Barcodes Group Launches New AirTrack Industrial Printer and Wireless Rugged Scanner

Barcodes Group launched new data capture products under its AirTrack brand: the AirTrack IP-2A Industrial Printer and the AirTrack R2 Series Wireless Bluetooth Rugged Scanner.

Both products provide high quality data capture, exceptional durability, and a competitive price.

The AirTrack IP-2A industrial printer is built with a rugged, die-cast aluminum base designed for heavy-duty industrial thermal printing in warehouses, distribution centers, and fulfillment sites. The new AirTrack printer is supported by a huge selection of label sizes, materials, and colors and a dedicated services team.

The AirTrack R2, R2-E, and IP-2A are available to order now.

Global satellite IoT subscriber base grew to surpass 3.9 million in 2021

The global satellite IoT communications market is growing at a good steady pace. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global satellite IoT subscriber base grew to surpass 3.9 million in 2021. The number of satellite IoT subscribers will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.3 percent to reach 21.2 million units in 2026.

Satellite connectivity provides a complement to terrestrial cellular and non-cellular networks in remote locations, especially useful for applications in agriculture, asset tracking, maritime and intermodal transportation, oil and gas industry exploration, utilities, construction and governments. Both incumbent satellite operators and more than two dozen new initiatives are now betting on the IoT connectivity market. This new study covers a total of 44 satellite IoT operators.

Iridium, Orbcomm, Inmarsat and Globalstar are the largest satellite IoT network operators today. Iridium grew its subscriber base by 21 percent in the last year and reached the number one spot serving 1.3 million subscribers. Originally a dedicated satellite operator, Orbcomm has transitioned into an end-to-end solution provider, delivering services on its own satellite network as well as being a reseller partner of Inmarsat and others. At the end of 2021, the company had 1.1 million satellite IoT subscribers on its own and Inmarsat's networks.

At the same time Globalstar reached 0.42 million subscribers. Other players with connections in the tens of thousands include for instance Kineis in France and Thuraya in the UAE. In addition to the incumbent satellite operators a number of new initiatives have appeared on the market recently. Examples of some high-profile projects are Astrocast, AST SpaceMobile, CASC/CASIC, E-Space, Fleet Space Technologies, Hubble Network, Kepler Communications, Kineis, Ligado Networks, Lynk, Myriota, Omnispace, Skylo, Swarm Technologies (SpaceX) and Totum. Many of these are based on low-earth orbit nano satellite concepts.

CBT Announces 2nd Annual IoT Awards

CBT, a IT/OT Domain Expert Integrator, announces its second annual IoT Awards to celebrate the leaders who are shaping the future of technology and industry. The market for the Internet of Things is expected to grow 18% to 14.4 billion active connections this year.

CBT believes that advances in IoT will continue to accelerate through the convergence of two core but traditionally independent technologies: informational technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), along with innovations in rapidly emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

Top 100 IoT Influencer Awards – Expanding from the 2021 list of’ Top 25’, Selection of the ‘Top 100’ will be based on a combination of indexes including social influence and rankings, influencer reach and engagement, content creation, and credentials. No application required as it will be weighted by various dimensions of social reach.

RFID Locks Market is Projected to Increase at a CAGR of Around 14.3% During 2022 – 2032

The RFID Locks Market revenues were estimated at US$ 7.4 Bn in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.3% from 2022-2032, according to a recently published Future Market Insights report. By the end of 2032, the market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 32.9 Bn.

The rise in property crime, break-ins, and burglaries over the past several years has led to a steady growth in the need for RFID lock solutions in the home and other sectors. A stronger channel for businesses to reach out to consumers and deliver their goods and services straight into the customers' hands by enabling them to operate the door locks more simply is being provided by the growing penetration of smartphones and its user-friendly experiences.

Additionally, the characteristics of RFID locks make them a perfect option for authentication mechanisms in many applications and sectors. For instance, members can utilize them to get access to gyms, healthcare, and educational facilities. Additionally, RFID locks provide a large number of benefits over mechanical locks. This offers integrated expandable access, keyless entrance, ease of use, configuration flexibility, and availability of mobile access.

Rising adoption of smartphones, widespread use of RFID locks in government and commercial settings, and high demand for NFC-enabled access control solutions. However, the market's expansion is constrained by the high cost of security systems. The market for RFID locks, on the other hand, benefits largely from the rapid advancement of smart homes. RFID locks are becoming more popular in the residential sector attributable to the widespread usage of smart home designs that incorporates features like voice control, remote access, and seamless communication.

Global Smart Commercial Buildings Internet of Things (IoT) Market Opportunities

The BIoT Market recovery through 2021 was healthy, growing 21% to rise above the 2019 market total, at just over $47 billion. A publisher forecasts that the market will continue to grow at a healthy 12% CAGR, rising from $47.07 billion in 2021 to a forecasted $92.88 billion by 2027.

There is an increasing industry push towards improving the value of data generated by the BIoT through improved systems integration, as opposed to limited siloed systems. To achieve this within buildings, a layered horizontal systems architecture is increasingly being advocated for, which is technology agnostic, by using open standards, open protocols, and non-proprietary solutions.

The BIoT digital divide. The pandemic has gone on to validate the BIoT investments of more forward-thinking building owners and operators. Effectively demonstrating the value of many previously existing BIoT solutions to deliver more resilient and efficient business operations. For example, remotely accessing building system networks and devices to monitor and configure performance during the pandemic proved challenging for those without the pre-requisite systems already in place. In many cases this led to energy being wasted on heating virtually empty buildings. Whilst office building occupancy dropped to near zero in some countries, energy use only fell by 10-15%.

The competitive landscape for BIoT remains incredibly complex and varied. The level of fragmentation the publisher continues to observe in the market can act as a source of confusion and frustration for buyers, with many vendors of point solutions and platforms vying for attention. Leading platform solution providers are beginning to emerge, however, and the user base seems likely to coalesce around a more limited number of platform providers, with those unable to maintain a sustainable user base being forced to merge or withdraw from the market.

