Friday, September 15, 2006
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)
What is RFID?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, a technology with its roots in World War II. Today, Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID is emerging as a premier technology for automating the identification and tracking of commodities and collecting valuable information on their whereabouts, contents, physical state and more. Organizations in Retail, Defense, Transportation, Healthcare and other industries are increasingly employing RFID technology to bring new efficiencies to supply chains, track assets, ensure product quality and consumer safety, protect the integrity of their brands, promote security and more.
Intelligence at the Network Edge
Among the most compelling aspects of RFID is its ability to extend intelligence to the edge of enterprise networks. RFID allows for individual items to have a unique identifier and can identify many items at once. Hence RFID can collect large volumes of actionable data each second from immense numbers of RFID-tagged items as they move across conveyors, through dock doors and even off of store shelves. As part of a network, RFID systems enable the first step towards integrating that valuable information into enterprise systems and processes where it can be analyzed and used to trigger decisions and actions.
How RFID Works
A RFID system has several components including chips, tags, readers and antennas. In its simplest form, a small silicon chip is attached to a small flexible antenna to create a tag. The chip is used to record and store information. When a tag is to be read, the reader (which also uses an antenna) sends it a radio signal. The tag absorbs some of the RF energy from the reader signal and reflects it back as a return signal delivering information from the tag's memory.
RFID Range UHF
RFID systems communicate using frequencies around 900MHz with a maximum read range of 10 meters (approximately 30 feet) under ideal conditions. This makes UHF RFID a promising solution for reading pallets and cartons off of conveyors or in portals from a distance. But this capability does not in any way preclude UHF from near field and near contact applications as UHF systems can be easily tailored to meet lower range requirements. This can be accomplished by reducing power at the reader, reducing the size of the reader antenna, and/or reducing the size of the tag antenna.
RFID Tags
RFID tags are designed and produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, dependent on application requirements. As UHF RFID has a large maximum read range to begin with, using extremely small tags for such applications as near field item level tracking (where tags may reside under bottles caps or behind product labels, for example) is promising. Applications such as pallet or case level tracking of commodities on conveyors or passing through portals, and read from a distance typically require larger tags.
RFID Readers
RFID readers are generally composed of a computer and a radio. The computer manages communications with the network, allowing tag data to be communicated to enterprise software applications such as ERP systems. The radio controls communication with the tag, typically using a language dictated by a published protocol such as the EPC Class 1 specification. This particular protocol, one of several in use, is the most common language used by tags in supply chain applications.
Advanced RFID Readers
Advanced readers, such as the new Alien ALR-9800, differ from basic readers in three dimensions: remote management, reader coordination and optimal read range. First, advanced readers provide for remote management on the company network. Second, advanced readers have sophisticated mechanisms to provide for the coordination of readers when many units are used in the same environment. These mechanisms help avoid interference and provide for coordinated operations. Finally, more advanced readers have advanced receiver designs that provide for the best possible read range.
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
RFID is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many different RFID applications, each with its distinct requirements, and new applications emerge quickly. Alien Technology combines vision, applications expertise, a flexible set of products and services, and adherence to interoperability and regulatory standards to address the manifold needs of today's RFID customers.
Supply Chain
RFID has emerged as a premier solution for tracking raw materials, work in progress and finished goods through the global supply chain. Embraced first for its cost reduction and accuracy advantages, RFID is regarded as a way to bring visibility and intelligence to the very edge of the enterprise-right down to the individual conveyor, forklift, portal, shipping vehicle and shelf. Hence in addition to reduced time and labor costs, ROI can flow from such benefits as:
#Reduction in out-of-stock problems
#Automated proof-of-delivery and reduced chargebacks
#Enhanced consumer safety and reduced liability
#Improved theft and threat protection
#More timely and more granular business intelligence
#Better product quality and improved sales
Success Drivers
Today's supply chains are immense and complex constructs and the volume of materials and goods flowing through them is staggering. The success drivers for RFID in this dynamic environment include low-cost tags that can be produced in large quantities, interoperable and highly flexible reader solutions, compliance with regional regulatory standards to enable global deployment, and the ability to integrate RFID systems and data seamlessly with enterprise systems and overarching business processes.
