Today’s supply and service chain has become very complex. That complexity brings new challenges when shortages appear – even if the shortage is minimal but regularly occurring.
Inventory accuracy has moved from an abysmal 60 ~ 70 % accuracy in the 80’s and 90’s to nearly 100% today. This is due in part to new automated data collection technologies that inherently provide higher accuracy, but also due to the computerization of many of the transactions that has eliminated human error and minimized corporate exposure.
Unfortunately while this improvement has reduced or eliminated much of the problems that occurred from a system or human error perspective, the world economical situation today has increased the likelihood of deliberate and intentional theft that is very difficult to track and trace.
High value items are particularly at risk as with this global economy there is also the global “Greed Factor” and a “You won’t notice this is missing” attitude. Goods carefully packaged at a manufacturer’s or distributor’s location end up at the end destination with unaccountable shortages. In many cases the number of boxes on the pallet or skid is still the same and the entire shipment even weighs the same amount. But when the boxes are unloaded and opened – sand and other materials appear in the carefully repackaged boxes with no trace of the original contents! In North America alone this is a 10 billion dollar a year problem.
Even banks lose money every day through shipping money to multiple different locations such as ATM machines, stores and other banks. Only a small amount of money is missing each day but it has been virtually impossible to determine if the money was taken or if it was a banking error. I am sure that we have all been “victims” or “beneficiaries” of a banking mistake through a teller and also the ATM machines!
When you really start to analyze each shipment and see how many people have been involved, where the items were stored, who had access to them, and more; it appears virtually impossible to track and trace what really happened and when did the missing items actually become missing, who was the person or persons responsible for this loss?
High value, high volume shippers such as military, military suppliers, video and audio, jewellers, banks; virtually any entity shipping high value items – end up paying higher insurance premiums or charging more for their products due to theft. Whether we like it or not the end consumer is paying more because of this type of theft whether it is called taxes or simply a price increase we are ultimately paying for theft losses.
Up until now it has been virtually impossible to track and trace every shipment accurately and ensure that the goods in the boxes or containers stayed in those boxes and containers for the entire shipping time and were not tampered with even just a small amount.
Today SkyRFID and its authorized value added resellers can provide a fully end to end Tamper Evident Tracking and Tracing Solution that ensures any and all high value items stay in their respective containers and boxes from the start of the shipment to the final end destination. If the goods are tampered with, or even stolen, the SkyRFID Tamper Evident Tracking Solution will show you when this happened and where the last location was that the goods were fully and securely protected so you will know who was responsible for the loss.
The SkyRFID Tamper Evident Tracking Solution consists of special watertight, crushproof, corrosion proof RFID tagged containers, RFID Tamper Evident One Time Use Seals and Replaceable Inserts, SkyRFID portable hand held UHF readers, and SkyRFID software. The special containers are available in a wide variety of sizes from a very small “fit in your pocket” size to a “huge rolling on wheels” size. All containers are watertight, crushproof, corrosion proof, with special double throw safety locking latches, and tamper evident seal mounts to safely secure your valuables. Heavier duty Military strength cases are also readily available.
If an item can be permanently tagged with one of the SkyRFID asset tags that is “right sized” for the item then this will add an additional level of security and traceability. Most items can be tagged with SkyRFID asset tags for permanent automated identification. Even currency can be RFID tagged if packaged properly and then a UHF Tamper Evident Seal attached to ensure no tampering.
Shippers first scan the RFID container tag and then scan RFID tagged items and place them into the container. If an item is not RFID tagged then it is manually added via the data entry screen on the hand held RFID reader. Once all of the contents are placed in the container it is closed and then RFID Tamper Evident seals are attached to the edges of the lid and the main case of the container. Then the seals are scanned to add the ID of each seal to the container ID and the contents of the container. Once the Tamper Evident Seals have been affixed you can not remove them and reuse them – they will destruct and render the RFID ID unreadable; they are strictly a one time non reusable RFID seal.
Since the shipper or packer also logged onto the RFID hand held in order to use it we now have a complete picture and date and time stamp of the person packing the container and the contents of the container. To make sure that we fully understand where this happened, the GPS co-ordinates are taken once the container is sealed. Now we know exactly what is in the container and exactly where in the world it is!
The hand held reader information is then uploaded to the SkyRFID Master Tracking System for future reference and in-transit security verification.
When the shipment changes hands from one person to another person, each new person not only checks and initials the standard shipping documentation, but also reads each container ID and the Tamper Evident Seals. They can also read and verify the RFID tags inside the container without actually opening the container for additional shipment verification.
