TECH.ED delegates track by RFID

Microsoft on Monday announced plans to track Australian delegates attending its annual Tech.Ed conference in Sydney 2008 using RFID tags embedded in conference badges.
The move comes months after 50 academics, researchers and students at the University of Washington (UW) began a social networking experiment, which has seen participants voluntarily tag themselves. The system records the location of tags every 5 seconds and publishes movements to a Web page.

In Australia, human-targeted deployments of RFID tags have largely been limited to state prison systems. ACT Corrective Services in April said it had commissioned U.S. RFID provider Alanco and NEC Australia to install a Wi-Fi-compatible inmate-tracking system within its walls.
Microsoft's social experiment can take place only over the five days of the conference, although it could involve a much larger sample size than the UW experiment, with the conference typically attracting no fewer than 1,000 delegates.

The software giant will allow delegates to opt out of the tracking experiment, but they will be enticed to participate with the offer of greater access to conference information. Delegates who opt out will have standard barcodes printed on their badges instead.

The benefits promoted to delegates to partake the RFID tag experiment include access to real-time information on when sessions are filling up, the ability to see what sessions others are interested in, and tracking where Microsoft so-called MVPs (most valuable players) and regional directors are.

Microsoft will also track sessions that each delegate attends and will use that information to customize sessions, the company said in a press statement. It will also send delegates an instant record of what sessions they have attended.

The RFID tracking system took just three weeks to build and deploy, according to Microsoft.

YCH Group enjoys fruits of Oracle-RFID project

An investment of S$1.2 million down south of Malaysia in a little island, between partners Y3 Technologies and Oracle have resulted in the successful implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) in a bonded warehouse environment. A bonded warehouse is an area approved by customs authorities to store controlled items such as cigarettes or alcohol for re-export or for local consumption.

Using Oracle's 10g infrastructure software, Y3, an affiliate company of logistics solutions service provider YCH Group, was able to improve the visibility of its operations and better monitor the movement of goods within a bonded warehouse.

RFID will help YCH cut down on excess manpower, data errors and redundancy in data entry, and allow better visibility of stocks as they pass through the entire supply chain, according to a media statement jointly released by the YCH and Oracle. It is also now easier for government officials to conduct spot checks on the bonded warehouse, without having to physically climb onto the crates to do so.

The collaboration has also resulted in several new enhancements to a mobile version of Oracle Edge Server. This software was deployed in the mobile RFID and barcode reader used in this project, and was instrumental in speeding up the project by easing the addition of RFID specific extensions to YCH’s warehouse management solution.

Cars control by Iphones?

Iphone app with car key control system link to audio system. How about Iphone car steering from your Iphone?

Penang Library uses UPM

Penang Public Library is Malaysia’s first library to use an RFID system compliant to the EPC Global Gen2 standard. EPC (Electronic Product Code) is a set of identification coding or numbering standards. The system, implemented by Smartag Solutions Bhd., uses RFID tags supplied by UPM Raflatac.

There are roughly 500,00 copies of reading materials in six different libraries in Penang, and over 800,000 library users. A successful RFID project now provides Penang Public Library Corporation with optimal performance through a unique combination of technologies.

The Library Tagging system from Smartag Solutions uses UPM Raflatac’s DogBone tags, which ensure that accurate readings taken in a split second can be documented using RFID Inventory Management. The RFID technology provides Penang Public Library Corporation with a fast, accurate means of gathering inventory information on large quantities of library materials.

Nissan hub using RFID in Singapore

A new Nissan hub is tapping radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to help cut time for identification and retrieval of new cars, from an average of 24 hours to two hours.

Located in the Western part of Singapore, the new TC Nissan Hub operated by Tan Chong International is believed to be the first RFID-enabled automotive facility in the country. Tan Chong International is the exclusive local distributor of Nissan vehicles.

Tan Chong's project was awarded a grant of S$120,000 (US$82,632) from Singapore's National RFID Centre (NRC) earlier this year, under the NRC's S$4.5 million (US$3.1 million) RFID Innovation Platform initiative. To date, the Centre has funded 11 projects to the tune of S$1.25 million (US$860,750), an NRC spokesperson told ZDNet Asia.