Alien Technology is meeting these demands today, starting with low cost UHF RFID tags available-a position enabled by our patented FSA® high-volume manufacturing process. Alien also supplies RFID readers suited for the full range of supply chain environments, including multi-protocol readers for mixed populations of tags, readers compliant with World regularity standards, and Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) readers and tags for accurate extended distance reads and for temperature monitoring and other sensor-driven applications. Alien readers are also enterprise-ready-i.e.: optimized for integrating supply chain data into enterprise networks and processes. This includes the ability to integrate Alien readers with IBM's Web Sphere RFID Device Infrastructure (WRDI) and with Microsoft's RFID Services Platform.
Wrapping around Alien's technologies and products is a set of educational and professional services and implementation and software partners. In concert with these partners and by ourselves, Alien has been integral to numerous supply chain management implementations in multiple industries-thus building a base of practical knowledge that is open to customers around the world seeking new supply chain efficiencies.
Brand Authentication
Counterfeit brands have become a sad fact of life for many industries. The apparel and entertainment industries have been particularly hard hit as counterfeit brands bleed off substantial sales and damage carefully crafted brand images. In such industries as pharmaceuticals, counterfeits also threaten consumer safety. And for unsuspecting retailers, they can pose serious liability issues.
RFID is potentially a powerful brand protection solution, capable of identifying product pedigree and ensuring brand legitimacy down to the individual item level. Because it is a cost-effective solution for automating brand authentication it is also capable of contributing to lower overall product and operational costs.
Success Drivers
Brand authentication, particularly down to the case and item level, requires the use of low cost RFID tags. Expertise in RFID label design and placement is also critical, as is the ability to interface with enterprise systems and to deploy globally.
Alien Technology provides an assortment of RFID tags and labels (including very small tags for item level tagging) and a flexible range of RFID readers/writers optimized for brand authentication-from the manufacturing line to the retailer. A spectrum of read ranges is supported, as is the ability to tag and successfully read from individual items containing liquids and metals. The ability to integrate with enterprise systems and processes is built into our RFID readers' underlying technology platform, and regulatory-compliant Alien RFID readers are available for worldwide deployment.
Cold Chain Management
Produce, packaged foods, meat and poultry products, seafood, flowers, and chemicals, sensitive pharmaceuticals-anything that is frozen or that has to stay within strict temperature parameters-this is the realm of cold chain management. As producers, carriers and retailers are discovering, RFID is an invaluable asset in ensuring the quality and safety of perishables by providing visibility into environmental conditions during shipment and storage.
Rather than waiting for the spoiled product to reach the customer, RFID provides real-time data that can be analyzed across all nodes of the cold chain. This is achieved through tagging shipments on a pallet and case level rather then the traditional truck or container level. The tag travels with the pallet from manufacturer/grower through the distribution center to the store creating a single temperature record that can be used to pinpoint problems, assign liability and take immediate preventive measures.
Success Drivers
By coupling low cost RFID and advanced sensor technology, Alien's Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID enables cost effective, automated cold chain management. Complete cold chain automation means that at every touch point there is a seamless data collection opportunity without human intervention. More data about product condition translates into safer and higher quality products for the consumer.
Alien Technology provides RFID systems that enable BAP tags to be read at distances of up to 30 meters. In cold chain, long read distance translates into higher margin RFID. High margin in RFID means that difficult to read products, such as products with high water content (most cold chain items), are read more successfully. Traditionally hard to tag items such as produce and liquid pharmaceuticals pose no challenge to Alien BAP systems.
While the Alien BAP-based system in recent pilots, customers found it to be a solution for monitoring the condition of frozen foods and produce during transportation. Similarly, a technology demonstration by the US Army established that Alien BAP can be used not only to track condition throughout the supply chain but also to more accurately calculate MRE shelf life based on actual storage conditions.
Asset Tracking
The sheer volume of assets in a supply chain-many of which are reusable-is just the tip of the asset management challenge. So often timing is critical, as when a pipeline company ships components from multiple countries to a major project, with each shipment taking weeks or even months. If a crucial component misses the ship and that fact isn't discovered until unloading, then the entire project might slip weeks or months.