If the RFID Tamper Evident Seals do not read or do not match the previously stored information, then the transfer would be stopped at this point as a violation has occurred while in the hands of the last person. If the items are all in good order as per the originating documentation then the last hand held reader entry is the GPS co-ordinates where the transfer takes place. This ensures that at each stage of transferring the high value containers to another party the contents of the containers are intact and the exact location is documented.
SkyRFID Track and Trace, Tamper Evident Tracking Solution is for any and all high value goods such as Computers, Laptops, Jewellery, Gems, Weapons, High Value Military Devices such as Night Optics, Short and Long Wave Receivers, Currency, Stock and Bond Certificates and more.
For those special shipments where real time tracking is also required, SkyRFID supplies a very small fully programmable SMS, Internet GPRS software platform GPS Tracker with a motion detection sensor to provide GPS co-ordinates automatically.
Theft or misplacement of high value items can be deterred with SkyRFID Tamper Evident Tracking Solutions.
To read and see additional details on SkyRFID Tamper Evident Tracking Solutions – Click Here to go to our Web Page
About SkyRFID Inc.
SkyRFID is a privately held Canadian company specializing in Automated Data Collection (ADC) solutions that use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. SkyRFID has over 20 years of experience in ADC and provides customers with everything from a single consulting engagement to a complete turnkey global solution. SkyRFID personnel have implemented solutions in all of the Americas and many other countries with great success. SkyRFID provides solutions in Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Microwave (SHF) RFID technologies and has considerable expertise in Animal Management,Asset Management, Access Control, Document Management, Library Systems, Field Service, Manufacturing, Parking Management, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution, Event Management, Fleet Maintenance, and Custom Tags.
For more information contact SkyRFID Inc. at +1 647-476-3265
Web Site: www.skyrfid.com
E-mail: sales@skyrfid.com
There are some misconceptions on RFID FHSS UHF (Radio Frequency Identification, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, Ultra High Frequency) technology – Out of the box and the reader is working perfectly is something that just doesn’t happen.
There are no specific settings that will work for any environment – each implementation is different - even if the implementation is exactly the same as the last one if it is in a different physical location there will be differences in the read zone – hence most Gen 2 readers provide a number of different channels (for the frequency hopping) and the capabilities to tune the read zone to your unique requirements.
You need to set up the reader with the antennas and then just determine the read zone. Since readers come with either an integrated antenna or up to 4 antenna ports, the best method is to use just one antenna first to obtain a single read zone. Once the reader is operational and reading tags you then need to determine the actual size of the read zone. Then you can change the settings on the reader to build a bigger or smaller read zone that is optimized for the application requirements.
Since a read zone is 3 dimensional you need to determine the area – length, width, height, that gives you the highest read rate – known as the 3 dBi beam width - first. For more information on the 3dBi beam width refer to our antenna tutorial at http://www.skyrfid.com/RFID_Antenna_Tutorial
To calculate the read zone use one tag only and use the same tag each time. Keep the tag horizontal for the best read rate – turning the tag vertically will usually drop the read distance by 3 dBi or 50%! Hold the tag away from your body – arms outstretched – to minimize the impact of your body on the read zone. We humans absorb the RF wave so if you hold the tag close to your body you reduce the read distance by more than 3 dBi! If you are setting up a read zone for cardboard, metal or other materials, try to use exact samples of the material. A 0.5 meter (1.5 foot) or longer wooden pole will really eliminate your presence in the read zone if you attach the tag to the material that you have already attached to a wooden pole. Move slowly around to each outer limit of width and height where the tag still reads correctly and on a predictable basis. Then move away from the reader slowly to determine the length of the read zone. Make sure that you try to point the tag towards the antenna to get the best read rate and then parallel to the reader to get the fringe of the zone. (The RFID wave comes out from the reader like an expanding funnel so the strength of the wave decreases dramatically with the distance.)
Once you have determined the overall read zone you can then adjust the settings (Frequency and Output Power) one at a time and check the results – the read zone may move forwards, backwards, grow larger or smaller or a bit of each.
To determine the longest read distance in a non scientific way stand in front of the reader – 3 – 5 meters away and walk backwards with the tag attached to the pole to see when the reads stop. That gives you distance – do the same thing for width and height to determine the area.
Walking in front of the reader is not scientific as you actually change the read zone – going backwards reduces that impact but it is still there. If you walk forwards again you will actually distort the read zone. It takes about 20 – 30 seconds to disperse the distortion.
After you have obtained the longest read distance and have an idea of the read zone area with the 3 dBi beam width then you can set up the reader so that the read zone hits the tag in the center of the overall read zone and then gives you the best constant read rate for that environment.