Bartronics wins deal with Avitar

Bartronics India Limited (Bartronics), one of India's largest bar code and RFID technology companies today announced that its subsidiary, Bartronics Asia, has been selected for a RFID project from Avitar Group, in which Bartronics Asia will aid and manage the Avitar initiative to automate the distribution process using RFID technology.

Avitar, a Singapore-based group with operations around the world, is focused at its core in the wholesale and distribution of mobile phones, including software products, with a focus to expand into related businesses in the international arena.

Bartronics will develop an application specifically aimed at mobile phone distribution warehousing, where each mobile phone box is tagged with an RFID label and each label in turn associated to an International Mobile Equipment Identity (Unique IMEI) number of each phone via a handheld RFID reader. The Bartronics application involves automatic scanning and reading of mobile phone boxes stacked up on a trolley for outbound dispatch.

The RFID application detects and reads mobile phone boxes en masse when a trolley is pushed through a Gantry RFID reader at exit doorway to ensure physical outbound quantity matches actual quantities dispatched.

Helveta RFID tiimber tracking

Amajor pilot of Helveta’s timber tracking software and radio frequency identification system has been completed in Malaysia. And the

Oxford-based company now predicts take-up

of its technology growing worldwide as pressure

mounts on supplier countries and individual supplier companies to verify wood legality and sustainability. The Malaysian project was carried out in a 129,143ha concession in the state of Terengganu in conjunction with the Forestry Department of PeninsularMalaysia (FDPM) and Terengganu State Forestry Department. All trees tracked through the chain of custody were tagged using one of two passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tags compliant with the EPC Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6C standards. The tags were selected based on availability and form-factor criteria. One tag operated at a frequency of 860 to 960 MHz, the other at 865 to 869 MHz.

RFID tags were either stapled to a tree or log, or nailed in with a hammer, to determine the best method of attachment. None of the tags were damaged during the process, despite the fact that they lacked special protective coverings. Four RFID-enabled Teklogix Workabout handheld computers, running Helveta's CI Mobile data-capture software, were used in the field to read a unique ID reference number encoded to each tag. From there, RFID-enabled Workabout devices were utilized to confirm the ID number at the various checkpoints along the supply chain as trees were felled, and as logs were processed.

Rfid for AT870 PDA

Thin, rugged design from its the needs of the mobile worker 256K Color, Transflective TFT, LCD backlight give the color definitionand clarify the screen from ATID. It can read tags between 1~4m (UHF is depended on tag) & output power max 0.6W

How many rfid chips used by Wal-Mart last year?

A staggering 10 Billion rfid chips, as presented by keynote speaker Dr Patrick Dixon...

Palm 600 HP

Been using the Palm 600 pda for 2 months now, sold by my friend Look for RM100 while he upgrade his Palm and it works nicely. Need to change the casing, though as drop few times. Too bad no Bluetooth...

Intermec CN50 PDA

Just back from Intermec Seminar held at Sunway Resort Hotel, and CN50 PDA is a great review...specs like built in 3.75G support, 2D imager, digital compass and also accelerometer functions. And the best part, it supports eMDI - or enhanced mobile document imaging (captures pictures in high quality documents). It runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 with dual processors 528MHz and 3.5inch TFT display. Extended Battery can pack upto 3,900mAh.

Sato 3" printer

Wow! the Sato 3" DR308e printer is really something...kinda like cross between Sato LM408 and Monarch obsolete printer (can't remember the name). Price will be a blast.

Unitech RFID PDA reader

Play around with the new RH767 Rfid reader from Unitech. Not bad consider the weight is lighter compare to Psion Teklogix Workabout Pro. Gives pretty good read but it could be better in terms of distance.

New barcode products

Been introduce to new Sato printers this year , the CT400i and DR308e printer . Learn the technical skills to service them and pretty good, too.

Digi Offerings - Tarzan Rate 2009

I been faithfully using Digi more than 2 yrs and really the rates are really good. Way to go Yellow man!

Maxis Iphone 3G S coming here!

Maxis Iphone 3G(S) is now finally here, with faster and improved camera mode. Digi, you better watch out!

