Introduction.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic data capture technology that enables the automatic tracking and identification of an item. As such it is an enormous aid in logistical support providing a strategic wireless solution to locating items in during a production or distribution process. Anything can be tagged with the small data carrying tokens that can be read by fixed or mobile scanners and readers, using low powered radio frequencies. The data captured by the scanner can, of course, be sent to a centre that can have an overview of the items in transit and convey the location or identification information on to others. RFID works in tandem with the Electronic Product Code (EPC), which is a unique identifier for an item whether it is a single book or a box of mixed books. Of course for RFID to work to maximum effect every stage of the transit or supply route needs to be equipped with RFID technology, requiring an integrated approach to the logistical process. RFID tags can be split into two main groups; Passive – which are typically barcodes, or Active – which will have their own power supply, can be used in more extreme conditions, can be read whilst the item is moving and at a distance. ie. They can be used to track anything from a library book to a car on a toll road.

18th to 19th September 2007, Cambridge, United Kingdom - RFID Europe 2007, the eighth annual event from IDTechEx, gives you the very latest RFID ...

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At the German forwarder's warehouse, workers employ bar-code scanners fitted with active RFID tags to record a package's location and link it to specific surveillance images.

To reduce the spread of infections, a new automated hand-sanitizing system uses RFID to monitor how well health-care workers wash their hands.

The systems integrator will help Airbus deploy the technology across its airplane-manufacturing operations.

The semiconductor firm sees the facility as a place where end users can test RFID technology, and where NXP and other RFID technology vendors can develop specific products based on end users' needs.

To help it manage its collection, the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur plans to apply passive HF tags to a million items—and the shelves on which they are stored.

Calif. legislature advances RFID bills; PINC, C3 combine yard management offerings; new book offers insights, guidelines on item-level RFID tagging; Savi supplying NATO; WJ Communications announces low-power reader module.

The IATA/SITA/Cambridge Turnaround Project is exploring how automatic ID technologies can be used to maximize aircraft utilization.