IoT & Business Technology Transformation
Category Archives: eChain News
- 09
Nov 18
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- 11
Oct 18
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eChain RFID Technology now in 35 Countries
Category:eChain Customers,eChain NewsWith our latest sale to Beirut, Lebanon, eChain Technology now has RFID customers in 35 countries!
Congratulations to our team and partners in selling and supporting RFID chips, tags, readers and solutions in so many countries all over the world. The biggest surprise has been the growing interest in RFID technology from the Eastern Block and the Middle East.
Countries with eChain Customers:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
China
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
France
Germany
Great Britain
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Italy
Japan
Lebanon
Malaysia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Pakistan
Portugal
S. Korea
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
- 01
Nov 17
0
RFID at Point of Sale – Short Range (1-12in) or Very Short Range?
Category:eChain News,LearnImagine clothes shopping at a department store. You have several items in your arms and walk to a register. You drop the pile onto the checkout counter and watch in amazement as all your items automatically appear on a screen in front of you, waiting for payment. Somehow, the lot was magically scanned simply by dropping them onto the checkout counter!
RFID use at Point of Sale (PoS) checkout is now available where items are automatically transmitted into the register by simply placing them on the counter. No need to locate the barcode, no swiping, no separating, no rotating, no lasers. Simply dropping the pile onto the counter is all that is required. For the “Checkout Scanner” scenario, we have located the perfect Short Range Point of Sale RFID Scanner that uses keyboard emulation (just like barcode scanners) to automatically add all items on the checkout counter directly into the register.
This PoS RFID scanner reads all RFID labels up to 1 ft (12 inches).
However, many retailers are concerned that other items may be inadvertently scanned inside the 12 inch scan area and added to a customer’s order. They are interested in a Point of Sale scanner with much shorter scan range so that no items are accidentally added into the customer’s order.
For these retailers, we have the “Touch and Go” UHF RFID PoS Scanner which only reads RFID labels on contact, or up to only 1 inch from the scanner.
Use either scanner at checkout depending on the particular retail use case. What do you think? Is retail ready to migrate to RFID Point of Sale scanners? If so, do you think read range should be 1 inch or up to 12 inches?
Plug & Play Point of Sale Automated RFID Item Scanner
The eChain RFID Point of Sale (POS) Scanner is a professional UHF RFID scanner that replaces your barcode scanner at point-of-sale and check-out registers. An elegant yet durable RFID reader unit that incorporates an RFID reader and antenna into a single, elegant plug-and-play unit that connects to a USB port for power and data.
Moving from barcode scanning to RFID scanning is as simple as plugging this reader into your checkout system USB port.
Remove from box, plug into computer, start scanning
This is probably the easiest RFID reader on the market to use and comes pre-configured and ready to use out of the box! Simply plug into your computer. RFID Tag scans are automatically transmitted to your open application or notepad-type text app using keyboard wedge technology just like a barcode reader. Will automatically sent RFID EPC Tag number directly into your shopping cart application for totally automated checkout.
- 24
Oct 17
0
What is the best UHF RFID Label Tag in 2017? Best of 6 Common Retail UHF Label Tags
Category:eChain News,eChainRF-Asset Mgt,Learn,RF Hardware & TagsTag Test 6 Common UHF RFID Label Tags by eChain Technology
There are hundreds of UHF RFID tags currently available on the market and new tags appearing every week (it seems). Tags are customized to meet so many scenarios from on-metal, laundry, high-temp, small/micro, cable tags, zip-tie tags, wet inlay (adhesive backed sticker), printable label tags, and more…
Trying to find the best tag on the market for any given scenario can be extremely time consuming, and misleading capabilities documented by tag manufacturers don’t help at all.
From time to time, we evaluate available RFID tags to help us narrow the list to a manageable few tags for our customers and to recommend to RFID users based on a controlled tag comparison. This particular tag test provided results that was surprising even to us, and I think will help guide you to using a relatively new tag that had superior results compared to all other commonly used UHF RFID Label Tags.