GoTab Debuts RFID Mobile Ordering

GoTab, a restaurant commerce platform, announced the launch of its radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) designed to simplify mobile ordering and payment for guests at restaurants, food halls, hotels, festivals and other event venues.

Through smart tag technology, RFID allows consumers to charge items from participating locations back to a single key card or wristband, creating a seamless ordering and payment experience for guests and driving increased transactions for vendors.

Built for convenience, GoTab's RFID solution empowers operators at single- and multi-unit restaurants, food halls, festivals and other entertainment venues to provide a quick and easy commerce experience. In advance of the event or upon entering the location, guests receive a branded key card or wristband unique to each person, to which they can allocate funds from a credit or debit card. From there, guests can charge food or retail items from multiple merchants back to a single tab with a simple tap of the card or band at each purchase station. Payment is then received through the pre-allocated funds, or charged back to a hotel stay or restaurant tab to be paid at the end based on the venue and usage.  Additionally, the technology enables an automatic refund for guests if they spend less than what was loaded onto their card or band.

The launch of RFID comes on the heels of GoTab's new offering that empowers multi-operator locations such as food halls, festivals, stadiums and others, to automate vendor payouts while enabling a streamlined ordering and payment experience for guests through a single QR-code. RFID, coupled with this multi-operator functionality, accelerates GoTab's mission of helping hospitality businesses optimize operations and drive sales through advanced mobile ordering and payment solutions.

Connected Devices Growing 18% to 14.4 Billion Globally

 

The chip shortage continues to slow the Internet of Things (IoT) market recovery, according to the latest State of IoT Spring 2022 report.

The number of global IoT connections grew by 8 percent in 2021 to 12.2 billion active endpoints, representing significantly lower growth than in previous years.

Despite a booming demand for IoT solutions and positive sentiment in the IoT community as well as in most IoT end markets, IoT Analytics expects the chip shortage’s impact on the number of connected IoT devices to last well beyond 2023.

Other headwinds for IoT markets include the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and general supply chain disruptions. In 2022, the market for the Internet of Things is expected to grow 18 percent to 14.4 billion active connections. It is expected that by 2025, as supply constraints ease and growth further accelerates, there will be approximately 27 billion connected IoT devices.

Both the 2021 actuals and the current 2025 forecast for IoT devices are lower than previously estimated. (The previous estimate for 2021 was 12.3 billion connected IoT devices; the previous forecast for 2025 was 27.1 billion connected IoT devices). Let’s take a look at what impacted IoT connections in 2021, where we stand in 2022, and where we may be headed beyond 2022.

Wyndham Debuts Mobile Tipping Solution for U.S. and Canadian Franchisees

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across more than 95 countries, unveiled a new, portfolio-wide, mobile tipping solution for its U.S. and Canadian franchisees, making it one of the first major hotel companies to do so.

Developed and managed by Béné, a leader in cashless tipping, the platform enables guests to easily tip hotel team members digitally via their preferred mobile device and is now available for adoption by Wyndham franchisees across all brands. It comes as a growing number of consumers adopt and show preference for digital payments, which according to consulting firm McKinsey, 82% of Americans are now using.

Once a hotel opts-in and is setup on the Béné platform, guests can easily recognize the team member of their choice by scanning a QR code during their stay and choosing how much they would like to tip. QR codes are unique to each team member and tips are deposited daily either directly into their individual bank accounts or into the property's account to be distributed with regular payroll. The platform accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

BarTender Mobile App Achieves Zebra Technologies Validation

Seagull Scientific announced it has successfully completed Zebra’s Enterprise Testing Program for its BarTender Mobile App for Android devices. This designation indicates to customers and partners that the BarTender Mobile App was successfully tested, confirming its performance and functionality with Zebra products.

BarTender’s barcode software and labeling solutions enable organizations around the world to improve the efficiency, security, and compliance of their labeling practices. The BarTender Mobile App advances these capabilities with enhanced agility and accessibility for end users.

Zebra Technologies’ Enterprise Testing Program enables eligible channel partners to test the interoperability of their software and hardware solutions with select Zebra mobile computers, scanners, printers, RFID solutions and software products, to meet user application-specific needs.

p-Chip Corporation Introduces First-of-its-Kind p-Chip Code Tracker

p-Chip Corporation, a company that is revolutionizing the tracking of physical products and materials with its microtransponder technology, introduced its newest secure tracking tag.

The p-Chip Code tracker combines a silicon-based p-Chip microtransponder with a standard 2D matrix code to create hyper-secure QR codes, bar codes and other matrix codes.

The pandemic brought widespread QR code use into the center of the consumer mainstream,' says Joe Wagner, CEO of p-Chip Corporation. 'But for many businesses, including food brands, pharmaceutical companies, automobile manufacturers and others, QR codes pose a host of potential security risks, since they are incredibly easy to create and replicate. The new p-Chip Code technology provides an additional layer of security for QR codes or other matrix codes, delivering a breakthrough in reliable traceability at an affordable price.'

The p-Chip Code tracker functions like a tiny digital anchor for physical items. The nearly invisible p-Chip microtransponder is embedded directly into a 2D matrix code label, which is then placed onto virtually anything, including food and agriculture products, medicine bottles, automobile parts and more.

Social Mobile Announces New Android Smartphone and Barcode Scanner Device Designed Specifically for Enterprise

Social Mobile, an enterprise mobility solutions provider specializing in Android Enterprise development, announced the availability of its next-generation Android Enterprise devices specifically designed for a wide range of use-cases.

The new, purpose-built RHINO PACE A1 smartphone and RHINO T5se handheld barcode scanner are both Google Mobile Services (GMS) certified devices that come with a guaranteed three-year lifespan, ensuring product availability and security along with business continuity, and significant return on investment.