RFID assists in determining the location of valuable assets and the transit timing and condition, providing continual timely, actionable information. Enterprises in manufacturing, agriculture, retail, construction, equipment and fleet rentals, defense, aviation, fulfillment and more can all benefit from this ability to track, trace and know in real time.
Success Drivers
For automated asset tracking via RFID to be effective, the technology platform needs to provide for extended range, sensor capabilities, and memory. Often, access is limited to the objects being tracked. And frequently, the ability to monitor for shock, vibration and tampering is key. Tag memory is important in order to store sensor data as well as individual asset information.
All this points to the use of Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID. Alien Technology offers long range, low power RFID systems based on BAP technology. Our BAP tags and readers extend the range over which an asset can be identified to up to 30 meters. Alien BAP tags support inputs from sensors for temperature, humidity, shock, vibration and tampering.
Just as important, Alien provides both expertise and experience in the application of BAP RFID technology. This includes offering educational and professional services starting with BAP technical consulting and site surveys and extending to project management.
Emerging Application
When it comes to compelling new applications, the RFID world is wide open. Here are just a few of the emerging applications in which Alien Technology is engaged.
Automotive Assembly-Tracking Work in Progress
Automotive and other large item manufacturers are looking to RFID as a way to track manufacturing progress. For example, a tag is applied to an automobile or truck chassis on the assembly line, and as new components are added, the tag is updated to eventually reflect a finished product or sub-assembly.
Automated Self Service
Organizations are increasingly looking at RFID as a way to reliably automate self-service kiosks and gift shops in hotels, resorts, schools, airports and other public places. Small ticket items such as souvenirs and notions can be individually RFID-tagged to help automate self-checkout and payment and to avoid shrinkage.
Reusable Assets-Reusable Plastic Container Tracking
Distribution centers that perform "pick and pack" operations frequently utilize reusable plastic containers (RPCs). These can be cost-effectively RFID-tagged for reliable tracking purposes, as can pallets and many other types of shipping containers.
Package Tracking
Third-party logistics companies such as overnight shippers are investigating RFID as an inexpensive package tracking solution suitable for mass deployment. Packages and other shipments can be affordably tagged and reliably tracked and traced worldwide.
Note: Alien Technology
Monday, August 07, 2006
PROPOSAL
Aquatic Plant Harvesting
RINGLET DAM CAMERON HIGHLANDS
BY
ALAM RIMBA SDN BHD
TANAH RATA , CAMERON HIGHLANDS
The Challenge
Ringlet Dam, Cameron Highlands is the highest inland lake in peninsular Malaysia at a height of 5,500metre. It covers nearly 80 acres of lake water. The lake serves as a valuable resource to the region providing hydroelectric power, farming water mitigation and to a lesser extent, a local tourist attraction (or used to be). However the lake of recent years has been devastated by the water hyacinth infestation to a point of serious water curtailment to supply enough water for hydro turbine which it was meant to be initially. Coupled with serious silting of the general lake area, the water hyacinth problem now posed a danger to all quarters associated to it.
In the recent past, the universal answer has almost always been to treat water hyacinths with herbicides, which was viewed as an instant solution. However the environmental side effects in populated farming area of Ringlet render the solution unacceptable.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) is a free floating water plant that is native to South America. It can vary in size from a few inches tall to over three feet. This plant has blue-green leaves, thick stalks and a showy purple or lavender flower. It thrives in tropical regions and in waters that are high in nutrients.
The main way water hyacinth reproduces is for a mother plant to send out a stalk which grows a daughter plant, which matures and sends out another daughter plant, and so on. It is common to find several generations among one stand of hyacinths, as the plants often remain entangled in a large mass. Hyacinths can also reproduce through seed, but the seeds must germinate in very shallow, muddy areas. A seed dropped in relatively deep water is unlikely to ever grow. Rarer still is the possibility of the hyacinth to regenerate from a plant fragment. It may be able to do so, but it would take ideal conditions and several months for a whole plant to form.
