, data can be updated enroute (read/write capability), which provide even more flexibility for supply chain backend systems and their interaction.
Increasing adoption of RFID
RFID is also more practical than ever before, with clear business cases being demonstrated for asset management and supply chain operations alike. For example, TNT Logistics reduced its truck load verification time 24 percent by using RFID to automatically record goods loaded onto its trailers. Hundreds of other companies around the world are also implementing RFID-based shipping, receiving and inventory visibility applications.
A sub-trend behind RFID adoption for inventory, warehouse and distribution operations is the use of vehicle-mounted and other mobile RFID readers to enhance or replace stationary models. With a mobile infrastructure, companies don’t need to purchase, install and maintain a separate RFID reader for each dock door. Forklift-mounted and handheld readers can cover multiple docks, and be used in warehouse aisles and elsewhere throughout the facility, further reducing the required RFID investment. Plus, they put information directly in the user’s hands, so they can prevent errors, rather than just record them after they occur.
Container tracking and RFID
With the global struggle against terror or theft, it is imperative that any component of the entire supply chain must be secured, and authenticated, so that there is no breakdown in the process. With RFID tagging, containers, and pallets, can all be adequately tracked and authenticated, along every step of the process from manufacturing to the ultimate client’s location, however remote the location may be. This is not merely a customer requirement (often to comply with internal controls and procedures), but also increasingly a governmental requirement in many locations (especially in the United States and Europe). With adequate tracking through RFID tags, shippers and manufacturers can account to governments and customers, but also build in a "shield" to protect their brands, given that brands these days can break easily due to some lapses in accountability.
The second part of this article will discuss the RFID adoption in automotive manufacturing and a recommended approach to implement RFID.
The writer is the Regional Marketing Manager of Intermec Asia Pacific.
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Labels: business, china, japan, mobile, reader, rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking
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Top 10 Supply Chain Technology Trends (Part 2)
Monday, October 15, 2007
by Jack Tay
In Part 1, Jack Tay discussed some of the top 10 trends and technologies impacting supply chain operations. In the second part, he will further explain the rest of the trends spanning production, distribution, retail and remote service, such as 2D Bar Code, RFID, Remote Management and Security.
2D Bar Code
There are now auto-focus scan engines that can read linear and 2D bar codes alike from 50 feet away and as close as six inches. Complementary developments in illumination technology enable bar codes to be successfully read in dark environments where they couldn’t be read before. With a scanning infrastructure in place to process all types of codes at multiple distances, companies can start building advanced visibility and traceability features into their legacy production, inventory and distribution operations. RFID
Hundreds of companies around the world are implementing RFID-based shipping, receiving and inventory visibility applications. A sub-trend behind RFID adoption for inventory, warehouse and distribution operations is the use of vehicle-mounted and other mobile RFID readers to enhance or replace stationary models. Forklift-mounted and handheld readers can cover multiple docks, and be used in warehouse aisles and elsewhere throughout the facility, further reducing the required RFID investment. Plus, they put information directly in the user’s hands, so they can prevent errors, rather than just record them after they occur.RTLS
Real time location systems (RTLS) allow you to expand your wireless local area network into an asset tracking system. Any device connected to the wireless LAN can be tracked and located. One application is to track forklifts via their vehicle-mounted computer’s radio. The Wireless Location Appliance and supporting software can track the radio’s location in real time to support efficient dynamic storage, routing, monitor dwell time, and gather data for productivity and asset utilization analysis. Many other expensive products and assets can be equipped with an RTLS device for real-time monitoring. Remote Management
Using wireless LANs to track warehouse and factory assets is an example of how a mainstream IT resource has been adapted to benefit industrial environments. Another example, powerful remote management systems have been developed specifically to configure, monitor and troubleshoot bar code readers and printers, RFID equipment, ruggedized computers and other industrial data collection and communications equipment. Such software is also extremely valuable during rollouts and upgrades, because system administrators can use it to set configurations and install software remotely and across groups of devices, instead of having to handle each device individually.Security
Stronger security is another mainstream business trend and requirement that is supported in supply chain technology. Mobile computers can be locked down so customer information and other data can’t be accessed if the device is lost or stolen. Rugged wireless computers and data collection equipment also support many of the leading securities used to protect enterprise wireless networks, including 802.11i, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2, LEAP, FIPS-140, RADIUS servers, VPNs and more.Conclusion
Business needs for security, real-time visibility, and up-to-date information don’t stop at the office door. These needs extend throughout supply chain operations, so reliable information systems must extend just as far. Developments in mobile computing, wireless communication, RFID, bar code and other data collection and communications technologies are helping businesses extend visibility and control over more areas of their operations.
The writer is the Regional Marketing Manager of Intermec Asia Pacific.
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Labels: business, mobile, rfid, rtls, scm, security, technology, tracking
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Top 10 Supply Chain Technology Trends (Part 1)
Monday, October 01, 2007
by Jack Tay
It’s easy to name "mobility" and "wireless" as trends, but it's less clear exactly what direction these developments are taking and how they can be used to improve business. However, what do the trends mean in terms of transforming business and maximizing profitability and productivity?
Here are the top 10 trends and technologies impacting supply chain operations spanning production, distribution, retail and remote service.
1. Comprehensive connectivity – from 802.11 wireless LAN technologies, cellular networks, Bluetooth
2. Voice and GPS communication integrated into rugged computers
3. Speech recognition
4. Digital imaging
5. Portable printing
6. 2D & other bar coding advances
7. RFID
8. RTLS
9. Remote management
10. Wireless and device security
You're probably familiar with the technologies listed above, but perhaps not with the latest developments and trends. For example, did you know that practically any application can be easily modified to accept speech input because of the recent development of terminal emulation-based speech recognition technology? Did you know that Bluetooth, 802.11b/g, cellular and GPS communication are all available in a single handheld device? Did you know improved optics allow 2D bar codes on paper to be read at greater distances (over 50 feet) than 1D bar codes on retro-reflective labels?
Connectivity
The various forms of wireless connectivity – Bluetooth for personal area networking, 802.11 wireless local area networking, and cellular wide area wireless networks for voice and data communication – are all highly visible and provide compelling business cases for many specific operations. Smart phones have strong appeal because they provide convenient voice and data access. However they are extremely limited for delivery, field service and other mobile supply chain operations because the computer screens and interfaces aren’t optimized for enterprise applications, and the devices themselves aren’t rugged enough for everyday use in these environments. For operations with intensive data collection or transaction volume, companies have traditionally used ruggedized handheld computers to gain the reliability and performance they need, but these devices lacked cell phone capability.
Advanced Wireless: Voice & GPS
Now leading cellular carriers have certified rugged handheld computers for voice communication, enabling data collection, data communication and cell phone functionality to be converged into one device. Converging data and voice onto an integrated piece of equipment can cut the number of devices system administrators need to support in half, which provides sustainable operating cost savings. Connectivity convergence continues with the integration of GPS communication into mobile computers. Together with the falling costs of wide area wireless coverage (including GPRS, GSM, CDMA and other technologies) and more generous data plans, computing innovations like these make it affordable and practical for many companies to implement real-time data access systems for their delivery drivers, sales and service staff, inspectors and other personnel.Speech Recognition
Speech recognition helps productivity by reducing the need for users to look at a computer display. Speech synthesis/recognition capability can now be easily embedded into numerous legacy software packages, including warehouse management, picking and putaway, inventory, inspection, quality control and other applications. This simplified integration has been made possible by the recent development of terminal emulation (TE)-based speech recognition technology, which eliminates the need for a separate speech server and a proprietary interface between the speech system and the application software.
Digital Imaging
Like cellular voice, digital imaging is another technology consumers are familiar with that has now found a place in enterprise mobile computing equipment and applications. Transportation and distribution companies are using digital cameras integrated into the mobile computers so their drivers can capture proof of delivery, store stamped invoices, and detail conditions that prevent delivery. Technicians use the technology for proof of service. Other applications include capturing shelf displays and monitoring trade promotion compliance, collecting competitive information, documentation by inspectors, collecting evidence for accident reports, and recording damage and usage conditions for warranty claims.Portable Printing
Rugged portable printers are routinely used for output when documentation is required. Common applications include providing signed delivery receipts, purchase orders, work orders and inspection reports. Using mobile printers and computers together lets sales, service and delivery personnel give customers the documentation they desire, while creating an electronic record that frees the enterprise from having to process paperwork. Mobile printers remain one of the fastest-growing segments of the entire printing industry. Traditional applications are in field service and distribution, but adoption is growing quickly in warehouses and factories for forklift-based printing for picking, putaway, shipment labeling and other activities. Mobile printing provides proven labor savings in industrial environments by saving workers from having to make an unproductive trip to a central location to pick up labels, pick tickets, manifests and other output.The Part 2 of this article will detail 2D Bar Code, RFID, RTLS, Remote Management and Security Technology.
