Richard Aufreiter

HID Global, provider of trusted identity solutions, announces that the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Grenoble, France has selected HID’s radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and its patented direct bonding technology for automated handling of biological samples at cryogenic temperatures of 196°C (-321° F) in liquid nitrogen. EMBL Grenoble creates high-resolution pictures and 3D atomic models of biological macromolecules using a specialized imaging process called macromolecular crystallography (MX). These images are useful for studying biological materials, developing highly efficient medicine, and fighting cancer more effectively. Limited Storage Density The images require molecular samples to be prepared in a crystalised form and frozen The images require molecular samples to be prepared in a crystalised form and frozen. Handling these samples is a complex task: tiny crystals must be grown, harvested, frozen on a sample holder at the tip of a tiny needle, and stored in liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures and identified for further processing while remaining cool. Most current sample holders used in MX imaging offer limited storage density and poor initial crystal-positioning, which affects processing and limits the benefits of automated crystal harvesting systems. As a result, EMBL set out to design a storage and identification solution robust enough to function at extreme cold temperatures, but small enough to facilitate high precision and storage density. It also needed to support high-speed, automated handling by robots. Direct Bonding Technology “The HID Global technology has proven to be reliable against temperature cycling between room and liquid nitrogen temperatures, and the HID team was very supportive in helping us with our new designs,” said Florent Cipriani, Head of Instrumentation Team, EMBL Grenoble. HID’s direct bonding further allows the secure attachment of antennas to chips without the bulk of added modules Embeddable RFID tags and direct bonding technology from HID were chosen for identification in EMBL’s new sample holders due to the tags’ tiny footprint, proven track record to work in cryogenic environments, and ability to be custom designed to meet the needs of EMBL. HID’s direct bonding further allows the secure attachment of antennas to chips without the bulk of added modules, making the units the smallest HF formats available in the market that deliver uncompromised performance. Reliable Sample Tracking “HID Global’s proven RFID technology has been used in various cryogenic environments for years,” said Richard Aufreiter, Director Product Management, Identification Technology with HID Global. “It was a natural partnership between HID and EMBL to design a tracking system resistant to frosting and other aspects of extreme cold. Our team worked directly with EMBL engineers to ensure the best tracking system was deployed in their newly designed sample storage solution.” With HID technology, EMBL developed two new sample holders optimized for high throughput, precision, and reliable sample tracking of more than 200 thousand crystals per year. The new RFID-enabled sample holders increase throughput by allowing the crystal harvesting, cryogenic storage, and MX beamline feeding process to be fully automated using robot grippers and specifically designed RFID readers. Available memory space in the RFID tags can store additional information about the samples.

HID Global, a global provider of trusted identity solutions, opens this week’s RFID Journal Live! conference and exhibition with the industry’s first tamper-evident beacon for IoT applications, HID’s award-winning solutions for fire & safety compliance, and its location services and condition monitoring solutions for smarter operations. The company is showcasing its broad portfolio of identification and sensing technologies in HID booth #1007 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 10-12, 2018: Protect sensitive items and equipment with HID’s Mini Tamper-Evident Beacon, enabled by Bluvision, the industry’s first Bluetooth beacon that provides anti-theft protection for IoT-based location services and conditioning monitoring applications. HID will also showcase its Seal Tag edTamper UHF that quickly verifies the seal status integrity on sensitive and high-value items requiring frequent safety and security checks and compliance audits. Enable smarter operations in the IoT with real-time and zone-based location services to easily monitor and track critical items with HID Location Services for Item Management. HID Conditioning Monitoring help determine the performance and health to assist in machine learning for vending machines, conveyor belts, bearings, HVAC systems, medical equipment and motorized machinery for a more data-driven method to managing equipment maintenance. Improve fire and safety processes and facilitate compliance with HID Trusted Tag Services that simplifies inspections by enabling secure transactions between fire & safety equipment and online maintenance systems. A technician simply taps their smartphone or other NFC device to a trusted tag placed water valves, sprinklers and other equipment. The tap verifies proof of presence and allows technicians to digitally record inspections for compliance with city mandates. Ensure brand protection and combat anti-counterfeiting with HID Trusted Tag Services that verifies the authenticity of products from the time of production to consumer sale and enable post-sale consumer engagement to build brand loyalty. The services also facilitate faster sales feedback, more efficient warranty management, and global supply chain management, and better product control over gray market activities.