Although no one is sure exactly when the water hyacinth first entered the Ringlet Lake, the lake surface is now heavily covered and estimated at 99.9% of its surface. This has been a recurring problems to authority as the previous experience in eradicating has not been successful .In our observation, this is due to no long term solution in place as eradication is done on adhoc basis. As opposed to the plant growth which will multiply upon non maintenance of the situation rapidly. In the event of non programmed maintenance schedule is accorded in mitigating this invasive plant, the end result will be a financial burden that will multiple the real cost worked out, if tackled conclusively on the outset.
The Solution
Alam Rimba Sdn Bhd offers a mechanical solution to this problem, using specialty equipment. This equipment has been proven to be effective under varied harsh conditions else where the mechanical method of weed management allows the user selective control; the equipment works only where we direct it to work. The benefits include reduced vegetation growth and nutrient removal .Another plus factor is the safety aspect when considering working high security a place such as this hydro dam Our initial offer is to use one aquatic plant harvester and one shore based unloading conveyor for the debris.
The Harvester is a heavy duty aquatic vegetation cutter that features two blades at the front which measure 2.4 meters across. It has a 234 horsepower engine and can easily shred trees up to 15 cm in diameter. (Details is approximate and to be correct upon pre contract negotiation).
The harvester has the ability to carry two tons of vegetation on board in a single load. Depending on the weight and volume of the vegetation and the distance to the shore, the harvester can potentially remove 5 to 8 loads of chopped hyacinths in eight hours. We intend to surround our work area with floating booms and ascertain the acreage to be chopped each day. This will make it easier for the harvester to drive around inside the boomed area to collect and remove chopped hyacinths.
Water hyacinth is made up of about 95 percent water and only 5 percent solids. While the harvester will be used to remove much of the chopped hyacinth, a small amount will sink before it can be collected. The plant matter left behind in the lake will slowly decompose, thus slowly releasing and recycling nutrients back into the water.
These nutrients were originally drawn from the water. The lake is large enough and deep enough to quietly absorb the minor nutrient recycling that this project will engender. No toxic substances are being introduced into the lake, and no new nutrients are being added to the water.
This proposed project is the beginning of a solution. There is no instant fix, no magic pill, bug, chemical, machine, or technology that is going to make the problem go away quickly. The proposed focused and long term maintenance approach that ARSB proposed is the proper way to proceed with the lake restoration. This chopping and removal program is a useful and productive technique.
ARSB proposed the disposal of the water hyacinth on short term basis and the post remedial process to rejuvenate the lake surface to original quality and subsequent maintenance.The proposals are as under:
1. The harvesting of all water hyacinth plant by means of a
Mechanical floating harvester
2. Extraction from the lake by means of conveyor system to on land silo
3. Dehydration process of plants prior to removal and carting away
to approved dump sites
4. Carting away of residue.
METHODOLOGY AND COST IMPLICATION
The Harvester
The cost structures of this proposal rely heavily on specially designed floating Harvester vessel. This vessel will be imported and assembled at site. The purchase of this vessel is essential as past experience dictates that water hyacinth in the lake site regenerate very rapidly .This is due to the conducive growth enhancement of the lake water made suitable by the abundance of substance accumulated as residual to farming manuring process from the farmlands which in turn flowed into the dam by the inlet river ways.
The Harvester is needed to continuously scour the lake surface at intervals, after the initial harvest has been completed. This will be done periodically if the reemergence of this invasive plant is to be put in checked constantly. It has to be stressed here that the water hyacinth problem is universal to lakes all over .The use of chemical eradication is banned through out because of the obvious adverse effect to water and biological environment.
The Conveyor
The conveyor is most practical as the amounts needed to be hauled up the dam’s walls are practically a tedious process. Furthermore the sites designated as collection point is limited because a large area must be allocated as temporary staging points prior to carting away the waste.
The Staging Point
The staging point can double as temporary sieving area. As mentioned earlier, the plant is 95% water and only 5% substance. The dehydration of the grinded plants is needed prior to carting away the residual.
The Dump Sites
Designated dump its must be made available as we are aware that odors do emanates from the decaying plants. As such sites is recommended to be a smelling distance away to dwelling although the biological odor is relatively minimal and non toxic to human.
