Abstract: Enhanced product tracking, in which a data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying a pharmaceutical, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the pharmaceutical. Tracking also includes receiving a tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data from a second supply management device; and establishing a data conversion interface between the second supply management device and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the tracking request.

Abstract: Agricultural data collection and management, such as for tracking a product in a supply chain. A data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying the product, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the product. A product tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data is received from a second supply management device. A data conversion interface is established between the second supply management device, and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the product tracking request.

Abstract: Enhanced product tracking, in which a data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying a pharmaceutical, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the pharmaceutical. Tracking also includes receiving a tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data from a second supply management device; and establishing a data conversion interface between the second supply management device and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the tracking request.

Abstract: Enhanced product tracking, in which a data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying a pharmaceutical, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the pharmaceutical. Tracking also includes receiving a tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data from a second supply management device; and establishing a data conversion interface between the second supply management device and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the tracking request.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining source anonymity while providing food item source verification to substantiate a label claim, such as Country of Origin (COOL) labeling. A database, such as a transactional event database, records a private entity ID including events related to the labeling; and shipping and receiving events. One or more data view, such as a relational database data mart, is constructed from the event data so that a public ID replaces the entity private ID. In an authorized audit, the public ID is decoded to the private ID.

Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for livestock data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. Individual animal data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The BeefLink™ software includes components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for livestock data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. Individual animal data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The BeefLink™ software includes components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: A portable radio frequency identification reader for collecting livestock information. The reader includes an infrared switch, multi-colored status lights, and audio feedback from a host computer for confirming receipt of data.

Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for livestock data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. The preferred embodiment includes unique radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders for each animal; unique RFID transponders for animal events; default event data capability; a portable and wireless RFID reader to read the animal and event transponders; a multiple input/output device to accept the reader signals and livestock measurement data and to communicate by means of a wireless radio communication to a host computer; a feedback signal from the host computer to acknowledge receipt of data; BeefLink™ software to provide data gathering, storage, and query support, and a protocol converter to facilitate the transfer and sharing of data between different livestock databases.

Abstract: A portable, durable, easy-to-use, safety-oriented, long-life apparatus for reading radio frequency identification transponders is described. This apparatus is well-suited for use in connection with livestock data collection and management. The preferred embodiment includes a single wound radio frequency identification antenna coil; a radio frequency transmitter; a power control, system timing and driver including a low battery indicator, and an optical switch; a rechargeable battery; a main power switch; an infrared activation switch; a radio frequency link antenna, a receiver analog section, a micro controller, an exciter drive and a read switch; and audio feedback to confirm receipt of data.

Abstract: An efficient method and system for manual data entry into an integrated livestock management and data collection system is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. The preferred embodiment includes a data card having a unique animal identification bar code for each animal; code cards showing abbreviated codes to be used when completing the data card; an individual animal radio frequency identification device having a unique code for the animal which corresponds to the unique animal identification bar code for the animal contained on the data card; a visual identification tag that contains a unique code to uniquely identify an animal; a bar coded event/detail listing; a bar code scanner for reading the bar codes on the data card; and BEEFLINK™ software as the integrated electronic database or system for processing and keeping track of the information.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of electronic identification of bovine animals and other species. The method implants an electronic transponder subcutaneously in the leg of an animal, between the deep digital flexor tendon and the large metatarsal bone. The transponder is implanted between approximately one and six inches above the dew claw. The transponder is positioned so that it has a substantially vertical orientation when the animal is standing, making this method of insertion more reliable, since the implant can be accurately and more easily measured or scanned. Data representative of both the animal's identity and characteristics (e.g., temperature, activity, ownership, origin, etc.) can be monitored and/or recorded.