The writer is the Regional Marketing Manager of Intermec Asia Pacific.
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Labels: barcode, business, connectivity, mobile, rfid, rtls, scm, security, technology
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Sustainable Growth of RFID Supply Chain Markets
Saturday, July 14, 2007
by Adi Tedjasaputra
The steadily growing demand for RFID solutions in the Asia Pacific region is inevitable, particularly in the supply chain markets. However, a threat is looming that the current growth will not be sustainable. A fair cost-sharing mechanism, rational motives and justified returns from RFID technology investments are the key ingredients to achieve long-term and sustainable RFID technology adoption.
With the number of contactless smart card unit shipments in the Asia Pacific region at approximately 230 million cards and the Asia Pacific RFID supply chain market that earned $170.3 million in 2006 (Frost & Sullivan 7 Jun 2007, RFID versus Contactless Smart Card and Frost & Sullivan 30 Jun 2007, Asia Pacific RFID Supply Chain Markets), it is hard to ignore the steady growing demand for RFID solutions in the region.
Heating up the emerging markets, METRO Group – the world's fourth largest retailer located in Germany has launched an initiative called Advanced Logistics Asia program since last year. The aim of the program is simply to improve the flow of goods along the supply chain between China (Hong Kong) and Germany with the use of RFID technology.
Speaking to FoodProductionDaily.com, Christian Maas - a METRO Group spokesperson, recently gave a comment on the pressure on its suppliers for adopting RFID and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) technology: "Suppliers doing without the innovative technology (RFID and EDI – ed.) will bear the higher process costs resulting from a lower efficiency. Suppliers participating in the RFID roll-out will benefit from a preferred treatment."The remark implies that METRO Group believes in 3 things:
- The technology used by METRO Group, including RFID, is innovative.
- RFID will help suppliers achieving lower process costs as a result of higher process efficiency.
- A preferred treatment is an incentive for suppliers to participate in the RFID roll-out.
Faced with the requirement for RFID technology compliance, suppliers should ask the following question: Is there any rational motive that can justify the adoption of RFID technology further into internal business processes? The answer to the question is crucial for any supplier to take a strategic decision whether to implement RFID technology only for the sake of compliance or integrate the RFID technology further into internal business processes.The answer from the 26 METRO Group's industry partners from Asia (not 30 suppliers or partners as published previously in various media) participating in "Tag it easy" pilot project has already been decided: compliance.
As a part of the Advanced Logistics Asia program, the "Tag it easy" pilot project was launched in late May 2007. The project aims to enable consumer good industry partners in Hong Kong to apply RFID labels on the shipments to Unna, Germany.
Basically, there are only 3 things that the Asian suppliers participating in the project need to perform:
- Use Metro Link portal to order pre-printed RFID labels for packages exported to Unna, Germany.
- Manually attached the RFID labels to the export packages.
- Manually read the data on the RFID labels affixed to the outgoing goods using a handheld reader.
Judging from the manual labour-intensive processes that are still heavily involved in the project, it will be difficult for suppliers to justify that RFID is an innovative technology that can help them to achieve lower process costs and higher process efficiency. The suppliers involved in the project may get a preferred treatment from the METRO Group and detailed proof of good delivery, nevertheless, it is still questionable whether the preferred treatment and detailed proof of good delivery can actually justify the additional operational costs and process waste.On the other hand, METRO Group can benefit tremendously from data quality improvement, process efficiency improvements along the supply chain, and real-time asset visibility & control, while the third-party RFID vendor - Checkpoint Systems, Inc. can profit from the use of their Check-Net® products and services.
The situation confirms the results of our previous study on RFID adoption in Supply Chain Logistics and Retail Logistics, in which a fair cost-sharing mechanism between retailer (METRO Group) and consumer good suppliers is essential for a sustainable RFID adoption to take place. In addition, it is also necessary for consumer good suppliers to be able to justify their investments in RFID technology with rational motives and justified returns. A specific business case for each unique consumer goods supplier and a customised solution to RFID system integration challenges are no longer nice-to-have. It has already become a fundamental requirement for a sustainable RFID adoption and sustainable growth of RFID supply chain markets.
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Labels: business, card, china, project, reader, rfid, scm, tag, technology
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RFID Agnosticism: More Sophisticated RFID Industry
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
by Adi Tedjasaputra
From the recent comments and statements, it seems like technology agnostic is the latest trend in the RFID industry. The RFID industry has become more sophisticated and provided more values from RFID technology.
Read the following comments and statements:
"... truly frequency agnostic company" (UK)
"... frequency agnostic – write tags at HF and UHF frequencies" (USA)
"... tag agnostic (Gen 1 & Gen 2)" (USA)
"... reader agnostic ..." (USA)
"... technology and frequency agnostic. Our main objective is to ensure that we have common data structures and command sets to make it easier and less costly to implement." (President of EPCglobal)
"... frequency agnostic, advocating that the optimal tag should be used for various applications" (UK)
"... will develop new RFID solutions with a frequency agnostic approach, as wireless frequency ranges are assessed and recommended based on the exact needs of the individual application." (Netherlands)
The use of the word "agnostic" itself is a kind of stretch from the original meaning that comes from the Greek words of "a" (not) and "gnostos" (known), which literally means unknown. A person who believes in neither God's existence nor God's non-existence can be called an agnostic. If you have no commitment in an opinion, you can also be called an agnostic.
The earliest account of the word "agnostic" in use within the RFID industry dates back to May 2006, when EPCglobal started to look into HF RFID technology and formed HF Air Interface Working Group.
"EPCglobal is happy to begin work on extending the very successful EPCglobal Gen 2 standard to support the healthcare industry" said Chris Adcock, president of EPCglobal. "EPCglobal is technology and frequency agnostic. Our main objective is to ensure that we have common data structures and command sets to make it easier and less costly to implement."
The statement came out after a reality check of UHF technology performance on item-level tagging in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The result is clear: HF technology performs better than UHF technology for item-level tagging in the pharmaceutical supply chain. This harsh reality has forced EPCglobal, who has been very aggressive in promoting UHF technology, to embrace HF technology rather than ignoring the global pharmaceutical industry worth of US$492 billion, in which the United States has become the major market for drugs, accounting for almost half of all global drug sales (*).So now, EPCglobal is officially technology and frequency agnostic.
In the real world, each application usually has its own unique needs. RFID systems designed for Access Control applications may not easily be adapted for Supply Chain Logistics applications. RFID systems working for Supply Chain Logistics may not give an optimal performance for Retail Logistics applications. Even for the same area of applications, as demonstrated in the pharmaceutical supply chain, the unique environment, different standards and regulations have made RFID applications more complicated. This reality has created an awareness in the RFID industry that one size does not fit all.
On the other hand, some RFID vendors that always follow the latest fads are a little bit carried away. They have stretched the use of the word "agnostic" even further. The stretch ranges from support for dual frequency equipments to anything under the sun that operates on frequency, i.e. tag agnostic, reader agnostic, etc. At one extreme, some RFID vendors are racing to produce RFID products that support multi-spectral RFID applications. At another extreme, some vendors who are cautious with multi-spectral RFID products only recommend specific frequency solutions based on the assessment of each individual RFID application and call their approach frequency agnostic.
While both extremes propose different values to different markets, these agnostic phenomena have shown an important trend, i.e. The RFID industry has become more sophisticated and provided more values from RFID technology.
Yet, a question remains: Has the RFID market become more mature during the course of time?
(*) Industrial Surveys, Global Pharmaceuticals, reportSURE, December 2004).
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Labels: epcglobal, reader, rfid, scm, tag, technology
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Guidelines for Securing RFID Systems
Friday, April 27, 2007
Like any information technology (IT), radio frequency identification (RFID) presents security and privacy risks that must be carefully mitigated through management, operational, and technical controls in order to realize the numerous benefits the technology has to offer.
