HID Global - Blog

For Government ID Solutions, The Sum Is Greater Than The Parts

2012-01-31T14:05:50Z

Secure ID programs have never been more important to governments worldwide - and never have these programs been more complicated in terms of technology, implementation or system components.

]]> When I was invited to provide a personal perspective on the acquisition of LaserCard and its assimilation into HID Global's Government ID Solutions business, I was struck by how timely the move has proven to be.

Even before LaserCard became part of HID Global, we were driving the transition from single-function, single technology ID credentials to multi-technology, multi-purpose authentication documents. Take the Saudi Arabia national ID card, which can accommodate border crossing, banking and access to government services; or Italy's Carabinieri (National Police) card, used for building entry, health and other transactional services including an emergency response mechanism.

We were very aware, even then, that while the cards and technologies we provided were at the heart of ID projects, they represented only a small fraction of each program.

Fast-forward a year, and the landscape is very different. As part of HID Global's Government ID Solutions business, we're a provider of the broadest portfolio of products, technologies and services in the business, and able to help governments move closer to the ideal end-to-end solution. The impact for customers and populations is enormous. In the case of Costa Rica's Foreign Resident Card, for example, we delivered tangible benefits including on-time and on-budget completion, enhanced border security, the virtual elimination of counterfeiting, protection against obsolescence and no system downtime during the life of the project.

We are now part of an interlinked yet unique set of systems, components and processes vital to the creation of highly secure government ID programs, whether vehicle registration, healthcare ID, or citizen ID. This makes HID Global's Government ID Solutions business a highly differentiated, cost-competitive and expert player.

No other organization can offer a more integrated solution, providing customers with a better experience because of the interoperability of our products and wealth of in-house expertise. Being able to provide a large slice of a Government project allows us to participate as a trusted provider, rather than a component supplier. Having experts from each field now aligned under the same brand raises our perceived value in the eyes of government purchasers, and we are able to get closer to these customers rather than operating through intermediaries.

We are now beginning to see not only larger opportunities, but also major selling advantages. It is a compelling value proposition for the customer, faced with an unimaginably complex project, to reduce the risk associated with integrating systems from multiple suppliers and instead select an organization offering end-to-end control and guaranteed interoperability of systems.

Governments can now turn to HID Global for their entire ID project. What a difference a year makes!

Check out HID's Cybersecurity Solutions This Week on Capitol Hill

2012-01-24T15:52:44Z

Cybersecurity has gained prominence on Capitol Hill since the launch of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI) in January 2008. The current Administration has enhanced the CNCI, identifying cybersecurity as "one of the most serious ecnomic and national security challenges we face as a nation."

]]> As part of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, the Administration has issued OMB 11-11 that addresses cybersecurity for Federal agencies, and has developed the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC). The NSTIC, in which HID Global has been actively involved, focuses on finding ways to better protect consumers from fraud and identity theft while protecting privacy. NSTIC's goal is to foster economic growth by enabling a more trusted environment in cyberspace.

HID Global is uniquely positioned to provide solutions for our nation's cybersecurity objectives, and we are among a select number of leading organizations that will be demonstrating some of those solutions on the Hill this week at the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee's 15th Annual Kickoff Reception & Technology Exhibition. The event provides Members of Congress and their staff the opportunity to test drive and understand technologies that are changing our lives and influencing Internet and technology policy in Washington.

As the largest technology exhibition on Capitol Hill, the event will provide a showcase for HID Global's cybersecurity technologies and services for citizens, government employees and government contractors. Our solutions have the potential to answer some of the most compelling policy issues the nation faces in cyberspace today.

Other leading technology providers demonstrating their latest solutions at the event include: AT&T; Banyan Water; Comcast; Democracy Live; Federal Trade Commission; Fujitsu; Future of Privacy Forum; Google; HP; Internet Systems Consortium; Intuit; MarkMonitor; Microsoft; National Telecommunications and Information Administration; Neustar; Pandora Media; POPVOX; Progress Software; Research In Motion; Sony; Texas Instruments; The Open Technology Initiative; TRUSTe; Verizon; and the Young Adult Library Services Association.