With multiple antennas there are a variety of ways to enhance the existing read zone or create new read zones.
For more informaton contact the Experts at SkyRFID – +1 647 476 3265 or +1 519 489 2557
Http://www.SkyRFID.com
Email: Sales@SkyRFID.com
Reduce your losses during this global financial and economic crisis with RFID!
As the economy goes slowly downwards theft quickly spirals upwards. When the economy is healthy the rate of internal theft is about 3 – 4 %.
During reduced and trying economic times theft increases as people who would not normally take goods that don’t belong to them- take them! – They need the money!
Computer hardware, office equipment, cameras, projection equipment, hospital equipment, and other small assets, all have value and can be expensive to replace when you consider the lost time, lost data, re-installing software, and just not being able to find it when you need it.
This type of theft can be deterred or eliminated using RFID technology. Equipping computer hardware, office equipment and other valuable assets is easily accomplished with the SkyRFID mount on metal or mount in metal UHF Gen 2 tags.
Gen 2 readers and antennas can be used to actively monitor entrances and exits and if a piece of equipment is exiting the room or building – the reader can activate an alarm system, notify a security officer, lock the door and take a picture of the thief and more. Years ago this was not possible as the size of tags and the cost of the hardware was too expensive for most companies.
In today’s world many companies have employee badges – just to ensure that the people in the workplace belong there!Adding an RFID UHF Gen 2 tag to the employee badge is easily done or simply provide new RFID enabled badge to employees. If an employee has the right to take equipment out of the workplace then all that is needed is to tag the assets and matrix the assets to employees with authorization. Then when an employee leaves a room or a building with an asset the system knows the asset is moving with an authorized employee.
If the employee is not authorized to remove equipment, then the system can stop the employee – our technology of today provides for many easy to implement methods of stopping people from doing something – or just taking their picture.
Doors can be equipped with RFID antennas providing excellent coverage of the entrance or exit Another way to stop theft using RFID is simply to have the doors locked and armed with an alarm that sounds unless the employee uses his or her RFID badge to open the door – very simple and easy to implement – and also very cost effective.
For those areas that have many small assets than can easily be pilfered, it is relatively simple to install a UHF reader and antennas for total coverage. If an item disappears from the “Real Time Inventory” – you have theft and can be alerted – or have a camera activate and take pictures of the areas showing the thief in action.
There are many possibilities and SkyRFID has the RFID readers and RFID tags necessary to stop or substantially reduce theft for a reasonable price.
About SkyRFID Inc.
SkyRFID is a privately held Canadian company specializing in Automated Data Collection (ADC) solutions that use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. SkyRFID has over 20 years of experience in ADC and provides customers with everything from a single consulting engagement to a complete turnkey global solution. SkyRFID personnel have implemented solutions in all of the Americas and many other countries with great success. SkyRFID provides solutions in Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Microwave (SHF) RFID technologies and has considerable expertise in Animal Management,Asset Management, Access Control, Document Management, Library Systems, Field Service, Manufacturing, Parking Management, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution, Event Management, Fleet Maintenance, and Custom Tags.
For more information contact SkyRFID Inc. at +1 647-476-3265
Web Site: www.skyrfid.com
E-mail: sales@skyrfid.com
How to increase computer security reduce or eliminate the chance of stolen hardware and data breaches by implementing RFID verified computer access and internal metal mount RFID tags for asset security.
Computer theft and corporate data theft is rapidly increasing due to the large shift towards portable computing from desktop computing and the capability to access the corporate network from almost anywhere. Many corporations are issuing only portable laptop type computers and while their IT team diligently tries to keep the computers updated against security threats, the users often end up defeating the implemented security simply due to lack of knowledge or understanding.
Simplified passwords or accidentally leaving their portable unattended for only a few moments provides ample opportunity for thieves to steal their laptop. Once a thief has the computer it is relatively easy to access the unit and search for anything that can provide revenue for them. This can be simply email addresses, employee name and address lists, company employee information, technical information, credit card numbers or more. This information is then sold on the internet and the portable ends up being sold as well. Sometimes the thief just sells the portable without even taking a look for this valuable data.
While RFID technology can’t prevent users from defeating some of the security deployed by the IT department, and from the unit being stolen by thieves; what RFID can do is prevent data breaches which are huge risks with lawsuit potentials. Deploying credit card sized RFID cards and using RFID security access readers is a very cost effective way to prevent data exposure by someone trying to access the computer without authorization. Unless you have the right card inserted in the Access Reader you simply can’t logon/access the computer so the data remains secure even if the computer is stolen.