Both of the new RHINO devices are designed for use across different industries, including healthcare, retail, food and beverage, warehousing, logistics, hospitality, education, military, and more.

A low-cost, 5.5-inch smartphone designed for all types of enterprise applications, the PACE A1 is Android Zero-touch ready, offering an intuitive easy-to-use device capable of supporting all types of applications at scale.

The T5se is a lightweight, 5-inch handheld barcode scanner designed for enterprise use. It features an integrated Honeywell scan engine, dedicated scan and Push-to-Talk (PTT) buttons, the MediaTek Genio 500 chipset, and sleek, modular battery pack that can be added to double battery capacity.

Barcode Printers and Consumables Market Expected to Witness a Healthy CAGR of 8.0%

The barcode printers and consumables market is set to expand that its market space at a promising average CAGR of 8.0% and is anticipated to reach a valuation of around USD 14,375.28 Mn by 2032 while it holds a revenue of USD 6.658.5 Million in 2022.

FMI’s research report on market explains the rising market dynamics is an outcome of the higher adoption of barcodes in the production sector along with innovative ideas pushing producers to manufacture industry-specific barcodes.

Customer-centric production is further advanced with the advent of customization, AI-based analysis, and innovative content suggestions, fueling the sales of barcode printers and consumables. This strategy is adopted by the major players of the market. Modern-age data collection technologies such as barcode scanners and fruitful marketing techniques involving consumables are pushing the producers to adopt barcodes, which eventually expands barcode printers and consumables market size.

The advent of wireless barcode printers and consumables in its industrial application as well as its usage in desktop creates lucrative opportunities for the barcode printers and consumables market.

However, the memory system and programmable logic controllers create failed attempts declines the sales of barcode printers and consumables.

United States holds the 30.3% of global barcode printers and consumables market and is anticipated to hold its position with a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to higher number of retail stores and spreading digitization.
China holds 8.3% of global barcode printers and consumables market and is likely to hold its position with a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period. The growth is owed to the demand for higher efficiency, automation, and increased manufacturing units.

Another Asian market, Japan thrives at a CAGR of 7.0 in the global barcode printers and consumables market, attributing its growth to the higher demand from pharmaceuticals and logistics industries.
Direct thermal printers are the most successful based on the printing technology due to the lower impact on the environment due to the elimination of poly-based binding materials.

Healthcare industry is the biggest application segment in the barcode printers and consumables market.

Identity Document (ID) Barcode Reading in Factory Automation Market to Reach USD 3,753.16 Mn

The identity document (ID) barcode reading in factory automation market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2022 to 2029.

A barcode reader for identity documents is a machine that converts encoded data into alphanumeric digits. Barcodes are the most widely used type of encoding and are utilized in a variety of industries. ID barcode readers help supply chain managers track stock keeping units (SKUs) and shipment information while eliminating the flaws and errors that plague the old method.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses the automated passenger counting and information system market to exhibit a CAGR of 6.50% for the forecast period of 2022-2029 and is likely to reach the value USD 3,753.16 million by 2029.

The growing need for specific machine systems especially in the developing economies and rise in the advancements in production technology are the key elements driving market expansion.

'IoT Solutions Are One of the Biggest Challenges for IT Departments Today'

Global IT research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group has published its newest research-backed blueprint, Create and Implement an IoT Strategy.

IoT (Internet of Things) has become one of the biggest challenges for IT departments to manage today. With IoT solutions becoming increasingly common, organizations must move quickly to adopt new, IoT-focused ways to collect and analyze data and automate processes and actions.

The firm's research indicates that one of the most common mistakes organizations make when working with an IoT vendor is waiting to include the IT team in the process until the IoT solution is ready to go live, rather than including the team from the beginning. This causes challenges with integrations, communications, and access to data.

'Most of the solutions available are designed to perform a specific function within the parameters of the devices and applications designed by vendors,' says Sandi Conrad, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. 'As these specific use cases proliferate within an organization, the data collected can end up housed in many places, owned by each specific business unit and used only for the originally designed purpose.'

One of the primary reasons IoT management is a challenge for IT teams is that, as many devices suddenly enter the organizational environment, IT must ensure each device is inventoried, added to lifecycle management practices, and secured. The large volume of devices and lack of insight into vendor solutions makes it significantly harder to plan upgrades and contract renewals as well as guarantee that security protocols are being met.

In order to make these dramatic shifts to using many IoT solutions, IT needs to look at creating an IoT strategy that will ensure all systems meet strategic goals and enable disparate data to be aggregated for greater insights, adds Conrad.

Pakistani Biscuit Company Gains Efficiency and Accuracy with RFID

Pakistani snack and dessert company English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) has boosted its efficiency and the accuracy of its production processes by deploying RFID technology.

The company has been leveraging passive UHF RFID tags applied to thousands of metal and non-metal assets that are used in the production and transport of its products. The solution was provided by EmergTech Solutions, using tags from Confidex and leveraging Zebra Technologies handheld readers.

EBM reports that it not only can be more accurate and efficient in how the assets are being used, but it can also identify and address any inefficiencies, achieving more sustainable practices. The company will next explore ways in which it can expand its RFID technology use.

Judge rules GMO labeling needs more than QR code

The (USA) Agriculture Department's decision to allow a standalone text message option on food packaging does not comply with a 2016 GMO labeling law requiring an accessible alternative to QR codes.

U.S. District Judge James Donato in the Northern District of California found that a USDA policy providing 'a separate text message disclosure option did nothing to fix the problem of inaccessible electronic disclosures'.

USDA will now need to revise the portions of its 2018 rules that allow for QR code labeling and remove the option of QR codes alone on the package. Instead, USDA will be required to add an additional disclosure option to QR code labeling accessible to all Americans.