The exhibition is also one of the largest policy networking events on Capitol Hill, bringing together Congressional staff, Administration officials, industry executives and public interest advocates. The exhibition attracts lawmakers and staff, reporters, and representatives from the government agencies and private sector organizations. It is open to the public and free to attend, and I would like to extend the invitation to security decision-makers interested in hands-on demonstrations of technologies that illustrate the public policy debates to be addressed in the second session of the 112th Congress.

We hope to see you there!

When: Wednesday, January 25, 2012, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served)
Where: Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902, Washington, DC 20510
RSVP to Attend: Click here to RSVP

EasyLobby & HID Global: a strong force in visitor management solutions

2012-01-16T16:28:18Z

In many organizations, visitors and contractors are documented by merely being asked to scribble their name in a paper visitor log. While this practice is perceived as quick and easy, it provides little or no security and can be viewed as unprofessional to those entering the facility.

]]> To address the growing need for increased security throughout an organization, small businesses to large enterprises are implementing systems that automate the entire process of managing visitor access. As the pioneer of comprehensive visitor management solutions, EasyLobby's extended range of products include visitor registration, tracking, reporting, badge printing, asset and package management, web-based pre-registration, access control integration, and employee/contractor time and attendance solutions.

Our products are tightly integrated with a wide variety of access control, human resources and other systems. And with HID Global's recent acquisition of EasyLobby, our large installed base and strong customer engagements will enable HID to broaden its offering to include trusted secure visitor management solutions for a wide range of applications.

Through the acquisition, the combination of EasyLobby products and Genuine HID solutions create a unique portfolio that will drive new and exciting opportunities for our mutual customers and partners worldwide. Stay tuned as I look forward to keeping you posted on new developments as EasyLobby and HID Global create an enhanced value proposition that the combined HID team can deliver to the market.

Top Issues Influencing the Access Control Market in 2012, Part 2

2012-01-09T19:17:53Z

A couple of weeks ago, I discussed a handful of issues that I believe are at the core of understanding how access control products and solutions will be used moving into the New Year.

]]> Some of these trends included the move to mobility, the convergence of physical and logical access control solutions and federal mandates that are fueling more robust personal identification security. This week, I'd like to share the remaining five important issues that I believe will significantly influence how end-users, enterprises and government organizations will use security identity solutions in 2012. These are:

1. The emergence of wireless locksets. Wireless intelligent locksets connected to traditional physical access control systems will become more prevalent as lower cost, more energy-efficient models are introduced to the market. Additionally, these same locksets may help state and federal agencies meet PIV authentication requirements.

2. Increased use of outsourcing. We are seeing a continuation of the trend to outsourcing services as more end users look to software-as-a-service (SaaS) and Web-based access control solutions provided by both traditional physical access control and IT channel providers. This trend extends to badging services, which are offered via Web-based portals that provide a simple and secure way for customers to upload and communicate data, photos, and other information while reducing the cost and complexity of maintaining and operating a corporate-wide badging infrastructure.

3. Growing focus on integrated access systems. As a manufacturer of a large number of the devices used in integrated access control systems, HID Global is increasingly relied upon for products that are standards-based, open, and interoperable. US government mandates are driving standard-based protocols for use in integrated systems, where the integration recommended by FICAM and SP800-116 will shape systems for some time to come.

4. Rapid growth in vertical markets. The commercial industry was the fastest growing market for these products in 2010, but the government sector saw the most rapid growth in 2011. This is because of new mandates and legislation affecting US agencies. Other governments are taking their lead from the US, the UK, France, and potentially the Netherlands.

5. Introduction of new standards and legislation. SIA OSIPS, PSIA Area Control, Onvif, FIPS 201-2, FICAM Part B, RTCA 230C, and OMB 11-11 will impact the market this year, along with a host of other standards and legislation.

I welcome your opinion on the top 2012 issues I've highlighted over the past two weeks. Please let me know your thoughts by participating in the poll below.

HID Global Acquires EasyLobby For Secure Visitor Management Solutions

2012-01-03T18:14:30Z

I am pleased to share with you the news that HID Global has acquired EasyLobby, a pioneer and leading provider of comprehensive visitor management solutions.