Tags Tested:
- Alien Squiggle – ALN-9640 (Higgs 3) aftermarket, 4x.5 inch inlay
- AD-227m5 – Avery Dennison (Monza 5) from manufacturer, 4×2 inch label
- xWing – Invengo (Monza 5) from manufacturer, 3×2 inch label
- Alien Short – ALN-9662 (Higgs 3) aftermarket, 3×2 inch label
- Frog 3D, SMARTRAC (Monza 4) from manufacturer, 2×2 inch inlay
- AD-229r6 – Avery Dennison (Monza r6), from manufacturer, 4x.5 inch inlay
Methodology:
UHF USB Reader
We decided to use the eChain High-Power USB Desktop RFID Reader for this test. This reader is very easy to use, has a maximum output power of 26 dBm (0.4W), and connects directly to PC using USB Cable. While we could have used a much more powerful reader like the Impinj R420, some of these tags can be read at over 60 ft using the R420 and extreme range testing is something we will plan for a future experiment. For this test, we are focused on documenting both the reading capability of the (medium-range) eChain desktop reader on currently available, inexpensive label tags.
The reader was set to max power (26 dBm) and configured for FCC frequency hopping. We mounted the reader on a flat surface in a vertical orientation 3 ft (1m) from the ground. The test was conducted indoors with unobstructed field of view with a maximum possible range of 30 ft (10m).
The tags were randomly selected from batches we have available, one from each of the 6 tags listed above. We mounted the tags on separated sheets of paper, with EPC and TID printed to help identify the tested tags.
For the test, we placed a tape measure on the floor directly below the reader extending straight out for 30 ft. We moved all tags out of range and started the reader. We selected 1 tag at random and slowly moved toward the front of the reader along the tape measure from the 30 ft mark (outside read range) until the reader “beeped” and the first read was recorded (distance, frequency, rssi). We then marked the tag read location on the tape measure at precisely the greatest distance of the first read. We repeated this with the remaining 5 tags until the test was completed, we documented the measurements of the tags, reset and repeated the experiment for a total of 5 tests for all 6 tags.
Results
We ware amazed to see the clear winner of the test was the AD-229r6 with a maximum read observation of 24 ft (7.3m) and average max read range of 19.2 ft (5.8 m). This is an amazing 10 ft greater than the next maximum read (Frog 3D) and more than 2x the reading range of the Aveny Dennison predecessor tag, the AD-227m5.
| Max Read Distance in Inches | (IN) | (FT) | (FT) | ||||||
| Tag Description | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4 | T5 | AVG | AVG | MAX | |
| Squiggle (Alien) | 98 | 102 | 110 | 96 | 103 | 102 | 8.5 | 9.2 | |
| AD-227m5 | 96 | 110 | 80 | 98 | 116 | 100 | 8.3 | 9.7 | |
| xWing (Invengo) | 95 | 100 | 132 | 123 | 89 | 108 | 9.0 | 11.0 | |
| 9662 Short (Alien) | 132 | 151 | 132 | 110 | 155 | 136 | 11.3 | 12.9 | |
| Frog 3D (SMARTRAC) | 168 | 129 | 132 | 117 | 140 | 137 | 11.4 | 14.0 | |
| AD-229r6 | 202 | 205 | 216 | 240 | 288 | 230 | 19.2 | 24.0 | |
| Totals | 791 | 797 | 802 | 784 | 891 | ||||
Key Takeaways
- Clear Winner: AD-229r6 for both average and maximum range read
- 24 Ft Tag Reads: Using eChain USB Desktop Reader
- Most Improved: AD-229r6 HUGE improvement over previous version AD-227m5
- Best Short Tag: Alien Short (9662) 3 inch tag had amazing performance for its size
Final Thoughts
Apologies to Alien Technology for Squiggle and Short tag test results as we used aftermarket tags. These tags do not use the latest Alien chipset, and may not have the performance of OEM Alien tags. Our reasoning is these Alien tags are prevalent online and provide a great price point sought after by high quantity/production clients.
