Difference between revisions of "Supply Chain RFID Applications"

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== Executive Summary ==
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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a growing area of innovation as Wal-Mart and other retailers make a big push to "tag" items on their shelves for easier inventory management and tracking.
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IP activity in the area of RFID-based supply chain applications seems to have started in 1991, and peaked in 2004. Most of the action in the integration of electronic identification system (RFID) with software system in supply chain applications has taken place in the last ten years or so.
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Around 423 patents have been published in the span of 4.2 years from 2000 till February 2005. The major market in RFID-based supply chain applications appears to be the United States.
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This patent landscape covers the patenting activity with respect to the use of RFID in the supply chain in various industries. The patents reviewed are organized by timeline, companies, industries, and applications. The patents are organized by claims, applications, and a detailed SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat) analysis is also provided.
  
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'''Technology area focus of key players:'''
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== Rationale ==
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* Digital Data Processing
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* “A billion people will interact with a million e-businesses via a trillion intelligent interconnected devices” - Louis V Gerstner
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* Communication Techniques
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* Technological developments in RFID are taking place rapidly - [http://www.rfidconsultation.eu/?id_categoria=29&id_item=214 Source] <br>
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* Computing, calculating, counting
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* Innovation is occurring in the RFID market, but it is diffused and application-specific - [http://loftwares.blogspot.com/ Paul Faber]<br>
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* Recognition of data; Presentation of data
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* RFID has been spawning a lot of innovation. One of the newest is Jewel (disposable RF-enabled tickets) - [http://www.rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>
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* Signaling Or Calling Systems
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* Scientists are developing a system that combines RFID tags and high-definition CCTV cameras to track passenger movements in busy airports <br>
 +
* Wal-Mart Doubling RFID-Enabled Stores - [http://www.rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>
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* Oracle and Intel join forces for RFID push - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2127122/oracle-intel-join-forces-rfid-push Allyson Fryhoff, vice president of Oracle]<br>
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* Oracle boosts supply chain management tool [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2125618/oracle-boosts-supply-chain-management-tool - Don Klaiss, Oracle]<br>
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* U.S. FDA to reduce the counterfeiting of prescription drugs - [http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/801/1/1/ Source]<br>
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* Ignorance putting RFID rollouts at risk - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126992/ignorance-putting-rfid-rollouts-risk ABI Research]<br>
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* Cash under threat from RFID payments - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126822/cash-under-threat-rfid-payments ABI Research]<br>
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* “It’s inappropriate to use RFID technology for tracking and authenticating identities of people” - [http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/40808-1.html Pattinson]<br>
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* CDT Working Group on RFID: Privacy Best Practices for Deployment of RFID Technology - [http://www.cdt.org/privacy/20060501rfid-best-practices.php Center For Democracy & Technology]<br>
  
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'''Some of the key players identified are:'''
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----
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* United Parcel Service
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* G.E.
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* Silverbrook
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* Micron Technology
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* NCR Corporation
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* SAP AG
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* Savi tech.
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'''Various software applications cited in patents:'''
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== RFID - Market Potential ==
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* Business applications
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* Estimated value share of RFID market in 2010, by region
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* UPS Supply Chain Solutions
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[[Image:Market1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|]]
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* Anti-collision software
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* Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.
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* Software applications (Web application" TagDetect")
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* Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.
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* MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application
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* XML middleware such as Biz Talk software
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* ERP system, web ordering system
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* BeefLink Software
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* Source code, object code, or scripting code.
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'''Key applications area identified:'''
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* The global forecast of RFID hardware, middleware and IT market
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* Food and pharma industry
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[[Image:Market2.jpg|thumb|center|400px|]]
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* Semiconductors and High-value electronic items
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* Asset and materials management system
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* Commercial enterprise
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* Beef industry
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* Airport and shipyard
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'''Key RFID Tracking applications:'''
 
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* Assets
 
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* Equipment
 
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* Materials
 
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* Orders
 
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* Personnel
 
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* Processes
 
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* Products
 
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* Production
 
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* Quality
 
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* Resources
 
  
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===Mind Map===
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* The RFID market is anticipated to continue to grow rapidly in these and many other market sectors and industries including the food and drug industry, propelled by United States FDA mandates. The technical issues that have made standardization more challenging are heading toward resolution with the emergence of the second-generation of UHF RFID <br>
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====RFID Warehouse Application====
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* Retail RFID is estimated currently at just under 27% of the overall RFID market and supply chain management (SCM) applications, when considered as separate from warehouse and distribution and transportation, represents just over 15% of the overall RFID market. These distributions will undoubtedly change rapidly and should be reconsidered at regular time intervals as the RFID technology and established and emerging markets mature (Source - BCC Research)
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[[Image:RFID-Warehouse_Application1.jpeg|thumb|center|800px]]
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====RFID Application - SAP====
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[[Image:SAP-RFID_Application2.jpeg|thumb|center|800px]]
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==Project Report on RFID-Based Supply Chain Applications==
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==Patent - Quantitative Analysis==
  
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<font size = "2"><b>Content</b></font>
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===IP landscape over years===
  
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Executive summary
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* According to the search data, IP activity in RFID based supply chain applications seems to have started during the year 1991 <br>
 +
* The graph shows terrific growth from 2000 onwards and high activity during 2004 with 140 patents  alone
 +
* Around 423 patents have been published in a span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field
  
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Introduction to RFID technology in supply chain
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[[Image:IP_over_year.jpg|thumb|center|500px| IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications]]
  
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Search approach and project scope
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----
  
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Objective
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===<span style="color:#C41E3A">Like this report?</span>===
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<br>
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===IP landscape by region===
  
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Data interpretation
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IP landscape of RFID based supply chain - Based on selected 30 records
  
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Search strategy
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* The graph reveals that the growth in RFID based supply chain applications patenting has been across all the regions. United States is more active than Europe, Japan and Australia
  
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Patent analytics:
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[[Image:IP_by_region.jpg|thumb|center|500px| IP landscape by region: RFID base supply chain]]
  
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Quantitative Analysis based on selected 30 patent records:
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----
  