]]> The combination of HID Global and EasyLobby will complement and extend HID Global's portfolio of trusted solutions for the delivery of secure identity.

This acquisition delivers a number of potential synergies across various HID Global segments including Physical Access Control, Secure Issuance and our recently formed Managed Services business. EasyLobby brings us a robust and scalable visitor management systems and software expertise that will enable us to continue meeting the demands of our customers. As of today, EasyLobby will operate independently within HID Global's Identity and Access Management business.

In the weeks and months ahead, HID Global will be telling you more about what this acquisition brings to the Genuine HID ecosystem. We continue our commitment to delivering superior value to our customers. The addition of EasyLobby's innovative solutions will help drive new opportunities for your business in the coming years.

Please see our recent press announcement about the acquisition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your HID Global sales representative.

As always, we appreciate your business, and thank you for your continued confidence in HID Global.

Looking Ahead: Top Issues Influencing the Access Control Market

2011-12-27T16:44:10Z

Changes are taking place in the access control industry as enterprises across all industries are deploying new products aimed at improving productivity while increasing security.

]]> Reflecting on this year and looking ahead to 2012, I have compiled the top ten issues that I believe are essential to understanding how individuals and businesses will use access control products moving forward. These trends include:

1. The move to mobility. The emergence of near field communications (NFC) and other technologies is fueling the migration of access control technology to mobile platforms. The same basic access control methodology we've used for decades can now be embedded into smartphones and other mobile devices, and we can eliminate keys and cards virtually anywhere we need to unlock a door, gate, or drawer. This capability is built into next-generation access platforms such as HID’s standards-based, technology-independent Secure Identity Object (SIO) data structure.

2. The convergence of physical and logical access. Physical and logical access convergence improves security by enabling a single smart card to support multiple authentication methods while helping organizations meet regulatory requirements, enforce consistent policies, and drive consolidated audit logs throughout the enterprise, and cut cost by consolidating tasks.

3. Federal mandates that fuel more robust personal identification security. The Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget has stipulated that, starting next fiscal year, physical and logical access control systems will have to be upgraded to use PIV credentials. Federal agencies must do this before using development and technology refresh funds to complete other activities. These systems must leverage smart card and biometric technology and support identification credentials.

4. The need for sustainable solutions. Organizations are facing mounting pressure to reduce costs while improving environmental accountability. The latest access control systems, and managed print services programs help fulfill these objectives. The choice of card and reader materials plays a big role, and many readers and secure print solutions are designed from the ground up for improved energy efficiency. Security professionals can also deploy greener projects by specifying access control solutions that support multiple technologies to avoid wholesale "rip and replacement" when it is time to upgrade.

5. The evolution of smarter smart cards. The rapid growth in smart card technology adoption will continue through 2012, as the convenience and cost of single-card solutions continue to drive demand. As they are used for more applications, today's smart cards carry more information that must be protected and they must be able to validate and secure identities. This has created an increasing demand for multiple layers of card security, including two-factor authentication and biometric templates, in addition to a number of new forms of higher card security.

Stay tuned for next week when I will discuss how issues such as the emergence of wireless locksets, the increased use of outsourcing and other issues are impacting the market. Until then, I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season!

Calling All Systems Integrators Large and Small!

2011-12-20T14:21:56Z

As a Security Dealer and Integrator (SD&I) magazine Fast50 advisory board member,...

]]> ...I'd like to invite fast-growing system integrators to highlight your successes in the field through SD&I's new best practices program called Fast50. Fast50 is designed for both small and large alarm dealers and systems integrators and the program includes:

• End user input on what they expect from the SI community
• A unique ranking of the 'best of the best' successful companies
• Strategies for success for the entire industry and best practices from integrators

The program is fully endorsed and will be jointly presented by two of the most prestigious organizations in the industry -- the Security Industry Association and ISC West. The Fast50 best practices program gives you the chance to highlight your company and its achievements, where the top companies and their best practices will be presented in an educational awards program at ISC West 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

Security Dealer and Integrator is also encouraging end-users to enter the program so the integration community can more firmly get a handle on what these buyers are looking for from their solutions providers.