HID Global, a provider of trusted identity solutions, has been at the forefront of helping organizations around the world to streamline processes by securely connecting equipment, devices, inventory, and many other assets to local and web-based business applications. The company draws upon its market insights from deploying identification and sensing technologies to identify today’s leading technology drivers that are transforming the industrial and commercial landscape.  “Billions of things are connected using our identification and sensing technologies, which underscores the critical role wireless transponders play today and into the future for identification, recording and providing data quickly and accurately – regardless of frequency, mobile device or industry,” said Richard Aufreiter, Director of Product Management with HID Global. HID identified the follow drivers for the adoption of trusted identification and sensing technology: Mass Adoption Of Applications The use of trusted identities in IoT applications has grown steadily during 2017, and more commercial applications will emerge with Apple iOS 11 support of NFC read capabilities. As a catalyst in driving the IoT ecosystem, NFC has enabled mobile workforces with innovative use cases for automated security patrols, maintenance and inspection compliance, manufacturing and healthcare applications. NFC will further drive mass adoption of applications for brand protection and customer loyalty programs that help increase consumer engagement. These applications will be secured by cloud-based services and trusted NFC tags, such HID Trusted Tags, that protect Apple or Android users and organizations against potential threats in the Internet of Trusted Things. Organizations are seeking an end-to-end industrial IoT experience that removes complexities and is easy to manageBetter Equipment Performance Organizations are seeking an end-to-end industrial IoT experience that removes complexities and is easy to manage. This is driving demand for active sensing technologies that leverage Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to enable streamlined real-time location services that instantaneously track assets and locate mission-critical equipment to improve operational efficiencies and analyze workflows. New location services will create hyper-connected environments to monitor equipment through machine learning that delivers predictive data to spot failures before they occur for better equipment performance. These services leverage BLE and cloud-based software to optimize operations by providing centralized management and enhanced maintenance and inspection processes that meet compliance requirements.   Tracking Valuable Items Advancements in RFID has garnered the attention of aviation companies, municipalities and other organizations that need secure tags that can count large volumes of items for fast inventory tracking and quick verification that a tag’s seal is intact. Such tamper-evident tags combine the advantages of passive and active capabilities of high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID with mechanical seals that can be used for securely tracking valuable items. Organizations are embracing tags that visually indicate tampering, and tags that provide immediate digital notification Organizations are embracing tags that visually indicate tampering, and tags that provide immediate digital notification when it has been compromised. These solutions will be used to track sealed aircraft life vests, sealed weapon racks and tactical equipment, fire extinguishers and other sensitive items that require periodic safety and security checks from a distance. Accurate Inventory Counts Across most industries organizations are seeking more RAIN UHF RFID tags that provide the speed and long read ranges to handle inventory tracking in challenging environments. One growing use case for these tags will be seen in tracking IT equipment within complex data centers and office buildings. RAIN RFID enables IT managers to perform faster, more accurate inventory counts, easily locate individual components, and implement automated security routines. It makes it easy to identify IT hardware when maintenance or replacement is required to help optimize performance throughout its lifecycle. The use of RAIN RFID will also continue its rapid expansion in advanced supply chain management and IoT applications.