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* IP landscape over years
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===Competitor landscape===
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* IP landscape by region
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* Competitor landscape
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* Technology trend
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Qualitative Analysis based on 15 analyzed patent records:
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* Classification of patents based on main claims
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=== Top players ===
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* SAO analysis clustering
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[[Image:TOP2.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Top players]]
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* Problem Vs Solutions
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* Main applications of RFID
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* Main applications of RFID along with various stages, S/W applications and H/W involved
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* Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records
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* SWOT analysis
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* Conclusion
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<font size = "4">Executive summary</font>
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----
  
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IP activity in the area of RFID-base supply chain applications seems to have started in 1991, peaking in 2004. Most of the action has taken place in the last ten years. or even considerably lesser time in integration of electronic identification system (RFID) with software system in supply chain applications.
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=== Competitor Analysis ===
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Growth in RFID based supply chain - The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records
  
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Around 423 patents have been published in the span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field.
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* The graph indicates SAP as leading and consistent player with 3 patent records
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* EXAGO seems to be the new entrant in 2005
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* It is interesting to note that the competitors in 2004 have not shown any activity in the beginning of 2005
  
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Industries currently converging on developing RFID applications and services
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[[Image:IP_by_competitor.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID base supply chain]]
  
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Major market in RFID-base supply chain applications among key players appears to be United States.
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----
  
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'''Technology area focus by key players:'''
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===Technology trend===
  
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*  Digital Data Processing
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Technology Trend (Main IPC) - Based on selected 30 records
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*  Communication Technique
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*  Computing, calculating, counting
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*  Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers
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*  Signaling Or Calling Systems
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key players have focused on building sound tools for: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting aspects for RFID-base supply chain Applications.
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[[Image:IP_by_technology.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Technology Trend (Main IPC)]]
  
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'''Key players identified are:'''
 
  
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*  United Parcel Service
 
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*  Alexeter Tech.
 
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*  Exago Pty Ltd
 
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*  G E
 
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*  SILVERBROOK
 
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*  IFCO System
 
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*  Micron Tech.
 
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*  NCR Corporation
 
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*  SAP AG
 
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*  Savi tech.
 
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*  Semb Corp.
 
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*  Telabout
 
  
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'''Various software applications cited:'''
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The above graph indicates technology focus by various assignees
 +
* G06F - Computing, calculating, counting - Electric Digital Data Processing<br>
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* G08B - Signaling - Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems<br>
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* H04Q - Electric Communication Technique – Selecting (Switches, relays etc.)
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[[IPC code and Description table]]
  
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*  Business applications
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*  UPS Supply Chain Solutions
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*  Anti-collision software
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*  Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.
+
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*  Software applications (Web application" TagDetect")
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*  Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.
+
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*  MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application
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*  XML middleware such as Biz Talk.RTM. software.
+
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*  ERP system, web ordering system
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*  BeefLink.TM. Software (is a collection of components written primarily in VISUAL BASIC® 6.0 programming language and
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ACTIVE X® programming methodologies.)
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*  Source code, object code, or scripting code.
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====Technology landscape (Main IPC)====
  
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'''Key applications area identified:'''
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The present graph and interpretation is based on  selected 30 records
  
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*   Food and pharma industry
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* It is evident from graph that '''G06F''' (Electric Digital Data Processing) technology is widely used in RFID based supply chain applications showing continuous  progress throughout <br>
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*   Semiconductors and High-value electronic items
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* The progress indicates key technology area targeted by many players and having market potential<br>
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*  Asset and materials management system
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* Followed by '''G08B''' (Signaling), '''H04Q''' (Electric Communication Technique ) and '''G06K''' (Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carriers)
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*  Commercial enterprise
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*  Beef industry
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*   Airport and shipyard
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'''Key RFID Tracking Applications:'''
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[[Image:IP_by_technology1.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Technology landscape (Main IPC) -  Growth in RFID base supply chain]]
  
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*  Assets
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----
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*  Equipment
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*  Materials
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*  Orders
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*  Personnel
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*  Processes
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*  Products
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*  Production
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*  Quality
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*  Resources
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<font size = "4">Introduction to RFID technology in supply chain</font>
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====Technology landscape – Assignee wise====
  
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The supply chain is a complex multi-stage process which involves everything from the procurement of raw materials used to develop products, and their delivery to customers via warehouses and distribution centers. Supply chains exist in service, manufacturing and retail organizations.
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According to the present data, most of the leading players have focused on building sound: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting (electronic cash registers other than digital data processing) aspects for RFID-based supply chain applications
  
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Although, the complexity of the chain may vary greatly from industry to industry and firm to firm. Supply chain management can be seen as the supervision of information and finances of these materials, as they move through the different processes, by coordinating and integrating the flows within and among the different companies involved.
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[[Image:IP_by_technology3.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Technology landscape – Assignee wise]]
  
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The efficiency of the supply chain has a direct impact on the profitability of a company. It is no surprise therefore to find that many large corporate companies have made it a key part of their strategy, and invested heavily in software systems (ERP, WMS...) and IT infrastructure designed to control inventory, track products and manage associated finance.
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----
  
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RFID will bring a new dimension to supply chain management by providing a more efficient way of being able to identify and track items at the various stages throughout the supply chain. It will allow product data to be captured automatically, and therefore be more quickly available for use by other processes such as ASN, stock management and real time billing.
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==Qualitative Analysis==
  
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'''Search approach and project scope:'''
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===Classification of patents based on main claims===
  
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The first task was to find the relevant U.S. granted patents, and EP granted patents or published patent applications. This was done for all patents published in years 1975 to 2005. This range of years is more than sufficient; but almost all of the action has taken place in the last ten years or even considerably lesser time in some categories.
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The following graph indicates various subjects that have been covered by various assignees in the area of RFID based supply chain applications. The various subjects are the result of SAO analysis. More granularity on subjects is presented in the table below and clusters
  
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I identified patents in RFID-base supply chain applications category using a patent search filter. Filter development and testing is
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[[Image:Main_claims.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Classification of patents based on main claims]]
  