When practitioners adhere to sound security engineering principles, RFID technology can help a wide range of organizations and individuals realize substantial productivity gains and efficiencies. These organizations and individuals include hospitals and patients, retailers and customers, and manufacturers and distributors throughout the supply chain.
RFID is a form of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology that uses electric or magnetic fields at radio frequencies to transmit information. An RFID system can be used to identify many types of objects, such as manufactured goods, animals, and people. Each object that needs to be identified has a small object known as an RFID tag affixed to it or embedded within it.
The tag has a unique identifier and may optionally hold additional information about the object. Devices known as RFID readers wirelessly communicate with the tags to identify the item connected to each tag and possibly read or update additional information stored on the tag. This communication can occur without optical line of sight and over greater distances than other AIDC technologies. RFID technologies support a wide range of applications—everything from asset management and tracking to access control and automated payment.
Every RFID system includes a radio frequency (RF) subsystem, which is composed of tags and readers. In many RFID systems, the RF subsystem is supported by an enterprise subsystem that is composed of middleware, analytic systems, and networking services. RFID systems that share information across organizational boundaries, such as supply chain applications, also have an inter-enterprise subsystem.
Each RFID system has different components and customizations so that it can support a particular business process for an organization; as a result, the security risks for RFID systems and the controls available to address them are highly varied. The enterprise and inter-enterprise subsystems involve common IT components such as servers, databases, and networks and therefore can benefit from typical IT security controls for those components.
Source: Karygiannis, T., Eydt, B., et al. (2007). Guidelines for Securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems. Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. NIST Special Publication 800-98.
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When practitioners adhere to sound security engineering principles, RFID technology can help a wide range of organizations and individuals realize substantial productivity gains and efficiencies. These organizations and individuals include hospitals and patients, retailers and customers, and manufacturers and distributors throughout the supply chain.
RFID is a form of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology that uses electric or magnetic fields at radio frequencies to transmit information. An RFID system can be used to identify many types of objects, such as manufactured goods, animals, and people. Each object that needs to be identified has a small object known as an RFID tag affixed to it or embedded within it.
The tag has a unique identifier and may optionally hold additional information about the object. Devices known as RFID readers wirelessly communicate with the tags to identify the item connected to each tag and possibly read or update additional information stored on the tag. This communication can occur without optical line of sight and over greater distances than other AIDC technologies. RFID technologies support a wide range of applications—everything from asset management and tracking to access control and automated payment.
Every RFID system includes a radio frequency (RF) subsystem, which is composed of tags and readers. In many RFID systems, the RF subsystem is supported by an enterprise subsystem that is composed of middleware, analytic systems, and networking services. RFID systems that share information across organizational boundaries, such as supply chain applications, also have an inter-enterprise subsystem.
Each RFID system has different components and customizations so that it can support a particular business process for an organization; as a result, the security risks for RFID systems and the controls available to address them are highly varied. The enterprise and inter-enterprise subsystems involve common IT components such as servers, databases, and networks and therefore can benefit from typical IT security controls for those components.
Source: Karygiannis, T., Eydt, B., et al. (2007). Guidelines for Securing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems. Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. NIST Special Publication 800-98.
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Labels: business, payment, privacy, rfid, scm, security, tag, technology, tracking
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Press Release: RFID Field Trial in Japan for Cosmetics
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Mitsukoshi, Ltd., Shiseido Company, Ltd, and Fujitsu Limited today announced that as part of a project sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, the companies will jointly implement a "futuristic department store" field trial in Japan from January 26 to February 12 to test the expanded use of RFID tags in department stores. For the first time in Japan, RFID tags will be used in a field trial for cosmetics. The field trial is part of a METI-sponsored project commissioned to the Japan Department Stores Association, known as the 2007 Field Trial for Improving Distribution and Logistics Efficiency through the Use of Electronic Tags.
RFID tags have been used in the past at department stores in Japan for inventory control of women's shoes and apparel, but this test is the first time such tags will be affixed to cosmetics.
The field trial will be held at Shiseido counters on the first floor of the Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store, and Sakae (Nagoya) branch of Mitsukoshi department store, a major department store in Japan. RFID tags will be affixed to Shiseido's Clé de Peau Beauté products (a prestige brand), product testers and some samples. A multi-sample display trial will enable customers to view detailed product information on a touch-screen terminal by waving a tagged product over a RFID tag reader. Other trials will be conducted for such aspects as customer consultation, product assortment, and distribution, with the purpose to evaluate the efficiency in using RFID tags in supply chain management of cosmetics, the impact on increasing purchase intent when the customers themselves handle products with RFID tags, and effect on purchasing related products.
Overview of the field trial
Trial Period:
Mitsukoshi Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store: January 26 to February 11, 2007
Mitsukoshi Sakae (Nagoya) branch: January 30 to February 12, 2007
Sites:
Shiseido and Clé de Peau Beauté counters on the first floor of Mitsukoshi department store's Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store, and the Shiseido counter of the Sakae (Nagoya) branch.
Field trial details
The following five aspects will be tested as part of the "futuristic department store" trial of the Field Trial for Improving Distribution and Logistics Efficiency through the Use of Electronic Tags, sponsored by METI.
1. Multi-sample display (skincare products)
Seven types of product testers for skincare (lotions, serums, etc.) will be affixed with RFID tags. Customers can wave the tagged products over an electronic tag reader to view detailed product information on a touch-screen terminal. (Site: Shiseido counter)
2. Tester demand forecasting system (makeup products)
Tester stands (receptacles for holding the tester containers) for makeup products (lipsticks, mascaras, etc.) will be embedded with RFID tag readers, so that the number of times that customers sample each tagged makeup tester (49 items) can be counted. This will make it possible to accumulate informative marketing data, such as by ranking which products customers showed most interest in. (Site: Shiseido counter)
3. e-Counseling
Cosmetics counter sales staff will have tablet PCs to view a customer's counseling and purchasing history. The tablet PCs will be equipped with tag readers, which can be used to register product purchases (10 items) and sample distributions (7 types of samples) for a customer by waving the products over the tablet PC, thereby updating the customer's history. 50 customers will be included in this trial. (Site: Clé de Peau Beauté counter)
4. Source tagging/SCM system
Shiseido will affix RFID tags to products (10 items) at its stock center, to be used for packing-list checking and in-store inventory. (Sites: Shiseido Stock Center in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and Clé de Peau Beauté)
5. RFID tags @ home
As it is anticipated that in the future in some instances some customers may wish to take home products with RFID tags attached to view detailed product information at their leisure while at home, home uses for RFID tags will also be tested. In the test, virtual home environments equipped with PCs and tag readers will be set up in the stores and 50 customers will gather product information from tagged samples. (Site: In-store virtual home environment)
The following two supportive trials will also be held during the field trial period:
A. Cosmetic information
"Cosmetic Information" terminals with touch-screen displays and RFID tag readers will be installed. Customers will be able to view word-of-mouth information about the products (31 products at the Ginza store, 41 products at the Sakae store) from other customers, by waving tagged testers over the tag readers.
*As the purpose of this trial is to create the impression of an “electronic concierge” that offers information on the entire cosmetics floor, for this test only, RFID tags will be affixed on products from other companies besides Shiseido's Clé de Peau Beauté line.(Site: Near the entrance of the cosmetics floor)
B. Virtual Real-Time Makeup System
A kiosk with a camera, display, and RFID tag reader will be installed that will enable customers to view on the display how particular products would look on their face ("virtual real-time makeup") by waving tagged cosmetic products such as lipsticks or eyeshadows (19 items) over the tag reader. (Site: Shiseido counter)
*Mitsukoshi's Sakae store will participate in the aforementioned trials "1", "5", and “A“only.
Anticipated effect of the field trial:
• Provide more detailed product information to customers and enhance customer service to increase customer satisfaction, and promote sales and purchase of related products
• Improve efficiency of inventory control and increase productivity by using retail space effectively
• Reinforce product line through deeper analysis of products
• Raise consumer awareness of RFID tags
Corporations participating in or supporting the field trial:
Mitsukoshi, Ltd.:
Overall coordinator of field trial.
Shiseido Company, Ltd.:
Provides Clé de Peau Beauté products, testers, samples and trial sites for aforementioned trials "1" through "5". Also provides the Virtual Real-Time Makeup System in aforementioned trial "B".
Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Shikoku Systems Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories, Ltd., and PFU Limited:
Developed the system and provides devices for the aforementioned aspects "1" through "5", provides "Cosmetic Information" touch-screen terminals, and conducts overall hypothesis testing for the field trial.
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.:
Provides RFID tags for the entire field trial.
Central Engineering Co., Ltd.:
Provides RFID tag readers for aforementioned trial "2", Tester Demand Forecasting System.
i style Inc.:
Provides "Cosmetic Information" content in aforementioned supportive trial "A".
Send your comments and discuss.
Read more »
RFID tags have been used in the past at department stores in Japan for inventory control of women's shoes and apparel, but this test is the first time such tags will be affixed to cosmetics.
The field trial will be held at Shiseido counters on the first floor of the Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store, and Sakae (Nagoya) branch of Mitsukoshi department store, a major department store in Japan. RFID tags will be affixed to Shiseido's Clé de Peau Beauté products (a prestige brand), product testers and some samples. A multi-sample display trial will enable customers to view detailed product information on a touch-screen terminal by waving a tagged product over a RFID tag reader. Other trials will be conducted for such aspects as customer consultation, product assortment, and distribution, with the purpose to evaluate the efficiency in using RFID tags in supply chain management of cosmetics, the impact on increasing purchase intent when the customers themselves handle products with RFID tags, and effect on purchasing related products.
Overview of the field trial
Trial Period:
Mitsukoshi Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store: January 26 to February 11, 2007
Mitsukoshi Sakae (Nagoya) branch: January 30 to February 12, 2007
Sites:
Shiseido and Clé de Peau Beauté counters on the first floor of Mitsukoshi department store's Ginza (Tokyo) flagship store, and the Shiseido counter of the Sakae (Nagoya) branch.
Field trial details
The following five aspects will be tested as part of the "futuristic department store" trial of the Field Trial for Improving Distribution and Logistics Efficiency through the Use of Electronic Tags, sponsored by METI.
1. Multi-sample display (skincare products)
Seven types of product testers for skincare (lotions, serums, etc.) will be affixed with RFID tags. Customers can wave the tagged products over an electronic tag reader to view detailed product information on a touch-screen terminal. (Site: Shiseido counter)
2. Tester demand forecasting system (makeup products)
Tester stands (receptacles for holding the tester containers) for makeup products (lipsticks, mascaras, etc.) will be embedded with RFID tag readers, so that the number of times that customers sample each tagged makeup tester (49 items) can be counted. This will make it possible to accumulate informative marketing data, such as by ranking which products customers showed most interest in. (Site: Shiseido counter)
3. e-Counseling
Cosmetics counter sales staff will have tablet PCs to view a customer's counseling and purchasing history. The tablet PCs will be equipped with tag readers, which can be used to register product purchases (10 items) and sample distributions (7 types of samples) for a customer by waving the products over the tablet PC, thereby updating the customer's history. 50 customers will be included in this trial. (Site: Clé de Peau Beauté counter)
4. Source tagging/SCM system
Shiseido will affix RFID tags to products (10 items) at its stock center, to be used for packing-list checking and in-store inventory. (Sites: Shiseido Stock Center in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, and Clé de Peau Beauté)
5. RFID tags @ home
As it is anticipated that in the future in some instances some customers may wish to take home products with RFID tags attached to view detailed product information at their leisure while at home, home uses for RFID tags will also be tested. In the test, virtual home environments equipped with PCs and tag readers will be set up in the stores and 50 customers will gather product information from tagged samples. (Site: In-store virtual home environment)
The following two supportive trials will also be held during the field trial period:
A. Cosmetic information
"Cosmetic Information" terminals with touch-screen displays and RFID tag readers will be installed. Customers will be able to view word-of-mouth information about the products (31 products at the Ginza store, 41 products at the Sakae store) from other customers, by waving tagged testers over the tag readers.
*As the purpose of this trial is to create the impression of an “electronic concierge” that offers information on the entire cosmetics floor, for this test only, RFID tags will be affixed on products from other companies besides Shiseido's Clé de Peau Beauté line.(Site: Near the entrance of the cosmetics floor)
B. Virtual Real-Time Makeup System
A kiosk with a camera, display, and RFID tag reader will be installed that will enable customers to view on the display how particular products would look on their face ("virtual real-time makeup") by waving tagged cosmetic products such as lipsticks or eyeshadows (19 items) over the tag reader. (Site: Shiseido counter)
*Mitsukoshi's Sakae store will participate in the aforementioned trials "1", "5", and “A“only.
Anticipated effect of the field trial:
• Provide more detailed product information to customers and enhance customer service to increase customer satisfaction, and promote sales and purchase of related products
• Improve efficiency of inventory control and increase productivity by using retail space effectively
• Reinforce product line through deeper analysis of products
• Raise consumer awareness of RFID tags
Corporations participating in or supporting the field trial:
Mitsukoshi, Ltd.:
Overall coordinator of field trial.
Shiseido Company, Ltd.:
Provides Clé de Peau Beauté products, testers, samples and trial sites for aforementioned trials "1" through "5". Also provides the Virtual Real-Time Makeup System in aforementioned trial "B".
Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Shikoku Systems Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories, Ltd., and PFU Limited:
Developed the system and provides devices for the aforementioned aspects "1" through "5", provides "Cosmetic Information" touch-screen terminals, and conducts overall hypothesis testing for the field trial.
Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.:
Provides RFID tags for the entire field trial.
Central Engineering Co., Ltd.:
Provides RFID tag readers for aforementioned trial "2", Tester Demand Forecasting System.
i style Inc.:
Provides "Cosmetic Information" content in aforementioned supportive trial "A".
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: japan, project, reader, rfid, scm, tag, technology, trial
Read more »
More Than 5 Cents
Friday, January 12, 2007
by Adi Tedjasaputra
The aggressive marketing campaign for RFID standards led by EPCglobal has been successful. At least, many who have heard about RFID, most likely have also heard about Electronic Product Code (EPC), EPCglobal standards or EPCglobal. Some even falsely identify RFID with EPC. There is no doubt that the EPC branding is in the mind of many people, for better or for worse.
5-Cent RFID Tags
Ideally, a marketing power should come with a responsibility to fulfil promises advertised in the marketing campaign. Unfortunately, in the real world, promises do not always come true in time and people often get disappointed, and sometimes confused and frustrated.
How many times have you heard or read people talk about 5-cent RFID tags?
Here, instead of discussing whether the 5-cent tag is a myth or a feasible vision, it is necessary to point out that 5-cent price target was originally introduced by Sanjay Sarma and his colleagues, who are also involved in the development of EPC. Riding the 5-cent buzz, EPC, a unique numbering scheme endorsed by EPCglobal, has gained popularity in the recent years, at the expense of RFID technology and industry in general.
We quickly determined that if RFID tags were ever going to have a shot at being widely used, a 5-cent price target was important for both psychological and commercial reasons. In return, though, the volumes would have to be very high—for example, more than 5 billion bar codes are scanned daily today. The problem with RFID tags at the time was that the industry was "stuck" in a higher-margin, lower-volume mind-set. At the Auto-ID Center, we set about flipping it to a high-volume, low-margin approach. (Integrating RFID, Sanjay Sarma, ACM Queue vol. 2, no. 7 - October 2004)
There is no doubt when Sanja Sarma and his colleagues envisioned 5-cent RFID tags, they were comparing RFID tags with barcode labels and referring only to retail supply chain item tagging, instead of the general RFID tags and applications.
Nevertheless, when the news of 5-cent RFID tags was published in the media, many became excited and over-enthusiastic. Some unrealistic expectations started to be unfolded. Many people easily forget or ignore the underlying assumption that an initial large volume purchase is necessary to achieve the 5-cent RFID tag vision.
Is Gen 2 the Silver Bullet?
Realising the shortcomings of the Class 0 and Class 1 UHF Air Interface Protocol Standard, EPCglobal began its work on the second generation of UHF air interface protocol mostly known as Gen 2. The standard was later ratified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) last year.
When EPCglobal later realised that the strengths of UHF RFID technology comes with its weaknesses and limitations, the organization started to look into HF RFID technology and formed HF Air Interface Working Group. The Working Group currently works toward the extension of Gen 2 into HF band.