There is no fee to participate. In order to enter, companies submit gross revenue numbers for a three-year period. These numbers are not published and they are under a strict non-disclosure with SD&I since they are only used in a formula to balance revenue percentage growth and overall revenue growth across all entrants, creating a level playing field for everyone.

The deadline for entries is January 23, 2012, the program is FREE and it's simple to enter by going to www.securityinfowatch.com/sdifast50 to complete the form. For more information, you can also watch the Fast50 video.

This is really a great opportunity to highlight your company's accomplishments. I hope you take full advantage of the program and I look forward to seeing you at ISC West 2012!

Benefits of Combined Physical and Logical Access Control

2011-12-13T18:38:00Z

In India, a number of large organizations...

]]> ...are using HID Global credentials for physical access control and companies are now seeing the benefit of combining physical and logical access onto a single platform. These converged solutions cut costs, improve security and open many significant new market opportunities for dealers, installers and integrators. In fact, convergence projects introduce an entirely new set of decision-makers beyond the physical access integrators, including enterprise CIOs, CTOs and CISOs that are looking at the overall benefit to enterprise.

For example, many large enterprises will not authorize new access control expenditures unless they can build on the existing physical access control infrastructure and applications. Still others, including many small- to medium-sized companies in India, can't even afford strong logical access unless it is easy to add to their physical access systems and credentials. In these and many other cases, converged physical and logical access control solutions gives dealers, integrators and installers opportunities to deliver value to this new set of C-level customers.

To forge new relationships with these stakeholders in India, this year HID Global participated in some of the major events in the region that are tailored to this audience, including the India Computer Security Conference and the Banking Finance and Technology Forum. Given HID's large installed base of physical access control cards in many of the companies represented at the shows, a good number of the CIOs, CTO, and CISO I spoke with at the events immediately understood the value and long term return on investment offered by a combined HID Global IT security and physical access control solution.

And looking ahead, convergence isn't restricted to traditional cards and readers. Integrated solutions can now move onto mobile devices including NFC-enabled phones that use next-generation technology such HID's iCLASS SE access control platform. iCLASS SE is based on a technology-independent, standards-based model that enables an ecosystem of mobile access control solutions that are more secure, flexible and easy to extend with new, converged capabilities.

As we continue to engage more IT systems integrators and enterprise decision makers in India, the opportunities for convergence is growing by the day. I think 2012 will bring a new wave of possibilities and expansion for us in the region with the mounting interest not only in converged solutions, but also in other new HID Global products, solutions, services and technologies to come.

China's Go West Policy: Implications for the access control industry

2011-11-30T15:30:33Z

Recently, I reached out to physical access control integrators, system installers and end customers...

]]> ...through a few roadshows and exhibitions in Xinjiang, Northwest China. I was amazed by the rapid development in Xinjiang; however, I also saw a lot of room for improvement as well as growth opportunities for access control systems in the region.

China has had its "Go West" policy in place for more than 10 years, with the main components of the strategy being the development of infrastructure, enticement of foreign investment, increased efforts towards ecological protection (such as reforestation), promotion of education and retention of talent that is otherwise moving to richer provinces.

How does "Go West" impact the access control industry?
Fortune 500 company Sinopec and other utility companies such as PetroChina and China Huaneng Corporation have responded by heavily investing in Xinjiang in Northwest China, which has boosted the economy in the area. However, the region still lags far behind East China in adopting advanced access control systems. With the region's lack of awareness around security and slow technological development, many enterprises are still using legacy access control systems or basic security measures such as keys and locks, security gates and guards for high security areas.

In addition, offices and factory sites in Xinjiang are typically in remote locations with local infrastructure and limited management staff...such conditions for which a centralized, integrated access control platform for strict and staff management would be ideal.

While HID Global open architecture IP-based access control solution is the perfect solution to fit the needs of organizations in Xinjiang, these companies face challenges in upgrading their access control systems since local technicians have limited knowledge of new technologies and system maintenance. To begin addressing this issue, HID has hosted roadshows in Xinjiang to provide local technicians hands-on training on high frequency and IP-based access control solutions with the goal of equipping them with the skills needed to support future installations and maintenance.

