Major U.S. banks have been rolling out new, secure smart chip debit and credit cards for months, but the real end-user impact hasn't yet been felt. Some experts say typical consumers will get confused and may even balk when first attempting to use these new "PIN and chip" smart cards, where a PIN is a personal identification number, and a chip is a computer chip that can be read by a new point-of-sale terminal. As a result, customers may choose to rely on the less-secure magnetic stripe also on the new cards for in-store purchases.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Terso Makes a Case for Mobile Tracking of Medical Devices
Terso Solutions, a provider of RFID-enabled cabinets and coolers designed to allow health-care facilities to automatically track which medical supplies are removed and returned, has developed n RFID-enabled trunk stock kit that medical device field representatives can use to track the implantable items and surgical tools stored within it. After 18 months of development, Terso has built a beta version of the carrying case, and is now in discussions with several medical device manufacturers to schedule two or three pilots to take place during the fourth quarter of this year.
Monday, June 29, 2015
RFID chips: a key to more or less freedom?
Losing his keys is no longer a concern for Sandro Portner: all he needs to do to open his front door is swipe his hand in front of this chip reader.
A fan of new technology, this young man from Switzerland has had two Radio Frequency Identification chips implanted into his body. He is part of a new generation of what some have branded “enhanced human beings”.
“I’m not saying it’s indispensable. But I’m a high-tech fan and it’s an invention I was interested in trying out, and it’s easy to remove,” he explains. “People think it’s really weird to get an implant. And then, they see the result and they think, I could try that, too, maybe one day the chip will allow me to do even more things.”
Groninger Museum launches new iBeacon app
Groninger Museum in the Netherlands recently launched a new mobile app to coincide with the opening of its newest exhibition, “Song Dong, Life is Art, Art is Life.” Using the iBeacon technology, the app presents information on artworks and parts of the museum as the visitor walks around the Groningen facility. iBeacons are small devices that emit Bluetooth signals, letting the app receive and display specific content related to the device closest to the visitor.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Smartphones and QR Codes to Drive Bitcoin Transactions
Welcome to the digital age. With a quick snap of a smartphone camera, QR codes can be scanned from signs, product labels, pieces of paper, computers, TV screens, even clothing. QR codes seem to be popping up more and more, but for a lot of people, they are still somewhat foreign objects. A QR code (a.k.a “Quick Response” code) is a bar code readable by mobile phones. They can store different types of alphanumeric data such as website URL’s, bitcoin addresses, email addresses, plain text, and phone numbers.
Wal-Mart CEO touts 'invisible' barcode on Instagram
An Instagram post by Wal-Mart's chief executive sent shares in Beaverton-based Digimarc soaring Tuesday. Monday's post from Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon describes a photo "Inside Walmart's Lab 415-C," where a bag of potato chips pass over what appears to be a standard grocery store barcode scanner. But McMillon says it is "invisible watermarking," which "could transform the way our customers check out." Digimarc has been developing digital watermarking technology for years and CEO Bruce Davis said his company had already said publicly it was talking with Wal-Mart. Now it has visual evidence – plus a huge endorsement.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Almost one in ten have made in-store mobile wallet payments
Some 8% of global mobile users have made an in-store mobile wallet payment either using NFC or via an app in the last six months, research from trade body Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) and Wirecard has revealed. “Another 7% paid using a merchant’s plug and pay or mpos device and 5% said they paid via a mobile loyalty card scheme,” the research finds. 36% cite lack of trust as the main reason for not using a mobile wallet, 18% don’t know what a mobile wallet is and 15% “don’t see the point.”
Metromile's Tag uses Apple iBeacon tech to track your driving
For almost three years now, Metromile has offered a pay-per-mile insurance service that tracked your trips via an OBD-II reader (a device that plugs into your car's data port) called the Pulse. Recently, Metromile unveiled the Tag, a wireless device that uses Apple's iBeacon tech to do almost the same thing. Instead of plugging into that aforementioned OBD-II port -- which is in every car built and sold in the US since 1996 -- the Tag can be placed anywhere in your vehicle. It then communicates that same car and trip info to your phone over Bluetooth LE (which does mean that both the Tag and your phone needs to be in close proximity in order for it to work).