The less known facts are actually the cost for involvement in the EPCglobal and the cost of adopting EPCglobal standards. If you are an end user, you have to pay at least US$750 (EPCglobal North America) for the initial subscription fee, in addition to other fees. Solution providers will have to pay more. The subscription fee schedule for companies outside the United States is less transparent, but since EPCglobal is a joint-venture between GS1 and GS1 US, one may expect similar fees to be collected as well.
Beside the high organisational and infrastructure costs, the design of current Gen 2 protocol standard ironically does not reflect any breakthrough towards the vision of 5-cent RFID tags, especially with added security feature extensions for RFID Supply Chain item-level tagging that will increase the total tag manufacturing cost.
The result of unrealistic expectations is predictable: disappointment. RFID vendors will fail to meet unrealistic expectations already generated by aggressive and unrealistic marketing campaign, including the demand for 5-cent tags. RFID technology and industry will get more bad press, in addition to the current opposition from already flourishing privacy groups. Wait-and-see attitude towards RFID implementations will become more common among potential RFID adopters, including the ones outside the retail supply chain industry. The expectation of large volume purchase that can decrease general RFID tag price will happen in a very slow pace, along with various setbacks.
Fortunately, there are hundreds of RFID applications that are independent from the need to adopt EPCglobal standards. These RFID applications are primarily unrelated to the supply chain industry. Nevertheless, we still urgently need a healthy dosage of marketing campaign that is balanced with rational and realistic expectations and actions to move beyond the current hype. We need to prevent one drop of indigo to stain the whole cauldron of milk (*).
(*) "One drop of indigo stains the whole cauldron of milk" is an Indonesian proverb that means one minor ill behaviour can ruin the whole good things or efforts.
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: 2.0, epc, epcglobal, iso, privacy, rfid, scm, security, tag, technology
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RFID in Global Supply Chain Management
Sunday, December 03, 2006
by Adi Tedjasaputra
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been around for several decades. The technology itself is neither new nor revolutionary. What is fascinating from the RFID technology is actually the innovation around it. A vast array of new emerging opportunities and controversies resulting from the use, or potential use, of RFID technology has shown that there is no limit in RFID technology innovation.
The idea of using RFID technology in Supply Chain Management is made popular by the possibility of gaining global and real-time asset visibility and control. RFID technology is the key enabler for advanced and detailed asset tracking, tracing, monitoring, automatic event logging and triggering throughout global supply chain.
Different organisations have applied different kind of RFID applications for improving the performance of particular supply chain activities and processes. Nevertheless, none of the current RFID applications in supply chain is optimised for global asset visibility and control. The current RFID application focus is only limited to organisational and local real-time asset visibility and control.
The focus on organisational performance consequently requires the use of organisational performance metrics, such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Naturally, scorecards can be used to measure the impact of RFID applications on organisational performance based on the scoring for KPIs.
The most common mistake in implementing KPI scorecards to measure the impact of RFID applications on organisational performance, however, lies in the narrow or limited perspective in defining KPIs. The sole focus on technology and finance, for example, is not only misleading, but also ignoring the contribution of other supply chain stakeholders in influencing the organisational performance. It is worth to be noted that the role and influence of other supply chain stakeholders in organisational performance will increase along with the network effect of RFID technology adoption in global supply chain.
Nonetheless, before a critical mass point of RFID technology adoption in global supply chain can be reached, there are still a couple of issues to be solved, i.e. cost and data. It is a well-known fact that the cost of infrastructure investment for global real-time asset visibility and control is huge. This huge investment requires some robust cost-sharing models and mechanisms that can benefit supply chain stakeholders and justify their investment. In addition, the transition from industrial economy to knowledge-based economy has made data increasingly a valuable asset. For this reason, an agreement on data sharing and storage policies is essential to ensure that the use of data is optimised for the benefit of each global supply chain stakeholder.
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: rfid, scm, technology, tracking
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EU RFID Conference 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The European Commission has just concluded the final conference on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as the last part of the series of consultation initiatives in Europe. The conference took place in Brussels today was also broadcasted live through Web Streaming. With an emphasis on the policy issues rather than the technical ones, the conference was mostly attended by European Commission officials and the members of the European Parliament.
From Asia, Professor Ryo Imura, the only Asian speaker presenting at the conference, talked about a few RFID applications in the Japanese Ubiquitous Information Society, such as RFID projects that involve children and RFID item-level tagging applications. The conclusions of his presentation include the importance of establishing business cases, the need for cost-sharing mechanism in RFID supply chain implementation and building the awareness of public and consumers of RFID.
The European Commission expects to deliver the results of the Europe-wide public consultation by December 2006.
Send your comments and discuss.
Read more »
From Asia, Professor Ryo Imura, the only Asian speaker presenting at the conference, talked about a few RFID applications in the Japanese Ubiquitous Information Society, such as RFID projects that involve children and RFID item-level tagging applications. The conclusions of his presentation include the importance of establishing business cases, the need for cost-sharing mechanism in RFID supply chain implementation and building the awareness of public and consumers of RFID.
The European Commission expects to deliver the results of the Europe-wide public consultation by December 2006.
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: business, rfid, scm, technology
Read more »
Press Release: OMRON Introduces EPC Gen2 Global Loop Inlay
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Edited Press Release.
OMRON Corporation announced availability of the V750 series Gen2 Global Loop inlay which can be used under North American, European and Japanese radio frequency bands in a single tag design. Aimed at consumer electronics manufacturers and suppliers to major retailers, the new inlay will be ready for shipment from early August 2006.
The Gen2 Loop is optimized to ensure robust read performance when the tag is applied to items containing materials unfriendly to RFID, for example, the metallic components used in electronics equipment and products with high moisture content. With non-metallic objects, the Gen2 Loop realizes the same high read performance as the Class 1 Loop inlay currently available from OMRON (see Figure 1 below).In addition, the new inlay delivers a read performance of approximately 1 meter even when in close proximity to metal objects (see Figure 2 below). The Loop tag also delivers reliable read ranges when the orientation on the product is not fixed or could change after application. As a direct result, the Loop inlay can improve pallet tag read rates.
OMRON Gen2 global loop inlays can be used with all international UHF RFID frequencies from 860 to 960MHz with little or no performance degradation. The addition of the Global Loop inlay to the already announced Wave tag expands OMRON's ability to meet a wide range of applications for today's international supply chain needs. Potential applications of the new inlay include tags and labels for use in the electrical appliance and pharmaceutical industries, where the ability to read large shipments of products speedily, simultaneously and from a distance will realize significant cost reductions.
"With RFID deployments expanding both globally and to a wider range of SKU's, a global tag that performs across all UHF frequency bands and is less sensitive to materials and orientation is clearly a benefit for our customers," says Bill Arnold, chief strategist at OMRON RFID. "If a company uses the OMRON global inlay, then it has no need to handle the complexity of different tag selection for each region or SKU requirements. This means our Gen2 global loop inlays help to reduce total RFID tag application costs and operation time."
Table 1
Model V750-D22M02-IM
Minimum delivery lot 5000 pcs/roll
Inlay price Open price
Protocol EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2
Operating frequencyUHF band: 860MHz to 960MHz (Japan, U.S., Europe, China, Asia, etc.)
Memory 240 bits NVM(EPC: 96 bits)
Dimensions 68mm×70mm
Operating temperature -20˚C to 55˚C (no icing, no condensation)
Storage temperature -20˚C to 55˚C (no icing, no condensation)
Storage humidity (maximum) 60% RH
External view of V750 Series Gen2 Loop Inlay
Send your comments and discuss.
Read more »
OMRON Corporation announced availability of the V750 series Gen2 Global Loop inlay which can be used under North American, European and Japanese radio frequency bands in a single tag design. Aimed at consumer electronics manufacturers and suppliers to major retailers, the new inlay will be ready for shipment from early August 2006.
The Gen2 Loop is optimized to ensure robust read performance when the tag is applied to items containing materials unfriendly to RFID, for example, the metallic components used in electronics equipment and products with high moisture content. With non-metallic objects, the Gen2 Loop realizes the same high read performance as the Class 1 Loop inlay currently available from OMRON (see Figure 1 below).In addition, the new inlay delivers a read performance of approximately 1 meter even when in close proximity to metal objects (see Figure 2 below). The Loop tag also delivers reliable read ranges when the orientation on the product is not fixed or could change after application. As a direct result, the Loop inlay can improve pallet tag read rates.