Xinjiang and Northwest China as a whole is becoming one of the key growth engines for access control industry in the region, and these seminars are part of our ongoing initiative to align our business to the opportunities by providing flexible, feature-rich solutions coupled with proactive support. Looking at the enormous opportunities for growth, I am excited by what the future holds for HID Global in Northwest China and the entire region in the months and year to come.

A Week in Paris: CARTES, a SESAME award and two customer events later...

2011-11-22T17:36:03Z

Looking back to last week...

]]> ...that Monday was probably the start of just another normal work week that was full of the usual trappings of meetings and deadlines for many people. But as the sun rose in Paris on this particular Monday, November 14th, the day marked the beginning of one the most exciting and jammed packed weeks of the year for HID Global as the team geared up for a busy week at CARTES and IDentification 2011 in Paris, France - one of the largest security industry events in the world.

The day before the CARTES show began, the HID team kicked off the week in Paris with its annual FARGO partner meeting as well as a Smarttalk event, where HID and NXP Semiconductors partnered for the first time to host a roundtable discussion with leaders in the industry on the topic of future-proofing corporate identity. Both events where well attended by key HID Global partners and large end-user organizations.

That same evening at an awards ceremony and gala event not far away, HID Global president and CEO Denis Hébert, was on stage accepting a distinctive distinctive SESAME award for HID's Secure Identity Object (SIO) technology, which won the award for the industry's most innovative solution of the year. As one of the few American companies to ever win a SESAME, this was a watershed event for HID Global, especially since this award represents an unchallenged seal of approval in innovation and is regarded as the global standard for card manufacturers and related industries. And being honored with a SESAME award was only the beginning of HID's introduction of its SIO technology to the European market at CARTES.

The next morning on the CARTES show floor, HID Global booth attendees were met by an iconic, larger-than-life SIO globe that was suspended in air and contained an SIO video inside explaining the technology. Attention-getting as it was, the SIO showcase was just one of the many exciting technologies for building, issuing, delivering and assuring secure identities that kept the HID booth packed throughout the event.

In addition to the strong focus on HID's complete line of Government ID solutions for e-passport, national ID, foreign resident, worker ID and vehicle registration programs, HID Global also had a number of important announcements that contributed to the buzz. Some of the important news included its new NFC-enabled contactless smart card reader platform for the laptop and mobile device market with Sony; the recent Good Technology and ActivIdentity partnership that delivers enterprise and government mobile authentication solutions for iOS and Android platforms; as well as the preview of HID Global's new Industrial Series FARGO printer/encoder.

All in all, with the SESAME award, CARTES, and all of this year's related activities, 2011 proved an important one as HID Global's European market presence rivaled that of major companies in the region. As the year comes to a close, I am looking forward to continuing the momentum in 2012 around innovative technology, products and solutions at major events in EMEA and around the world.

Teaming with integrators for successful high volume ID issuance

2011-11-15T13:56:41Z

Optimizing output, lowering costs and enabling scalability.

]]> Last month I traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East, ultimately landing in Dubai for the GITEX Security Exhibition. Throughout the trip, I met with a dozen integrators for large citizen ID card projects, and the discussions continually revolved around key factors that make high volume, high security card issuance programs successful.

For large projects that routinely require production of tens of thousands of ID cards, integrators validated that they place high value on stable, ongoing printer performance; low operating costs; and systems free of time-consuming service and costly repairs. They also told us that systems used in higher volume, technology-rich applications must excel in five key areas:

Flexible Print Technology - Retransfer or high definition printing (HDP®) provides the flexibility for ID issuers to personalize a wide variety of card materials and technologies. Through the HDP process, a dye image is reverse-printed onto the underside of an adhesive film. The film and image are then transferred to the card surface, adding a durable layer of protection to the card and its components.

Printer System Reliability - A print systems' ability to adapt to a wide range of work conditions is critical. ID printers must be rugged enough to operate continuously no matter the condition of the facility in which they are installed, the heat or humidity of the environment, or the number of hours in each work shift.

