First Biometric Facial Recognition Security System Using RFID Technology Eyes Canadian Market

[08/22/08] @ MoreRFID.com

RFID ProSolutions, Canadian leaders in RFID technology consulting and engineering, and American RFID Solutions, an industry-recognized leading manufacturer and solution provider, have announced a strategic reseller agreement for the distribution of TES, Trusted eSentry Security, a new, innovative biometric facial recognition system in Canada.

TES is a biometric/RFID security system that allows for the automatic identification of individuals using a combination of facial recognition and HF or UHF RFID technology (access cards).

"The ID cards are already used to control access to restricted areas but by adding a second reading of distinctive authenticity through biometric recognition; we've taken security to new heights," said Harold Clampitt, CEO & Founder of American RFID Solutions. "And this is the level of protection confidential information, valuable goods and sensitive environments require."

"The beauty of the system is that there is no central data base that can cause accusations of copying or stealing information," stated Andre Lacaille, President of RFID ProSolutions. "Systems that require prints are known for leaving evidence behind because of the physical contact that is required and therefore the information can be copied."

The system was recognized earlier this year as a Best in Show finalist for the RFID Journal Awards in Las Vegas and has a read rate of 99.999999% which makes this system one of the most secure in the world. The system works independently or through a network to interface with existing systems to form an increased secured perimeter.

"We are extremely excited about introducing this system to Canadian organizations and security integrators; this is an important addition to our portfolio of solutions" says Jebb Nucci, Vice President of Operations for RFID ProSolutions.

About RFID ProSolutions

RFID ProSolutions, a division of ProAction Management Group, offers their services in needs analysis, process design, solution selection and development, implementation and change management support. Specialized in RFID technology, RFID ProSolutions is a project management and solution-driven firm that focuses entirely on bringing the best possible products and the most innovative solutions to meet their customer's business needs.

About American RFID Solutions

American RFID Solutions is the developer of the Trusted eSentry Security System, TrackStar and eDOTS, and offers turnkey solutions, consulting and products in the areas of active, passive, RTLS, near field and far field RFID technologies. http://americanRFIDsolutions.com

RFID Installation Speeds and Secures School Library Processing

From T.H.E. Journal

by Dian Schaffhauser

Red Mountain Middle School in Deming, NM has implemented a radio frequency identification technology in its library for self-service checkout. The school chose RFID technology from Integrated Technology Group, which specializes in library automation technologies. The school, which opened in 2007 and currently has about 900 students, has a library collection of 9,000 volumes. That is expected to grow to 20,000 by the next school year.

"I think we are really trendsetting for public schools," said Teresa Ortiz, library media specialist at the school. "Before ITG installed RFID, I did not have quality time to spend collaborating with teachers to build new learning programs for students. Now I am able to devote much more energy toward collaboration and do what library media specialists are supposed to do--teach!"

The new RFID system includes Apex XpressCheck patron self-service kiosks, an Apex PowerReader wand for inventory purposes, Apex RFID DirectReader software and Apex RFID security pedestals installed at exits for loss protection.

The DirectReader software enables the library to integrate RFID technology into existing library applications. The application replaces bar code scanning with the action of placing a stack of materials on an RFID pad. The user can check in a stack of items or use the "one-at-a-time" method. The security is set on or off at the same time. The staff can turn a tag's security bit on or off independently of any other process.

The school estimates that the new set-up reduces inventory processes to half a day instead of two and a half weeks. Ortiz said is she using the extra time to develop curriculum for an Internet research course that teaches the students how to use the Internet effectively.

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About the author: Dian Schaffhauser is a writer who covers technology and business for a number of publications. Contact her at dian@dischaffhauser.com.

Ohio hospital uses RFID for asset tracking

A 222-bed hospital in southern Ohio is hard at work trying to track its expensive health care technologies.

With high-end specialty devices used by the hospital staff, it's a concern that such devices aren't being rolled out the doors by thieves, and also that hospital staff know immediately where to locate a specific device when the situation calls.

Radianse, an RFID-based asset tracking provider, is apparently working with the hospital, Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC), to accomplish these goals. The company's location platform and "Reveal" asset tracking systems is being implement hospital-wide, and will managed some 1,600 medical devices and specialty equipment in the hospital.

The adoption of Radianse's technology is part of a major $110 million facility expansion that is adding over 100 rooms, as well as new facility areas such a new emergency services area and a same-day surgery section.

The technology was rolled out such that coverage could be either zone-level (i.e., Radiology), or at the room-level (e.g., surgery bay #1). The room-level technology can often pinpoint a device within three feet.

Besides equipment management, they hospital even found benefits when it came to JCAHO compliance. The hospital is taking advantage of the system for monthly safety inspection of hospital beds, a process that had previous been plagued with challenges as locating empty beds or finding when in-use beds might become empty and available for the check.

According to Penny Cooper, the administrative director of worksite and patient safety for SOMC, "the technology impacts virtually every department." Cooper added that the next step would be to possibly use the system for patients, when needed, and possibly for security issues outside the main facility.

"Our future plans will consider use of the Radianse platform to improve safety, particularly to add patient flow as we ramp up our new emergency services," said Cooper. "We also think about staff safety. Imagine if every staff member had an active-RFID tag in the parking garage – a wonderful security application. Disaster preparedness is another opportunity."