Keeping corporate data private is far more valuable than losing the portable computer. With so many portables being breached by thieves many people are losing their identity each month and credit card fraud is on the rise. Losing health records, credit card information, and employee information is costly for both the employer and the individuals whose private information has been breached by nefarious thieves.
For asset management and additional security, add a small internal metal mount RFID tag in the computer and use RFID read zones at exit points to stop people from taking computers out without permission.
The small tags that SkyRFID now provides can be used in almost any small asset management situation. Take a look at our new Metal Mount and Mount in Metal tag lines to see which tags will meet your requirements.
Protect your computers data from security breaches, easily and cost effectively by using RFID Access control solutions provided by SkyRFID the RFID Experts!
SkyRFID the RFID Experts
Now available and ready to read and write is SkyRFID’s new EPC Gen 2 Short Range Integrated Reader and Antenna. Perfect for those short range applications – approximately 2 meters – 6+ feet read range.
Based on the number of requests for a small compact fixed reader that only has a single antenna and does not need the power and zone coverage of a four port fixed reader, SkyRFID now offers a much more cost effective solution.
This compact 250 mm x 250 mm x 70 mm (about 10 inches square X 3 inches deep) unit weighs in at less than 1Kg (2 pounds) making it very suitable for the many applications that require a compact single reader with a shortened read range.
UHF Gen 2 Integrated Reader Antenna Combination
Many applications such as event management, access control, asset management and other similar applications just need a single reader for RFID monitoring requirements. This unit provides a power transmission strength of 20 ~ 30 dBm and uses either RS232 or RS485 for connectivity to a single PC or a Port Concentrator for multiple single reader/antenna units.
You can purchase this in 860 ~ 868 MHz and 902 ~ 928 MHz configurations so it can be used anywhere EPC Gen 2 standards are required.
The best part is the unit comes with an SDK (Software Development Kit) at no extra cost and is priced at under $ 500 USD making it a very attractive purchase option.
SkyRFID the RFID Experts
SkyRFID is a privately held Canadian company specializing in Automated Data Collection (ADC) solutions that use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Browse or click on a link to go to SkyRFID’s web site and see their new RFID Parking Management Solutions. SkyRFID has over 20 years of experience in ADC and provides customers and resellers with everything from a single consulting engagement to a complete turnkey global solution. SkyRFID provides solutions in Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Microwave (SHF) RFID technologies and has considerable expertise in Asset Management, Access Control, Document Management, Library Systems, Field Service, Manufacturing, Parking Management, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution, Event Management, Fleet Maintenance, and Custom Tags.
September 11, 2008 SkyRFID Inc. recently announced the availability of their low profile long distance windshield tag. With an inconspicuous profile of only 100 mm x 25 mm (4 inches x 1 inch) the tag easily attaches to the inside of your windshield with the low surface energy, pressure sensitive adhesive that is on one side. The windshield view side of the tag can have bar code with human readable equivalent plus color logos. The other side of the tag can have up to 4 colors of printing for logos, stylized type, and designs, etc. Since the printing is all substrate the colors will last a long time without any fading. The bar code, human readable equivalent and the tag ID can be coded to be the same numeric value for ease of system integration.
SkyRFID UHF Gen 2 Windshield Tag
Primarily developed for access control in gated communities, secured parking lots and vehicle identification these tags provide over 7 meter read range using hand held Symbol MC906R readers and a longer distance with UHF Gen 2 fixed reader for fast and easy access. Pricing is dependent on quantities purchased but for most applications is around $ 1.00 USD each or less.
Shipping is within 15 work days after receipt of order and proof approval making it a very attractive option for companies looking for UHF access tags.
SkyRFID the RFID Experts
SkyRFID is a privately held Canadian company specializing in Automated Data Collection (ADC) solutions that use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. SkyRFID has over 20 years of experience in ADC and provides customers with everything from a single consulting engagement to a complete turnkey global solution. SkyRFID personnel have implemented solutions in all of the Americas, Europe and other countries with great success. SkyRFID provides solutions in Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Microwave (SHF) RFID technologies and has considerable expertise in Asset Management, Access Control, Document Management, Library Systems, Field Service, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution, Event Management, Fleet Maintenance, and Custom Tags.
SkyRFID announces their new UHF Gen 2 tag that uses the latest recently announced third generation of IC’s.
This new tag is providing an enhanced distance of over 25% from the earlier generation 2 IC inlays reaching over 9 meters (over 30 feet).