Through other tag tests, we have found that the aftermarket Alien Short 9662 tags do tend to perform very well and consistently with our results here. However, bulk purchases of those aftermarket tags reveal quality issues that make reads inconsistent from tag to tag.
We are very happy with our little desktop reader providing label tag reads up to 24 Ft!
Through other tag tests, we have found that the Alien Squiggle tends to perform better than the results found in these tests. We would be glad to revisit or retest these, or other tags on request. Thank-you for your interest! Lewis Kilby, eChain Technology
- 04
Sep 17
0
Save Money On Shipping Using Your Shipping Account
Category:eChain News,eChain Value Proposition,ShopeChain has added the option for our customers to use their own negotiated or preferred shippers to save money on shipping and freight charges! Shipping large orders and technology internationally can become very expensive. At eChain Technology we are committed to providing the best value products to our customers. We do not make money from shipping. However, sometimes our customers may have negotiated discounts with carriers that can make shipping much more affordable for them than we can provide ourselves.
Don’t let high shipping costs keep you from purchasing. Select “Use My Own Shipping Account” option from the Shopping Cart for a zero-charge shipping option at Checkout. Then provide your shipping account number for primary carriers USPS, FedEx, DHL or UPS. It is that simple.
- 28
Aug 17
0
RFID Reader Locates up to 5,000 items in 5,000 SQ Ft., 32 Zones!
Category:eChain News,eChainRF-Asset Mgt,RF Asset Management,RF Hardware & Tags,RF ROIThe new Impinj Speedway Revolution model, R420-USA2M1 has maximum output power of 32.5 dBm. This is 2.5 dBm more than the previous Revolution R420 and represents an amazing 178% increase in maximum output Wattage (1.78 W vs 1.0 W). While you can’t use this extra power to exceed FCC (or your local government) guidelines on maximum RFID radiated power, you can now extend your RFID system by 25 Ft in any direction from a single reader with no net signal loss over previous reader model. You gain 2,500 SQ Ft of extra RFID coverage area from a single reader!
- 28
Aug 17
0
Lewis Kilby Appointed LinkedIn Advisor!
Category:eChain NewsLewis Kilby, President of eChain Technology was appointed LinkedIn Advisor and member of the LinkedIn Advisors Community! Not sure what this really means or entails, but I am always grateful to have the opportunity to leverage my extensive experience to have a positive influence and impact on businesses and careers.
I am available for advisory or consultative conversations or engagements. Just ping me and we can discuss real-world experiences and interesting options to address your business or professional challenges.
Thanks LinkedIn Community! Lewis Kilby – 404-664-6124
- 22
Feb 17
0
Invengo announces slimmest, high-performance UHF RFID tag for linen tracking
Category:eChain News,eChainRF-Asset Mgt,RF Hardware & TagsPRESS RELEASE: INVENGO ANNOUNCES SLIMMEST, HIGH-PERFORMANCE UHF RFID TAG FOR LINEN TRACKING. THE LINTRAK-SLIM
Singapore, 14 February 2017 – Invengo, the global RFID technology provider, today announced the launch of a new generation linen tag, the LinTRAK-Slim, the slimmest UHF RFID tag for the Laundry and Textile Services industry, based on the latest chip available on the market.
Specifically designed to be discreetly integrated into linen and various textile products used in commercial laundries and at their customers’ sites such as hospitals and hotels, the new LinTRAK-Slim tag is a woven label just 1.2mm thick, making it the thinnest UHF RFID tag on the Textile Services market. Small in size, 10mm wide and 59mm long, the new Invengo tag allows for rapid and seamless insertion into the hem of textile items. The tag is based on a unique and patented concept that couples a very small UHF device with a sewed, secondary antenna made from flexible stainless steel thread-like material.