HID Global, a provider of trusted identity solutions, announced the latest addition to its Seal Tag family of RFID products, the Seal Tag edTamper UHF. The new solution quickly verifies the seal status integrity for large tag populations, without the need to be in the line of sight. The tamper-evident tag is designed for managing sensitive and highly secure items, such as aircraft life vests or weapon and equipment racks that require periodic safety and security checks from a distance. Accurate Inventory Management “The latest addition to our Seal Tag portfolio demonstrates HID Global’s continued commitment to the rapid expansion of RFID solutions that simplify processes and open new market opportunities with innovative configurations and features,” said Richard Aufreiter, Director of Product Marketing, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “Customers benefit from a best-in-class transponder that delivers unprecedented accuracy and exceptional read ranges, while also meeting numerous industry standards that extend tag usage to applications on aircrafts and other scenarios.” The Seal Tag edTamper tag provides a digital notification if a sealed tag has been compromised and is designed for a broad array of industrial applications that require a long read range for easy, fast, and accurate inventory management. Identifying a broken seal among many items is quick and easy with the swipe of a UHF reader. This unique feature contrasts with visually tamper-evident tags that require physical examination to detect a broken loop or electrically tamper-evident tags that stop working when the seal is broken. UCODE G2iM Series Transponder Chips HID tags leverage the UCODE G2iM series chip from NXP, which enables theft deterrence, tamper-evident notification, and privacy protection modes. “Our UCODE G2iM series transponder chips provide customers with a unique tag tamper feature, detecting theft and item manipulation while ensuring unparalleled system performance to accurately count of what’s available and where,” said Ralf Kodritsch, Director Segment Manager, RFID Solutions with NXP. The new HID Seal Tag edTamper UHF is also designed to be flame-resistant and perform regardless of deployment environment.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently introduced new Brick Tag Ceramic UHF transponders and SlimFlex™ HF OM tags that are designed and architected to withstand environments requiring metal applications, while complying with evolving industry standards.  The new tags demonstrate the company’s continued commitment to the rapid expansion of RFID solutions for industrial, Internet of Things (IoT) and near field communications (NFC) applications. Adhering To RAIN RFID Alliance “As the market demands more security and sophisticated IoT and NFC applications, transponders must be designed to perform regardless of deployment environment, size, shape or component materials,” said Richard Aufreiter, Director of Product Management for Identification Technologies with HID Global. “HID Global is constantly developing new and innovative tag configurations and cross-functional capabilities. The new tags are the latest examples of how we are leading the industry in RFID technology that simplifies asset management and product protection while streamlining manufacturing operations for metal tools, equipment and appliances.” Aufreiter also cited membership in the RAIN® RFID Alliance as evidence of HID Global’s commitment to advocate the standardization of UHF RFID technology. RAIN RFID is a global organization promoting the universal adoption of UHF technology solutions across different markets. Collaborating With Henkel In order to facilitate a long-lasting fixture of Brick Tags, HID Global works closely with Henkel, a leading solution provider for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. “We collaborate in selecting the right adhesives to match the demanding environments for which the tags are designed,” said Kathrin Horstmann, Market Development Manager General Manufacturing Western Europe with Henkel. “For example, the new Brick Tag Ceramic UHF transponders are used for a specific solution that withstands medical device and industrial applications.” Tag Applications Brick Tag Ceramic transponders are ideal for applications on metal assets, such as tools, weaponry and surgical instrumentation. Brick Tag features: Include some of the smallest UHF tags available and are available in four sizes. Hard exterior encasing to shield transponders from exposure to extreme conditions and. Optimized for both EU and US readers and 512-bit memory that is readable and writable from up to 3.3 feet (1 m). SlimFlex HF OM (on-metal) tags are ideal for industrial applications, including safety checks on equipment for preventive and corrective maintenance. SlimFlex tag features: Supports the new NFC -V standard, as well as traditional industrial HF applications. Just over 3 inches long by 1 inch wide (83 x 25 mm), and less than a quarter-inch (6 mm) thin Thermoplastic elastomer housing mounts tightly with cable ties to pipes or other curved metal surfaces. Three mount holes per side provide great flexibility for affixing to objects. When formatted with an NDEF data structure, SlimFlex HF OM tags are fully NFC Type 5 compliant and can be read with a smartphone.