Proposed Cost
Alam Rimba Sdn Bhd is willing to undertake the harvesting of water plants by means of a mechanical harvester, collecting and carting away to an approved designated dump site at a contract sum of RM 8,000,000 ( Ringgit Malaysia Eight Millions Only). The initial cost is inclusive of consultation works and commissioned studies undertaken.
Subsequently ARSB undertakes the maintenance of the lake from recurring with such plant growth for a period of 24 months. This will be at a cost of RM 50,000 per month.
The initial harvesting is expected to be completed within 6 months from commissioning of the harvester at site. Mode of payment are as follow:
a. 30% upon contract
b. 30% upon commissioning works starts
c. 40% upon complete harvest (progress)
d. RM 50,000 per month for subsequent 24 months maintenance of
lake surface
The contract has to be packaged into the 24 months maintenance period in order for the job to be cost effective for ARSB to undertake in view of the heavy initial cost outlay.
Email: alamrimbasb@yahoo.com
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
MY RESUME
PERSONAL DETAILS
NAME : HAJI AZMAN BIN HAJI AHMAD
ADDRESS : EG-11 CARNATION PARK, 39000 TANAH RATA,
CAMERON HIGHLANDS, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR
TELEFON : 05-4914914
FAX : 05-4914070
H/PHONE : 012-5012867
I.C : 631217-04-5439
D.O.B : 17th DECEMBER 1963
STATUS : MARRIED
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (1996-2000) – BERKELEY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, CALIFORNIA, USA
SIJIL TINGGI PELAJARAN MALAYSIA (1990),
OFFICER CADET SCHOOL, PORT DICKSON (1981-1982)
SIJIL PELAJARAN MALAYSIA (1980) – SEKOLAH ISKANDAR SHAH, JASIN, MALACCA
SIJIL RENDAH PELAJARAN (1978) – SEKOLAH ISKANDAR SHAH, JASIN, MALACCA
FAMILY BACKGROUND
WIFE NAME : HAJJAH MARIA BINTI HAJI MAZLAN
I.C : 640614-06-5294
D.O.B : 14th JUNE 1964
CHILDRENS
1. HAWA AZIAH (18) -UNISEL, BESTARI JAYA
2. HANA NABILAH (16) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C. HIGHLANDS
3. HUDA AMIRA (14) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C.HIGHLANDS
4. HANI NAZIHA (13) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C. HIGHLANDS
5. HAZWA MAHIRA (11) -SK TANAH RATA, C. HIGHLANDS
6. HAIDA MUNIRA (9) -SK TANAH RATA, C.HIGHLANDS
7. HAFNI ADIBA (5)
8. AHMAD ZAKI (5 MTH)
TELEFON : 05-4914914
FAX : 05-4914070
H/PHONE : 012-5012867
I.C : 631217-04-5439
D.O.B : 17th DECEMBER 1963
STATUS : MARRIED
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING (1996-2000) – BERKELEY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, CALIFORNIA, USA
SIJIL TINGGI PELAJARAN MALAYSIA (1990),
OFFICER CADET SCHOOL, PORT DICKSON (1981-1982)
SIJIL PELAJARAN MALAYSIA (1980) – SEKOLAH ISKANDAR SHAH, JASIN, MALACCA
SIJIL RENDAH PELAJARAN (1978) – SEKOLAH ISKANDAR SHAH, JASIN, MALACCA
FAMILY BACKGROUND
WIFE NAME : HAJJAH MARIA BINTI HAJI MAZLAN
I.C : 640614-06-5294
D.O.B : 14th JUNE 1964
CHILDRENS
1. HAWA AZIAH (18) -UNISEL, BESTARI JAYA
2. HANA NABILAH (16) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C. HIGHLANDS
3. HUDA AMIRA (14) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C.HIGHLANDS
4. HANI NAZIHA (13) -SMK SULTAN AHMAD SHAH, C. HIGHLANDS
5. HAZWA MAHIRA (11) -SK TANAH RATA, C. HIGHLANDS
6. HAIDA MUNIRA (9) -SK TANAH RATA, C.HIGHLANDS
7. HAFNI ADIBA (5)
8. AHMAD ZAKI (5 MTH)
email : azmanahaji@yahoo.com


