RFID@WORK Demonstration Center

PREMIUM SPONSOR:

At RFID Journal LIVE!, the education and learning goes beyond just listening to presentations. We incorporate the opportunity to see real-world demonstrations of RFID technology.

RFID Journal LIVE! 2007 will feature two demonstrations areas on the exhibit hall floor. In one, our premium sponsor, Alien Technology, will demonstrate real-world applications in a variety of industries.

Lessons Learned from Successful RFID Hardware, Software and System Implementation
Intel Corporation and Microsoft
Intel will present an overview of several proof-of-concept RFID programs conducted in its supply chain with significant results. The presentation will cover key learnings across hardware, software and implementations, as well as Intel's strategy and approach to RFID, the status of current deployments, global challenges faced, benefits delivered by Si integration and a summary of key findings to date. In addition, Intel and Microsoft will review collaboration efforts, vision and products for a layered RFID infrastructure platform, using an open building-block approach enabling high-performance, low total-cost-of-ownership RFID solutions that work across multiple business segments in an integrated manner, from hardware to software. The broad reach of this architecture, from mobile to desktop to server, can speed the adoption of RFID across both enterprise consumer and consumer enterprise applications.

Building a “Pallet Pedigree” Solution for Flexible and Scalable RFID
IBM and Schiff Nutrition International
Schiff Nutrition International and IBM review a successful RFID project for compliance with Wal-Mart’s initiative for January 2007. At IBM’s Center of Excellence, a method was developed to build a “pallet pedigree” that met the initiative requirements and provided a scalable and flexible RFID solution. Schiff identified a process problem needing a solution: namely, how to accurately and quickly aggregate case EPCs to a pallet EPC for a heterogeneous pallet with random quantities and random orientation. The solution enables increased efficiencies and provides higher quality in the supply chain, and Schiff plans to continue innovating with the capabilities of the solution developed on OAT Systems and IBM software, using Alien’s advanced RFID reader capabilities.

RFID@Work Across the Enterprise
SAP and CIBER
This presentation will cover SAP’s roadmap for RFID services, as well as new functionality of the upcoming SAP AII release, and the benefits of a fully integrated SAP RFID landscape for the commercial and government space, as demonstrated by a business case where a high-volume manufacturer with a Wal-Mart RFID mandate integrates RFID with an SAP back-end system. Real information and examples of an implementation of SAP's AII solution will be shared, and challenges will be discussed. A detailed review of lessons learned of this project will be presented.

Leverage Track-and-Trace Pedigree Framework to Enable Additional Business Use Cases
IBM and AmerisourceBergen (ABC)
AmerisourceBergen (ABC), the leading pharmaceutical distributor in the United States and one of the nation's largest pharmaceutical services providers, will present ABC's decision and approach to an RFID-enabled track-and-trace solution. The presentation will discuss the compelling reasons for RFID, the benefits beyond the compelling reasons and the use of EPCIS and the EPC network to solve many of the business problems. ABC was subject to new legislation in both Florida and California, requiring them to process electronic pedigrees of pharmaceutical products passing through the supply chain. Hoping to leverage the pedigree infrastructure to enable use cases that improve such processes as returns, verification and so forth, ABC looked to RFID and EPCIS technologies for an answer.

 An Introduction to FLIER: Flexible Logistics Information Environment for RFID
Unisys and RFID Solutions Center Dayton
The FLIER program at the RFID Solutions Center Dayton, developed and managed by Unisys, offers organizations the ability to see just how RFID data impacts enterprise systems and supply-chain processes. With FLIER, organizations can readily simulate application environment and test interfaces, transactions and RFID business process enablement before full-scale investment and implementation. This session will focus on the features, functions and benefits of the new FLIER program, and how its compelling capabilities can be applied to support an organization's RFID planning and deployment efforts. Key topics include an overview of the FLIER supply-chain process scope, business scenarios and use cases covered in the program; enterprise and supply-chain applications and solution providers; and featured client case studies.

RFID@Work in the Office 
FileTrail
FileTrail will demonstrate how UHF Gen 2 RFID is used to provide low-cost, near-real-time tracking in the office environment, including a showcase of several customer applications in which RFID delivers closed-loop solutions for managing information assets such as critical documents and library materials. This solution helps organizations automate the repetitive transactions related to paper-based information, thereby saving money, improving accountability, standardizing practices and documenting compliance.

The iGPS Asset Tracking Deployment in Review: Visibility Solutions at the Edge
Xterprise and Microsoft
Come learn how a rich, scalable enterprise application (iSUM) built atop the Microsoft BizTalk RFID framework, using Alien devices, can help track and trace physical objects moving through the supply chain. Orchestrate supply chain visibility solutions at the edge of the enterprise via a scalable, high-performance, production-ready platform in an easy, cost-effective manner. You will hear first-hand how Xterprise, Alien and Microsoft partnered effectively to build a ‘live’ production deployment on the BizTalk RFID Infrastructure with the high-performance Alien reader family, and the business benefits (ROI) that have been realized.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

The other area will be hosted by the RFID Research Center at the University of Arkansas, one of the leading applied RFID research centers in the United States. Below, you will find a description of some of the demonstrations that the University of Arkansas will provide. These will give attendees a unique opportunity to see RFID@Work.

Using RFID Temperature Sensors
RFID technology promises to deliver significant benefits in the cold chain by improving the ability to track items and their temperatures. See a live demonstration of several different RFID temperature sensors. Learn what data can be collected and how it can be used to improve the way companies track fresh produce, frozen goods, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive products.

Optimizing RFID Tag Location On A Carton
Achieving high read rates is critical to the success of many RFID applications, and placing the tag in the right location on a case or carton is critical to achieving consistently high read rates. In this demonstration, you will see how placing the tag in the wrong location dramatically reduces the ability to read the tag. You will also see how software can be used to analyze a product and find the best location for tag placement.

Stationary Versus Mobile Readers
When deploying RFID for any application, you want to keep the cost of hardware as low as possible. But when should you choose a mobile reader instead of a stationary reader to do that? The answer is not as simple as you might think. In this demonstration, you will see the capabilities of different types of mobile readers and learn how you can choose the right mix of stationary and mobile readers for your implementation.

Tagging Individual Items
Many companies believe the real benefits of RFID will come when they are able to tag individual items, but they worry that they will not be able to achieve high read rates when large numbers of individual items are grouped closely together. In this demonstration, you will see how individual items can be tagged and read successfully.

Leveraging RFID Data
What does RFID data look like? What format does it come in, and how can you utilize it? This demonstration shows actual RFID from one retailer's extranet. You'll see what the raw data from reads at distribution centers and stores looks like, as well as insights you can glean from it, including how to understand dwell times and stock rotations.