TAGSYS RFID, the leading provider of item-level inventory management systems that streamline the supply chain, today announced it has signed an agreement with RYB, a leader in products for the transport of gas, water, electricity, telecommunications, irrigation and geothermal, to supply industrialized RFID technology to support RYB’s ELIOT (Equipment for Localization and Identification by Object Technology) program, a unique approach to detecting underground infrastructure at depths up to 1.5 meters with extreme accuracy through any kind of surface. The agreement includes ruggedized custom-made RFID tags to be placed on underground assets providing new levels of visibility for pipes and conduit location and monitoring to avoid accidental damage and allow rapid detection of problems throughout infrastructure networks.

The project involves RFID technology developed and prototyped at CEA-LETI (Grenoble) and industrialized by TAGSYS for RYB.

The RFID tags and systems for the program must meet stringent requirements, including the ability to operate in extreme environmental conditions; provide accurate transmissions through earth, concrete and other materials; operate with efficient power consumption and on specific frequency ranges utilized by ELIOT; and connect to an integrated monitoring system for each utility network. In addition, the RFID tags must operate effectively while contained in a protective and hermetically sealed housing while mounted on 20 by 1000mm pipe. The tags must be compatible with all types of conduit materials, including polyethylene, cast iron, PVC, concrete, and steel.

“Our ELIOT solution is a highly specialized and complex combination of technologies and materials. Accurate wireless sensing, within a few centimeters, through RFID technology is the critical element in the solution. We are happy to be working with TAGSYS to provide us with the devices that meet the needs of this innovative approach, both on the individual tags level and their ability to work within the complete system, at low cost,” said Marc-Antoine BLIN, President of RYB.

The aim of ELIOT (www.eliot-technology.com), which has already won numerous awards for industrial innovation, is to improve the safety, security and accessibility of underground infrastructure. Disruption of underground pipes due to unreliable detection methods and incomplete or inaccurate location information results in huge losses both in economic terms and human and material resources. The RYB solution provides new levels of visibility and accuracy for locating, monitoring and communicating information about critical utility networks. Such detection capabilities should become mandatory in France with new laws requiring greater visibility and accessibility by utility providers and construction contactors.

“This is a challenging application for RFID technology that is being solved for the first time by TAGSYS. We are applying our 15 years of experience with RFID and expertise in the physics of wireless sensing to address the unique requirements of visibility of underground pipes. The result will be significant saving in money and resources, as well as prevention of life-threatening accidents due to a lack of accurate information,” said Alain Fanet, CEO of TAGSYS.

About RYB

Founded in 1962 at the heart of the French Alps, RYB is a specialized manufacturer of polyethylene systems and a major European player in the fields of water, gas, electricity and telecom. With three industrial sites, RYB has experienced constant and sustained development in recent years. The company produces more than 50,000 kilometers of pipes yearly and is highly specialized in polymer transformation for building and construction applications. The company is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, with a strong quality and environmental policy. Its investment in research and development as well as equipment and human resources allow it to innovate in constantly evolving markets. For more information, go to www.ryb.fr.

About TAGSYS

TAGSYS RFID is transforming the way to connect, communicate and interact with goods. We provide item-level inventory management systems that streamline the supply chain. This enables companies to control pricing strategies, increase sales and improve customer satisfaction. For more than 15 years, TAGSYS has established a proven track record in deploying RFID systems in demanding environments. We have implemented RFID-based systems to more than 500 customers in 40 countries. TAGSYS leads the industry with the largest R&D investment to expand the potential of RFID. More information on TAGSYS can be found at www.tagsysrfid.com.