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usually the most difficult and time-consuming part of a patent analysis, and that was certainly not the case in this research.
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===SAO analysis clustering===
  
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Patent search filters are sometimes relatively simple, but more often complex. Combinations of patent invention art classifications
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Subject'''</font>
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Action'''</font>
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Object'''</font>
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|-
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|[[Image:method.jpg|130px]]
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|<font size="1">* Delivering<br>* Monitoring (3)<br>* Processing<br>* Detecting (2) & tracking (6)<br>* Displaying information<br>* Computing the orientation and position of a wearer<br>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned<br>* Return of a return<br>* Retrieving ordered (2)<br>* Receiving<br>* Wirelessly exchanging<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)<br>* Collecting<br>* Entering event data common to a group of individual animals<br></font>
 +
|<font size="1">* Between a consignor and a consignee<br>* Container<br>* inanimate and animate objects<br>* Items (2)<br>* Data acquisition and display device<br>* Calibrating a fixed camera<br>* Assets (2)<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Item to an unattended facility<br>* Items that have been delivered to an unattended facility<br>* Environmental condition associated with an item of inventory<br>* Shipment record from the intelligent asset management and sensing device<br>* Information<br>* Asset management and tracking capabilities<br>* Between a user and a product item<br>* Products from a micro-warehouse<br>* Products from an access restricted area<br>* Products from a restricted access area having an entry point<br>* Number of mail units (2)<br>* Livestock information (2)<br>* Database<br></font>
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|-
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|[[Image:system.jpg|130px]]
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|<font size="1">* Detecting & tracking (5)<br>* Processing(2)<br>* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned<br>* Inventory management<br>* Monitoring (2)<br>* Networking<br>* Enabling enhanced<br>* Facilitating an interaction<br>* Distributing (3)<br></font>
 +
|<font size="1">* Inanimate and animate objects<br>* Item (6)<br>* Time<br>* Environmental condition<br>* Unattended facilities<br>* Sensing device<br>* Asset management and tracking<br>* Container<br>* Number of mail units<br>* Articles through customs<br></font>
 +
|-
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|colspan = "3"|[[Image:SAO.jpg|center|800px]]
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|-
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|colspan = "3"|'''Note:''' Number in ( ) indicates occurrence in more that one patent or main claims
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|-
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|}
  
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and keywords in titles, abstracts and claims were targeted for search. Because I was working with a combination of US and EP documents, I used classifications based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) system.
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----
  
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Details on the approach of search is given in search strategy. Since the scope of project is limited to test, therefore only 30 patent records were selected for quantitative analysis and 15 for qualitative analysis.
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===Problem vs Solutions===
  
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Most of the indicators could not be project due to insufficient data.
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Prior art Problems'''</font>
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|align = "center" bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Solutions'''</font>
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Patent number'''</font>
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|-
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|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' A central system has limited visibility of containers in the global supply chain<br>'''2. '''Drawback of the central system is the delay in alerts concerning the container<br>'''3. '''Typical central systems have difficulty in collecting reliable information across heterogeneous systems<br></font>
 +
|align = "justify"|<font size="1">A decentralized state system comprising containers to automatically provide continuous and uniform monitoring of a container state is needed. A container should be robustly configured with localized logic capable of determining a state in response to real-time events experienced by the container relative to dynamic and static event information concerning expected events<br>State determinations made through local information are more reliable to typical prior art systems that use central systems to make inferences about the security state</font>
 +
|<font size="1">US20040246130<br></font>
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|-
 +
|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' A major disadvantage of all transponder based tag designs is the special anti-collision method used<br>'''2. '''A short range reader must be used to individually address each tag within the larger field<br>'''3. '''A second major disadvantage is that to obtain long ranges (100-1,000 feet), higher frequencies are required and these lead to high power consumption<br></font>
 +
|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1. & 2.''' By using lower frequencies (not exceeding 1 MHz and typically under 300 KHz) and a base station design that uses large loop antennas (such as 10.times.10 feet to 500.times.500 feet) and by transmitting a digital ID to selectively activate a selected client tag, rather than a non-selective signal which would activate many tags simultaneously<br>'''3.''' Networked RF Tags (NRF Tags) have significantly reduced power consumption and long range (1000 sq feet to 10,000 sq feet per antenna), have the power capacity to add displays (e.g. LCD) and light emitting diodes (LED<nowiki>’</nowiki>s) and detectors and buttons so they may become fully interactive "tag clients" (this is not possible with transponder)</font>
 +
|<font size="1">US20040201454<br></font>
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|-
 +
|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' One drawback of these systems is that they require the goods to be passed through designated gateway areas, typically causing great inconvenience<br>'''2. '''Another drawback is that it is not possible to track the location of the goods within the warehouse<br></font>
 +
|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1. '''Each ID tag is coupled to an asset and is configured to wirelessly communicate with other ID tags in the network within a predetermined proximity<br>'''2.''' Each tag is also configured to relay communications from other ID tags so that a communication path is established between the RMS and any ID tag in the network, either directly or via other ID tags</font>
 +
|<font size="1">US20040174260<br></font>
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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'''Objective:'''
+
----
  
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The aim of this project is to identify IP activity in the area of RFID-Based supply chain applications primarily focused on the application of software in warehouse, distribution, inventory control and also the related applications.
+
===Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records===
  
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'''Data Interpretation:'''
+
1. The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and/or updated expected event information (US20040246130)
  
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Appropriate patent records were selected for analysis. The selection criteria was based on:
+
2. The system comprises a truck server and an optional in-truck data communications means, which comprise a digital cell phone or satellite link (US20040201454)
  
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* Type of RFID tags (Active, Passive, Microwave or Chipless)
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3. A local computer communicates with the see-through display, information gathering devices and orientation sensors, optical tracking system and business applications over one or more networks (US20040182925)
  
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* Type of receiver (Mobile, Handheld, fixed)
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4. OmniTRACS.RTM., which is a two-way satellite communication system that allows trucks to be monitored and tracked and to allow data communication with dispatchers (US20040174260)
  