Contactless payments hit US$10tn globally by 2027

Global contactless transaction values will reach US$10tn by 2027, up from US$4.6tn in 2022, with contactless mobile and wearable payments expected to grow by 221% and contactless card payments by 119% over the same period, according to Juniper Research.

Contactless ticketing spend will increase by more than 440% globally between 2022 and 2027, with growing prominence and support for OEM pay solutions, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

The forecast identifies the US as the world’s leading market for NFC mobile payments by volume, with 4.4bn NFC mobile payments in 2022, rising to 8.3bn by 2027.

RFID Labels Track Syringes of Propofol

Pharmaceutical and repackaging company Genixus has released the first of its RFID-enabled prefilled products for use in acute and critical healthcare.

Its single-dose propofol syringes leverage the company's KinetiX ready-to-administer syringe platform and Kit Check's passive UHF RFID tags, reader stations and cloud-based registry, to help hospitals individually and automatically identify each unique product.

The first 10-milliliter and 20-milliliter propofol syringe products will begin shipping later this year, the company reports, each with a passive UHF RFID tag embedded in its label.

Ring Power Offers RFID Asset Tracking System

Ring Power, a heavy equipment dealer and services company, has launched ItemAware with Aware Innovations.

ItemAware is a tool and asset tracking system that uses RFID and other technologies to tag tools or other items and pair them with a beacon location (truck, shed, jobsite and more).

The ItemAware app is used to see each item’s location and last-seen status in real time, while clicking on individual items gives the user a detailed history of the item including locations, manufacturer and more.

Tool loss in the utility industry is estimated at 30% annually, a value of approximately $900 million. ItemAware can help reduce that asset bleed by giving fleet managers more control and visibility of assets in real time.

ColdQuanta wins Best of Sensors 2022 for Quantum RF Sensor Platform

ColdQuanta won the Best of Sensors Award in the Instrumentation & Test category for its Maxwell Quantum RF Sensor Platform last month at the Sensors Converge 2022 Conference and Expo. Showcasing 14 categories, the awards were presented by Sensors Converge and Fierce Electronics for technologies that transformed the sensors industry and set a new bar.

ColdQuanta's Maxwell, a Quantum RF Sensor Platform, is an advanced RF sensor based on quantum technology. The Maxwell's quantum technology uses atoms to differentiate between incident RF fields. It has a fixed form factor that is independent of the RF frequency or wavelength being measured.

In contrast to classical antenna or electronics-based receivers, ColdQuanta's RF sensors leverage quantum advantages. In conjunction with wavelength-independent form factors and waveform-agnostic signal processing, ultrawideband coverage has the potential to revolutionize existing platforms by integrating various systems into a single device. In the presence of quantum noise, receiver noise figures are significantly lower than those for classical systems due to the inherent limitations of quantum noise. The physics package consists of an integrated low-dielectric, robust glass cell that opens up a variety of integration possibilities that go beyond classical platforms.

Identiv Joins NFC Forum Board Of Directors

The NFC Forum, the global standards-body for Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, announced Identiv Inc., (was unanimously approved by the NFC Forum Board of Directors to join the board.

Identiv is a global digital security and identification leader in the Internet of Things (IoT). This is the second new Sponsor Member the NFC Forum has added in a year, along with doubling its overall membership to 220 over the same period.

Identiv has a long history with the NFC Forum. The company became an Associate Member in 2017 and now joins Apple, Google, Huawei, Infineon, NXP, Qualcomm, Sony and STMicroelectronics with representation on the NFC Forum Board of Directors. The company is taking a greater leadership role in the Forum, driving well-known NFC technology use cases and applications, development processes, best practices and industry wide adoption for end users.

NFC Forum Unveils First NFC Wearable Device Class

The NFC Forum unveiled a new NFC Device Class which provides device manufacturers and OEMs a miniature, low-cost, sustainable solution for wireless wearable devices.

The Card Emulation (CE) Device class is the first of its kind answering an industry need for wearable devices that provide basic functionality and longer battery life in a tiny footprint while maintaining interoperability with the NFC eco-system. Wearables are electronic devices that are physically worn by individuals or embedded into clothing and can provide a variety of services such as health monitoring and payment.

The CE Device works by emulating a contactless card and providing connectivity into an existing framework like a payment or access application.  Typical use cases along with the emulation of contactless banking cards for payment include fitness trackers and sports watches, smart glasses and smart clothing, public transport contactless tickets, smart rings, key fobs, gate access or anywhere card emulation functionality is required.  The Car Connectivity Consortium released an NFC CE compliant specification in version 2.0 of its Digital Key Specification.

INOX introduces first-ever commercially-rated smart lock and technology

INOX introduces its first smart lock, the ISM7000 Series Smart Mortise Entry Set, which is the most customizable smart lock that is commercially rate on the market.

“We noticed a lack of design-forward smart locks that are commercially-rated,” said Qianyan Cheng, INOX cofounder and Vice President of Product Research and Development. “INOX innovated to provide the first hardware solution for users who need multiple smart locks spread across different properties such as: multifamily unit entries, boutique hotels, gyms, laundry rooms, or any situation where a user may need to secure their property with their smartphone. The ISM7000 Series Smart Entry is the best of both worlds, form and function that seamlessly secure your property.”

The ISM7000 Series Smart Entry Mortise Set features a patent pending 3-hour fire rated mortise lock that supports locking and unlocking using mobile phone or remotely via low energy BLE/WIFI gateway.
Entry function complete with programmable Passage and Privacy modes and optional mechanical key override. The lock’s Passage mode can be activated with an interior function.
The lock provides premium performance with ANSI Grade 1 commercial mortise construction.
The new INOX smart lock hardware can be controlled with the accompanying smartphone application anywhere in the world, as well as a backend access control system. Users can also grant additional access with secure RFID e-keys.

Global Sensing Cable Market projected to reach USD 1058.83 Mn by 2027

The Global Sensing Cable Market is estimated to be USD 814 Mn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1058.83 Mn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%.

Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the Global Sensing Cable Market stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors.

There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.

As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding the growth and reducing the risks.

Synapse Wireless Presents Facility Performance Optimization Solutions for Manufacturing Facilities

Synapse Wireless, an Internet of Things (IoT) company, and a member of the McWane family of companies, will exhibit their SimplySnap Facility Performance Optimization solutions at two upcoming tradeshows, including the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago September 11 to 17 (Booth #135575), and the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) World Energy Conference & Expo in Atlanta, September 21-23 (Booth 212).

The company will be demonstrating how teams can improve the performance of their manufacturing facilities with the capabilities built into its Energy Management and Equipment Uptime solutions with SimplySnap. The control platform provides management teams with the systems and analytics required to execute and monitor sustainability initiatives across departments, facilities, divisions, and the overall enterprise.

The SimplySnap platform for Energy Management allows the facility to use standards-based software protocols and hardware interface devices to connect to existing equipment like HVAC systems, air compressors, paint booths, welders, furnaces, CNC machines, motors, pumps, and other process equipment. The approach pinpoints and documents energy-saving outcomes across facilities and the entire enterprise.

The SimplySnap Equipment Uptime solution allows the facility to reduce unplanned downtime. SimplySnap uses industrial sensors, and connectivity hardware to connect to critical equipment to monitor running state, temperature, vibration, air pressure, and other data to analyze when equipment is outside of normal operations.

SimplySnap is built on a scalable, and secure wireless mesh network. The platform provides connectivity to critical equipment around the facility, regardless of age or vendor. By using the Sense 4-20, the battery-powered wireless sensor interface, end users can integrate with other hardware and software solutions that already exist in the factory. This allows the facility manager to acquire a quick and economical way to pursue sustainability initiatives than with vendor-specific or wired monitoring solutions.

Global Dual Interface Payment Card Market to Reach $17.9 Billion by 2028

The Global Dual Interface Payment Card Market size is expected to reach $17.9 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 16.8% CAGR during the forecast period.

A contactless payment card with both NFC and a magnetic stripe is known as a dual interface payment card. This enables the user to utilize their smartphone, watch, tablet,or other connected device to swipe or tap at point-of-sale terminals and to perform in-app payments.

For example, in 2009, Mastercard launched its PayPass/PayWave product line, which features two kinds of product lines: contactless (RFID) for usages with mobile devices as well as conventional magstripe for usages at POS terminals without wireless communication capacity.

This was the first time a payment card had two interfaces. Due to its ability to offer smooth connectivity across older technology platforms like smartphones and legacy systems, dual interface cards have indeed been widely utilized throughout sectors. Microcontroller chips as well as memory chips are the other two types of chips included in these cards. A memory chip is comparable to a tiny floppy disc with added protection.

Despite being less affordable than microcontrollers, memory chips have less security for data handling. Memory chip cards rely on the card reader's safety for processing which are the best option for circumstances requiring low or medium security. A microcontroller chip has the ability to modify its memory via adding, deleting, and other means. A microcontroller resembles a tiny computer since it has an operating system, hard drive, and input/output interface.

Smart cards with integrated microcontrollers have the special capacity to store a lot of data, perform on-card tasks (such asencryption and digital signatures), and communicate with smart card readers in a thoughtful way. A contactless transaction is one in which the point-of-sale (POS) terminal and the customer's payment device do not make direct physical touch. In close proximity to a terminal, the customer is holding a payment device (like a contactless or dual-interface chip card or mobile device), and payment account information is sent instantly through radio frequency (RF).

Egypt Post to acquire SMART for smart cards

The Egyptian Post Authority intends to acquire SMART for smart card applications as part of a plan for digital transformation.

SMART works in the field of e-government projects and electronic transaction processing in the Middle East and Africa, and also in managing the catering and bread system within the Egyptian market.

It currently manages 20 million cards and serves 72 million Egyptians.

Sources told Daily News Egypt (DNE) that Egypt Post seeks to enhance its presence in the digital payments sector through a guarantor, in addition to the smart solutions provided by SMART.

Global Smart Ports Market to Grow to $5.7 Billion by 2027 from $1.9 Billion

The global smart ports market is projected to reach USD 5.7 billion by 2027 from an estimated USD 1.9 billion in 2022, at a CAGR of 24.3% during the forecast period.

International trade depends heavily on maritime transportation. Ocean shipping is the primary form of transportation for international trade, and according to UNCTAD, the majority of developing nations have seaborne trade volumes that are even higher.

The environment is always changing, making it very difficult to prevent data from being out of alignment or even missing in ports. The ability of ports to efficiently gather and exchange data will be hampered by any potential dead zones. Automated ports face this difficulty since, in contrast to conventional ones, they are unable to contain problems at particular tasks or steps in the process, demanding ongoing close coordination across operations.

Every year, there are millions of cyberattacks and data breaches, which is alarming for online safety. Security hasn't always been a key issue when a product is being designed because the idea of integrating physical objects with the internet is still a relatively new one. This problem is anticipated to be a significant one, particularly in ports where the materials handled are frequently valuable cargo. A number of businesses are also introducing goods without thoroughly testing them for secure connections in order to gain the first mover advantage, which creates a vulnerability for data breaches. The usage of hardcoded or default passwords, which can result in security breaches, is a significant problem for loT security.

The Internet of Things (IoT) segment, by technology, is expected to be the fastest growing market from 2022 to 2027

There are four types of technology are used for the smart port the internet of things (IoT), blockchain, process automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). The internet of things (IoT) is a recent technology revolution that is mostly used in smart homes, smart cities, and also smart ports globally. As every smart port is completely automated and has featured an IoT smart port for all connected devices such as smart sensors, data centers, and wireless devices. There are many types of sensors like ultrasonic sensors, inertial sensors, imaging sensors, radars, and RFID readers which are widely used to collect data and transform the port into a smart port. Infrastructure that is the Internet of Things (IoT) enabled and container management that ensures IoT adoption across the maritime industry. In terms of performance monitors mounted to pumps, engines, or gates to acquire real-time data on speed and reliability of performance, smart ports with loT can simplify repairs and maintenance. Additionally, a loT of port can stop upcoming security vulnerabilities. creating an alert system that is cloud-connected and can aid in efficient loss prevention A integrity of data can be confirmed using digital seals at every security level to avoid theft.

