Press information
The trade fair EURO ID has developed into a platform for the AutoID, information technology and system technology sectors.
- Organiser IBC expands the area of ID technology as a key attraction
- Thematic expansion to include secure identity and card systems
- Business matching has developed into a core element for the trade fair
- European awards presented in four categories
The 6th industry trade fair in Cologne, EURO ID 2010, is an important platform for the AutoID market as the only cross-sector European AutoID trade fair. Around 100 exhibitors – manufacturers and suppliers of AutoID hardware and solutions, system integrators, suppliers of RFID software and middleware, as well as distributors from all areas of automated identification – presented their products and services to around 3,400 trade visitors from the 4 to 6 May in Cologne.
One successful feature was the “Tracking & Tracing Theatre” (T&TT). The industry association AIM, supported by Barcodat, Paul Craemer, Datamax-O'Neil, Deister Electronic, Feig Electronic, GS1 Germany, Psion Teklogix, SEP Logistik, Sick and Ubisense, was able to use the example of the automobile sector to demonstrate in a live scenario how the complete delivery chain can be made more transparent by using AutoID solutions. The use of Barcode, 2D-Code, Data Matrix Code and RFID in distribution centres, parts warehouses, production lines right through to loading, was demonstrated there in a realistic way. At the end of the live demonstration, the result was a Ford Fiesta marked with a standardized VIN label for correct loading onto ships, trucks and other modes of transport. The label carried the industry standard vehicle number (Vehicle Identification Number, VIN) and was able to be clearly identified by using barcode or RFID technology.
Alongside the T&TT, many visitors were able to find out more information about practical applications for this technology with the new AutoID spotlights. A check-in terminal presented by the company Höft + Wessel demonstrated how air passengers are able to confirm their identities using contactless smart cards fitted with RFID technology, print out their boarding cards and change their booking data. In an example fashion boutique from Gerry Weber, the companies Salt Solutions and Nordic ID demonstrated improvements to merchandise management processes, as well as electronic product security with the help of RFID tags sewn into the fashion articles.
Greater interaction proved very popular
Visitors were able to find out more information and hold discussions with sector experts in 26 specialist presentations in the User Forum, two half-day workshops and the live scenario of the T&TT. Ingo Keller, Sales Manager at TECTUS Transponder Technology GmbH from Moers, thought the trade fair precisely reflected the current situation in the AutoID scene. “It was not about imparting basic knowledge here or generating interest for AutoID technology. We have now managed to penetrate deep into the area of industrial application – customers use the technology, place great trust in its capabilities and are able to inspire each other. The reluctance to use RFID technology has now been clearly transcended.” According to Keller, this is shown by the company's double-digit growth in customer projects. He believes that the support of marketing activities using Internet-based tools is both important and useful: “It is vital that we expand the use of these technologies even further. These channels will be used intensively by younger customers in particular, and it is important that we become proficient in this area because it's certain to bring us many new promising contacts.”
The EURO ID trade fair was characterised by the high exchange of sector-specific knowledge
David Castillo Plaza, Development Manager for the product area Ferroxtag at the Spanish company Hispano Ferritas S.A. from Guadalajara, welcomed in particular the high proportion of trade visitors: “We are very pleased with the trade fair because we were able to present our products in an excellent way and make contact with customers. Gaining 50 good-quality leads is extremely unusual for one trade fair.”
5th European AutoID Awards
The renowned European AutoID Awards were presented for the fifth time during EURO ID 2010 by the trade fair's partners – the industry association AIM and IBC Informa Business Communication. Topex GmbH and InfoSight were given awards in the category “Optical Identification”. In the category “Secure Identity”, the award went to Daimler AG, while the award for “Innovative Company” was presented to m.i.k. IT GmbH. The award for the category “RFID” was accepted by Managing Director Dr Wilfried Weiss on behalf of Avus Services GmbH.
“Optical Identification” Award for heat-resistant labels
Topex GmbH is a specialist in individual component labelling and innovative production solutions. The company produces labels that are heat-resistant up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, for use in galvanizing processes. In this way, it delivers the only barcode solution for an entire industry. A further special feature is the company's protective laminate covering that prevents barcodes from being destroyed during sandblasting. At the same time, it also acts as paint protection that can be removed at a later date.
“Secure Identity” Award for Daimler AG, Mercedes Benz Factory Berlin
Daimler AG received the prize for its newest project – an RFID-supported engine carrier management system (MLT) at the Mercedes Benz Factory in Berlin Marienfelde. The system was successfully put into operation at the end of 2009. Empty engine carriers, fitted with passive UHF tags (ultra-high-frequency), are automatically registered in the factory stock system via an RFID gate when unloading onto the buffer areas for empties on their return journey from the company's assembly plants. An EPC conformer code is saved on the tags allowing for clear identification – the tags also carry information about the container serial numbers already used.
“Innovative Company” Award for m.i.k. IT
M.i.k. IT is a service company that specialises in RFID integration, RFID solutions and GPS tracking. The company impressed with its Organ Tracking System (OTS), which makes the process of organ transportation faster and more secure. The Munich-based company provides organ transponders plus a charging case and supports the organ transportation process through interactive monitoring. www.organtracking.de
“RFID” Award for avus Services GmbH #
Avus Services GmbH impressed the jury with their pabis system, a unique payment solution for the catering sector using RFID technology. In the pabis (payment by intelligent solution) system, all of the pieces of crockery are fitted with an RFID transponder which recognises the meals and transmits the data electronically by radio signals to the cash register. This speeds up work processes in canteens, prevents queues forming and reduces personnel costs. Another product available from the company is pabis light, an RFID solution for the sale of meals based on their weight. www.avus-services.de
EURO ID 2011 with new topics
The range of topics covered by the trade fair will be expanded next year to include the areas of secure identity and card systems. In this way, the trade fair organiser IBC, together with AIM, is sending out a clear signal to industry, research and politics: IT systems used in production and logistics, as well as the IT used in the background for new identification cards and other new ID cards for the automotive and banking sectors or in public authorities, will need to integrate coordinated supporting technologies in the future. Jens Oliver Mayer, Managing Director of IBC: “We see enormous potential for creating new areas of expertise in Germany and Europe through the interaction between AutoID, information and system technologies.”
Photographs of the trade fair and the award winners can be found at: www.konferenz.de/fotos-euroid2010 and www.konferenz.de/fotos-euroid2010-award
Author: Konrad Buck
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