System Performance - The printer should flex to meet the demands of each project launched: security functions must handle government and financial organizations' security requirements; system processing speeds should be variable depending on card design and project volume; and the credentials produced must be able to withstand the wear and tear of the intended application.

Operational Convenience - The printer's tools should allow operators to manage the system easily. Automated diagnostic systems, remote communication devices, graphical displays and help information should make issue identification and resolution as simple as possible. Diagnostic tools should always contribute to lowering total cost of operation while reducing downtime.

System Scalability - The system should be able to expand to meet requirements for new installations across a region or country through secure networking capabilities. Factory and field upgradeable modules should be available to meet evolving needs for heightened ID card security.

These key factors outlined by integrators continue to inspire HID's FARGO printer product marketing and engineering teams to develop ever better, market-focused solutions that directly address large project ID issuers' needs. This week as I meet with large, secure ID issuance system integrators from around the world at CARTES 2011 in Paris, France, I look forward to continuing our discussion about the demands of high volume issuance projects and I am also excited to demonstrate our new FARGO HDP8500 Industrial Card Printer/Encoder - a solution designed to serve market.

Read more about how the FARGO HDP8500 is raising the bar for high duty performance, high definition printing and encoding in our latest white paper.

How Futureproof Is Your Corporate Identity?

2011-11-08T19:11:46Z

Today, organizations are seeking to more clearly define and implement...

]]> ...corporate identity systems that easily integrate into their existing infrastructure, and also stand the test of time with the numerous changing demands inherent to large enterprise organizations. Though some best practices for implementing corporate identity systems exist, questions remain on how to upgrade a security solution to address an organization's ever-changing requirements, while also making access management solutions generally more versatile, convenient and user-friendly in order to protect an organizations' premises and IT assets.

This is where HID Global comes in: next week, HID Global and NXP Seminconductors will be addressing the topic corporate identity and future-proofing access management systems during an in depth roundtable discussion at a SmartTalk event in Paris, France.

Register today and join us for the roundtable as the two companies delve into this and related issues with a diverse group of end-user organizations and leaders in the security industry.

Visit us at CARTES in Paris!
Be sure to also stop by HID's booth at CARTES (Hall 3, booth #2), where you can see for yourself the building blocks for creating, delivering and assuring secure identities. With our Secure Identity Object (SIO) technology as a finalist in the SESAME award competition and with the new HID Global products and solutions that we will be showcasing, this year's show is shaping up to be an exciting one! I hope to see you either at the roundtable event, at CARTES, or both.

How UHF Can Transform the Card Industry

2011-10-31T14:19:36Z

We are just beginning to realize the immense potential of UHF...

]]> ...longer read ranges, anti-collision capabilities, and fast data transfer speeds. This could get interesting...

Over a relatively fleeting past decade or two, advancements in integrated chip and data storage technologies have changed the world forever. Affordable computing power has transformed the planet from a smattering of disconnected, monochrome-display desktop computers, into a global population connected in real time, sharing high-definition video from the palms of our hands. The incredible has become routine.

UHF technology has the same potential to transform the card industry. While organizations worldwide are applying UHF technology to logistics systems, providing enhanced oversight and management of assets and inventories, we have just begun to examine the possibilities of UHF applied to identification and access control systems.

Where do we go from here? Here are a couple of thoughts:

• Longer read ranges: Read ranges for low frequency and high frequency proximity cards are measured in inches and centimeters. UHF ranges are measured in feet, yards and meters. A good example of an application for this is in identification systems for vehicle access to secure areas or parking garages. When an authorized user pulls up, the system could authenticate and open the door or gate while the driver remains in the safety and comfort of his or her car; no need for the driver to stop, open their window, fumble for a magnetic stripe or near proximity card, and hang out the window exposed to the elements in bad weather. For added security in parking systems, UHF access control may be integrated with video sensors. An automobile license plate could be scanned and compared with credentials before authorizing access.

• Improved cardholder convenience: Today's combo cards merge low frequency, high frequency and UHF into a single, multi-purpose ID. Organizations issuing cards can employ LF or HF solutions as appropriate to the function or desired level of security for physical access control or payment. At the same time, with the addition of UHF to create a new combination card, they can expand the use of the credential for applications needing a long read range and fast data communication. This creates the potential for each user ID card to do more. Imagine the convenience to cardholders with the impact of ease of access to controlled lots or garages in addition to traditional building access and cafeteria vending. No one will forget their ID at home again!

