Supply Chain RFID Applications

Executive Summary

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.

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.

Technology area focus of key players:

• Digital Data Processing
• Communication Techniques
• Computing, calculating, counting
• Recognition of data; Presentation of data
• Signaling Or Calling Systems

Some of the key players identified are:

• United Parcel Service
• G.E.
• Silverbrook
• Micron Technology
• NCR Corporation
• SAP AG
• Savi tech.

Various software applications cited in patents:

• Business applications
• UPS Supply Chain Solutions
• Anti-collision software
• Program for correlating the environmental condition data with the location data.
• Software applications (Web application" TagDetect")
• Software applications supporting a client-server system or n-tiered computer system.
• MW (Micro-warehouse) enterprise application

 XML middleware such as Biz Talk.RTM. software. 
 ERP system, web ordering system
 BeefLink.TM. Software (is a collection of components written primarily in VISUAL BASIC® 6.0 programming language and 
   ACTIVE X® programming methodologies.)
 Source code, object code, or scripting code.

Key applications area identified:

 Food and pharma industry
 Semiconductors and High-value electronic items 
 Asset and materials management system
 Commercial enterprise 
 Beef industry
 Airport and shipyard

Key RFID Tracking Applications:

 Assets
 Equipment
 Materials
 Orders
 Personnel
 Processes
 Products
 Production
 Quality
 Resources