Identiv and collectID Deliver Immersive NFC-Enabled Fan Experience for FC Köln

Identiv announced its collaboration with collectID to deliver a near field communication(NFC)-enabled immersive fan experience for German football club 1. FC Köln.

The activation leverages Identiv's NFC life-of-garment tags to provide fans with enhanced real-time match day access to exclusive digital content.

Fans of the football club who purchased a special ticket to the recent home match, nicknamed the Innovation Game, against Italian Club AC Milan were given a team scarf with an embedded NFC tag to customize their own stadium experience. The digitized scarf can take the place of a conventional or mobile ticket, provide entry to the stadium, and also let users access exclusive real-time digital content during a match and receive offers and rewards.

The scarfs allowed fans to receive communication from 1. FC Köln during the game, including them in the real-time action on the pitch. In the second half, fans with a registered scarf were invited to redeem a free pretzel. After the home team scored their first goal, fans received a promotional offer for a free player flock with every purchase of the new season's jersey.

Denmark trials contactless mobile transport ticketing platform

Danish public transport fare system provider Rejsekort & Rejseplan (RKRP) is trialling a hands-free automated app-based mobile ticketing system on bus and train services in Denmark’s North Jutland region.

The automated app-based ticketing solution that RKRP is testing with transport services provider Nordjyllands Trafikselskab uses GPS data from a passenger’s smartphone to track their journey in order to calculate the fare and charge the passenger via the app when they complete that journey.

The app recognises the distance travelled based on the device’s location data and charges the customer the best possible fare for the journey. For example, if the cost of a single journey exceeds the price of a one-day pass, the customer pays the cheapest of the two fares.

Chinese tea brand uses NFC tags to prevent counterfeiting

Customers purchasing special anniversary gift boxes of Chinese tea brand Halfism’s Fuding white tea can now verify their purchase is genuine, by scanning an NFC tag embedded in the product’s packaging with their NFC smartphone.

The tag is designed to stop functioning if anyone attempts to remove it from the original packaging and fraudulently attach it to another product.

Part of the NFC communication circuit embedded in the paper-based container has a fragile structure. This means that if the NFC tag is removed from the package, the circuit is broken and the NFC tag itself breaks, preventing the risk of NFC tags being removed from packages and used fraudulently.

Global Bed Monitoring Systems and Baby Monitoring Systems Market to Reach US$1.8 Billion by the Year 2026

The Bed Monitoring Systems and Baby Monitoring Systems market in the U.S. is estimated at US$411.4 Million in the year 2022. The country currently accounts for a 29.45% share in the global market. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$210 Million in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 8.3% through the analysis period.

Growth in the global market is mainly attributed to rising aging population, increasing uptake of unobtrusive monitoring options and growing investment in development of the healthcare infrastructure. The market is powered by immense popularity of baby monitoring solutions, on-going efforts to prevent fall injuries and pressure ulcers, and explosion of the e-commerce.

In recent years, a large number of clinical settings and hospitals have embraced continuous monitoring systems to track respiratory and heart rates of patients in real-time. Powered by latest technology such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, these devices deliver enhanced features and are gaining increasing traction from high incident of chronic medical conditions.

While increasing uptake of baby monitors is driving demand, strong emphasis on sleep monitors to analyze sleep patterns, mainly in homecare settings, is providing notable revenue boost to the market. In addition, the availability of smart bed monitoring systems along with increasing incidence of sleep disorders is bolstering the market growth.

Increasing geriatric population that is susceptible to various chronic conditions, falls and associated medical complications is expected to propel global demand for these devices. The global market for baby monitoring devices holds a bright outlook on account of confluence of numerous favorable factors like increasing disposable incomes and rising improving living standards, mainly across developing economic. The market growth is bolstered by proliferation of nuclear families, increasing global population and rapid westernization.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Bed Monitoring Systems and Baby Monitoring Systems estimated at US$1.4 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$1.8 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.6% over the analysis period.

Balmain adds NFC tags to Pokémon clothing

Luxury fashion brand Balmain Paris has added NFC tags to jackets and patches in its Balmain x Pokémon range that enable purchasers to unlock rewards by tapping the tag with a NFC smartphone.

'This is the first time Balmain has explored NFC technology and, as a luxury brand, we are excited for the continued integration of new technologies, offering our customers an engaging, collectable experience, making our brand more widely accessible to a larger audience than ever before,' Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing says.

Zwipe - Mastercard approves the Zwipe Pay Biometric Card Platform

Zwipe AS, a provider of biometric payment card solutions, has obtained the Component Conformity Statement  certificate from Mastercard for the Zwipe Pay platform, the most advanced and integrated biometric card solution available to all Smart Card Manufacturers in the market today.

This CCS certificate enables Zwipe's customers, the SCMs, to leverage Zwipe's certification results to obtain a Letter of Approval from Mastercard for their own biometric payment cards built on the Zwipe Pay platform.

Zwipe successfully passed all tests required to obtain the Mastercard CCS certificate. Issuers can now work with their SCMs to develop and launch biometric payment cards based on Zwipe Pay, and leverage Mastercard's global network to deliver Mastercard biometric payment cards throughout the world. Issuers will have the opportunity to create differentiation, accelerate customer acquisition, uplift loyalty and create new revenue streams.

Worldwide Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics Industry is Projected to Reach $75.5 Billion by 2026

The global market for Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics estimated at US$52.2 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$75.5 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% over the analysis period.

