|
Feature
of the Month:
In this issue:
Partner Profile:
| Feature:
RFID in 2004: The
Year of Opportunity |
|
Wal-Mart, the U.S. Department of Defense and the many
Fortune 100 companies adopting RFID technology are
serving the RFID industry a silver platter filled
with a multi-billion dollar opportunity … and
laden with its share of challenges as well.
These are bold and perhaps intimidating challenges
that may tax the resources and vision of some companies,
and may even spell failure for others. Certainly we’ve
seen our share of hype about RFID, and some early
deployments may fall short of the expectations set
by people who don’t fully understand this technology’s
capabilities.
But this is also a rare opportunity for our industry
to show its value and worth, as it’s done in
many new markets like contactless payments, by delivering
unique solutions to unique business challenges.
James Crawford of Retail Forward once told me “RFID
is the oldest emerging market” he’d ever
seen. Many companies have failed to survive waiting
for the RFID market to mature. Others have carved
out a niche and have delivered on the promises of
this technology. Today, the market for RFID is about
to make an unprecedented surge into a mainstream technology.
It’s not emerging anymore – the pace is
accelerating rapidly.
All RFID-related companies have a tremendous opportunity
for growth in 2004. VARs and systems integrators can
deliver new solutions to their customers. Software
providers can shine as they face the challenge of
harnessing RFID to create new value and functionality
for their business solutions. Consulting firms have
a chance to introduce their customers to RFID and
assist in streamlining business processes.
And for end users, from C-level executives to inventory
control managers, logistics managers and others –
everybody has a chance to be a hero for implementing
a successful RFID application. Consumers can adopt
a new technology that can make their lives more convenient,
less stressful and more secure. And finally, there
are the RFID hardware suppliers – the chip makers,
the tag makers, manufacturers of readers, antennas,
POS terminals, and even shelving manufacturers - we
are all challenged with refining the technology and
delivering on the promise. Everywhere you look, opportunity
abounds.
But yes, RFID can also be viewed in a light other
than one of great promise and opportunity. There is
a debate as to whether RFID is a “disruptive”
technology. Of course it’s disruptive. But through
this disruption, RFID also enables new ideas and unique
solutions. We move from “knowing” about
the technology to “understanding” the
technology.
When I first started working on computers, I certainly
considered it a “disruptive” technology
(in fact I wanted to throw it away). We just had our
growing pains to go through together. It took the
computer industry quite a while to mature into adulthood.
It will take some time for the RFID market to grow
into adulthood.
The entire RFID industry owes a standing ovation
to Wal-Mart and the DOD and many other companies embracing
this technology. We should thank them for having the
confidence in RFID to make a commitment. For us as
an industry, it’s tremendously invigorating
but it’s also time to work together to get the
remaining standards issues resolved. It’s time
to alleviate concerns. It’s time for this adolescent
industry to grow into adulthood. 2004 is going to
be a memorable year for the world of RFID. So, let’s
get to work – there’s plenty of opportunity
to go around.
By Bill Allen, Marketing Communications Manager, TI-RFid
Systems
back to top
|
Chipco
International Bets on RFID Casino Gaming Chips
Chipco International Corporation of Raymond, Maine is betting
that casinos worldwide will embrace the benefits of RFID
as the company rolls out its newest casino chips embedded
with TI-RFid’s new 22mm Tag-it™ smart label
inlay.
According to CEO John Kendall, casinos want RFID to track
players’ bets -- to make sure they’re placed
honestly -- as well as to identify high rollers and those
who are losing a lot of money. Casinos can then instantly
offer “comps” or complimentary food, drink or
hotel stays to ensure repeat business and a positive entertainment
experience. Right now, the identification process is done
manually by a pit boss, but it’s not always accurate.
Also, preventing employee theft of chips is a high priority,
particularly outside the U.S. Although the staff wears uniforms
without pockets, they still find ways to sneak chips in
their mouths, shoes and in the cuffs of their shirts. In
addition to a camera at the staff door, which records the
person’s image, by placing an RF antenna around the
door, for example, the stolen chips could instantly be read
and linked to the perpetrator.