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* Tag system (Read-only/WORM (Write once read many times)/Read-Write tags)
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5. The data report from the reporting software can alert the user as to when the detrimental event occurred and identify the custodian who caused the detrimental event (US20040049428)
  
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* Type of reader (Interrogator)
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6. Web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement and supply chain management (US20020158765)
  
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* Type Sensor and RFID frequency
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7. The software contains a component for determining the best time for an animal to go to slaughter based on a target weight (US20020158765)
  
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* Receiver link and software
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----
  
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* Applications by where the event takes place (Airport, shipyard, factory, warehouse etc.)
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=== RFID - Main Applications===
  
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* Process involved (Shipping, receiving, inventory etc.)
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Applications which appeared in analyzed patent records have been mapped
  
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* Type of software used (Middle ware, applications etc.)
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[[Image:Mindmap1.jpg|thumb|center|550px]]
  
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'''Search strategy:'''
+
The product moves through the global supply chain which involves various stages (places and processes). The table below indicates the details about the various stages involved in supply chain applications, software applications and hardware used.
  
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Date of search: xyz
+
===Main applications of RFID: Analysis===
  
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Database used: USPTO, EPO and PatFam
+
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
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|[[Image:ra1.jpg]]
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Keywords used for searching are listed below:
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|colspan = "2"|LOGISTICS CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN FOOD AND PHARMA INDUSTRY.
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+
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="92%"
+
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|'''Device term'''
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|'''Action term'''
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|'''Application term'''
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|'''Other important terms'''
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|-
 
|-
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|RFID
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
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|Data Track<nowiki>*</nowiki>
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
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|Supply chain
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|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
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|Software
+
 
|-
 
|-
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|Electronic identification
+
|'''1.''' Airlines and shipping companies<br>'''2.''' Ancillary Suppliers,<br>'''3. '''Cargo Community Networks <nowiki>[</nowiki>CCN<nowiki>]</nowiki> which are made up of some of the other participants,<br>'''4. '''Customs and Quarantine authorities,<br>'''5. '''Freight forwarders,<br>'''6. '''Fresh produce exporters,<br>'''7. '''Fresh produce importers,<br>'''8. '''Government agencies such as freight export information providers,<br>'''9. '''Packer/cool store,<br>'''10. '''Transporters including road haulers and carriers in the importing country.
−
|Data Captur<nowiki>*</nowiki>
+
|'''1.''' Consignment<br>'''2. '''Supplier<br>'''3. '''Transport and<br>'''4. '''Storage<br>
−
|Distribution
+
|'''1.''' Central database<br>'''2. '''A communication secured network<br>'''3. '''Internet with three interactive databases.<br>'''4. '''Database and applications (data in a range of formats (maxima, minima, averages, graphical etc)<br>'''5. '''Passive tag - RW<br>
−
|Program
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|Data Collect<nowiki>*</nowiki>
+
−
|Warehouse
+
−
|Computer
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|  
+
|[[Image:ra2.jpg]]
−
|Data Read<nowiki>*</nowiki>
+
|colspan = "2"|GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN OF SEMICONDUCTORS.
−
|Inventory
+
−
|  
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
 
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
The total number of patent records on RFID based supply chain applications sourced through search was 212, but only 30 records were selected for analysis. An additional broad search conducted (database: PatFem) to understand the actual IP activity (based on keywords and assignees) as depicted in below tables:
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
 
+
−
'''Search based on keywords and relevant hits:'''
+
−
 
+
−
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="91%"
+
−
|S. No
+
−
|Key words
+
−
|Search scope
+
−
|No. of records available
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1
+
|'''1.''' International suppliers<br>'''2. '''Airport<br>'''3. '''Customs agency<br>'''4. '''Distributors<br>'''5. '''Shipping dock<br>'''6. '''Manufacturers
−
|RFID
+
|'''1.''' Transport<br>'''2. '''Inventory<br>'''3. '''Shipping<br>'''4. '''Origin of port<br>'''5. '''Transshipment port<br>'''6. '''Destination port and<br>'''7. '''A consignee
−
|1975-2005
+
|'''1. '''Program instructions can be in any appropriate form, such as source code, object code, or scripting code.<br>'''2. '''Computing device: Enterprise servers, Application servers, point of sale terminal etc..<br>'''3.''' Passive tag - RW
−
|6147
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|RFID AND WAREHOUSE
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|444
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|3.
+
|[[Image:ra3.jpg]]
−
|RFID and (SUPPLY CHAIN)
+
|colspan = "2"|SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-VALUE ELECTRONIC ITEMS & PHARMACEUTICALS.
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|212
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|4.
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|RFID and transportation
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|573
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|5.
+
|1. Warehouse<br>2. Truck<br>3. Freight container<br>4. Sea vessel<br>5. Distribution center
−
|RFID and distribution
+
|1. Shipping<br>2. Recipient
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. Central data processor is operable for communication with an internet router.<br>2. Low frequency tag – 300 KHz
−
|1141
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6.
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|RFID and SOFTWARE
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|2301
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
|[[Image:ra4.jpg]]
−
 
+
|colspan = "2"|TRACKING SYSTEM
−
'''Search based on assignees with relevant hits:'''
+
−
 
