FAA Tests Demonstrate Feasibility, Reliability of RFID for Airport Baggage Sorting and Security.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2000

SCS Corporation's 2.45 GHz tags yield near perfect read rates;

Technology easily integrated into existing airport systems

SCS Corporation, the leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for airport baggage management, today announced that FAA tests using its disposable RFID tags, hand held and fixed scanners, have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness and usability of RFID in baggage sorting and security functions.

The tests, performed by the FAA in multiple phases since 1997, were intended to evaluate commercially available RFID systems and their ability to support baggage tracking for security purposes currently under consideration by the FAA. If PPBM (positive passenger bag match) is implemented, airlines will ensure that passenger-checked baggage is not transported on an aircraft unless accompanied by the passenger. If a passenger fails to board the aircraft, all baggage checked by that passenger must be removed from that aircraft prior to departure.

According to the FAA, PPBM must be able to accurately reconcile passenger and baggage information. The FAA tests confirmed that the SCS enabling technology was not only fast and accurate, but it also was compatible with airline, airport and aircraft restrictions and systems. SCS technology also was easily integrated into existing baggage sorting operations.

In all tests, the SCS tags and systems achieved a near 100% accuracy rate reading tags and tracking baggage. The disposable tags proved sufficiently durable and the handheld readers were easy to use by baggage handling staff. The fixed readers, particularly the tilt tray system, which operates at a high speed of 374 feet per minute, performed extremely well, with near perfect read rates.

"This study demonstrates that RFID is a feasible and reliable technology - not only for PPBM, but to improve baggage management efficiency and increase airline customer satisfaction," said Frank Binzoni, VP Sales & Marketing, SCS Corporation. "Our enabling technology is much more efficient and cost effective than other identification technologies, and it essentially eliminates human error."

The SCS tags, which operate at 2.45 GHz, demonstrated that the frequency offers superior performance to existing frequencies being used by other manufacturers. "This reinforces our recommendation that if PPBM becomes a reality, it will be important that the frequency standards include 2.45 GHz," said Binzoni.

"I can say with certainty that the results were very conclusive," said Buzz Cerino RFID Test Director, Federal Aviation Administration. "In particular, the 2.45 GHz read performances were outstanding. When the simplicity, lower cost and overall ease of installation of the 2.45 GHz system is considered, one can conclude 2.45 GHz to be an optimum choice for baggage tracking and security purposes."

About SCS

SCS provides advanced enabling technology to industries that need fast, accurate and secure item tracking and identification systems. SCS develops and manufactures RFID (radio frequency identification) systems, which have superior read range and do not require line of sight. Individually programmable SCS tags are faster and more accurate than any existing identification technology. Unlike other RFID products, the small, flexible and durable design of the SCS tags allow for easy integration into existing identification systems. SCS provides RFID enabling technology to airlines and airports - including the Northwest Airlines terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - in order to improve baggage sorting and security functions. For more information visit http://www.SCS-Corp.com