OMRON Gen2 global loop inlays can be used with all international UHF RFID frequencies from 860 to 960MHz with little or no performance degradation. The addition of the Global Loop inlay to the already announced Wave tag expands OMRON's ability to meet a wide range of applications for today's international supply chain needs. Potential applications of the new inlay include tags and labels for use in the electrical appliance and pharmaceutical industries, where the ability to read large shipments of products speedily, simultaneously and from a distance will realize significant cost reductions.
"With RFID deployments expanding both globally and to a wider range of SKU's, a global tag that performs across all UHF frequency bands and is less sensitive to materials and orientation is clearly a benefit for our customers," says Bill Arnold, chief strategist at OMRON RFID. "If a company uses the OMRON global inlay, then it has no need to handle the complexity of different tag selection for each region or SKU requirements. This means our Gen2 global loop inlays help to reduce total RFID tag application costs and operation time."
Table 1
Model V750-D22M02-IM
Minimum delivery lot 5000 pcs/roll
Inlay price Open price
Protocol EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2
Operating frequencyUHF band: 860MHz to 960MHz (Japan, U.S., Europe, China, Asia, etc.)
Memory 240 bits NVM(EPC: 96 bits)
Dimensions 68mm×70mm
Operating temperature -20˚C to 55˚C (no icing, no condensation)
Storage temperature -20˚C to 55˚C (no icing, no condensation)
Storage humidity (maximum) 60% RH
External view of V750 Series Gen2 Loop Inlay
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: china, epcglobal, gen2, inlay, japan, omron, rfid, scm, tag, technology
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Ontario's RFID Privacy Guidelines
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Edited News Release.
Ontario ’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Dr. Ann Cavoukian, yesterday released privacy Guidelines for the growing field of radio frequency identification (RFID).
These Guidelines flow from her earlier work in 2003 when the Commissioner first identified the potential privacy concerns raised by RFID technology. Following a history of ground-breaking work on building privacy into the design of emerging technologies, these Guidelines are a natural progression of this pragmatic approach.
“I have always found it beneficial to assist those working on emerging technologies, and to be proactive whenever possible – to develop effective guidelines and codes before any problems arise,” said Commissioner Cavoukian. “These made-in-Canada Guidelines provide guidance and solutions regarding item-level consumer RFID applications and uses.”
EPCglobal Canada, an industry association that sets standards for electronic product codes, has been collaborating with the IPC in the development of these Guidelines, and will be seeking Board approval by its member companies to signify the association’s endorsement of the Guidelines.
“ This technology offers exciting benefits to consumers and businesses alike. As the trusted source for driving adoption of EPC/RFID technology for increased visibility within the supply chain, privacy is as important as anything else we are doing,” said Art Smith, President and CEO, EPCglobal Canada. “We promote an environment that encourages ongoing innovation while respecting privacy issues.”
RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that can be attached to products. They transmit a unique identifying number to an electronic reader, which in turn links to a computer database where information about the item is stored. RFID tags may be read from a distance quickly and easily, making them valuable for managing inventory but pose potential risks to privacy if linked to personal identifiers. RFID tags are the next generation technology from barcodes.
Although RFID technology deployed in the supply chain management process poses little threat to privacy, item-level use of RFID tags in the retail sector, when linked to personally identifiable information, can facilitate the tracking and surveillance of individuals. The goal of these Guidelines is to alleviate concerns about the potential threat to privacy posed by this technology and to enhance openness and transparency about item-level use of RFID systems by retailers.
The Guidelines address key privacy issues regarding the use of RFID technology at an item-level in the retail sector, said Commissioner Cavoukian.
The Guidelines are based on three overarching principles, including:
* Focus on RFID information systems, not technologies: The problem does not lie with RFID technologies themselves, but rather, the way in which they are deployed that can have privacy implications. The Guidelines should be applied to RFID information systems as a whole, rather than to any single technology component or function;
* Build in privacy and security from the outset – at the design stage: Just as privacy concerns must be identified in a broad and systemic manner, so, too, must the technological solutions be addressed systemically. A thorough privacy impact assessment is critical. Users of RFID technologies and information systems should address the privacy and security issues early in the design stages, with a particular emphasis on data minimization. This means that wherever possible, efforts should be made to minimize the identifiability, observability and linkability of RFID data; and
* Maximize individual participation and consent : Use of RFID information systems should be as open and transparent as possible, and afford individuals with as much opportunity as possible to participate and make informed decisions.
A companion piece to the Guidelines – Practical Tips for Implementing RFID Privacy Guidelines, is also being released by the Commissioner to help organizations put the Guidelines into practice.
Send your comments and discuss.
Read more »
Ontario ’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, Dr. Ann Cavoukian, yesterday released privacy Guidelines for the growing field of radio frequency identification (RFID).
These Guidelines flow from her earlier work in 2003 when the Commissioner first identified the potential privacy concerns raised by RFID technology. Following a history of ground-breaking work on building privacy into the design of emerging technologies, these Guidelines are a natural progression of this pragmatic approach.
“I have always found it beneficial to assist those working on emerging technologies, and to be proactive whenever possible – to develop effective guidelines and codes before any problems arise,” said Commissioner Cavoukian. “These made-in-Canada Guidelines provide guidance and solutions regarding item-level consumer RFID applications and uses.”
EPCglobal Canada, an industry association that sets standards for electronic product codes, has been collaborating with the IPC in the development of these Guidelines, and will be seeking Board approval by its member companies to signify the association’s endorsement of the Guidelines.
“ This technology offers exciting benefits to consumers and businesses alike. As the trusted source for driving adoption of EPC/RFID technology for increased visibility within the supply chain, privacy is as important as anything else we are doing,” said Art Smith, President and CEO, EPCglobal Canada. “We promote an environment that encourages ongoing innovation while respecting privacy issues.”
RFID tags contain microchips and tiny radio antennas that can be attached to products. They transmit a unique identifying number to an electronic reader, which in turn links to a computer database where information about the item is stored. RFID tags may be read from a distance quickly and easily, making them valuable for managing inventory but pose potential risks to privacy if linked to personal identifiers. RFID tags are the next generation technology from barcodes.
Although RFID technology deployed in the supply chain management process poses little threat to privacy, item-level use of RFID tags in the retail sector, when linked to personally identifiable information, can facilitate the tracking and surveillance of individuals. The goal of these Guidelines is to alleviate concerns about the potential threat to privacy posed by this technology and to enhance openness and transparency about item-level use of RFID systems by retailers.
The Guidelines address key privacy issues regarding the use of RFID technology at an item-level in the retail sector, said Commissioner Cavoukian.
The Guidelines are based on three overarching principles, including:
* Focus on RFID information systems, not technologies: The problem does not lie with RFID technologies themselves, but rather, the way in which they are deployed that can have privacy implications. The Guidelines should be applied to RFID information systems as a whole, rather than to any single technology component or function;
* Build in privacy and security from the outset – at the design stage: Just as privacy concerns must be identified in a broad and systemic manner, so, too, must the technological solutions be addressed systemically. A thorough privacy impact assessment is critical. Users of RFID technologies and information systems should address the privacy and security issues early in the design stages, with a particular emphasis on data minimization. This means that wherever possible, efforts should be made to minimize the identifiability, observability and linkability of RFID data; and
* Maximize individual participation and consent : Use of RFID information systems should be as open and transparent as possible, and afford individuals with as much opportunity as possible to participate and make informed decisions.
A companion piece to the Guidelines – Practical Tips for Implementing RFID Privacy Guidelines, is also being released by the Commissioner to help organizations put the Guidelines into practice.
Send your comments and discuss.
Labels: antenna, business, epcglobal, privacy, reader, rfid, scm, security, tag, technology, tracking
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The first Gen2 project in Hong Kong and the South China region
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
UPM Rafsec, an RFID tag and inlay manufacturer, announced on Monday that it has entered into an agreement with Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Holdings Limited (SCL), a joint-venture of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), to deliver UPM Rafsec Gen 2 RFID tags. UPM Rafsec together with SCL will supply tags to Novetex Spinners Limited (Novetex), a single site woollen spinner, for the project that will mark the first Gen 2 RFID initiative in Hong Kong and the South China region.
The new RFID system being deployed for Novetex by SCL, consultant as well
as hardware & solution provider for the project will touch three different
processes in Novetex’s Zhuhai warehouse - the receiving process, cycle
counting and the delivery process. Novetex expects substantial enhancements in operating efficiency at its warehouse when the project is fully deployed.