Blue Bamboo portable printer

The latest bluetooth portable thermal printer from Blue Bamboo is now available from Paragon Omega. Prints 2" width thermal printout , it is also available with rubber boot and options like magnetic swipe reader. Works with VB and Java programming. For more info, please contact Karen via karen@pdaprinter.com.my

Jusco EDI website

For all jusco vendors, the website is http://edi.jusco.com.my/ Here is where you can login, download or view your PO and print barcode labels using your Sato barcode printers.

Check with DCS Malaysia office for copy of the Jusco Printing Software at 03 - 22873312

Barcode label

If you get poor printout from the barcode printer, first thing always do is check the printhead - whether there are any scratches on it by cleaning it with isopropyl alcohol. Next is to check the heat on the printhead whether it is set too dark or too light. Finally, check the label and ribbons matching. Resin ribbon with artpaper material will not give good image. It is a good rule of thumb to check back with your barcode solutions provider.

New PSP Go

The new PSP Go was unveil recently and i think it looks a bit like HTC type PDA, if you are really into it. Keys are pretty cool, wonder how much improvement is done to the WiFi. On the down side, the LCD screen is smaller compare to the other PSP model. Still Sony still wins hands up. How i wish they incorporate a phone though.

Object-based Media brings Iphone and RFID

Iphone with RFID technology ? But there hasn't exactly been the explosion of iPhone-related development that you may have expected. The lack of an easily accessible RFID reader may have something to do with that, but that doesn't seem to have stopped the folks behind the Touch research project, who rigged up a not-so-discreet RFID reader and put it to some fairly inventive tasks. That includes assigning various media to different objects, like a Bob the Builder video clip that's linked to a Bob the Builder toy, a clip of Chuck Norris kicking a car in the face that's linked to a Chuck Norris action figure (which doesn't even have an RFID chip), and a dynamically-updated MAKE podcast that's linked to a slightly nerdy fellow. Well, its still proof of concept...

Auto ID Industry Honors Awards 2009

5 individuals are honored at the Automatic ID Industry 2009 Awards for their outstanding contributions to AIDC.

Richard R. Dilling Award - Rick Schuessler, Motorola

Don Percival Award - Philipp Blome and Jens Kungl of MGI METRO Group Information Technology GmbH

Ted Williams Award - Dr. Bill Hardgrave, University of Arkansas Business RFID Research Center

Excellence in Journalism Award - Laurie Sullivan, RF Edge

AIM Volunteer Service Award- Tee Migliori, ADC Technologies

MPSJ

I saw MPSJ officers using Extech printers for ticket summons recently. Truly a change compare to handwritten summons years back... Now that shows we truly are Asia.

Blackberry topples Iphone

In US, RIM has topple Apple as the best selling smartphone. The NPD group release the smartphone sales number saying Blackberry is in three in top 5 positions, topping Iphone 3G.

RFID Library in Penang

The implementation of the RFID system in Penang Public Library Corporation has begun in December 2008 and was completed in February 2009. In conjunction with the launch, JARING Communications and Penang State Public Library also hosted a seminar on the new RFID Library system, titled “Role of Libraries, Broadband and RFID within our Community”. At Penang Public Library Corporation, this first real-time automatic asset tracking solution can find any book down to the rack where it is located,” added Dr Mohamed bin Awang Lah, chief executive officer of JARING Communications Sdn Bhd.“The new Gen 2 type RFID application will completely replace the libraries' current tracking system, which was barcodes. This new system will eventually serve more than one purpose, enabling the library to automate such circulation management functions such as checkout and return, sorting, etc. Total budget? Don't ask.

Blood tagging

Intel MSC and Siemens signed a collaboration to track blood banks at 3 major centres using RFID since 2007. So far i wonder how is the progress?

Jetstar using Symbol PPT8800

Jetstar presently operates to 15 destinations throughout Australia and now flies over 880 weekly
services. Weight and balance play an important role in the flight of all aircraft. Aeroplanes can't depart if
they exceed maximum weight limits, and it's important that they are balanced evenly between nose and tail. The maximum weight and balance limits of an aeroplane are set by its manufacturer and they are enforced through regulatory requirements set by the Civil Aviation
Safety Authority. When departing a port, every aeroplane must leave behind a printed statement of its weight and balance, along with the cargo and passenger manifest, which must be kept on file at the port for a minimum of three months. They have over 19 units of Symbol PPT8800 PDA (for each plane) which lets the pilot enter weight and balance figures and instantaneously

report is printed out with portable printer to kept for filing.
" The PPT 8800 has been a fantastic success and embraced by all of our staff. It plays a major
role in helping Jetstar continue to work smartly and provide a low cost, pleasing experience to
travellers." said Captain McBain.