The new LinTRAK-Slim integrates Impinj’ Monza® R6-P chip, the latest EPC Gen 2 UHF chip on the market, designed to drive high-volume applications by combining breakthrough features with unprecedented bulk, stack-reading capacity and speed.
LinTRAK-Slim, which has been tested by world renowned MRI test lab Magnetic Resonance Safety Testing Services, is MRI-compatible and can be used safely in all types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems operating at 1.5- and 3-Tesla.
The new LinTRAK-Slim completes Invengo’s portfolio of industry-leading RFID tags and stations combined with a linen inventory visibility IoT platform called ACUITY, specifically designed to provide digital analytics and services to the laundry industry and their clients in the Healthcare and Hospitality markets.
“We are particularly excited about this new tag and its innovative features that are the result of fruitful discussions with our customers and end-users throughout the Textile Services Ecosystem, including linen manufacturers, laundry groups, major hotel chains and hospitals,” said Richard Bailly, President of Invengo Technologies. “With this slimmer tag, we deliver unique benefits to each layer of the linen value chain, resulting in a groundbreaking product that will fuel market growth.”
The new LinTRAK-Slim tag will be available for orders by the end of February 2017.
ABOUT INVENGO TEXTILE SERVICES
Invengo Textile Services provides a smart-linen system called ACUITY, enabling real-time inventory visibility of textile assets, through reliable tracking and monitoring of their flow, usage and life cycle from linen suppliers to laundry groups and their customers.
Its innovative and proven technology platform, combining software, RFID hardware and services, adapts to our customers’ evolving requirements in terms of stock volumes and multiple site deployments. It significantly contributes to: efficient monitoring of linen, increased financial gains through reduced operational costs, optimized stocks and purchases, and improved customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.invengo.com/textile
ABOUT INVENGO TECHNOLOGY
Invengo – the global RFID technology provider – is a leading developer and manufacturer of high quality, intelligent RAIN RFID (UHF), HF and NFC inlays, tags and connectivity solutions utilized in the Internet of Things (IoT). With a focus on RFID innovation, Invengo has created a leading product line in retail, library, (industrial) laundry, pharmaceutical, healthcare, (public) transportation and many other industries. With over 20 years of experience in RFID, Invengo is fully dedicated to enabling efficiency in applications such as ticketing, identity management, supply chain management, authentication, asset management and brand equity.
Invengo Technology Pte. Ltd, located in Singapore (with subsidiaries in the US and Europe), is the international headquarters of Invengo Information Technology Co. Ltd, listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE: 002161.SZ). Employing over 600 people worldwide, Invengo is one of the largest publicly traded, RFID-oriented companies in the world, with design and manufacturing plants located in both the United States and China and sales offices spanning all major geographies.
Media Contact
Invengo Technologies
Angeline Fraud
Manager – Marketing Communications
Textile & Custom Application Services
+33 4 1396 1127
marketing.tcas@invengo.com
www.invengo.com/press
- 21
Jan 17
0
Need CRM, but don’t want to pay thousands each month?
Category:eChain News,Total Customer ManagementThe dirty little secret Salesforce doesn’t want you to know… YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY INTO THEIR CLOUD. You can now own your own cloud CRM application with NO price per employee/license or seat! Own eChain Total Customer Management (TCM) for the price of a few months of Salesforce Enterprise for 20 users.
Total Customer Management (TCM) – Advanced CRM+PM by eChain Technology
You are no longer forced to decide which salesperson gets CRM to save costs. You can give CRM to ALL salespeople. Wouldn’t this be better? Don’t you want all your sales associates to have the tools to be successful?
But traditional CRM is limited, don’t you think? In addition to your sales team, TCM provides access for project managers, technical and QA resources.