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, has announced industry leading biotechnology radio frequency identification (RFID) tags designed to meet a critical need in the cryopreservation industry. The company has developed a cutting-edge solution for use at subzero temperatures, setting it apart from other solutions that focus on harsh, high-heat conditions. The unique tag is already redefining cryogenic storage, enabling facilities to enhance and streamline logistics, thereby maximizing their value to the medical and scientific communities. Tags To Be Used At Extremely Low Temperatures Through extensive research, testing and deployment, HID Global and Cryogatt Systems Ltd. partnered to develop viable tags for use at extremely low temperatures in fertility clinics, research laboratories and other storage facilities. The ruggedness of HID Global RFID survives the harshness of storage at temperatures of -196° C, -321° F. Cryogatt and HID Global coordinated testing with the National Institute of Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). The result was over two million hours ‘mean time between failures’ (MTBF), and not a single recorded failure in the past two years. "In close cooperation with Cryogatt and their customers, Cryogatt and HID Global engineers successfully designed the unique tags and readers for this innovative application," said Richard Aufreiter, Director Product Management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. "It was an exciting challenge to work at the lower end of the temperature scale, where often materials and electronics behave differently than at room temperature." Precise Inventory Tracking Using a highly durable RFID tag designed for harsh environments, companies worked together to develop an RFID tagging system which entails embedding containers with HID Global’s tiny Glass and Piccolino tags using HID Vigo™ Direct Bonding technology. This patented technology allows for the creation of extremely compact and robust transponders with high memory and security features. Associated hardware includes patented Cryogatt readers that work at -196°C and Cryogatt software to accurately locate, record and audit samples throughout the storage lifecycle. NIBSC implemented the new RFID solution and is now able to accurately track, inventory and simplify the management of long-term samples. The solution delivers accurate data down to the precise vessel, thus optimising storage space. Pick lists are now simple to create, enabling an accurate pull of samples when needed, and retrieval is now, on average, two to five times faster while maintaining sample safety. Additionally, access to detailed and accurate information has significantly enhanced quality system auditing. "Traceability is accurate to satisfy regulatory standards and saves hours of searching," said Kirsty Stevenson, Manager Cold Storage in the Pathology Department of the Bristol Royal Infirmary, a teaching hospital. Other benefits of the HID Global and Cryogatt solution include improved accuracy, optimized storage space, a precise audit trail, enhanced sample safety, and saved time and costs. "Deploying a solution capable of surviving a harsh and highly regulated cryogenic environment is critical to the success of laboratories, hospitals, fertility clinics and healthcare agencies worldwide," said Geoff Morris, Engineering Director, Cryogatt Systems LTD. "Our solution developed with HID Global also provides comfort that the data is accurate for that next compliance audit."

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that its Identification Technologies division has launched its new High Temperature Label portfolio of wafer-thin UHF RFID tags that endure harsh industrial environments. The company’s High Temperature Labels were originally designed for the automotive industry, where manufacturers use them to identify and track each vehicle both during assembly and throughout its life on the road. Lifetime traceability of parts and components yields more accurate and efficient records which can help automakers expedite service in the event of a recall. “Our automotive customers need durable UHF tags that can withstand years of exposure to high temperatures, flames, chemicals, pressure and torsion,” said Richard Aufreiter, director of product management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “The new High Temperature Label portfolio of tags delivers uncompromised performance in these harsh conditions.” HID Global’s High Temperature Labels deliver consistent, reliable readability during the rigors of auto manufacturing, including welding operations, autoclaves, immersion in anti-corrosive electrolyte baths, cycles of paint layer application, and drying ovens that exceed 400° F (200° C). Resistance to extreme physical, mechanical and thermal environments makes the High Temperature Label portfolio of tags ideal for all types of manufacturing logistics and inventory control operations. They are especially useful for tracking both work-in-progress and finished goods for industrial tools, medical trays, heavy equipment, car and aerospace components, cargo containers, and even blade and rack servers. The tags may be laser engraved with additional visual information such as logos, bar codes or text.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that its Identification Technologies division is expanding its ultra-durable Epoxy Tag portfolio of RFID tags to include broadband UHF varieties to address the needs of RFID systems integrators worldwide who are seeking increased data collection speed and accuracy.  