Changes

==Introduction to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID ) technology in supply chain==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.

The supply chain is a complex multi-stage process which involves everything from This patent landscape covers the procurement of raw materials used patenting activity with respect to develop productsthe use of RFID in the supply chain in various industries. The patents reviewed are organized by timeline, companies, industries, and their delivery to customers via warehouses and distribution centersapplications. Supply chains exist in serviceThe patents are organized by claims, applications, manufacturing and retail organizationsa detailed SWOT (Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat) analysis is also provided.

Although, == 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 - [http://www.rfidconsultation.eu/?id_categoria=29&id_item=214 Source] <br>* Innovation is occurring in the complexity RFID market, but it is diffused and application-specific - [http://loftwares.blogspot.com/ Paul Faber]<br>* RFID has been spawning a lot of innovation. One of the chain may vary greatly from industry to industry newest is Jewel (disposable RF-enabled tickets) - [http://www.rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>* Scientists are developing a system that combines RFID tags and firm high-definition CCTV cameras to firmtrack passenger movements in busy airports <br>* Wal-Mart Doubling RFID-Enabled Stores - [http://www. Supply rfidgazette.org/ Source]<br>* 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>* Oracle boosts supply chain management can be seen as tool [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2125618/oracle-boosts-supply-chain-management-tool - Don Klaiss, Oracle]<br>* U.S. FDA to reduce the supervision counterfeiting of information prescription drugs - [http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/articleview/801/1/1/ Source]<br>* Ignorance putting RFID rollouts at risk - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126992/ignorance-putting-rfid-rollouts-risk ABI Research]<br>* Cash under threat from RFID payments - [http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2126822/cash-under-threat-rfid-payments ABI Research]<br>* “It’s inappropriate to use RFID technology for tracking and finances authenticating identities of these materials, as they move through the different processes, by coordinating and integrating the flows within and among the different companies involvedpeople” - [http://www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/40808-1.html Pattinson]<br>* 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>

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. 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.----

* Estimated value share of RFID market in 2010, by region[[Image:Market1.jpg|thumb|center|400px|]] * The global forecast of RFID hardware, middleware, and IT market was worth $640 million in 2005. In 2006, this number will grow to more than $713 million, and is projected to reach more than $1.0 billion by 2011 at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 8[[Image:Market2.0% <br>jpg|thumb|center|400px|]]  

* 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 analytics- Quantitative Analysis==

* According to the search data , IP activity in RFID base 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 records alone* Around 423 patents have been published in the a span of 4.2 years from 2000 till date (Feb. 2005) indicating the potential in the field

[[Image:IP_over_year.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| IP landscape over years: Growth in RFID base supply chain applications]]

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

[[Image:IP_by_region.jpg|thumb|center|576px| IP landscape by region: * The graph reveals that the growth in RFID base based supply chain]]applications patenting has been across all the regions. United States is more active than Europe, Japan and Australia

The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records[[Image:IP_by_region. The graph reveals that the growth in jpg|thumb|center|500px| IP landscape by region: RFID based base supply chain applications patenting has been across all the regions. United States is more active than Europe, Japan and Australia]]

=== Top players ===[[Image:TOP2.jpg|thumb|center|500px| Top players]] ---- === Competitor Analysis ===Growth in RFID base based supply chain - The present graph and interpretation is based on selected 30 records.

* The graph indicate indicates SAP as leading and consistent player with 3 patent records

[[Image:IP_by_competitor.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| Competitor landscape - Growth in RFID base supply chain]]

[[Image:IP_by_technology.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| Technology Trend (Main IPC)]]

{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''IPC Code'''</font>|align = "center" bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Description'''</font>|-|'''G01N'''| Measuring, Testing – Investigating or analyzing materials The above graph indicates technology focus by determining their chemical or physical properties.various assignees|* G06F -|'''G06F'''| Computing, calculating, counting - Electric Digital Data Processing<br>|* G08B -|'''G07B'''| Checking device - Ticket-issuing; Fare-Registering Apparatus; Franking apparatus|-|'''G06G'''| Computing, calculating, counting – Analogue computers|-|'''G06K'''| Recognition of data; Presentation of data; Record carriers; Handling record carriers|-|'''G08B'''| Signaling - Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems<br>|* H04Q -|'''H04Q'''| Electric Communication Technique – Selecting (Switches, relays etc.)|-|}[[IPC code and Description table]]

====Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain====

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 continues continuous progress through out throughout <br>

[[Image:IP_by_technology1.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| Technology landscape (Main IPC) - Growth in RFID base supply chain]]

====Technology Trend (Sub-class)==== (Based on select 30 records) [[Image:IP_by_technology2.jpg|thumb|center|576px| Technology Trend (Sub-class)]] {|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"|bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''IPC Code'''</font>|align = "center" bgcolor = "#808080"|<font color="#CCFFFF">'''Description'''</font>|-|'''G01N033569'''| Measuring, testing or investigating or analyzing material by determining their chemical or physical properties for microorganisms|-|'''G06F00700'''| Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled|-|'''G06F01760'''| Administrative, commercial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes -electronic cash registers other than digital data processing aspects|-|'''G06F01900'''| Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings|-|'''G06G00114'''| Hand manipulating computing device for arrangements G07B01502|-|'''G06K00500'''| apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fee at control point with provision of taking account of variable factors such as distance or time e.g. for passenger transport|-|'''G06K00710'''| Recognition of Data; Presentation of Data; Record Carriers; Handling Record Carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing by corpuscular radiation|-|'''G08B00108'''| Signaling Or Calling Systems; Order Telegraphs; Alarm Systems for signaling characterized solely by the form of transmission of signal using electronic transmission|-|'''G08B00522'''| Visible calling system, e.g. personal calling systems remote indication of seat occupied using electric or electromagnetic transmission|-|'''G08B01314'''| Burglar, theft, or intruder alarm by lifting or attempted removal of hand – portable articles.|-|'''G08B02300'''| Alarm responsive to unspecified or abnormal conditions|-|'''H04Q00100'''| Electrical communication technique, details of selecting apparatus or arrangement|-|'''H04Q00522'''| Selecting arrangements where one or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line into the exchanges. The subordinate center not permitting interconnection of subscriber connected thereto|-|}

(Based According to the present data, most of the leading players have focused on select 30 recordsbuilding sound: Administration, commerce, management, supervision and forecasting (electronic cash registers other than digital data processing)aspects for RFID-based supply chain applications

[[Image:IP_by_technology3.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| 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-base supply chain applications---

The following graph indicates various subjects that have been covered by various assignee 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 next slide in the form of table below and clusters.

[[Image:Main_claims.jpg|thumb|center|576px500px| Classification of patents based on main claims]]

|<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>

|<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>

---- ===Problem Vs vs Solutions===

|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>

|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' A major disadvantage of all transponder based tag designs is that the special anti-collision methods.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>

|align = "justify"|<font size="1">'''1.''' One drawback to 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>

Applications which appeared ===Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records have been listed.===

1. Logistics chain management system in Food The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and pharma industry/or updated expected event information (US20040246130)

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

3. Supply chain management of HighA local computer communicates with the see-value electronic items & pharmaceuticalsthrough display, information gathering devices and orientation sensors, optical tracking system and business applications over one or more networks (US20040182925)

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

5. Supply chain managementThe 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. Inventory along Web-based information system for a distribution beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement and supply chainmanagement (US20020158765)

7. Asset and materials management systemThe software contains a component for determining the best time for an animal to go to slaughter based on a target weight (US20020158765)

8. Point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution

11[[Image:Mindmap1. Commercial enterprise (personnel and asset retention system (PARS))jpg|thumb|center|550px]]

12. Tracking cargo The product moves through customsthe 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.

13. Supply chain management in Beef industry The product moves through the global supply chain which involves various stages (places and processes). Next slide indicate the details about the various stages involved in supply chain applications, software applications and hardware used.    ===Main applications of RFID along with various stages, S/W applications and H/W<nowiki>’</nowiki>s involved: Analysis===

===Features cited in analyzed 15 patent records=Sample Landscape View - RFID Warehouse Application ==

1. The container can be reprogrammed to include updated logic, updated states, and<gflash>800 600 http://or updated expected event informationwww. (US20040246130) 2dolcera. The system comprises a truck server and an optional incom/website/assets/Warehouse-truck data communications means, which comprise a digital cell phone or satellite linkfinal. (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) swf</gflash>

|<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

It has been observed that selection of RFID tag depend up on depends upon the frequency desirable in supply chain application. Industrial attentions 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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