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Kumho fits RFID tags in half-finished tires
Kumho Tire has started applying radio-frequency identification (RFID) system on ‘half-finished’ tires since June 16, the Korean tire maker said in a statement. “We are now using an IoT-based (Internet-of-Things) production and distribution integrated management system to apply RFID system on our half-finished products,” said Kumho, claiming that this was a world-first in the industry. Kumho said it had started fitting RFID tags on complete bus and truck tires manufactured in its Gwangju and Gokseong sites in Korea and for original equipment tires in 2013. The tags have been fitted on complete passenger tires since late last year.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
HID Global Develops Innovative Biotechnology RFID Tag to Meet Vital Need in Cryopreservation
In partnership with Cryogatt Systems Ltd., new RFID embedded tag streamlines cryopreservation, and improve processes for the most critical frozen cells and tissue assets. Storage vessels become highly traceable with patented tags and readers that work at subzero -196°C, and software to accurately locate, record and audit stored material Benefits include improved accuracy, optimized storage space, a precise audit trail, enhanced sample safety, and saved time and costs
HID Global has announced biotechnology radio frequency identification (RFID) tags designed to meet a critical need in the cryopreservation industry. The company has developed a cutting-edge solution for use at subzero temperatures, setting it apart from other solutions that focus on harsh, high-heat conditions. The unique tag is already redefining cryogenic storage, enabling facilities to enhance and streamline logistics, thereby maximizing their value to the medical and scientific communities.
General Steel's JV Signs Letter of Intent to Deploy RFID-based Logistics Management
General Steel Holdings, Inc. announced that its majority-owned joint venture, Tianjin General Shengyuan IoT Technology Co., Ltd. ("General Shengyuan IoT"), has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Tewoo Group Co., Ltd. ("Tewoo Group"), a Fortune Global 500 company, to deploy RFID-based intelligent steel logistics management at Tewoo Group's seven steel logistic centers in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province.
Under the terms of the LOI, General Shengyuan IoT will upgrade Tewoo Group's logistic management system and integrate RFID technology, video monitoring, wire and wireless communications, and other information technologies for steel logistics management. It is anticipated that upon the completion of the initial phase for these seven logistic centers, the collaboration may expand to include all of Tewoo Group's more than 100 logistic centers throughout China. Tewoo Group's ultimate goal is to create a unified platform for steel logistics management that allows real-time visibility throughout its nation-wide centers, enabling efficient, accurate, and automated inventory tracking, intelligent stocking, and electronic signing and notification.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Birmingham startup Atlas RFID hires new COO
Birmingham startup Atlas RFID has promoted its senior vice president of operations to become its new chief operations officer. Bobby Ball came to Atlas RFID in 2012 following 10 years as a project manager within the power industry. As the COO of Atlas RFID, Ball will be responsible for heading up business development, operations, and technical support
Internet of Things breathes new life into RFID technology
About a decade or so ago, it was almost impossible to find a tech analyst who wasn't predicting that radio-frequency identification (RFID) would soon change the world. While RFID eventually became a useful tool in retail, logistics, healthcare and a handful of other enterprise sectors, the technology largely lurked in the shadows while other truly transformative concepts, such as social media and streaming entertainment, grabbed the spotlight. Now, with RFID well into its second decade of adoption, the technology's proponents are busily prepping for a second act. Nina Turner, a research manager
at IDC, notes that while RFID failed to live up to its lofty initial expectations, "its future is far from hopeless."
