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Automatic Identification Update from Automation.com
April 2009
Sponsor: SICK

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Featured Articles

What About The Other Mobile Workers?
IMPO, February 2009
By Stephen Woram, Form Automation Solutions
The advance of wireless, mobile technology has enabled solutions that deliver the decision support tools that front-line workers need and eliminate paper-based manual systems for data collection and reporting.

Understanding Optical Character Recognition
By Microscan
Optical Character Recognition, commonly known as OCR, is distinct from linear and 2D symbologies in that it is simultaneously machine-readable and human-readable. OCR is most effective when used to complement linear and 2D symbols.

Doing more with open-source and recycled systems
Control Engineering, January 2009
By Dennis Brandl, BR&L Consulting
To get projects like equipment track-and-trace systems, automated network intrusion detection, and specialized device servers (such as bar codes, weight scales, and industrial printers) back on track, consider the low-cost alternatives available through open source software and recycled servers.

Next-generation wireless technology advances asset management
Industrial Embedded Systems, November 2008
By Scott D. Constien, Enfora
A new class of GPS-enabled, wireless-networked asset management modules with integrated tracking application software is changing the way assets can be located in organizations.

Enterprise Mobility for Manufacturing Whitepaper
By Motorola
Enterprise mobility has emerged as a top strategic initiative among leading global organizations. This white paper provides insight into the advantages gained by deploying mobile solutions in manufacturing. The paper reveals how manufacturing firms have empowered their workers with mobile solutions and significantly increased their effectiveness. Based on feedback from over 6,000 decision-makers and more than 2,500 mobile workers, the white paper addresses key questions.

Browse more articles and white papers on the Automatic Identification portal.
Product Announcements
TURCK slices up RFID TURCK slices up RFID
The RFID-S slice is compatible with TURCK's IP 20 rated BL20 non-programmable and programmable gateways, and is available for use on PROFIBUS-DP, PROFINET, DeviceNet, Modbus and EtherNet/IP networks.
Banner introduces IVU image sensor Banner introduces IVU image sensor
iVu Image Sensor combines the simplicity of a photoelectric sensor and the intelligence of a vision sensor to support inspections without the use of a PC.
Other Product Announcements

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Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date.

Application Stories

Cummins JEP uses Ubisense tracking to follow engines
By recording when an engine enters or leaves a test or work cell Cummins can see how quickly an engine moves through the testing process and identify any differences between engine types and options.

SICK system checks and measures packages
Process & Control Today, December 2008
SICK Dimensioning Weighing and Scanning (DWS) systems, incorporating bar code scanners, weigh scales and separation conveyors, is boosting profitability through automated revenue recovery and warehouse efficiency and accuracy. The UK depot in Colnbrook, Berkshire, handles some 2,000 parcels a day.

Browse more application stories on the Automatic Identification portal.

Featured Training

Using RFID/RTLS to Track Industrial Assets
May 1, 2009 Morristown, NJ
The goals of this course are to introduce the conceptual, logistical, and application-specific concepts, along with the fundamental engineering underpinnings of RFID, then expanding to a broad range of technologies that allow for tracking of radio-equipped devices. Price: $545

RFID Training Course - Electronic Download
This comprehensive RFID course covers the entire gamut of the technology, right from Basic concepts to Security and Privacy issues related to RFID. The entire course is designed in an easy to understand manner with text, graphics and animations and without any complicated stuff. At the end, the learner can take a self assessment test (with scoring).

RFID Web Course
A step by step introduction to the technology, with six parts covering Basic Concepts, RFID Physics, Practical RFID systems, Middleware & standards, RFID applications and finally , Privacy & Security.

Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Automatic Identification portal.

Company & Organizational News

ABB relocates North American headquarters to Cary, NC
Among the primary factors behind this move are significant cost savings and a favorable business climate in the Triangle, as well as closer proximity to growing customer and employee bases.

New international standard for labelling and marking
Process Engineer, February 2009
The purpose of the new standard ISO 28219:2009, 'Packaging – Labelling and direct product marking with linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols,' is to define the machine-readable and human-readable content, as well as the physical characteristics of the symbols for direct marking and labelling of items, parts and components.

Liaison Can announces RFID distribution operation
Can/U.S. Enviro-RFID will represent a broad offering of RFID products & services to resellers in the United States and Canada.

You can be tracked at a show!
The Ubisense/Fish system determines the precise location of every visitor with an accuracy of 6 inches, then provides detailed measurement and analysis for organizers and exhibitors.

ILS Technology offers lab to Florida Atlantic University  
ILS is opening its development-and-testing labs to FAU researchers working on technologies such as programmable logic controllers and radio-frequency identification (RFID) equipment, among others.

Browse more company and organizational news on the Automatic Identification portal.

Featured Events

EURO ID 2009
May 5-7, 2009 Cologne, Germany
EURO ID 2009 is the only European cross-sector Auto-ID trade fair. It has grown successfully into a key communication platform of the Auto-ID market. In 2009 focus will be on developing this foundation further. Auto-ID covers identification technologies like barcode, 2D code, 3D code and RFID as well as sensor technologies, software systems and services.

European Supply Chain & Logistics Summit
June 8-10, 2009 Düsseldorf, Germany
TSCL Europe 2009 is the only conference and networking event to help you uncover the right supply chain solutions over the next 12-18 months. We will be addressing issues including: Demand planning and precision: re-stock or de-stock?; Cost management and maximising working capital; Customer service levels and satisfaction; Cost-efficiency and business value through sustainability

IDTechEx RFID Smart Labels 2009
June 9-10, 2009 San Francisco, CA
The eighth annual analyst-driven event provides analysis of what is selling, what isn't, what the technology needs are and experience from the biggest users. The big success stories: Hear from the companies who have secured the largest RFID orders in the world.

LASER World of PHOTONICS
June 15–18, 2009 Munich, Germany
This combination of theory and practice, an extensive program of conferences and related events and the presence of all market leaders, decision-makers and users make LASER World of PHOTONICS unique and, at the same time, the most important international information and networking platform for the industrial, research and development sectors.

NIWeek Worldwide Graphical System Design Conference and Exhibition
August 4-6, 2009 - Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas
National Instruments' NIWeek 2009 offers three days of interactive technical sessions, targeted summits, hands-on workshops and exhibitions on the latest developments for design, control, automation, manufacturing and test. The conference also features keynote presentations and demonstrations that highlight how engineers and scientists can use NI graphical system design to test, measure and fix inefficient products and processes to improve everyday life.

Browse more industry events on the Automatic Identification portal.

Add an event to our calendar.

I hope you enjoyed this Automatic Identification update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com

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