Discover how one Ibiza resort is using RFID technology and social media for free advertising

The Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel recently launched a social media campaign integrating Facebook and RFID
technology.

When guests check-in to the hotel, they are given the option to receive a wristband that can be synced with their Facebook profile. Rather than having to use a computer or carry their phone, vacationers can simply wear a wristband, walk by rfid-enabled facebook signs throughout the resort, and can be instantly “checked-in” on Facebook Places.

For vacationers, this saves time, and prevents having to carry around a phone all the time. But, for the hotel’s marketing personnel, it’s considered free advertising. If vacationers are constantly checking in and uploading photos and videos, their friends are bound to see it and may consider booking a future vacation.

While many social media campaigns utilize QR codes, and some even use NFC, it’s rare to find one that is soley-based on RFID. One that comes to mind is the campaign that Vail Ski Resort implemented last year, but can you think of any others? Let us know by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

Barcoding Inc.’s Executive forum, focusing on technology in mobility, barcoding, RFID and warehouse/supply chain logistics, features keynote speakers from Dunbar and Under Armour

On Monday, Aug. 15, Barcoding Inc. will be holding an Executive Forum, in conjunction with Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies and Ingram Micro. in order to showcase strategies for implementing new technology in mobility, barcoding, RFID and warehouse and supply chain logistics.

Today, our keynote speakers for the forum were announced—Kevin Dunbar, President and CEO of Dunbar Armored, and Eric Olsson, Senior Director of Distribution Systems will be sharing their tips of the trade. Designed for transportation, warehouse and supply chain executives, the event offers two tracks, “Transportation and Logistics,” and “Warehouse and Distribution Logistics.” Attendees will be given the opportunity to experiment with the latest Motorola handheld devices and even be entered to win tickets to the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix!

Read the full release, or register for the Barcoding Inc. Executive Forum.

Choosing a vehicle-mount computer can be tricky, but these tips should help guide you to a decision.

Size Matters
When investing in a new vehicle-mount computer (VMC), it’s especially important to consider the screen size and the dimensions of the VMC itself. Finding a VMC that’s the right size has a major impact on forklift operators and their overall visibility. Typically, demo units or to-size cut-outs are available for testing before investing. Exploring different mounting options to ensure the highest visibility, of both the screen and windshield, should also be done as a precautionary measure—no one wants a VMC that blocks off the majority of their view.

Resolve to Get the Right Resolution
In addition to the size of the device and size of the screen, screen resolution is of the utmost importance. VMC’s measure their screen resolution in NITs, a unit of measurement of light in candles per meter square, or Cd/m2. The higher the NIT amount of a display, the easier it is to read, even in direct sunlight. Consider your warehouse facility, in addition to if the majority of your data collection is done inside or outside, in order to determine screen resolution and brightness.

Pick a Partner
If you’ve narrowed down some options for a new VMC, but still aren’t exactly sure what to get, choose a partner that will be able to honestly assess your needs and make a recommendation. Barcoding Inc. offers a variety of different VMCs, even the latest in technology, such as the LXE Thor. The Thor VMC offers a 400 NIT indoor display and a 900 NIT outdoor display for easy visibility. Learn more about LXE and their products here, or, ask about other warehouse operations solutions.

A branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art has implemented RFID for art preservation and climate control.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York recently decided to use battery-powered RFID tags for data collection purposes concerning the environment that the artwork is displayed in. Eventually, this data will be used to monitor climactic changes and adjust climate controls so they stay at an ideal level for the preservation of the artwork. Climate control is crucial, as artwork is extremely sensitive to environmental changes.

The Cloisters, a branch of the Met that features medieval art and architecture, recently implemented an RFID-based climate control system. Acting as a test site, the greatest challenge at the Cloisters was creating a system that could monitor conditions throughout different parts of the facility, encompassing all of its artwork. By using a wireless solution with a low-power mote sensor, the sensors were easy to install and would last between 5-8 years, allowing for an easy to maintain process.

Approximately seven different rooms throughout the Cloisters had 100 sensors installed in order to measure climactic factors such as temperature, humidity, airflow levels, air quality, door positions and light levels. Once conditions are measured, the sensors forward data to a cloud-based system that then applies 3D models in order to determine airflow and measure temperature highs and lows throughout the room. Should any unusual measurement be recorded, the system can automatically issue e-mail alerts, allowing staff to quickly address any potential problems.

After a sufficient amount of data is collected and analyzed from the Cloisters, the art’s status will also be tracked in order to ultimately obtain 100 percent coverage throughout the museums.

Learn more about RFID technology here.

While we’ve discussed barcoded patient wristbands, what about patients that need a bit more care? Infants can get barcoded wristbands just like the rest of us, but, according to a recent post from the Zebra Blog, some nurses fear that using new materials may not be safe for infants.

For years, barcodes have been printed on vinyl wristbands, since vinyl is non-abrasive and hypoallergenic, ensuring that a newborn’s skin won’t be damaged. Now, soft nylon materials are used, but since infants have such small wrists, there’s not much room on the wristband for information; hence, the need for barcodes.

When choosing wristbands for use on infants, check to make sure they are soft, adjustable and of course, scannable- a wristband with a flat surface print area that allows for easy barcode scanning from different angles is best.

For more information on barcode wristbands for infants, learn more here.