+
−
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="88%"
+
−
|'''S. No'''
+
−
|'''Assignee'''
+
−
|'''Search scope'''
+
−
|'''No. of records available'''
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|1
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|146
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|2
+
|1. Assembly line<br>2. Warehouse
−
|SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
+
|1. Package handling<br>2. Baggage handling<br>3. Parts assembly<br>4. Navigation through marked waypoints<br>5. Item retrieval and packaging<br>6. Inventory control
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. Business applications (cause sorting and loading instructions to appear on the items so that wearer<nowiki>’</nowiki>s of the data acquisition and display device do not have to read each item<nowiki>’</nowiki>s label.)<br>2. Passive tag
−
|66
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|3
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|63
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|4
+
|[[Image:ra5.jpg]]
−
|NOKIA
+
|colspan = "2"|SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|58
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|5
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|PHILIPS ELECTRONICS
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|54
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|6
+
|1. Storage facility<br>2. Shipping container<br>3. Shipping vessel<br>4. Airport<br>5. Shipyard<br>6. Military heavy assets<br>7. Warehouse<br>8. Factory
−
|SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES  INC
+
|1. Shipping goods<br>2. Transportation (truck)<br>3. Retail or wholesale locations<br>4. Train depot<br>5. Inventory<br>6. Delivery<br>7. Outbound transit<br>8. Inbound transit<br>9. Advanced shipping notification
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. Firmware and software to modulate and demodulate the data for the particular protocol<br>2. Various communication algorithms and command response algorithms<br>3. UPS Supply Chain Solutions<br>4. Passive tag – RW – Low freq. or 900 MGz
−
|49
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|7
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|24
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|8
+
|[[Image:ra6.jpg]]
−
|KIMBERLY CLARK
+
|colspan = "2"|INVENTORY ALONG A DISTRIBUTION CHAIN
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|19
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|9
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY LTD
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|19
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|10
+
|1. Distribution<br>2. Storing<br>3. Manufacturer (warehouse)
−
|UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA  INC
+
|1. Inventory<br>2. Monitoring<br>3. Transportation<br>4. Tracking<br>5. Retailer or consumer<br>6. Wholesaler
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. Anti-collision software<br>2. Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.<br>3. The data reporting medium is a computer display, a LAN, or a web page.<br>4. Active or passive tag- RW
−
|16
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|11
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|IBM
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|15
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|12
+
|[[Image:ra7.jpg]]
−
|SAP
+
|colspan = "2"|ASSET AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|14
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|13
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|SAMSYS TECHNOLOGIES
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|11
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|14
+
|1. Lay down yard<br>2. Warehouse<br>3. Asset storage
−
|MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
+
|1. Inventory<br>2. Shipping<br>3. Asset management<br>4. Tracking asset material<br>    a. Material identification information<br>    b. Description of the material<br>    c. Purchasing details<br>    d. Storage and maintenance details<br>    e. Material location and<br>    f. Destination information.<br>5. Receiving
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. Software applications (Web application" TagDetect") files may be in HTML format, XML or other formats.<br>2. Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.<br>3. Internet and Central data repository<br>4. Active or passive tag - RW
−
|8
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|15
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|DE LA RUE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|8
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|16
+
|[[Image:ra8.jpg]]
−
|SAVI
+
|colspan = "2"|POINT-OF-SALE AND POINT-OF-DELIVERY AND/OR DISTRIBUTION.
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|6
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|17
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|MICROSOFT
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|5
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|18
+
|1. Distribution<br>2. Micro-warehouse<br>3. Manufacturing<br>4. Marketing<br>5. Customer relation management
−
|WESTVACO CORPORATION
+
|1. Point of sale<br>2. Delivery<br>3. Inventory<br>4. Billing
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application<br>2. XML middleware such as Biz Talk.RTM. software.<br>3. ERP system, web ordering system<br>4. Passive tag – RW -  freq. - 2.45 GHz
−
|5
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|19
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|SENSITECH
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|3
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|20
+
|[[Image:ra9.jpg]]
−
|UNITED SECURITY APPLIC ID INC
+
|colspan = "2"|REUSABLE TRANSPORTATION MEANS.
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|3
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|21
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
−
|GAP  INC
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
−
|1975-2005
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
−
|2
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|22
+
|1. Distribution
−
|SEMBCORP
+
|1. Tracking:<br>    a. Receptacle or<br>    b. Container or<br>    c. Packing or<br>    d. Pallet or<br>    e. Trolley car.<br>2. Wholesale distributor<br>3. Chain sales store
−
|1975-2005
+
|1. No Software application<br>2. Passive tag - RW
−
|1
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|23
+
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
−
|SHAW IP PTY LTD
+
−
|1975-2005
+
−
|1
+
 
|-
 
|-
−
|24
+
|[[Image:ra10.jpg]]
−
|EXAGO PTY LTD
+
|colspan = "2"|MATERIALS HANDLING
−
|1975-2005
+
|-
−
|1
+
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
 +
|-
 +
|1. Express mail<br>2. Storage
 +
|1. Transport<br>2. Tracking<br>3. Delivery
 +
|Software modules may include:<br>1. A database module configured to store data on the storage medium.<br>2. A decision module configured to determine the presence or absence of stale mail based on information provided by the database module.3.<br>3. Passive or active tag – read only
 +
|-
 +
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:ra11.jpg]]
 +
|colspan = "2"|COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE (PERSONNEL AND ASSET RETENTION SYSTEM (PARS))
 +
|-
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
 +
|-
 +
|1. Industrial sites<br>2. Power plants<br>3. Refineries and<br>4. Ports of entry
 +
|1. Tracking<br>2. Monitoring<br>3. Inventory<br>4. Security
 +
|1. Company databases are:<br>  a. Material management systems<br>  b. Procurement systems and<br>  c. Time and attendance systems.<br>2. Applications programming<br>3. Information access through standard formats such as XML and HTML.<br>4. Passive tag - RW
 +
|-
 +
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:ra12.jpg]]
 +
|colspan = "2"|TRACKING CARGO THROUGH CUSTOMS.
 +
|-
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
 +
|-
 +
|1. Airlines<br>2. Distributor
 +
|1. Shipping<br>2. Receiving<br>3. Tracking
 +
|1. Central server runs a program which acts as a central host for processing the information communicated between the different computers.<br>2. Passive tag - RW
 +
|-
 +
|colspan = "3"|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:ra13.jpg]]
 +
|colspan = "2"|SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN BEEF INDUSTRY.
 +
|-
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Place of events'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Process involved'''</font>
 +
|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFCC">'''Type of S/W & Hardware'''</font>
 +
|-
 +
|1. Factory
 +
|1. Identifying<br>2. Tracking<br>3. Monitoring<br>4. Livestock production and processing cycle<br>5. Inventory
 +
|1. BeefLink.TM. Software (is a collection of components written primarily in VISUAL BASIC® 6.0 programming language and ACTIVE X® programming methodologies.)<br>2. Inventory-type report can easily be generated.<br>3. MicroSoft Excel<br>4.Passive tag- read only
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
<font size = "4">Patent analytics</font>
+
==Sample Landscape View - RFID Warehouse Application ==
  
