Exciting new RFID technology

A California company called Wirama (last syllable rhymes with gamma) has invented a new type of RFID reader software which seems to be a dream come true. Using an algorithm programmed into software that can be loaded on a mobile Gen2 RFID reader, Wirama can locate a passive RFID tag within 6 inches of its actual location. It does not require special hardware for either the reader or the tags. The read range for the algorithm software (or "locationing engine") is about 15 feet; that is, tagged objects more than 15 feet away from the current location of the mobile reader cannot be precisely located.

Current location software for passive RFID tags can locate objects within an area, but not as specifically as the Wirama software is promising. For example, with the industry's current software, Dynamic staff can use RFID to track whether an item is in our inventory area or not, but we can't tell exactly where in the area that particular item is located. If we were to use the Wirama code, we could zero in on the object's exact location within our inventory.

Wirama hasn't announced a production schedule or a time frame for bringing the product to market; but they do plan a public demonstration at a conference in April. I can't wait to see it in action!

RFID in 2009 Ford Trucks!

Ford's next generation of F-Series trucks will include an in-dash computer, which will use RFID technology to track tools stowed in the truck's box. The system is called 'Tool Link', and it's designed to prevent the types of losses Ford customers were experiencing on their job sites.

Developed with DEWALT and ThingMagic, Tool Link allows truck owners to mark and scan high-value tools, safety equipment, material inventories and other important assets using RFID tags. When the truck is running, a pair of RFID antennae, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items on a pre-programmed inventory list.

The data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.
"Tool Link increases productivity and saves money," said William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager. "It helps contractors and tradespeople guarantee they show up at the job site with the right tools for each job- and that they don't leave equipment behind."

Tool Link comes pre-loaded with several standard tool lists that are easily edited to reflect specific types of jobs. The system uses industry standard Gen2 RFID tags, which means the same tags may be tracked by other RFID readers outside the truck.

Turning On RFID

One of the great things about working with different companies on RFID solutions is the creativity and out of the box thinking that an RFID project brings out in people.

Eyes light up and mental wheels start churning when someone realizes that RFID can help solve major problems. How does RFID help solve problems? It shines a bright light on systems and processes within an organization.

Below are examples of some pretty straight forward ways of using RFID to solve real business problems.

Imagine “losing” valuable assets within your organization. You are fairly confident your area is secure but somehow you still have shrinkage. Turn on RFID and you can see where your assets are at all times.

Imagine trying to maintain a just in time inventory system by carefully assessing lead times for products and usage of products. You’re ordering the right amounts and your suppliers are shipping as requested but you’re still facing “out of stock” and “overstock” issues. Turn on RFID and all of sudden you see the problem—it’s at your dock door with product sitting waiting to be moved into the warehouse.

Imagine having to manage field personnel who write down time in and time out at job sites. You’re concerned because projects aren’t being completed on time. Turn on RFID and you can see exactly how much time was spent at the job site and how much time is unaccounted for.

When thinking about your RFID project ask your self “What is it that I can’t see that I wish I could?” Answer that and you’re on your way to leveraging RFID to solve your organization’s problems.

Heathrow starting small, thinking big

Heathrow airport is going to run RFID baggage tracking systems for one small airline on one specific route. I think this is the perfect way to start a project like this; we at DCC are always trying to get our RFID clients to pick one small way to get going with RFID, then branch out into larger projects. In the case of Heathrow, they are deploying RFID readers at key points along the journey of luggage belonging to passengers travelling the Emirates Airlines route from Heathrow to Dubai - from check-in desk to carousel.

Heathrow will use Motorola XR480 Fixed RFID readers in Terminal 3 to read tags on luggage entering and leaving the airport. In the past, Heathrow has used bar codes to track luggage, which has been a problem when bags do not have the correct line of sight with the reader. RFID readers will be a great help, because they can still function when a bag has tipped on its side, or when a stray strap has fallen across the tag.

RFID Passport transition

As the new rules for the US border with Canada came into play, I anticipated long waits as my teenage daughter and I returned from a weekend in Toronto. U.S. border crossings have been notoriously slow for years, and with new rules requiring travellers to have passports, I assumed we would be in for a long wait.

We plugged in our iPod, and were no sooner getting out our snacks when it was our turn at the window! My passport took a couple minutes for the border guard to check, but my daughter's, which was issued after 2006 and is RFID-enabled, took less than two seconds as he glanced at her photo, which popped up on his computer monitor as soon as I handed the passport into his shack.

He didn't even have to open her passport. Just glanced at her, glanced at his computer screen, and waved us along. The RFID reader in his shack picked up the signal from my daughter's passport, then brought up her photo and electronic passport records from the government's database.

Indeed, it seems to be a smooth transition to the new border rules, assisted in part my lenient enforcement, and in part by speedy RFID identification.