Casinos can also use RFID technology to automate and streamline
cash out functions. By outfitting gaming tables with an
RFID ant enna
that reads chips as they are dropped into bins, casinos
know instantly what they’ve won that day.
Kendall says the gaming market has long understood the promise
of RFID. With the introduction of TI’s smart labels
with its etched antenna and circular design as well as volume
manufacturing processes, tag prices well below $1.00 are
attracting customers. All bets are on that casinos will
be putting RFID chips into play in the near future. For
more information on Chipco International, please visit www.chipco.com
or call 1-207-655-4455.
back to top
TI
Forms Strategic Alliance With PSA Security Network
Continuing its growth in the security market,
TI-RFid has formed a strategic alliance with PSA Security
Network, the world’s largest electronic cooperative,
to resell its 13.56 MHz, ISO 15693-compliant RFID badges
and readers for access control applications. These products
are available in a variety of form factors including cards,
keyfobs and labels, as well as wall-plate, mullion, long-range
and keypad options for readers.
“Our alliance will create many new business opportunities
for advanced RFID-based security and access control systems
through PSA’s well-established member network,”
said Perry Garvis, business development manager for access
control and security products, Texas Instruments RFid Systems.
In order to become one of PSA’s approved vendors,
manufacturers such as TI must prove that they are established
companies with proven and tested products along with quality
customer service and technical support.
“RFID has become one of the hot new technologies in
the industry. Both PSA and Texas Instruments will benefit
from increased sales and greater visibility to our member
companies,” explained Bill Bozeman, CPP, PSA president
and CEO.
For further information on PSA Security Network, call 800-525-9422
or visit the company’s Web site at www.psasecurity.com.
back to top
Got
Questions About EPC? Get Answers at TI’s EPC Boot
Camp
Consumer goods manufacturers, distributors,
retailers, software solution providers and other executives
looking to gain new insight into the Electronic Product
Code (EPC) standards and what these RFID developments mean
for their businesses, should attend TI’s upcoming
EPC Boot Camp. This one-day program will be held February
12, 2004 at the Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Airport South
in Dallas, Texas, and is designed to give executives the
RFID technology and business case basics to help make decisions
about deploying EPC-compliant solutions within their enterprise.
The EPC Boot Camp will feature a full day of sessions in
which participants will learn about the basics of RFID technology,
its applications, what’s behind the new EPC standards,
and how to integrate EPC into existing infrastructure.
For additional information about TI’s EPC Boot Camp,
contact Shorecliff Communications at 1-800-608-9641, or
visit http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/rfidepc/default.asp?showid=RA07&info=812
back to top
TI-RFid
Sponsors 2nd Annual RFID World Conference & Expo
TI-RFid Systems has again signed to be the
Signature Sponsor of the 2nd Annual RFID World Conference
& Expo, following a highly successful first year drawing
more than 500 attendees, exhibitors, and conference presenters.
This year, this event that focuses exclusively on RFID technology
and applications, will take place April 21-22, 2004 in Denver,
Colorado.
The RFID World Conference & Expo, hosted by Shorecliff
Communications, is a high profile networking, educational,
and technology event that offers hands-on demonstrations
of next generation RFID solutions across a broad array of
industry applications. RFID World 2004 spotlights solutions
for supply chain systems and asset tracking, retail information
systems, library and catalog, and access control and security
applications, as well as workshops focusing on healthcare
and healthcare materials management, industrial automation,
cashless transactions and payment systems, and patron management.
This event is the perfect forum for RFID partners and providers
to initiate proactive planning and improve trading partner
relationships with buyers from key industry segments such
as supply chain and logistics, retail, smart labels and
more.
For more information on RFID World 2004 and for registration
details, contact Shorecliff Communications at 800-608-9641
or visit http://www.shorecliffcommunications.com/rfid04/default.asp?showid=R003&info=645
Register on or before February 22, 2004 and receive
a 50 percent discount from the regular registration fee.