QR codes of Advertising

The bar code industry has been observing the evolution of QR (Quick Read) tags and what it means for the business with mixed feelings. While the standard has existed for years, it hasn’t really had much potential before the advent of mobile phones with respectable cameras. The revolution has actually already started, quietly, in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan, in its trendsetting fashion, started embracing the QR tag as a mass marketing tool around 2005, and its use has exceeded all expectations, reaching a baffling 42% penetration in the consumer market in 2008. Even Microsoft has jump into the QR bandwagon...Picture of Pepsi QR Ads.

GS1 Hong Kong

GS1 Hong Kong has last week initiated the ‘RFID/EPC Live Test in Global Logistics’ at the Hong Kong Science Park.


The first phase validated the use of UHF EPC tags for the shipment of cartons and containers between Hong Kong and Japan. The second demonstrated the impact of GS1 EPCglobal Standards on providing visibility of goods on a global level between source factories in China and distribution centres in the US.

National RFID Centre

Interested to know more about how rfid works and where the applications is being used so log on to http://www.exploit-rfid.com to see our nearest neighbour, leading the way. Launched in 29 September 2006, the National Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Centre is a multi-agency collaboration established to spearhead RFID technology in Singapore industries. The Centre aims to promote, educate and develop the local RFID industry with partners from both the supply and demand sides of the value chain.

Tracking Malaysian Cattle

Malaysia is the first Asian country to use the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) to keep track of livestock. Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia would implement the identification system in its first phase. "This is the first step with an allocation of RM500 million from the Veterinary Department and we will fix the RFID on 80,000 heads of cattle nationwide. "It will be expanded to other livestock like goats if successful," he told reporters after launching the RFID system here today. He said the system incorporated an identification code in an ear tag fixed to the animal that had information related to the animal. Mustapa said a microchip was attached to an anntena and the microchip had data like address, location, sex, name of breeder, origin of the livestock and date of movement.

RFID Expo Singapore 2009

RFID World Asia 2009 exhibition is back for the 6th edition this year with more innovative, interactive, inspirational and invaluable experience and activities. The exhibition will host close to 200 international companies. Dates from 22-24th April 2009 in Singapore

FR68 and FR6000 from Motorola

Motorola today revealed two new rugged Windows Mobile handsets for the Asian market. The FR68 and the FR6000 aims at Asian market. Pricing from RM4858 onwards, they are 3.5G compatible, incorporate an internal GPS receiver, Bluetooth, IrDA, Wi-Fi, a Marvell XScale PXA312 624MHz processor, a 320×240 QVGA screen and an OCR capable camera at 3.2 mega-pixels.

Motorola MC55

Designed for mobile workers inside and outside an organization’s four walls and leveraging Motorola’s mobile computing platform architecture, the new MC55 EDA combines the power of a cell phone, two-way radio, bar code scanner, digital camera, and mobile computer into a compact and lightweight design. The new MC55 EDA enables mobile workers to improve productivity, customer response times and customer service levels by bringing business-critical voice, data and applications to the point of business activity. With WLAN and LAN options to choose from, Motorola will never disappoint you.

How fast is Sato printer?

Iphone vs M8

Nokia

Nokia and Skype join forces to come out with the new Nseries phone.

Trade in PDA promotion?!

Fresh Gear is doing a CNY promotion now!

Barcode printer

I was testing the Sato model CL408e barcode printer in the office and print speed was excellent, image quality is good, the software was OK.

PDA for Transnational Bus

Just back from my CNY holidays and to think that the bus terminal at Duta this year is packed! It was messy sight, people all around, aircon in building not working, anxious and long waits announcements via loudspeakers, etc . Should consider the use of the pda for tracking passengers. At least, the boardings would be faster...