−
'''IP landscape over years'''
+
<gflash>800 600 http://www.dolcera.com/website/assets/Warehouse-final.swf</gflash>
  
−
IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications
+
==Sample Landscape View - RFID Application - Company XYZ==
 +
<gflash>800 600 http://www.dolcera.com/website/assets/XYZ_RFID_Application-final.swf</gflash>
  
−
(Actual scenario based on 423 patent records)
+
----
  
−
According to the search data IP activity in RFID base supply chain applications seems to have started during the year 1991. The graph shows terrific growth from 2000 onwards and high activity during 2004 with 140 patents records alone. Around 423 patents have been published in the span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field.
+
===SWOT analysis===
  
−
[[Image:IP_over_year.png|576px|center IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications]]
+
{|border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="80%"
 +
|<b><u>STRENGTHS</u></b><br><br>
 +
* Advanced technology<br>
 +
* Easy to use<br>
 +
* High memory capacity<br>
 +
* Small size
 +
|<b><u>WEAKNESSES</u></b><br><br>
 +
* Lack of industry and application standards<br>
 +
* High cost per unit and high RFID system costs<br>
 +
* Weak market understanding of the benefits of RFID technology
 +
|-
 +
|<b><u>OPPORTUNITIES</u></b><br><br>
 +
* Could replace the bar code<br>
 +
* End-user demand for RFID systems is increasing<br>
 +
* Huge market potential in many businesses<br>
 +
* Need for standardization
 +
|valign="top"|<b><u> THREATS</u></b><br><br>
 +
* Ethical threats concerning private life<br>
 +
* Highly fragmented competitive environment
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 +
==Conclusion==
  
−
'''IP landscape by region'''
+
It has been observed that selection of RFID tag depends upon the frequency desirable in supply chain application. Industrial focus is on passive RFID technology. The integration of software technology with electronic identification system will definitely give new dimensions to the supply chain management
  
−
'''Competitor landscape'''
+
==<span style="color:#C41E3A">Like this report?</span>==
 +
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 +
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−
'''Technology trend'''
+
{| style="border:1px solid #AAA; background:#E9E9E9" align="center"
 +
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 +
! style="background:lightgrey" | Samir Raiyani
 +
|-
 +
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 +
|-
 +
| '''Phone''': +1-650-269-7952
 +
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Latest revision as of 15:57, 15 November 2010

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a growing area of innovation as Wal-Mart and other retailers make a big push to "tag" items on their shelves for easier inventory management and tracking.

This patent landscape covers the patenting activity with respect to the use of RFID in the supply chain in various industries. The patents reviewed are organized by timeline, companies, industries, and applications. The patents are organized by claims, applications, and a detailed SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat) analysis is also provided.

Rationale

  • “A billion people will interact with a million e-businesses via a trillion intelligent interconnected devices” - Louis V Gerstner
  • Technological developments in RFID are taking place rapidly - Source
  • Innovation is occurring in the RFID market, but it is diffused and application-specific - Paul Faber
  • RFID has been spawning a lot of innovation. One of the newest is Jewel (disposable RF-enabled tickets) - Source
  • Scientists are developing a system that combines RFID tags and high-definition CCTV cameras to track passenger movements in busy airports
  • Wal-Mart Doubling RFID-Enabled Stores - Source
  • Oracle and Intel join forces for RFID push - Allyson Fryhoff, vice president of Oracle
  • Oracle boosts supply chain management tool - Don Klaiss, Oracle
  • U.S. FDA to reduce the counterfeiting of prescription drugs - Source
  • Ignorance putting RFID rollouts at risk - ABI Research
  • Cash under threat from RFID payments - ABI Research
  • “It’s inappropriate to use RFID technology for tracking and authenticating identities of people” - Pattinson
  • CDT Working Group on RFID: Privacy Best Practices for Deployment of RFID Technology - Center For Democracy & Technology

RFID - Market Potential

  • Estimated value share of RFID market in 2010, by region
Market1.jpg
  • The global forecast of RFID hardware, middleware and IT market
Market2.jpg


  • The RFID market is anticipated to continue to grow rapidly in these and many other market sectors and industries including the food and drug industry, propelled by United States FDA mandates. The technical issues that have made standardization more challenging are heading toward resolution with the emergence of the second-generation of UHF RFID
  • Retail RFID is estimated currently at just under 27% of the overall RFID market and supply chain management (SCM) applications, when considered as separate from warehouse and distribution and transportation, represents just over 15% of the overall RFID market. These distributions will undoubtedly change rapidly and should be reconsidered at regular time intervals as the RFID technology and established and emerging markets mature (Source - BCC Research)

Patent - Quantitative Analysis

IP landscape over years

  • According to the search data, IP activity in RFID based supply chain applications seems to have started during the year 1991
  • The graph shows terrific growth from 2000 onwards and high activity during 2004 with 140 patents alone
  • Around 423 patents have been published in a span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field
IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications

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IP landscape by region

IP landscape of RFID based supply chain - Based on selected 30 records

  • The graph reveals that the growth in RFID based supply chain applications patenting has been across all the regions. United States is more active than Europe, Japan and Australia
IP landscape by region: RFID base supply chain

Competitor landscape

Top players

Top players

Competitor Analysis

Growth in RFID based supply chain - The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records

  • The graph indicates SAP as leading and consistent player with 3 patent records
  • EXAGO seems to be the new entrant in 2005
  • It is interesting to note that the competitors in 2004 have not shown any activity in the beginning of 2005
Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID base supply chain

Technology trend

Technology Trend (Main IPC) - Based on selected 30 records

Technology Trend (Main IPC)


The above graph indicates technology focus by various assignees

  • G06F - Computing, calculating, counting - Electric Digital Data Processing
  • G08B - Signaling - Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems
  • H04Q - Electric Communication Technique – Selecting (Switches, relays etc.)