Sunday, June 21, 2015
FineLine Introduces ‘As You Like It’ for RFID-Integrated Hangtags
Atlanta-based RFID (radio frequency identification) tag provider FineLine Technologies Inc. has a new quick-turn program, dubbed “As You Like It.” The program was created for brands and retailers to facilitate the ordering of branded hangtags with integrated RFID capabilities rather than relying on secondary RFID tickets and stickers. Under the program, brands and retailers can place production orders with a 48-hour turnaround time anywhere in the world. There’s a one-week turn time on sample orders. Companies will not be required to meet annual order quantities or inventory commitments.
Friday, June 19, 2015
How Does RFID Rank as a Technical Innovation?
RFID is not extremely advanced technology. It seems miraculous sometimes when you see a piece of equipment's location in real time within a large facility, or when you perform an inventory count of 1,000 items within a minute. An RFID chip is relatively simple compared to the high-end chips that go into workstations or PCs. In terms of impact, RFID technology has had very little so far. That's because the technology is very new and has not yet been widely deployed.
Oregon pot tracking system will use RFID technology
Oregon’s pot regulators want their seed-to-sale tracking system to use the same microchip technology that helps jewelry stores manage large inventories of valuables. Rob Patridge, chairman of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, said radio frequency identification signal, or RFID, technology will be the most efficient method for the agency to monitor recreational pot as it moves through the supply chain. So Patridge and other officials at the agency were surprised earlier this week when a new version of a broad bill to help set up the new legal pot system included a requirement for the commission to use barcodes, not RFID, to track marijuana.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Simple Way To Catch Bad Guys
RFID: It isn't just for tolls anymore. Bolivia has a solution for detecting illegal cars that is so simple, you'll wonder why we haven't been doing it for years. And it will also lead to clever and easy anti-fraud detection in all sorts of other businesses. Bolivia has made RFID chips mandatory on every car, and the government is having gas stations read those tags to catch registration scofflaws and other bad guys.
Implantable RFID company Dangerous Things looks outside the body
Amal Graafstra is used to hacking things to work for him. He has two RFIDs implanted, one in each hand, that he uses to unlock doors, start his motorcycle and log into his computer. But Graafstra and his Seattle-based company, Dangerous Things, want to bring hackers more tools to bend the environment to their will The first tool is the Switcheroo, a tiny Bluetooth circuit board that can interact with microprocessor controls. That means it can perform tasks on thermostats, vehicle keyfobs and even appliances — things like altering temperature in a room or opening a car door with your phone.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Global Smart Card market in the Telecom sector to grow at a CAGR of 4.98 percent
Analysts forecast the Global Smart Card market in the Telecom sector to grow at a CAGR of 4.98 percent over the period 2014-2019. These cards are used by employing a radio frequency between card and the reader that needs no physical insertion of the card. Therefore, contactless smart cards have faster applications and are user-friendly. Contactless smart cards are widely accepted and used by some of the major sectors such as BFSI, Government, Transportation, Healthcare, and Defense.
Increased adoption of NFC payments is one of the major trends in the market. NFC-enabled mobile devices operate in card emulation mode for mobile contactless payments. Therefore, they are being widely used by the Telecom sector and by emerging sectors.
According to the report, the growth of the market in the Telecom sector is driven by the increased need to reduce identity duplication. The number of cases of fraud and forgery has increased due to advances in technology, motivating vendors to create a type of smart card that is difficult to duplicate.
According to the report, the growth of the market in the Telecom sector is driven by the increased need to reduce identity duplication. The number of cases of fraud and forgery has increased due to advances in technology, motivating vendors to create a type of smart card that is difficult to duplicate.
RFID Helps Keep Utah Transit Authority on Track
Following a one-year pilot, Salt Lake City area bus and rail service provider Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is deploying an ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID-based solution to record when its light-rail trains enter and leave the maintenance yard, and also to track as many as 22 components installed on each car. The system enables the transit authority to better manage its rail fleet, the maintenance of its trains, and individual components.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Will Tesco shoppers freak out at six-foot tall RFID robots?