Hardware, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 8.2% CAGR to reach US$38.3 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Software segment is readjusted to a revised 8.9% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

Digital Transformation Spending in Logistics in the U.S. is estimated at US$15.1 Billion in the year 2022. The country currently accounts for a 28.98% share in the global market. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$13.7 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 10% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 7.7% and 8.5% respectively over the analysis period.

Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.8% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$15.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. The push towards digital transformation in these markets in pushing up investments in connected devices, radio frequency identification (RFID) and Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced real-time visibility into the supply chain.

Foray of third-party logistics providers (3PLs) in the logistics and freight management industry is changing market dynamics, providing shippers with the opportunity to find the most suitable partner for their business. The future holds even more opportunities for transportation & logistics companies to improve their efficiency and profits. IoT and vehicle-to-vehicle communication holds promise for enabling vehicle trains or vehicle platoons.

E-commerce Logistics Market to Hit $1,396.56 Billion by 203

The global e-commerce logistics market size is anticipated to reach USD 1,396.56 billion by 2030, according to the new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

The market is expected to witness a CAGR of 20.4% from 2022 to 2030. E-commerce logistics refers to various processes such as warehousing, transportation, inventory management, labeling and packaging, invoicing, shipping, etc. Due to the continuing growth in demand for e-commerce services, there has been a subsequent rise in demand for e-commerce logistics.

The adoption of technologies such as blockchain, bar code technology, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) in e-commerce logistics is improving the efficiency and reliability of e-commerce logistics operations. Technologies such as RFID, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Global Information Systems (GIS) have facilitated the tracking of shipments in real-time. This factor has contributed to the increased confidence in logistics service providers.

The e-commerce logistics market is anticipated to expand exponentially over the forecast period due to factors such as rising smartphone penetration, drone deliveries, greater digitization, language diversity of e-commerce platforms, and the rise of digital payment methods such as smart cards, e-wallets, and net banking.

Future Digital Award Winners Announced for Smart Cities & IoT Innovation 2022

Juniper Research announces the 2022 winners of the Future Digital Awards for Smart Cities & IoT Innovation. This year’s awards received a record number of applications; making choosing winners more difficult than ever.

Juniper Research’s FDAs (Future Digital Awards) for Smart Cities & IoT Innovation recognise the most groundbreaking and impactful solutions in the smart cities and IoT spaces operating across numerous areas, including: IoT security, edge computing, private cellular networks and urban mobility.

The winners in each category, following our extensive application and judging process, are as follows:

Judges’ Choice

Juniper Research Award for Urban Technology Leadership
Kurtis McBride, Chief Executive Officer of Miovision
Juniper Research Pathway to Net Zero Award
InstaVolt
Mover & Shaker in Smart Cities & IoT Innovation
Nick Earle, CEO, Eseye
IoT Innovation

Best IoT Security Platform
Eseye Infinity IoT Platform – Platinum Winner
IoT Protect by G + D – Gold Winner
Most Innovative Edge Computing Solution
Foresight Optima DC+ – Platinum Winner
Unmanned Life – Gold Winner
Best IoT Device Management Platform
Simfony IoT Connectivity Management Platform – Platinum Winner
EnOcean IoT Connector – Gold Winner
Smart Agriculture Solution Innovation
Reporter Smart Agriculture Solution – Platinum Winner
Brastorne m-agri Services – Gold Winner
eSim Innovation of the Year
Thales Smart Profile Matcher – Platinum Winner
@ ZARIOT End-to-End Data Encryption – Gold Winner
Private Cellular Network Innovation
floNet by floLIVE – Platinum Winner
AWS Private 5G – Gold Winner
Sustainability & Smart City Innovation

Best Smart Traffic Management Solution
TrafficLink by Miovision – Platinum Winner
Bercman Smart Pedestrian Crosswalk – Gold Winner
Best Smart Parking Solution
Parkopedia - Smart Parking Solutions – Platinum Winner
Smart Parking Systems by Intercomp – Gold Winner
Innovation in Smart Urban Lighting
Kerlink and CITiLIGHT – Platinum Winner
Tata Communications IoT Smart Light Solution – Gold Winner
Urban Smart Grid Innovation
Kigen, KORE and Energy Web e-SIM Enabled Secure ID and Data Exchange for Smart Grid – Platinum Winner
SmarterGrid Solutions – Gold Winner
Best MaaS Platform
SkedGo – Platinum Winner
Umo by Cubic Transportation – Gold Winner
Best Urban EV Charging Solution
InstaVolt – Platinum Winner
Synop – Gold Winner
Most Innovative Urban Sustainability Project
Connected Kerb
Carbon Reduction Innovation of the Year
Sesame Solar H2 Nanogrid For Disaster Response
iBasis Wins for Platinum for Best IoT Device Management Platform

Kmart Australia changes store shelves for RFID rollout

Kmart Australia is changing in-store shelves to wood and using foam underlays in the back-of-house to improve the readability of radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags attached to apparel.

The retailer is in the process of tagging all apparel in its stores to be read by a robot called TORY, giving it a more accurate picture of in-store inventory.

RFID rollout manager Adam Gradon told an RFID Coalition meeting convened by GS1 Australia the retailer would have 100 percent of apparel tagged at vendor level and autonomous robots capturing data from the tags in all Australian stores by Christmas.

Global Fuel Cards Market: Increasing Adoption of Digital Payment Methods, Growing Influence of the IoT,

The global fuel cards market reached a value of US$ 654.75 Billion in 2021. Looking forward, the market to reach a value of US$ 1,286.83 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.92% during 2021-2027

A fuel card is a payment solution utilized for managing and budgeting vehicle-related expenses while minimizing the hassle of administrating costly expense reports and reimbursements. It can be used by employees who operate corporate vehicles for maintenance and other related expenses like fuel purchases and repairs. It is generally protected via anti-fraud technology and individual personal identification numbers (PINs) to make tracking easier.

