RFID Journal LIVE! 2024: Real-Time Intelligence: Visibility Into Everything Sessions

By James Hickey, Managing Editor, RFIDJournal.com

The intersection of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) introduces new possibilities for data analysis, automation, and decision-making.

Real-time intelligence is undergoing an accelerated pace of innovation, giving instantaneous insights to redefine decision-making processes across sectors. The Real-Time Intelligence: Visibility Into Everything sessions at RFID Journal LIVE!, the company’s annual conference and exhibition being held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV from April 9-11, will feature many different benefits from retail to financing to archeological digs, the future of real-time intelligence is shape before your eyes. Experience the era of real-time intelligence at RFID Journal LIVE! 2024, gaining a comprehensive understanding of operations like never before.

Don't miss this unprecedented opportunity to join industry leaders and pioneers at RFID Journal LIVE!'24. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of RFID and IoT technologies. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this thrilling journey of exploration and transformation!

Below is the schedule for the Real-Time Intelligence: Visibility Into Everything sessions taking place on April 9 in Room 357.

Beyond Apparel: Lessons From Expanding RFID Deployment to Non-Apparel Categories

Time: 9:45-10:30 a.m.

Speakers: Senthilkumar CP, Director of Research and Technology, RFID Lab, Auburn University

Session Description: The experience of deploying RFID in apparel has been a topic of discussion for more than a decade. Recently, some major retailers are scaling expansion to include other critical retail departments. In this session gain an understanding of the lessons learned from those deployments, including source tagging, reader infrastructure, packaging and the role of suppliers.

RFID Journal Live

Cash is King: Improving Visibility of Financial Assets with IoT and RFID, a RFID Journal 2024 Awards Finalist Session

Time: 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Speakers: Lance Decker, General Engineer, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration/U.S. Department of Transportation

Session Description: Cash continues to be a vital payment method within the United States monetary system, and the use of money continues to grow. With the continued use of cash in the U.S. economy, there is a need to transfer cash from banks to retailers and retailers to banks. To avoid robbery while transporting cash, retailers turn to armored truck couriers (ATCs) to securely move that cash. In addition, banks use ATCs to transport cash between bank branches and with the Federal Reserve Bank. All transactions within the cash management industry have a chain of custody requirement where one entity transfers the liability of the cash to the receiver. A cash shipment may require ten or more custody transfers before being finally delivered to the appropriate endpoint. In this session, gain an understanding of how RFID can be used to provide complete system visibility and significantly decreases operational costs. Learn how an RFID-based sorting robot reduces error and prevents bags from being sorted multiple times by different tellers within bank branches. Hear how ATCs that deploy RFID within their branches save money, increase capacity, and improve cash visibility.

Improving Distribution Center Operations with RFID

Time: 11:40 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Speakers: Doug Harvel, Senior IT Distribution Analyst/Consultant, RFID Consulting

Session Description: Value-added services (VAS) can create a huge bottleneck when it comes to getting goods shipped. It is where hangers are added or removed, where items are placed in polybags and then removed, and where additional labels are applied to meet customer requests. VAS also adds additional steps and time in completing orders. Industry veteran Doug Harvel has more than 20 years' experience in manufacturing and distribution environments. In this session, he will share how value-added services can make it easier for distribution centers to maintain separate inventories for different customers' tag requirements.

Visually Aware Intelligence: Unlocking Real-Time Data with RFID

Time, Room: 1:00-1:40 p.m.

Speakers: Byron Blackburn, Founder and President, Blackburn Global

Session Description: The ability to monitor and track the movement of goods and materials in real-time is crucial to maintaining an efficient supply chain. The use of RFID technology is one of the most valuable tools any organization can implement to increase visibility, if used properly. In this session industry veteran Byron Blackburn will share lessons learned, as well as discussing how choosing the right technology can help overcome major roadblocks and problems, while providing ROI in less than 12 months. Gain an understanding of how blending tools together with one interface connected to existing enterprise systems can provide complete visually aware Intelligence.

Dinosaur Dig to Display: Transforming Asset Management in the Field

Time, Room: 1:50-2:30 PM

Speakers: Mike Klonsinski, President, Berntsen International

Session Description: When 347 fossil specimens were discovered on Standing Rock Sioux lands in South Dakota, the Earth Science Foundation (ESF) turned to technology to advance their fossil recovery operation. The ESF team led the excavation, documentation and handling of paleontological specimens and needed an innovative solution. In response to that need, InfraMarker RFID, HID and Esri ArcGIS joined forces to deliver best asset management practices. Learn how the solution uses the combined technology to improve field workflows, tracks, and traces bones from field to display, and aids dashboards for operations managers and remote stakeholders.

RFID in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Time, Room: 2:45-3:30 PM

Speakers: Akshay Bal, Global RFID Technology Expert, Brooks Automation

Session Description: This session will highlight the use of RFID technology in semiconductor manufacturing today, the potential for its growth in different applications and use cases. The semiconductor wafer fabrication process involves many intricate steps which need to be considered when designing an RFID based system for tracking of wafers, which involves implementation of LF/HF/UHF readers, antennas, and tags. This speaker will share potential new applications that could renew the adoption and engagement of RFID technology in the semiconductor industry.

Keynote Speakers

New for 2024, the keynotes will take center stage on Tuesday, April 9 hosted on the LIVE! Immersive Stage—an interactive platform situated as the focal point within the expo hall. This stage will not only host the enlightening keynotes but showcase immersive product demonstrations and the prestigious RFID Journal Awards.

The conference kicks off with an Opening Keynote - "Disruptive Technologies: The Future is Now." This enlightening panel discussion features industry leaders who will delve into the transformative impact of AI, IoT, and Machine Learning (ML).

Among the speakers are Brandon Woodruff of Delta Air Lines; Corey Cook of Lockheed Martin Advanced Technologies Concepts; and Cameron Worth of SharpEnd. The panel will be moderated by Bill Hardgrave, president, University of Memphis and Justin Patton, director, RFID Lab, Auburn University.

The a second panel will discuss the groundbreaking RFID deployments in corporate America: UPS' pioneering Smart Package Smart Facility (SPSF) initiative with the innovative UPS Smart Vehicle on the show floor

UPS' Jon Gurney Bell will unveil the visionary project, sharing insights into its objectives, achievements, and impact on logistics standards. Amy Lio of LVMH will shares how UPS is setting a new industry benchmark with optimized tracking, efficiency, and unparalleled customer experiences. Plus Jeffrey Radaker, MBA and the UPS team will be on hand to discuss how they are reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future.

These distinguished speakers and moderators promise to elevate the RFID Journal LIVE! 2024 experience, providing attendees with unparalleled insights and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with these industry luminaries and shape the future of RFID, IoT, and AI.