As Tesco clothing shoppers rifle through the chain's apparel assortment, they'll be sharing the aisles with six-foot-tall RFID robots, rolling up and down scanning clothing tags for inventory. (Personally, I think a Texas approach — where the robots would be equipped with automatic weapons and paid for out of the loss prevention budget — would be more interesting.).
Is the Internet of Things the next wave for the mining industry?
The mining industry is growing up. Traditionally a labor-intensive and brute business, the sector has progressed significantly over the last few years, adopting newer technologies and leaner practices to the way it operates. The emergence of big data has allowed mining manufacturers to predict and eliminate potential problems in machinery by collecting infinite amounts of data from their equipment and transforming it into usable information. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to take things further.
Monday, June 15, 2015
10 ways to capitalize on the Internet of Things
Every company wants to capitalize on the Internet of things (IoT) in its big data strategy--but what's the best way to go about it? Here are 10 steps to include in your IoT enablement plans. Company decision makers hear the hype about IoT, but many don't understand how it can make a practical difference in the business. Spending some upfront time acquainting these individuals with actual IoT use cases--and how they have paid off for others--can go far when it comes to getting buyoff for an IoT budget.
China already has 85% of the world's RFID manufacturing capacity
China already has 85% of the world's RFID manufacturing capacity, being a major exporter of tags. In addition, the second generation National Identification Card project in China is the largest RFID order by value and China is delivering it by using Chinese-only resources almost exclusively. Thanks to strong support by the government, China has used RFID widely on applications ranging from library assets to train tickets, and as China becomes a leader in manufacturing in most segments - from cars to planes - it will fuel increasing demand for RFID in manufacturing and many other industries.
As RFID is increasingly being deployed around the world , suppliers are in the process of shaving off fractions of a cent from each inlay, particularly for passive UHF. That means picking up and moving manufacturing base to China in some cases. There have also been other, relatively new entrants that by strong investment (including acquisition) have gained a relatively high market share from nothing in a few years, examples being Arizon RFID and Shangyang, to name a few.
Without doubt there is rapid progress with RFID in China and this report uniquely provides quantitative data and analysis of RFID technology, market and players in the country. Our analysis is based on face-to-face and telephone interviews with RFID companies and solution providers in various RFID markets, giving detailed information and an unprecedented level of insight into China's RFID industry.
As RFID is increasingly being deployed around the world , suppliers are in the process of shaving off fractions of a cent from each inlay, particularly for passive UHF. That means picking up and moving manufacturing base to China in some cases. There have also been other, relatively new entrants that by strong investment (including acquisition) have gained a relatively high market share from nothing in a few years, examples being Arizon RFID and Shangyang, to name a few.
Without doubt there is rapid progress with RFID in China and this report uniquely provides quantitative data and analysis of RFID technology, market and players in the country. Our analysis is based on face-to-face and telephone interviews with RFID companies and solution providers in various RFID markets, giving detailed information and an unprecedented level of insight into China's RFID industry.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Over One in Three UK Smartphone Owners Ready for NFC Mobile Payments
While NFC-based mobile payments have been in place for some time, the willingness of the user base to pay by phone has been somewhat less than enthusiastic. Security seems to be the biggest worry for many potential mobile payments users out there, and though other concerns factor in as well, that still seems to be an impediment for many. But a new study from YouGov notes that of about 2,000 respondents, 38 percent of smartphone owners in the United Kingdom are willing to use near field communications (NFC) in mobile payments as a regular part of life.
Campbell Uses RFID Sensor Tags to Test Cooking Equipment
The Campbell Soup Co. is employing an RFID-based solution to test the operation of its aseptic cooking system, by measuring the temperatures of chunks of meat and vegetables as they travel through heating pipes through which a soup's liquid and solid ingredients pass and are cooked prior to being packaged. The system consists of a low-frequency (LF) RFID temperature sensor tag inserted in a solid piece of food, as well as RFID readers with antennas wrapped around certain sections of pipe.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
QR code not a suitable security feature
Mrs Maria Loh Mun Foong has suggested using unique QR codes as an added security feature to discourage forgery in degrees ("Issue QR codes as added security feature for degrees"; Monday). It is true that technology should be harnessed to deter fraudulent practices when it comes to educational certificates. But QR-code technology might not be suitable. QR codes have been around for many years now. Their use is convenient and allows for the efficient access of information.