With ultra durable housings, Epoxy Tag UHF transponders also expand the potential for process improvement and cost savings into a broad spectrum of rugged industrial applications. “With anti-collision technology, wide read-range and global interoperability, broadband UHF continues to emerge as the technology-of-choice for advanced tracking and data collection systems,” said Richard Aufreiter, director of product management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “The ultra-thin Epoxy Tag UHF enables the benefits of UHF technology to be applied in new arenas, such as embedding RFID tags directly into injection-molded plastic goods at the time of production.” The Epoxy Tag UHF units provide the benefits of UHF RFID systems while offering a durable solution that can withstand the most demanding environments. The solution’s rugged housing: Withstands exposure to temperature extremes, from -40° F to 360° F (-40° to 160° C) and higher for the short time of plastic injection Is resistant to fuels, mineral oils, petroleum and salt mist Repels moisture – even in high pressure washes Tolerates repeated mechanical vibration and shock Is printable with logos, barcodes or text when retrofitted Epoxy Tag UHF units endure repeated sterilisation and autoclaving cycles when mounted on medical instruments and devices. They can be retrofitted to non-metallic containers or, with their resistance to the heat and pressure of injection molding processes, be permanently embedded into industrial components, equipment or containers. Each micro thin 0.04 in (1mm) Epoxy Tag device has a smooth surface, which may be imprinted with customized visual codes or artwork. Epoxy Tag transponders may be adhered with glue, secured with screws, or embedded in a custom housing, depending on the application.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that its Identification Technologies division has added Near Field Communication (NFC)-readable tags to its rapidly expanding SlimFlex™ Tag portfolio of pliable, high- durability tags. The SlimFlex Tag family has gained wide acceptance in UHF RFID applications due to the tags’ flexible yet robust thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) housings. Today, high frequency (HF) systems can also take advantage of the tags’ resistance to repeated bending, torsion and harsh elements. “The original SlimFlex Tags continue to expand the potential for enhanced logistics speed and accuracy, using UHF RFID technology,” said Richard Aufreiter, director of product management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “We are excited by the possibilities that the new versatile, durable HF SlimFlex tags bring to customers who are integrating NFC and industrial high frequency tags into their systems.” The latest tags in the SlimFlex Tag family can be read and written to with ISO/IEC 15693 interoperable NFC devices and other HF (13.56 MHz) RFID systems. Additional Details for New SlimFlex Tags: SlimFlex Tag 200 HF – A bendable 3.3 × 1.0 × 0.1 in (83 × 25  × 3 mm) tag in a high-visibility yellow color that mounts flush, even to irregular or cylindrical surfaces, with industrial glues, screws or standard cable ties. SlimFlex Seal Tag HF – A similar high-visibility rectangular housing, with a convenient cable tie securely integrated into the unit. Ideal for sealing industrial containers – bags, bins or boxes – preventing unauthorized access to contents while in storage or during distribution. All SlimFlex Tags, including the new HF tags, are waterproof and food compatible. The tags withstand rugged use, providing high resistance to aggressive liquids and UV rays, and stability at high and sub-freezing temperatures. SlimFlex tags tolerate repeated bending or torsion, while maintaining excellent performance characteristics.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that its Identification Technologies division is shipping the IN Tag™ 300 8KB RFID transponder, which is ideal for memory intensive applications. IN Tag™ 300 8KB incorporates ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) technology from Fujitsu Semiconductor. This accelerates data access close to the maximum high frequency (HF) speed; endures billions of read and write cycles; and withstands gamma radiation up to 50 KGray to survive e.g. medical sterilisation processes.  “The new IN Tag 300 8KB delivers the optimum in speed and memory size for the ISO/IEC 15693 protocol,” said Richard Aufreiter, director of product management, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “This and the radiation resistance make the tag ideal for demanding automation, medical or nuclear applications.” With FRAM – providing write cycles up to 33,000-times faster than conventional EEPROM memories – the latest IN Tag transponder enables much faster accesses than EEPROM memory-based tags. The FRAM technology also allows approximately 1,000,000 times more write cycles than EEPROM, making it ideal for applications with fast moving targets and frequent write accesses like sensoring or data logging. The proven IN Tag housings protect the integrated chips from exposure to high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, and the FRAM configuration shields contents from irradiation that would wipe the contents of other chips. “We are excited that HID Global is integrating our new high-memory HF FRAM chip into the IN Tag 300 8KB,” said Jozsef Miho, product marketing manager for Fujitsu Semiconductor Europe. “The new 8KB chip is ideal for memory-hungry applications and we are pleased to see HID Global among the first vendors to produce industrial strength RFID tags utilising our chip.” The IN Tag 300 8KB transponder is ideal for tagging medical supplies and equipment subject to sterilisation via autoclave, gamma ray and X-ray irradiation. Temperature and pressure resistance also makes the tag a perfect fit for industrial applications in harsh environments like manufacturing lines. As with all IN Tag passive contactless RFID transponders, the IN Tag 300 8KB is highly water, chemical and shock resistant, ATEX certified for use in explosive environments, they withstand peak temperatures up to 285° F (140° C) and are UL94-HB flame resistant while they are still food contact compatible. Alternatively, FRAM products with 2KB memory are available from HID Global in IN Tag or Piccolino e-unit form-factors for less memory-intense applications. For detailed specifications, download the IN Tag family datasheet.