IPC code and Description table

Technology landscape (Main IPC)

The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records

  • It is evident from graph that G06F (Electric Digital Data Processing) technology is widely used in RFID based supply chain applications showing continuous progress throughout
  • The progress indicates key technology area targeted by many players and having market potential
  • Followed by G08B (Signaling), H04Q (Electric Communication Technique ) and G06K (Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carriers)
Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain

Technology landscape – Assignee wise

According to the present data, most of the leading players have focused on building sound: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting (electronic cash registers other than digital data processing) aspects for RFID-based supply chain applications

Technology landscape – Assignee wise

Qualitative Analysis

Classification of patents based on main claims

The following graph indicates various subjects that have been covered by various assignees in the area of RFID based supply chain applications. The various subjects are the result of SAO analysis. More granularity on subjects is presented in the table below and clusters

Classification of patents based on main claims

SAO analysis clustering

Subject Action Object
Method.jpg * Delivering
* Monitoring (3)
* Processing
* Detecting (2) & tracking (6)
* Displaying information
* Computing the orientation and position of a wearer
* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned
* Return of a return
* Retrieving ordered (2)
* Receiving
* Wirelessly exchanging
* Enabling enhanced
* Facilitating an interaction
* Distributing (3)
* Collecting
* Entering event data common to a group of individual animals
 		* Between a consignor and a consignee
* Container
* inanimate and animate objects
* Items (2)
* Data acquisition and display device
* Calibrating a fixed camera
* Assets (2)
* Unattended facilities
* Item to an unattended facility
* Items that have been delivered to an unattended facility
* Environmental condition associated with an item of inventory
* Shipment record from the intelligent asset management and sensing device
* Information
* Asset management and tracking capabilities
* Between a user and a product item
* Products from a micro-warehouse
* Products from an access restricted area
* Products from a restricted access area having an entry point
* Number of mail units (2)
* Livestock information (2)
* Database
System.jpg * Detecting & tracking (5)
* Processing(2)
* Unattended distribution or retrieval of returned
* Inventory management
* Monitoring (2)
* Networking
* Enabling enhanced
* Facilitating an interaction
* Distributing (3)
 		* Inanimate and animate objects
* Item (6)
* Time
* Environmental condition
* Unattended facilities
* Sensing device
* Asset management and tracking
* Container
* Number of mail units
* Articles through customs
SAO.jpg
Note: Number in ( ) indicates occurrence in more that one patent or main claims

Problem vs Solutions

Prior art Problems Solutions Patent number
1. A central system has limited visibility of containers in the global supply chain
2. Drawback of the central system is the delay in alerts concerning the container
3. Typical central systems have difficulty in collecting reliable information across heterogeneous systems
 		A decentralized state system comprising containers to automatically provide continuous and uniform monitoring of a container state is needed. A container should be robustly configured with localized logic capable of determining a state in response to real-time events experienced by the container relative to dynamic and static event information concerning expected events
State determinations made through local information are more reliable to typical prior art systems that use central systems to make inferences about the security state 		US20040246130
1. A major disadvantage of all transponder based tag designs is the special anti-collision method used
2. A short range reader must be used to individually address each tag within the larger field
3. A second major disadvantage is that to obtain long ranges (100-1,000 feet), higher frequencies are required and these lead to high power consumption
 		1. & 2. By using lower frequencies (not exceeding 1 MHz and typically under 300 KHz) and a base station design that uses large loop antennas (such as 10.times.10 feet to 500.times.500 feet) and by transmitting a digital ID to selectively activate a selected client tag, rather than a non-selective signal which would activate many tags simultaneously
3. Networked RF Tags (NRF Tags) have significantly reduced power consumption and long range (1000 sq feet to 10,000 sq feet per antenna), have the power capacity to add displays (e.g. LCD) and light emitting diodes (LED’s) and detectors and buttons so they may become fully interactive "tag clients" (this is not possible with transponder) 		US20040201454
1. One drawback of these systems is that they require the goods to be passed through designated gateway areas, typically causing great inconvenience
2. Another drawback is that it is not possible to track the location of the goods within the warehouse
 		1. Each ID tag is coupled to an asset and is configured to wirelessly communicate with other ID tags in the network within a predetermined proximity
2. Each tag is also configured to relay communications from other ID tags so that a communication path is established between the RMS and any ID tag in the network, either directly or via other ID tags 		US20040174260

Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records

1. The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and/or updated expected event information (US20040246130)

2. The system comprises a truck server and an optional in-truck data communications means, which comprise a digital cell phone or satellite link (US20040201454)

3. A local computer communicates with the see-through display, information gathering devices and orientation sensors, optical tracking system and business applications over one or more networks (US20040182925)

4. OmniTRACS.RTM., which is a two-way satellite communication system that allows trucks to be monitored and tracked and to allow data communication with dispatchers (US20040174260)

5. The data report from the reporting software can alert the user as to when the detrimental event occurred and identify the custodian who caused the detrimental event (US20040049428)

6. Web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement and supply chain management (US20020158765)

7. The software contains a component for determining the best time for an animal to go to slaughter based on a target weight (US20020158765)

RFID - Main Applications

Applications which appeared in analyzed patent records have been mapped

Mindmap1.jpg

The product moves through the global supply chain which involves various stages (places and processes). The table below indicates the details about the various stages involved in supply chain applications, software applications and hardware used.

