Savi names first participants in RFID E-Seal licensing program
There are 200 million cargo containers traveling the world each year — and the number is growing; Savi, a Lockheed Martin company, has developed a protection system for these containers, and six companies have licensed the technology
More than 90 percent of the world’s trade is carried by containers. This is about 200 million containers a year — and growing. Protecting these cargo containers is big business, and one business, we note, which cought the eye of the big hitters early on. Mountain View, California-based Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin company and provider of radio frequency identification (RFID)-based asset management solutions, said that there are alread six companies that have agreed to license Savi’s intellectual property, which is now incorporated into the new global standard (ISO 18185) for electronic cargo seals (e-Seals). E-Seals are an emerging class of active RFID devices with built-in security and tracking features aiming to enhance security and efficiency of in-transit cargo containers. More than 90 percent of the world’s trade is now carried in such containers.
E-Seals combine mechanical locks with wireless RFID communication systems which automatically notify users about security breaches and container locations. Program participants gain access to Savi’s patent-protected technology which governs how how these active, battery-powered RFID tags communicate with readers.
The U.S. SAFE Port Act of 2006 calls for DHS to define the voluntary use of container security devices in accordance with international standards. DHS considers ISO 18185 (International Standardization Organization), which enables interoperability of products from multiple vendors, as an applicable container security standard. Companies named as authorized licensees of Savi’s e-Seal RFID patents around ISO 18185 are:
* Carrollton, Texas-based Axcess International, a provider of dual-active RFID and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)
* Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Evigia Systems, specializing in leveraging sensors directly onto integrated circuits, enabling customers to increase functionality for the management of the logistical supply chain
* Malysia-based Envotech, provider of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and training services for defense, law enforcement, and civilian organizations
* Lustenau, Austria-based Identec Solutions, specializing in long-range wireless tracking and tracing solutions
* Seoul, South Korea-based KPC, provider of information technology services and products, such as active RFID
* Irving, texs-based SAVR Communications, creator of standardized RF systems and active tags