Tesco Deploys Tag-Reading Robot at Five Stores to Track F&F Clothing
Global retailer Tesco Stores Ltd. is trialing an indoor mapping and analytics robotic system using radio frequency identification at its fashion departments in five U.K. stores, tracking its F&F brand garments to determine whether the technology can improve efficiency and inventory visibility. The deployment involves robotic machines that roam through a store's clothing department, so that onboard RFID readers can perform inventory counts by reading each garment's passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) EPC Gen 2 RFID tag.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Implantable RFID company Dangerous Things looks outside the body with hacker-friendly Bluetooth switch
Amal Graafstra is used to hacking things to work for him. He has two RFIDs implanted, one in each hand, that he uses to unlock doors, start his motorcycle and log into his computer. But Graafstra and his Seattle-based company, Dangerous Things, want to bring hackers more tools to bend the environment to their will. The first tool is the Switcheroo, a tiny Bluetooth circuit board that can interact with microprocessor controls. That means it can perform tasks on thermostats, vehicle keyfobs and even appliances — things like altering temperature in a room or opening a car door with your phone.
Identiv Offers NFC RFID Temperature-Tracking Solution
Identiv has released an Android app that works in conjunction with the company's uTrust Sense Near Field Communication (NFC) temperature-sensing RFID tag. The uTrust Sense app, which became available this week at the Google Play website, can be used to activate and configure Identiv's uTrust Sense Temperature Tracker, and to read its recorded temperature readings. The battery-assisted passive sensor tag and the app are aimed at making the collection of temperature history as simple as using an Android smartphone or tablet.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Internet of Things market to reach $1.7 trillion by 2020
The global Internet of Things market will grow to $1.7 trillion in 2020 from $655.8 billion in 2014, research firm IDC says, as more devices come online and a bevy of platforms and services grow up around them. The firm predicts that the number of “IoT endpoints,” connected devices such as cars, refrigerators and everything in between, will grow from 10.3 million in 2014 to more than 29.5 million in 2020. Devices, connectivity and IT services are expected to account for the majority of the global IoT market in 2020, with devices alone accounting for 31.8% of the total. Purpose-built platforms, storage, security, application software and “as a service” offerings are expected to capture a greater percentage of revenue as the market matures.
Market Opportunity for RFID Smart Cabinet Systems in Healthcare
Adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) is increasing in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, especially in the areas of assets tracking, supply chain management, and inventory management, according to a new report, which provides an overview of the application of radio frequency identification (RFID) in the healthcare industry
-Hospitals are the major end users of RFID smart cabinets, with catheterisation laboratories (cath labs), operating rooms (ORs), and surgical departments being the major application areas. Pharmaceuticals are also employing RFID to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain. RFID is also being used in warehouse management. The uptake of RFID smart cabinets, currently medium, is likely to be high over the next - years. The growing need to improve efficiency and outcome in healthcare settings is a major driver for the utilisation of RFID smart cabinets in inventory management and asset tracking of equipment and supplies.
-Hospitals are the major end users of RFID smart cabinets, with catheterisation laboratories (cath labs), operating rooms (ORs), and surgical departments being the major application areas. Pharmaceuticals are also employing RFID to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain. RFID is also being used in warehouse management. The uptake of RFID smart cabinets, currently medium, is likely to be high over the next - years. The growing need to improve efficiency and outcome in healthcare settings is a major driver for the utilisation of RFID smart cabinets in inventory management and asset tracking of equipment and supplies.
Monday, June 8, 2015
23B NFC chips will ship worldwide in 2020, report says
Manufacturing near field communication (NFC) chips is a good business to be in right now, as contactless mobile payments and the Internet of Things become major themes in technology during the next few years. A new study from Semico Research said 23 billion NFC chips will ship worldwide in 2020. NFC chips generate a short-range radio signal for the secure transmission of sensitive financial and authentication data.