Main applications of RFID: Analysis

Ra1.jpg LOGISTICS CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN FOOD AND PHARMA INDUSTRY.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Airlines and shipping companies
2. Ancillary Suppliers,
3. Cargo Community Networks [CCN] which are made up of some of the other participants,
4. Customs and Quarantine authorities,
5. Freight forwarders,
6. Fresh produce exporters,
7. Fresh produce importers,
8. Government agencies such as freight export information providers,
9. Packer/cool store,
10. Transporters including road haulers and carriers in the importing country. 		1. Consignment
2. Supplier
3. Transport and
4. Storage
 1. Central database
2. A communication secured network
3. Internet with three interactive databases.
4. Database and applications (data in a range of formats (maxima, minima, averages, graphical etc)
5. Passive tag - RW
 
Ra2.jpg GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN OF SEMICONDUCTORS.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. International suppliers
2. Airport
3. Customs agency
4. Distributors
5. Shipping dock
6. Manufacturers 		1. Transport
2. Inventory
3. Shipping
4. Origin of port
5. Transshipment port
6. Destination port and
7. A consignee 		1. Program instructions can be in any appropriate form, such as source code, object code, or scripting code.
2. Computing device: Enterprise servers, Application servers, point of sale terminal etc..
3. Passive tag - RW
 
Ra3.jpg SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF HIGH-VALUE ELECTRONIC ITEMS & PHARMACEUTICALS.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Warehouse
2. Truck
3. Freight container
4. Sea vessel
5. Distribution center 		1. Shipping
2. Recipient 		1. Central data processor is operable for communication with an internet router.
2. Low frequency tag – 300 KHz
 
Ra4.jpg TRACKING SYSTEM
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Assembly line
2. Warehouse 		1. Package handling
2. Baggage handling
3. Parts assembly
4. Navigation through marked waypoints
5. Item retrieval and packaging
6. Inventory control 		1. Business applications (cause sorting and loading instructions to appear on the items so that wearer’s of the data acquisition and display device do not have to read each item’s label.)
2. Passive tag
 
Ra5.jpg SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Storage facility
2. Shipping container
3. Shipping vessel
4. Airport
5. Shipyard
6. Military heavy assets
7. Warehouse
8. Factory 		1. Shipping goods
2. Transportation (truck)
3. Retail or wholesale locations
4. Train depot
5. Inventory
6. Delivery
7. Outbound transit
8. Inbound transit
9. Advanced shipping notification 		1. Firmware and software to modulate and demodulate the data for the particular protocol
2. Various communication algorithms and command response algorithms
3. UPS Supply Chain Solutions
4. Passive tag – RW – Low freq. or 900 MGz
 
Ra6.jpg INVENTORY ALONG A DISTRIBUTION CHAIN
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Distribution
2. Storing
3. Manufacturer (warehouse) 		1. Inventory
2. Monitoring
3. Transportation
4. Tracking
5. Retailer or consumer
6. Wholesaler 		1. Anti-collision software
2. Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.
3. The data reporting medium is a computer display, a LAN, or a web page.
4. Active or passive tag- RW
 
Ra7.jpg ASSET AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Lay down yard
2. Warehouse
3. Asset storage 		1. Inventory
2. Shipping
3. Asset management
4. Tracking asset material
a. Material identification information
b. Description of the material
c. Purchasing details
d. Storage and maintenance details
e. Material location and
f. Destination information.
5. Receiving 		1. Software applications (Web application" TagDetect") files may be in HTML format, XML or other formats.
2. Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.
3. Internet and Central data repository
4. Active or passive tag - RW
 
Ra8.jpg POINT-OF-SALE AND POINT-OF-DELIVERY AND/OR DISTRIBUTION.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Distribution
2. Micro-warehouse
3. Manufacturing
4. Marketing
5. Customer relation management 		1. Point of sale
2. Delivery
3. Inventory
4. Billing 		1. MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application
2. XML middleware such as Biz Talk.RTM. software.
3. ERP system, web ordering system
4. Passive tag – RW - freq. - 2.45 GHz
 
Ra9.jpg REUSABLE TRANSPORTATION MEANS.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Distribution 1. Tracking:
a. Receptacle or
b. Container or
c. Packing or
d. Pallet or
e. Trolley car.
2. Wholesale distributor
3. Chain sales store 		1. No Software application
2. Passive tag - RW
 
Ra10.jpg MATERIALS HANDLING
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Express mail
2. Storage 		1. Transport
2. Tracking
3. Delivery 		Software modules may include:
1. A database module configured to store data on the storage medium.
2. A decision module configured to determine the presence or absence of stale mail based on information provided by the database module.3.
3. Passive or active tag – read only
 
Ra11.jpg COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE (PERSONNEL AND ASSET RETENTION SYSTEM (PARS))
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Industrial sites
2. Power plants
3. Refineries and
4. Ports of entry 		1. Tracking
2. Monitoring
3. Inventory
4. Security 		1. Company databases are:
a. Material management systems
b. Procurement systems and
c. Time and attendance systems.
2. Applications programming
3. Information access through standard formats such as XML and HTML.
4. Passive tag - RW
 
Ra12.jpg TRACKING CARGO THROUGH CUSTOMS.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Airlines
2. Distributor 		1. Shipping
2. Receiving
3. Tracking 		1. Central server runs a program which acts as a central host for processing the information communicated between the different computers.
2. Passive tag - RW
 
Ra13.jpg SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN BEEF INDUSTRY.
Place of events Process involved Type of S/W & Hardware
1. Factory 1. Identifying
2. Tracking
3. Monitoring
4. Livestock production and processing cycle
5. Inventory 		1. BeefLink.TM. Software (is a collection of components written primarily in VISUAL BASIC® 6.0 programming language and ACTIVE X® programming methodologies.)
2. Inventory-type report can easily be generated.
3. MicroSoft Excel
4.Passive tag- read only

Sample Landscape View - RFID Warehouse Application

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Sample Landscape View - RFID Application - Company XYZ

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SWOT analysis

STRENGTHS

  • Advanced technology
  • Easy to use
  • High memory capacity
  • Small size
 WEAKNESSES

  • Lack of industry and application standards
  • High cost per unit and high RFID system costs
  • Weak market understanding of the benefits of RFID technology
OPPORTUNITIES

  • Could replace the bar code
  • End-user demand for RFID systems is increasing
  • Huge market potential in many businesses
  • Need for standardization
 THREATS

  • Ethical threats concerning private life
  • Highly fragmented competitive environment

Conclusion

It has been observed that selection of RFID tag depends upon the frequency desirable in supply chain application. Industrial focus is on passive RFID technology. The integration of software technology with electronic identification system will definitely give new dimensions to the supply chain management

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