• Enhanced data speed and accuracy: Recently, HID introduced the expanded family of InLine Tag™ Ultra passive contactless transponders that improve data collection speed and accuracy for logistics applications. These advanced general-purpose UHF tags leverage the same HID Global engineering expertise to embed UHF technology in traditional ISO cards to help customers take the use of card identification systems to the next level so they can enjoy the convenience this technology brings to a traditional access control form factor.

The advance of UHF technology is creating incredible opportunities for organizations to promote a more productive, efficient, intelligent, and secure world. Where do you see this leading us? I'd love to hear your ideas as well. Add your comments below.

UHF and RFID Spell the Next Big Thing for Logistics

2011-10-25T17:40:19Z

Advancements in integrated chip and data storage technologies...

]]> ...have changed the world forever. We are now a global population connected in real time, sharing high-definition video from the palms of our hands. The incredible has become routine. UHF technology has the same potential to transform the RFID industry.

This month, the HID Global Identification Technologies (IDT) team is launching an expanded InLine Tag™ Ultra family of contactless transponders - the most advanced general-purpose UHF tags available. We believe UHF technology has the potential to transform the RFID industry, as it rips through barriers to faster processing and accelerated data transfer speeds, combined with high memory capability.
Organizations worldwide are applying UHF technology to logistics systems, providing enhanced oversight and management of assets and inventories.

For example, HID has observed a truckload of 500 tagged, metal kegs filled with liquid rolling at 12 mph passing reader stations at points of distribution and delivery. In this test, each individual keg was identified via its InLine Tag Ultra UHF tag. In just seconds, the entire load was accounted for with 100 percent accuracy. With results like these, simply put, the impact of accelerated data collection speed and improved accuracy promises tremendous returns for logistics systems empowered with UHF technology.

The InLine Tag Ultra portfolio greatly expands the potential application of UHF technology by providing increased reliability where less advanced tags fail. The tags include the patented HID Global 3D antenna, which deliver omnidirectional read ranges up to 26 feet on all materials, including metal. The tags' broadband capabilities meet worldwide standards, thus making international logistics processes and infrastructure simpler and more cost effective. All InLine Tag Ultra RFID transponders are compliant with EPC global-certified UHF Class 1 Gen 2 readers and provide 512-bit user memory with 128-bit EPC. The product family also features security that meets the most demanding applications, including automation, logistics, returnable transport items, and industrial waste management.

Organizations have just begun to scratch the surface of the possibilities for UHF applied to logistics systems. We expect the expanded availability and affordability of the HID UHF capabilities will open doors to more effective, efficient logistics practices.

Thwarting Rustlers: High Tech Meets the Old West

2011-10-18T18:04:54Z

Not just the stuff of dusty cowboy movies...

]]> ...authorities blame the recession on a recent rise in livestock thefts. Animal ID solutions from HID Global can help farmers protect their livestock and their livelihoods.

According to ABC News, rustling has made a major comeback, with cattle disappearing at a rate not seen in years. Even hog farmers, previously immune to theft, have had to increase security measures.

Worldwide, HID Identification Technologies (IDT) is helping protect cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock, with radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions for animal identification.

Tracking livestock via RFID tags has grown, primarily due to the technology's effectiveness in monitoring the movement of food products from point of origin through processing and distribution. This monitoring enables better control over the spread of disease or contamination.

HID Global is committed to providing robust RFID solutions that protect public health. We also recognize the potential of RFID technology - especially tags that may be implanted subcutaneously or via bolus - to help thwart rustlers. This means reduced losses for producers, and lower prices for consumers.

In total, the HID Global IDT division has delivered over one billion RFID tags worldwide with over a decade of innovative leadership in secure, contactless technology for a variety of RFID-enabled systems, including applications for industry and logistics, animal identification, and identification cards and inlays.

By deploying animal ID solutions across the globe, HID hopes to, once again, make rustling a thing of the past.