Beacons Bring Visibility to Cleaning Service Staff Work
Lighthouse, an Australian provider of a cloud-based software platform that integrates mobile apps with Bluetooth beacons, has opened an office in the United States in a bid to grow the customer base for its enterprise-based beacon solution. Cleaning and maintenance service provider Spotless is utilizing the system to manage its workers at malls in Australia.
Friday, June 5, 2015
BBVA adds card controls to mobile wallet
Spanish bank BBVA has updated its BBVA Wallet app, allowing customers to use their mobile phone to limit plastic cards for ecommerce or ATM withdrawals, as well as turning cards ‘on’ and ‘off’ at any time. “The new version turns our customers’ smartphones into a remote control to do whatever they want with their cards,” says BBVA’s Mehmet Sezgin.
Internet of Things breathes new life into RFID technology
About a decade or so ago, it was almost impossible to find a tech analyst who wasn't predicting that radio-frequency identification (RFID) would soon change the world. While RFID eventually became a useful tool in retail, logistics, healthcare and a handful of other enterprise sectors, the technology largely lurked in the shadows while other truly transformative concepts, such as social media and streaming entertainment, grabbed the spotlight. Now, with RFID well into its second decade of adoption, the technology's proponents are busily prepping for a second act. Nina Turner, a research manager
at IDC, notes that while RFID failed to live up to its lofty initial expectations, "its future is far from hopeless."
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Charlotte Fire Department adds QR codes for better communication
According to the communication center at the Charlotte Fire Department, there have now been QR codes applied to the field communication cars in order to better be able to connect with people. The benefit that they are hoping to gain from the quick response codes is in connecting with the citizens.
These QR codes allow people to be able to scan the sides of the vehicles in order to discover more about the communications division as well as its rescue units. These scans can be made using virtually any smartphone or tablet that has a free barcode reader app. This type of use of the barcodes has become quite commonplace in marketing, but the cost effectiveness also makes it appealing for other areas, as well.
These QR codes allow people to be able to scan the sides of the vehicles in order to discover more about the communications division as well as its rescue units. These scans can be made using virtually any smartphone or tablet that has a free barcode reader app. This type of use of the barcodes has become quite commonplace in marketing, but the cost effectiveness also makes it appealing for other areas, as well.
Amazon Announces Program With Auburn RFID Lab
During the official opening of the RFID Lab at Auburn University last week, Dave Clark, Amazon's senior VP of worldwide operations and customer service, announced that his company was partnering with the lab to conduct research into how radio frequency identification might be integrated into Amazon's existing high-tech fulfillment centers. "We are partnering with the lab to develop new solutions for implementing RFID in our Amazon supply chain, specifically focused on tagging and driving inbound items through our fulfillment process," Clark explained
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Google Unveils Android Pay App for NFC Based Mobile Payments
Google aimed the fastest-growing payment market since the launch of Apple pay, on 28th May, 2015 it has unveiled Android Pay app for NFC based mobile payments. The vice president of engineering Dave Burke has unveiled the app during the Google I/O 2015 Keynote. Android Pay is the latest payments scheme, it will work in any phone which has an NFC chip and running with KitKat version of the OS. It will acceptable at around 700,000 US store locations and big-name retailers such as Macy’s, Bloomingdales, McDonald’s and much more.
NXP and Stora Enso Partner to Integrate RFID into Packaging Solutions
NXP Semiconductors and Stora Enso have entered into joint development of intelligent packaging solutions. The development will focus on integrating RFID (Radio frequency identification) into packages for consumer engagement and supply chain purposes.
The collaboration will also focus on brand protection and the development of tamper evidence applications. These solutions will benefit both consumers and brand owners.