In addition to managing contacts, leads, and your sales pipe, wouldn’t you like to transition your projects once the sale is closed? Convert leads and contacts to customer projects, milestones and tasks in eChain Total Customer Management (TCM). All sales notes are available to the project team. Manage tickets, development and defect resolution by including your development team and assigning workload from TCM. Customers can add tickets via email.
We also include customer access. Customers have their own login and monitor progress on their project tasks and add relevant information directly into the application.
Using TCM, employees track time spent on calls, meetings and tasks. This makes it extremely easy to generate accurate timesheets and accumulate additional billable work!
There are even more features and a great dashboard. All included. Give us a call today to see how you can get away from the massive monthly and restrictive charges for limited CRM and regain control of sales, service and fulfillment with eChain Total Customer Management. Contact me today for a demo. Lewis Kilby, eChain Technology, LKilby@echaintechnology.com
- 27
Oct 16
0
PRESS RELEASE: INVENGO ACQUIRES A 10% STAKE IN SML HOLDINGS LTD
Category:eChain News,RF Asset Management,RF Hardware & TagsINVENGO ACQUIRES A 10% STAKE IN SML HOLDINGS LTD, THE HONGKONG-HEADQUARTERED BRAND IDENTIFICATION SOLUTION PROVIDER FOR THE WORLDWIDE RETAIL & APPAREL INDUSTRY
eChain Technology, a US-based RFID technology and solutions company, is working with Invengo to provide affordable samples and small-quantity options for purchase to sample and test Invengo RFID tags. Check out our shopping cart for our Invengo RFID tag options.
Singapore, 27 October 2016 – Invengo, the global RFID technology provider, today announced the acquisition of a 10% stake in SML Holdings Ltd., the Hongkong-headquartered total brand identification technology and solution provider for the global retail and apparel industry. With a presence in over 30 countries and manufacturing facilities around the world, SML delivers best-in-class products and solutions built on a great technology and thorough understanding of their customers and the retail market. The extensive SML offerings include product branding and labeling, RAIN RFID tag solutions, retail RFID software solutions and data management services, anti-counterfeit and product packaging design and engineering. SML has an enviable customer list that includes such leading fashion brands and retailers as Levi’s®, American Eagle, American Apparel®, Ann Taylor, GAP, Tesco, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and Adidas®.
Retailers frequently struggle with inaccurate inventory and that inaccuracy has significant negative impacts to their business such as: lost sales, excess shrink, ineffective omnichannel processes, poor employee productivity and bloated inventories. As retailers work to improve efficiency they are entering a new era of retailing (Retail 3.0) by using RFID technology and solutions which is enabling retailers to achieve over 98% inventory accuracy and thus more efficiently manage their inventory and deliver new levels of customers service. This Retail 3.0 retail world includes: dramatically reducing out of stocks, creating better instore experiences and enabling more effective omnichannel delivery models. And likewise, in supply chains, RFID technology and solutions from SML are being used to improve inventory accuracy through the lifecycle of a product.
Based on the IDTechEx forecast for 2016, the number of tags used in 2017 is expected to reach over 5 billion. SML, as a market leader in traditional clothing labels and packaging, is already serving the needs of the apparel retail industry. As a result of adding RFID technology and solutions to its existing programs, SML is in an excellent position to benefit from the shift towards comprehensive retail inventory management and the Internet of Things.
The aim of the investment is to establish optimal synergy between Invengo and SML in areas such as products, marketing, sales and innovative RFID solutions. Blending the extensive RFID product and solution depth of Invengo with the proven retail technology and global reach of SML will strengthen the global leadership position of both companies in apparel inventory management solutions for the retail sector.
“We have admired SML for years as they built a world-class data management system to support the global expansion of their locally based service bureaus. Coupled with an excellent track record in on time delivery and price efficiency, an experienced and highly-valued management team and in-company know-how, we are in an excellent position to benefit in this fast-moving growth market,” comments, Jiann Hsieh, CEO of Invengo International.