Marcus Vaenerberg, Vice President Sales at UPM Rafsec, comments “We’re
extremely excited to be taking part in the first Gen 2 project in the
South China region. The technology is just starting to take hold here.
However this region is very dynamic. Our collaboration with SCL, an ideal
partner for us, will permit us to expand our presence significantly in
this rapidly growing market.”
Novetex’s complete RFID identification and tracking solution will go live
in early 2006.
Read more »
The new RFID system being deployed for Novetex by SCL, consultant as well
as hardware & solution provider for the project will touch three different
processes in Novetex’s Zhuhai warehouse - the receiving process, cycle
counting and the delivery process. Novetex expects substantial enhancements in operating efficiency at its warehouse when the project is fully deployed.
Marcus Vaenerberg, Vice President Sales at UPM Rafsec, comments “We’re
extremely excited to be taking part in the first Gen 2 project in the
South China region. The technology is just starting to take hold here.
However this region is very dynamic. Our collaboration with SCL, an ideal
partner for us, will permit us to expand our presence significantly in
this rapidly growing market.”
Novetex’s complete RFID identification and tracking solution will go live
in early 2006.
Labels: china, gen2, inlay, project, rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking
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Press Release: RFID Connect 2006
Friday, December 02, 2005
New business cases shared by speakers at the RFID Connect Asia event suggest that RFID will generate tremendous benefits in the value chain across various industries in 2006 and beyond.
The event will gather an unprecedented speaker line-up comprising of early adopters of RFID from Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer, Neptune Orient Lines, YCH, National Computerization Agency Korea, Australia Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, MTR Corporation, Exonomy and many more.
RFID Connect Asia 2006 is the leading RFID business event in Asia showcasing the latest RFID developments, benefits, challenges and first-hand insights from early RFID adopters. This 4-day event will be held from 14th February to 17th February 2006 in Singapore at the Raffles City Convention Centre.
About RFID CONNECT Asia 2006
Endorsed and supported by EPCglobal, GS1 Singapore, Singapore Manufacturers Association, CompTIA, RFID Asia and RFID Society, this 4-day event comprises of a 2-day conference cum exhibition and is preceded by a 1-day workshop on ‘RFID Contactless Smart Card’ on 14th February 2006. RFID Connect Asia 2006 is proudly sponsored by STMicroelectronics, Philips, HP and Sun Microsystems.
See RFID ‘LIVE in ACTION.’
As part of the RFID Connect Asia 2006, attendees are invited to the NOL-SUN Advanced Technology Centre to see for themselves RFID testing in a ‘live’ supply chain environment that is similar to the RFID requirements mandated by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
We are extending a personal invitation to all media personnel to attend this event. For additional information, a copy of the event programme or to confirm your attendance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Event website: www.availcorp.com
About Avail Corporation
Avail Corporation specialises in business intelligence, event and management consultancy in Asia Pacific. Through our expertise and networks we will efficiently and professionally provide major organisations with the vehicle to access the world’s leading business minds as well as to provide a gateway to their future business clients.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Geraldine Chew
T.+65 6236 5757
F.+65 6221 1733
Email.gchew@availcorp.com
www.availcorp.com
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The event will gather an unprecedented speaker line-up comprising of early adopters of RFID from Kimberly-Clark, Pfizer, Neptune Orient Lines, YCH, National Computerization Agency Korea, Australia Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, MTR Corporation, Exonomy and many more.
RFID Connect Asia 2006 is the leading RFID business event in Asia showcasing the latest RFID developments, benefits, challenges and first-hand insights from early RFID adopters. This 4-day event will be held from 14th February to 17th February 2006 in Singapore at the Raffles City Convention Centre.
About RFID CONNECT Asia 2006
Endorsed and supported by EPCglobal, GS1 Singapore, Singapore Manufacturers Association, CompTIA, RFID Asia and RFID Society, this 4-day event comprises of a 2-day conference cum exhibition and is preceded by a 1-day workshop on ‘RFID Contactless Smart Card’ on 14th February 2006. RFID Connect Asia 2006 is proudly sponsored by STMicroelectronics, Philips, HP and Sun Microsystems.
See RFID ‘LIVE in ACTION.’
As part of the RFID Connect Asia 2006, attendees are invited to the NOL-SUN Advanced Technology Centre to see for themselves RFID testing in a ‘live’ supply chain environment that is similar to the RFID requirements mandated by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
We are extending a personal invitation to all media personnel to attend this event. For additional information, a copy of the event programme or to confirm your attendance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Event website: www.availcorp.com
About Avail Corporation
Avail Corporation specialises in business intelligence, event and management consultancy in Asia Pacific. Through our expertise and networks we will efficiently and professionally provide major organisations with the vehicle to access the world’s leading business minds as well as to provide a gateway to their future business clients.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Geraldine Chew
T.+65 6236 5757
F.+65 6221 1733
Email.gchew@availcorp.com
www.availcorp.com
Labels: business, card, connect, epcglobal, rfid, scm, singapore, technology
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Press Release: RFID Tags from DOMINANT
Thursday, November 17, 2005
DOMINANT Semiconductors announces the release of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to deliver high level of performance in automatic identification and tracking objects.
The total RFID tag production solution provided by DOMINANT covers the converting processes like inlay assembly and the test from raw materials to finished goods such as smart tags. The flip chip technology enables DOMINANT to provide superior RFID tag product quality with competitive pricing.
DOMINANT provides three types of tags classified as per their radio frequency – HF at 13.56 MHz, UHF at 860-960 MHz and microwave at 2.45 GHz.
By adopting RFID technology, companies are able to optimize the accuracy of data collection – something that is not always possible with traditional systems. DOMINANT plays an important role as one of the RFID tag suppliers on a global scale where demand for compliant RFID tag is growing dramatically. The company aims to be the forefront in the RFID market by providing RFID tag products with superior quality in large quantities.
About DOMINANT Semiconductors
DOMINANT Semiconductors is an excellence-driven organization, offering a comprehensive variety of product range and selection for diverse industries and applications. With extensive industry experience and relentless pursuit of innovation, DOMINANT Semiconductors, with its state-of-the-art manufacturing, research and testing capabilities, has become a trusted and reliable brand across the globe. It develops and manufactures high quality RFID (radio frequency identification) tags used in automatic identification, tracking and supply chain management, which are specialized in high quality, high volume production. More information about DOMINANT Semiconductors can be found on the Internet at http://www.dominant-semi.com/rfid. DOMINANT is a QS 9000 and ISO9001 certified company.
Marketing Communication
Tee Mei Ghee
Tel: +60 (06) 2833566 (Ext: 2117)
Fax: +60 (06) 2830566
Email: mei-ghee.tee@dominant-semi.com
Website: http://www.dominant-semi.com/rfid
Read more »
The total RFID tag production solution provided by DOMINANT covers the converting processes like inlay assembly and the test from raw materials to finished goods such as smart tags. The flip chip technology enables DOMINANT to provide superior RFID tag product quality with competitive pricing.
DOMINANT provides three types of tags classified as per their radio frequency – HF at 13.56 MHz, UHF at 860-960 MHz and microwave at 2.45 GHz.
By adopting RFID technology, companies are able to optimize the accuracy of data collection – something that is not always possible with traditional systems. DOMINANT plays an important role as one of the RFID tag suppliers on a global scale where demand for compliant RFID tag is growing dramatically. The company aims to be the forefront in the RFID market by providing RFID tag products with superior quality in large quantities.
About DOMINANT Semiconductors
DOMINANT Semiconductors is an excellence-driven organization, offering a comprehensive variety of product range and selection for diverse industries and applications. With extensive industry experience and relentless pursuit of innovation, DOMINANT Semiconductors, with its state-of-the-art manufacturing, research and testing capabilities, has become a trusted and reliable brand across the globe. It develops and manufactures high quality RFID (radio frequency identification) tags used in automatic identification, tracking and supply chain management, which are specialized in high quality, high volume production. More information about DOMINANT Semiconductors can be found on the Internet at http://www.dominant-semi.com/rfid. DOMINANT is a QS 9000 and ISO9001 certified company.