By using NXP RFID technology such as near field communication (NFC) and ultra-high frequency (UHF), Stora Enso smart packages can be easily tracked and traced through the entire supply chain providing full end-to-end transparency. The integrated technology is also able to detect if the smart package has been tampered with en route to the consumer and, once in the hands of the consumer, can provide additional information and interaction through (the tap of) an NFC-enabled smart phone. This visibility and insight is critical for brands and major manufacturers to ensure their products are being shipped and handled correctly. For consumers the benefits are two-fold; the smart packaging can verify the authenticity of the product and also provide care, usage and other important information via the NFC-enabled tag.
The collaboration will also focus on brand protection and the development of tamper evidence applications. These solutions will benefit both consumers and brand owners.
By using NXP RFID technology such as near field communication (NFC) and ultra-high frequency (UHF), Stora Enso smart packages can be easily tracked and traced through the entire supply chain providing full end-to-end transparency. The integrated technology is also able to detect if the smart package has been tampered with en route to the consumer and, once in the hands of the consumer, can provide additional information and interaction through (the tap of) an NFC-enabled smart phone. This visibility and insight is critical for brands and major manufacturers to ensure their products are being shipped and handled correctly. For consumers the benefits are two-fold; the smart packaging can verify the authenticity of the product and also provide care, usage and other important information via the NFC-enabled tag.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Asia Pacific banks begin testing HCE mobile payments
Several major banks in the Asia Pacific region have begun piloting NFC mobile payment services based on host card emulation, using an end-to-end, cloud-based payments solution put in place by HCE specialist SimplyTapp in partnership with mobile technology solution provider PromptNow and IT solution services provider TIS.
Besides RFID, will Target take credit for penicillin?
It's great when retailers bring new technology innovations to the market. It's even pretty good when they adapt not-so-new innovations to their processes in ways that help customers and/or the bottom line. What isn't so great is taking credit for a technology that's been around for a while — presumably because it makes for a better news release than saying, "We're finally adopting a technology that's been around for a few decades. Yay us!"
Monday, June 1, 2015
RFID and the Supply Chain: How the Technology Is Increasingly Being Used By Procurement
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one of the major technologies that will become ubiquitous in the supply chain and is poised to have a dramatic impact. RFID technology has actually been around since the 1970s, but it has only started to have a real effect on the supply chain within the past few years, and its use is expected to increase as a means of tracking goods and assets.
Similar to bar codes, RFID identifies “things.” Bar codes require a laser to read a single item within line of sight of the reader. In contrast, RFID technology uses a “reader” and antenna that produces radio waves to read product identification at a short distance and does not require direct line of sight. There are 2 types of RFID tags – active and passive. Active tags have their own power supply and are therefore larger and more expensive. Passive tags attached to items use the radio waves as a low power source when the reader scans them. They have limited capability compared to their active counterparts, but they are tiny in comparison and a fraction of the cost. Passive tags are rapidly becoming a commodity and they generally only add 20 cents to each item’s overall cost.
Similar to bar codes, RFID identifies “things.” Bar codes require a laser to read a single item within line of sight of the reader. In contrast, RFID technology uses a “reader” and antenna that produces radio waves to read product identification at a short distance and does not require direct line of sight. There are 2 types of RFID tags – active and passive. Active tags have their own power supply and are therefore larger and more expensive. Passive tags attached to items use the radio waves as a low power source when the reader scans them. They have limited capability compared to their active counterparts, but they are tiny in comparison and a fraction of the cost. Passive tags are rapidly becoming a commodity and they generally only add 20 cents to each item’s overall cost.
Mobey Forum Publishes ‘Snapshot of NFC Mobile Payments’ for Banks
The explosion in near field communication (NFC) mobile payments has gifted banks and financial institutions with a variety of deployment options and, at the same time, made the task of selecting the right route to market more complicated than ever. For this reason, Mobey Forum’s latest white paper, ‘NFC Mobile Payments: An Industry Snapshot’, launched today, aims to provide a one-stop-guide to assist the banking industry in contrasting the options currently available.