It offers online access to the linked account, manages multiple cards, sets up reporting systems, and helps download statements. Nowadays, fuel cards are available with flexible payment options, including paying by credit card, which provides greater control over cash flow.

The increasing adoption of digital payment methods, the growing influence of the internet of things (IoT), and the rising focus on efficient fleet administration are among the key factors driving the demand for fuel cards across the globe.

Apart from this, as fuel cards allow business fleet managers to track fuel purchases in real-time, set spending limits, and manage fuel expenses, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) with fleets are increasingly relying on fuel cards to manage their fuel usage. In addition, several fuel card programs offer discounted prices or other rebates for purchasing fuel within a network and reducing fuel costs.

Besides this, key players are integrating fleet fuel cards with embedded chips and introducing smartcards, which are more durable than magnetic strips, quick response (QR) codes, and near-field communication (NFC) technology via mobile apps to handle payments.

Furthermore, they are offering customized solutions to clients with detailed reporting, which is anticipated to provide lucrative growth opportunities to market in the coming years.

Socket Mobile Launches S720 QR Code Scanner

Socket Mobile is to launch a program for SocketScan S700 users to trade in their existing device and upgrade to the S720 Linear Barcode plus QR code Reader for $199.

The Socket Mobile SocketScan S700 1D Linear Barcode Scanner is an extremely popular scanner used by hundreds of thousands of end-users in conjunction with Shopify, Square, Lightspeed, PayPal and many other popular apps.

The S700 is a 1D general purpose data capture device for optimizing daily operations and increasing productivity throughout the workplace.

However, data capture requirements are ever-changing, and there is a growing requirement to scan QR codes and other 2D barcodes, associated with payments, loyalty, digital IDs, mobile tickets, etc, which the S700 does not support.

Socket Mobile recently launched the SocketScan S720 to give app providers an immediate option for their end users to support 2D barcode scanning due to these recent market changes.

The new SocketScan S720 was designed to support these additional QR code requirements on top of the current functionality of the S700. The S720 is fully compatible with applications that are already in the market, assuming the app is supporting the latest version of CaptureSDK. It is also compatible with all Socket Mobile accessories, such as charging docks and stands.

Socket Mobile is providing an attractive upgrade program for their myriad of existing customers and also to be socially responsible corporate citizens. In addition to allowing users to return their scanner, so they can be correctly recycled, Socket Mobile is also offering additional discounts for those who are willing to use fully tested and functional refurbished units.

New fare options for GO, Brampton, MiWay & Oakville Transit

Metrolinx is bringing even more fare payment options to customers on GO Transit, Brampton Transit, MiWay and Oakville Transit (Canada).

Starting Aug. 11, customers travelling on GO Transit, Brampton Transit, MiWay and Oakville Transit will be able to pay their fare by tapping their credit card on a PRESTO device using contactless payment options.

PRESTO contactless payment allows customers to pay their adult fare on participating transit agencies with just a tap of their credit card, including those cards on your phone or watch.

After a successful test run this past year on UP Express, more customers will have new and easy ways to pay their adult fare on more transit agencies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Customers should make sure to only tap their preferred payment method onto a PRESTO device to pay. The easiest way is to take out the card they want to pay with out of their wallet, purse or phone case when tapping onto a PRESTO device to pay.

Global Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market to Reach $88.1 Billion by 2030

The global anti-counterfeit packaging market for security documents and event ticketing was valued at $37.8 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $88.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2030.

Anti-counterfeit packaging is the process of securing and authenticating products to minimize counterfeiting or infringement malpractices. Anti-counterfeiting packaging prevents imitation and confirms safety of goods.

The growth of the global anti-counterfeit packaging market for security documents and event ticketing is driven by advancement in track & trace technology and integration of new anti-counterfeit technologies in security documents & event ticketing. RFID technologies, are integrated with software solutions that provide real time tracking solution to various industry products including, security document and event ticketing.

The application of RFID in event ticketing is collaborated with conventional techniques, such as holograms and ink and dyes, which provides solution to control and maintains the flow of documents in the market. For example, BrandWatch Technologies provides multi-layered document security solution, which comprises of specialty inks and new printing embedding technology. This new layered technology is expected to enhance the level of document authentication.

However, high cost is required for implementing product identification setups (ground infrastructure), which may not feasible for low cost products. However, in developing countries like India, governments find it difficult to provide ground infrastructure, such as satellites for real time tracking, to companies.

Event organizers, online traveling service providers, and courier and billing service providers seek better control over their document during transit through track and trace technologies. This technology helps in tracking the real time position of documents that are in transit. It also helps to reduce the amount of manual work incurred during document handling; thereby improving the visibility of documents. Document protection is one of the important parameters for maintaining the financial integrity of manufacturers. Higher counterfeiting activities hamper the goodwill of a company, which ultimately reduces profitability. Lower counterfeiting activities thereby increase the loyalty of consumers towards the company.

Is RFID Expensive in 2023?

Virtual Events to Highlight How Leveraging GS1 Standards Can Help Businesses Reach Peak Supply Chain Performance

GS1 US will host two free educational events this fall to help industry drive supply chain transformation, leveraging GS1 Standards: The GS1 US Innovation Summit and the GS1 US Supply Chain Visibility Summit.

This free, virtual summit will showcase leaders from Algramo, Avery Dennison, Delterra, Recurate, Returnity, Rheaply, Scrapp, Walmart, World Economic Forum and more. Attendees will take away actionable items to fuel operational efficiencies and kick-start circular strategies.

WHAT: Industry leaders will share how they leverage innovation in the supply chain to scale sustainably and promote circularity. The one-day summit will feature three live and thought-provoking panel discussions, a keynote presentation and more.
WHEN: September 29, 2022, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM ET
REGISTER: http://www.gs1usinnovationsummit.com – Deadline: September 28, 2022, 5:00 PM ET