RFID-UHF-Metal-Mount-Heavy-Duty-Tag
The new SkyRFID UHF Gen 2 tag is designed for rough and harsh service environments where you need an extended read distance, may encounter high temperatures of up to 125°C or 257°F and wet environments.
This tag can be riveted, bolted on or attached with epoxy or even double back adhesive tape. These tags are very attractively priced making them ideal for applications such as asset management, supply chain management, manufacturing and more. Since the tag has been designed to withstand water depths of 42 meters there are many potential marine or oil and gas applications for this new tag.
Options include custom encoding on the EPC numbers for ease of asset tracking plus you can even get an optional steel ball insert for detection by food processing equipment.
SkyRFID the RFID Experts
SkyRFID has over 20 years of experience in ADC and provides customers with everything from a single consulting engagement to a complete turnkey global solution. SkyRFID personnel have implemented solutions in all of the Americas, Europe and other countries with great success. SkyRFID provides solutions in Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Microwave (SHF) RFID technologies and has considerable expertise in Asset Management, Access Control, Container Management, Document Management, Library Systems, Field Service, Manufacturing, Parking Systems Management, Supply Chain, Warehousing and Distribution, Event Management, Fleet Maintenance, and more.
Visit SkyRFID web site - http://www.skyrfid.com
To assist RFID newcomers and provide additional knowledge to all RFID users SkyRFID has added free tutorials for:
Simply click on any of the above links to go to that page or go directly to SkyRFID.com home page and view from there.
Either way it is now very easy to learn more about RFID all in one place when you want to.
Before you start any RFID project let our consulting experts provide you with their advice on the who, what, where, when and why of RFID.
SkyRFID the RFID Experts
Now if you have an Impinj ” Speedway” UHF reader and use their new firmware (incidentally which is called “Octane“) you can tell which direction the tag is going when it is read by the reader!
Apparently this is with any Gen 2 UHF tag – all you need is the “Speedway“and some Octane and you have direction information.
You can use virtually any antenna types and get results in less than a second. All you need is two antennas!
This is really good news for many organizations who use tags for asset control, supply chain management, strategic resource management, retail and more.
Virtually any RFID application can benefit from knowing if the tag is coming or going! While the current version of “Octane ” only supports up to 15 tags at one time, the algorithm used provides an error threshold of less than 1% as it doesn’t report the tag direction if the confidence factor falls below a certain value.
So now you can have a higher comfort level and less programming logic in RFID solutions that need to know if its coming in or going out as the system will do it automatically (provided you’ve enabled it and modify the software to accommodate). I’m adding this feature to all our programs – can be very useful!
Think about all the applications that can benefit from this technology!
Asset management – In and out of rooms, departments, buildings and more
Retail – Did it go out to the display shelf or back into the stock room
Access in or out? How long in, How long out? – Parking lots, buildings, departments, critical secured areas
Events – coming in for the occasion or leaving – total attendance and who’s left behind
Key Personnel – Out to lunch? Where in the building?
Simple key asset location control – where is it? which way was it going last?
Any hospital can use this technology to track key operating room equipment or any other type of expensive equipment with minimum readers and retrieve the needed equipment resource faster – life saving!
Key Equipment for manufacturing – in what area is it?
The usage of direction in an RFID application can reduce costs and save lives.
Cool technology from the high Octane Speedway!
Check out the Impinj site for more details http://www.Impinj.com or call us at SkyRFID – Toronto Canada +1 647-476-3265!
Late March 2008 major chip maker Impinj announced a new Monza 3 chip that is significantly improved over their flagship Monza 2 chip released in 2006. This new Gen 2 Chip promises increased sensitivity by up to 40% on difficult to read items such as metals, liquids and densely packed cases. In addition it has super interference rejection which also improves readability in dense RF environments. With its dual antenna input configuration tag orientation becomes less sensitive making this chip a great next generation for RFID tags.
Early April 2008 Alien Technology introduced its new Higgs 3 chip which is a significant improvement over its Higgs 2 chip design. Alien states their new chip is 25 % more sensitive to RF signals than other tags currently available.
Both chips are slated to be available as inlays and tags in summer 2008 – So the race is on to see who has the best new Gen 2 chip. These chips offer increased sensitivity, reduced RF interference, more memory and more security than the existing Gen 2 chips.
What this really means to the rest of the world is that the both new chips offer significant improvements in read rates over the previous generation making it that much easier to deploy RFID solutions.
So the real winners will not just be Impinj and Alien for the their new designs, but the end users who will now have much better read rates and therefore improved accuracy on their RFID implementations which means all of us will benefit from the improved efficiencies that will come out of the RFID deployments.
So everyone wins!
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