Marketing Communication
Tee Mei Ghee
Tel: +60 (06) 2833566 (Ext: 2117)
Fax: +60 (06) 2830566
Email: mei-ghee.tee@dominant-semi.com
Website: http://www.dominant-semi.com/rfid
Labels: dominant, inlay, rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking
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Smart Label could get Smarter
Friday, October 07, 2005
Smart Labels, identification labels with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags embedded, have become an emerging commodity that grows in demand along with the existing barcode labels. Different applications of smart labels in several vertical industries, such as retail and manufacturing, have started to complement the limitations of barcode labels that require a line of sight in an automatic identification process.
Ranging from textile and apparel labelling for garment tracking to case-level tracking throughout supply chain, smart labels being used in different applications can also vary. In the current market, there are passive, semi passive and active labels; passive labels rely on power from radio wave transmission of an RFID reader, semi-passive labels use battery only for running micro (or nano) electronic circuitry while still relying on the power from radio wave transmission of an RFID reader for communication and active labels operate entirely on battery.
A new type of smart label that potentially emerges in the near future is intelligent label that could include some additional data beside identification data and integrate micro and nanosensors, sensors in the scale of micrometer and nanometer, in its packaging. The current state of nanotechnology, nanopackaging and existing integrated circuit (IC) technologies has made the commercial availability of these labels closer to reality than science fiction.
Imagine cooking microwavable foods with a single no-brainy start button. Forget about the trouble of setting timer and some other microwave settings. Simply put a microwavable food tagged with an intelligent label that contains several sensors for detecting temperature, humidity and moisture level into a microwave oven equipped with an RFID reader. With a single press of start button, the oven could then read the cooking instructions embedded in the intelligent label and start cooking. During the cooking process, the oven could dynamically adjust the room temperature, humidity and moisture level based on the reading from the sensors for the best cooking result.
Even though, a demonstration of this kind of intelligent label and microwave oven during the exhibition of the Labelexpo Asia 2005 is unlikely, it is worth-noted that the third day of the seminar in the event will present several basic issues in smart labels and RFID.
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Ranging from textile and apparel labelling for garment tracking to case-level tracking throughout supply chain, smart labels being used in different applications can also vary. In the current market, there are passive, semi passive and active labels; passive labels rely on power from radio wave transmission of an RFID reader, semi-passive labels use battery only for running micro (or nano) electronic circuitry while still relying on the power from radio wave transmission of an RFID reader for communication and active labels operate entirely on battery.
A new type of smart label that potentially emerges in the near future is intelligent label that could include some additional data beside identification data and integrate micro and nanosensors, sensors in the scale of micrometer and nanometer, in its packaging. The current state of nanotechnology, nanopackaging and existing integrated circuit (IC) technologies has made the commercial availability of these labels closer to reality than science fiction.
Imagine cooking microwavable foods with a single no-brainy start button. Forget about the trouble of setting timer and some other microwave settings. Simply put a microwavable food tagged with an intelligent label that contains several sensors for detecting temperature, humidity and moisture level into a microwave oven equipped with an RFID reader. With a single press of start button, the oven could then read the cooking instructions embedded in the intelligent label and start cooking. During the cooking process, the oven could dynamically adjust the room temperature, humidity and moisture level based on the reading from the sensors for the best cooking result.
Even though, a demonstration of this kind of intelligent label and microwave oven during the exhibition of the Labelexpo Asia 2005 is unlikely, it is worth-noted that the third day of the seminar in the event will present several basic issues in smart labels and RFID.
Labels: circuit, label, reader, rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking
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EPCGlobal's standardisation effort seems to be not practical
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Ken Sakamura, the father of Ubiquitous Computing believes that RFID standards should be open. He thinks that the current EPCGlobal's standardisation effort seems to be not practical, in addition to its focus on supply chain management applications, which makes the application of EPCGlobal's RFID standard for some other applications seems to be difficult.
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Labels: epcglobal, rfid, scm, standard, technology
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Has Pantaloon Retail concluded a successful RFID pilot?
Monday, August 22, 2005
Pantaloon Retail in India has started the implementation of RFID technology starting from its warehouse and eventually branch offices and retail outlets.
The detail description of the article is quite intriguing because many still consider RFID item-level tagging in retail as an unnecessary luxury, especially when the article claims that the time saved for item scanning is 80% in inward warehouse processing and 12% in outward compared to barcode scanning, plus additional 90% improvement of real-time visibility of items during all stages of supply chain.
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The detail description of the article is quite intriguing because many still consider RFID item-level tagging in retail as an unnecessary luxury, especially when the article claims that the time saved for item scanning is 80% in inward warehouse processing and 12% in outward compared to barcode scanning, plus additional 90% improvement of real-time visibility of items during all stages of supply chain.
Labels: india, pantaloon, retail, rfid, scm, technology
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RFID is changing the definition of warehouse
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Mark Anderson, a technology futurist, thinks that RFID and RFID-related technologies have opened a huge new area:
"Radio Frequency Identification [RFID, which are electronic tags used to track goods within the supply chain], and RFID-related technologies have opened a huge new area. All the people who run warehouses are going to have real-time information about what's inside, which they don't actually have today.
The definition of what a warehouse is already changing. Volkswagen and Dell might store their products in the same warehouse, but where one warehouse ends and the other begins is determined by a dividing line on the floor. So getting to know where a product is becomes very important. Wal-Mart has gotten it, but most others have not. In the next five years, we'll see an absolutely massive change in our ability to communicate with devices."
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"Radio Frequency Identification [RFID, which are electronic tags used to track goods within the supply chain], and RFID-related technologies have opened a huge new area. All the people who run warehouses are going to have real-time information about what's inside, which they don't actually have today.
The definition of what a warehouse is already changing. Volkswagen and Dell might store their products in the same warehouse, but where one warehouse ends and the other begins is determined by a dividing line on the floor. So getting to know where a product is becomes very important. Wal-Mart has gotten it, but most others have not. In the next five years, we'll see an absolutely massive change in our ability to communicate with devices."
Labels: rfid, scm, tag, technology, tracking, warehouse
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RFID Identified As Next Growth Area For Singapore ICT Industry
Friday, May 06, 2005
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) has devised a three-year, S$10 million plan to develop Radio Frequency Identification or RFID technology as an engine of growth for Singapore's ICT industry. Under this plan, IDA aims to build five RFID-enabled supply chain clusters by 2006. It will achieve this by bringing together manufacturers, logistics service providers, retailers, infrastructure providers and solutions providers in the high-tech, pharmaceutical and fast moving consumer goods sectors. The adoption of RFID technologies is expected to make these sectors more competitive globally. Announcing this today at a conference on RFID was IDA Chairman Mr Lam Chuan Leong.
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Labels: rfid, scm, singapore, technology
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SAMSys teams with Tagistics on Chinese-supply-chain RFID system
Friday, April 15, 2005
SAMSys Technologies Inc. of Toronto is teaming with Hong Kong-headquartered Tagistics Corp. to provide an end-to-end system for radio frequency identification of goods from China.
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Labels: china, rfid, samsys, scm
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RFID technology is a question mark
Friday, April 08, 2005
"A case in point is the talk of RFID for smoothening the supply chain. The technology itself is a question mark as there is no uniform standard as of now in its usage, apart from the cost factor."
Speaking on the initiatives of RAI, Vedamani said, "For RAI addressing the challenges associated with technology usage in all major processes namely merchandising, operations, learning and research assumes priority."
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Speaking on the initiatives of RAI, Vedamani said, "For RAI addressing the challenges associated with technology usage in all major processes namely merchandising, operations, learning and research assumes priority."
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Philips Deploys RFID Solution in Asia Supply Chain
Friday, April 01, 2005
Philips Semiconductors has deployed a substantial implementation of its own radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in its supply chain in Asia. Specifically, this RFID project covers the tagging and tracing of wafer cases and carton packages for flows of goods between Philips Semiconductors' manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and its Asia-Pacific distribution center in Hong Kong.
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Labels: philips, project, rfid, scm, supply
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RFID technology for Logistics and SCM
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The Chinese Government had invited research institutes and universities to submit proposals for hosting research and development (R&D) centres under the new strategy of innovation and technology. "To consolidate its role as a major logistics hub and supply chain management (SCM) base, Hong Kong should continue to develop the necessary knowledge base in logistics and SCM enabling technologies. In particular, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology presents immense opportunities for revolutionising the industry by providing an unprecedented level of data collection and networking capability to logistics/SCM solution providers. We had invited publicly competitive bids from research institutes and universities for hosting this centre," the spokes