Team discounts are also available for 3 or more attendees
from the same company.
back to top
|
| Partner
Profile:
X-ident technology GmbH |
| Website |
www.iq-paper.com |
| Contact |
Martin Vincenz, Vice President
of Marketing
martin.vincenz@x-ident.com
+49 2421 597-561 |
| Brief
Company Description |
X-ident
technology GmbH, of Dueren, Germany, is an ISO 9000:2001
certified manufacturer of RFID labels, tickets and tags
for the automatic identification and tracking of objects
and for access control systems. Products are marketed
under the brand name IQ-Paper®, with a current production
capacity of more than 150 million units per year. X-ident
began in the mid 1990s as a small working group and
has since grown to become a worldwide operating company
of the Austrian Trierenberg group, a producer of special
papers with an annual turnover of more than 500 million
Euros. X-ident has offices in Germany, the UK, Belgium,
Italy, Sweden, India, Singapore, and the United States,
and additional reseller and system integrator partners
in other countries. |
| Major
Markets Served |
Logistics
(multiple use boxes/pallets), Libraries, Access Control,
Asset & Document Tracking, Security Applications
(Biometrics & Encryption), Airline Baggage Handling,
Customer Loyalty Programs |
1) What primary opportunities do you see for RFID
today?
 There
are market opportunities today for passive RFID technology
in the low-frequency, high-frequency and ultra-high frequency
bands. Although the market for low frequency systems (<134kHz)
is mature, we still see the potential for growth. There
is a large opportunity for high frequency (13.56 MHz) technology
for the tracking of goods, and we expect customers to see
a significant return on investment, saving time and reducing
error rates in their logistic and supply chain processes.
Due to the high-profile and well-publicized EPC initiatives
with Wal-Mart and the DoD, many may think that ultra-high
frequency is the future of RFID. We see opportunities for
both HF and UHF solutions, depending on the application
and the problems companies are looking to solve. The market
is moving faster than in years before and early adopters
- retailers such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, Marks & Spencer
and Metro AG -- will help to encourage and facilitate the
growth of the RFID market in the next two years.
2) Please provide examples of real-world applications
that you have worked with customers to implement. (Note:
make sure we can discuss these applications publicly.)
As a label converter, we’re kind of a “hidden
gem” within RFID-based solutions. We work with technology
providers, like TI, as well as system integrators that provide
turnkey solutions to end customers. In order to offer the
right tag for each solution, we have to understand the specifics
of the application, as well as electronics and chemistry.
For example, a very different converting process is required
if a label must stick on a multiple use, plastic box that
is washed with chemical detergents every week, versus a
label that will be used on a library book.
During the past two years, we have converted approximately
6 million TI-RFid inlays into 18 different products for
15 end customers. Our tags were used to track high-quality
leather products from an Italian manufacturer and to provide
access control for a bank. They also helped track printer
cassettes in the US and books in Indian and European libraries,
and secured R&D laboratories and their assets in India.
A significant number of our RF ID
tags were embedded into plastic trays currently being used
by UK-based retailer Marks & Spencer to track chilled
food in its supply chain. These examples demonstrate our
flexible product development, high quality mass production
capability, and our ability to deliver 100% functional products
to our customers.
back to top |
Further
Questions?
Contact our TI-RFid Systems Product Information Center at 1-888-937-6536
or click
here and a customer service representative will be
in contact with you.
|
| TI Events |
|
NRF-Retail's
Big Show 2004
January 11 - 13, 2004
New York, NY USA
Transponder
Road Show
January 21, 2004
InterContinental Wien
Vienna, Austria
Tracabilite
Salon-Congress-Forum
January 27- 30, 2004
Paris, France
WINCOR
World 2004
Trade Fair and Symposium for Banking and Retail
February 3 - 5, 2004
Fair Ground Welle
Paderborn, Germany
EPC
Boot Camp
February 12, 2004
Dallas, TX USA
Transponder
Road Show
March 2, 2004
Dorint Kongress Hote
Cologne, Germany
Smart
Labels USA
March 16 - 19, 2004
Boston, MA USA
RFID
Journal Live
March 29 - 31, 2004
Chicago, IL USA
RFID
World
April 21 - 22, 2004
Denver, CO USA
|
|
