Speaker:

Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal

Airbus, the 2008 RFID Journal Award winner for best implementation, has been pioneering best practices in the adoption of RFID by deploying the technology as "business radar" across all aspects of its business, including supply chain logistics, transportation, manufacturing and aircraft in-flight operations. This approach, which leverages a passive and active RFID reader infrastructure for multiple applications operating on a common software platform, has yielded significant benefits. The head of the company's RFID program will explain some ways in which Airbus leverages its RFID "business radar," as well as some of the benefits the technology helps to deliver.

Speaker:

Carlo K. Nizam, Head of Value Chain Visibility and RFID, Airbus

When a major oil company required a system for its offshore platforms that would be both unfailing and highly effective during any possible emergency situations, it chose a solution that utilized an active RFID tag. Employees carry a tag enabling the firm to perform a real-time headcount in the event of an emergency. In addition, readers are installed at all mustering stations, thereby offering point coordinators real-time access and an overview of any missing personnel. Hear how RFID is used to track personnel in environments in which access to employee information during an emergency situation is essential.

Takeaways:

• How RFID can enhance operational efficiency when dealing with employee safety and security
• How to ensure efficient and safe entry and exit at all points, with significant time reduction when accounting for employees

Saudi Post Corp. (SPC) is currently undergoing one of the largest and most pioneering business transformation programs ever seen in the Middle East. A recognized leader in applying RFID technology in the region, SPC will discuss its semi-active RFID project, and reveal how it is being used to track and trace valuable mail.

Speaker:

Ahmed Al-Anezi, MQM, Bs.ASQ, Director of Quality Management, Saudi Post Corp.

Takeaways:

• Why quality management is the most important element in an RFID initiative
• How to build an automated measurement system that is easy to use, and that provides reliability

Trucks carrying everything from uniforms to computers to medicines for the U.S. military are being monitored in real time while traveling from Jordan, Dubai and Kuwait into the battle zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. The solution utilizes a device mounted onto a truck and, like an active RFID tag, transmits a unique serial number and GPS data, identifying each vehicle and its location. The GSU transmits its data via global satellite and multi-band cellular networks. In this session, hear how a defense contractor hired by the U.S. Army Materiel Command is supporting U.S. forces involved in U.S. Department of Defense missions, and how it is using the technology to provide real-time command and control of trucking assets.

Takeaways:

• How RFID helps the military know which shipments to expect, and when, as well as how this helps keep supplies from running out and also prevents overstocking
• The benefits of utilizing the solution to help the U.S. military avoid losing materials due to logistical errors or theft, including hijacking

Game-changing technologies enable early adopters to gain a competitive advantage and drive shareholder value. Leading companies in many industries are gaining that advantage today with RFID. This session will focus on how firms are working with their key partners on large-scale strategic RFID implementations. Hear industry best practices that achieve real business value through the use of RFID, and learn why now is the best time to act.

Qatar Post recently concluded a successful triangle pilot project involving a unique matrix trial deployment of both passive and semi-active RFID systems, on behalf of 22 Arab postal administrations. The project's objective was to evaluate RFID technologies as a means for measuring postal quality across the countries of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The project employed a hidden mail flow of almost 4000 item tests, circulated among these matrix countries over a period of three months. This unique live trial could pave the way for the use of cost-effective RFID technologies to track mail worldwide. The Arab RFID Pilot Project was recently adopted by the Quality Steering Committee of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for the Global Monitoring System (GMS).

Speaker:

Catina G. Aghayan, Senior Consultant, Middle East RFID Association

Takeaways:

• How high-performance antennas and other antennas in mail-processing centers across these three countries successfully tracked anonymous test envelopes containing RFID tags
• Potential cost savings and improved customer service using passive and semi-active platforms

For many adopters of radio frequency identification, return on investment is not a matter of how much, but rather when. In this session, learn how to formulate a comprehensive plan to collect, integrate and analyze data collected by RFID interrogators. Gain an understanding of how companies realize both direct benefits (such as those resulting from the elimination of manual processes) and cost reductions, as well as indirect savings from improved efficiencies and error reductions.

Takeaways:

• How to calculate investments and operating costs
• Developing a cost-benefit analysis for RFID projects