Unified Information Devices is born
RIFI microchips and process-based readers for laboratory animal identification and tracking
WHO ARE WE
Headquartered in Lake Villa, Illinois, Unified Information Devices, Inc (UID) is a leading provider of radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions that empower researchers to generate higher quality data faster, accurately and consistently. UID combines advanced RFID technology with novel and proprietary software to facilitate the identification and tracking of research animals and laboratory items. Our innovative product line ranges from RFID microchips for lab animal identification and temperature measurements to home cage monitoring systems for evaluating rodent health and activity to an inventory system for accurate and secure tracking of controlled substances.
UID has a select team of biomedical scientists, software and hardware engineers and RFID experts who are among the best at what they do in their corresponding fields. Together we are committed to creating high-quality products and easy-to-use solutions to help scientists improve animal welfare, make significant discoveries and move science forward.
We provide complete IT installation and dedicated support to ensure that our RFID identification solutions integrate and communicate seamlessly across any Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), custom data management platform or software program.
OUR STORY
Unified Information Devices was founded by actual scientists and RFID industry leaders with a vision to bridge the gap between laboratory animal science and information technology by developing identification solutions to serve the needs of researchers across multiple scientific disciplines.
As scientists, UID founders became aware of the challenges researchers faced while performing routine laboratory processes, including animal identification, specimen tracking and data management. They noticed that many of these processes were labor-intensive and susceptible to errors due to manual data entry, which not only compromised data quality but also significantly increased research costs.
The introduction of cutting-edge RFID technology to the laboratory research industry was the perfect solution to improve process automation, facilitate data management and maintain the integrity and accuracy of study results. A refined mix of researchers with working knowledge of the drug development process, software and hardware engineers with extensive knowledge in computer network and infrastructure, and RFID experts was necessary to embark on the mission to develop quality products to help researchers simplify their work.
TECHNOLOGY
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology whereby digital data is encoded in small RFID tags or labels to be accessed by a reader at any time. When stimulated by an appropriate radio frequency transmission, these tags emit a wireless signal that sends the encoded data (i.e., unique ID, animal temperature or programmed data) to the RFID reader.
UID harnessed the power and usefulness of this technology to develop a line of innovative products for biomedical research to help automate data collection and streamline routine laboratory research processes. We provide implantable and external RFID transponders, microchips, labels, readers and custom software solutions designed to facilitate data collection with the highest degree of accuracy.
Craig Jordan
Chief Executive Officer
Craig Jordan embarked on his IT journey at a young age, delving into the world of technology with his trusty Commodore-64 and TI-80, mastering programming languages like Cobalt and Fortran. Fast forward to the 21st century, Craig's innovative spirit led him to pioneer a High-Speed Wireless internet solution for rural areas, revolutionizing connectivity across a sprawling 40 square miles previously limited to dial-up. Simultaneously, he established an IT managed services firm, catering to diverse entities such as School Districts, County Townships, Assessors, Law Firms, and various private enterprises, empowering them to harness technology for operational excellence.
Collaborating with Matt Ruiter, initially as an IT client, Craig ventured into the realm of pre-clinical research, focusing on infusion pump software and hardware solutions. This collaboration birthed UID (Unified Information Devices), a comprehensive technology ecosystem tailored for research laboratories. UID swiftly gained prominence in the realm of drug development, serving academia, biotech, pharmaceutical companies, and CROs worldwide. Craig's profound IT expertise, coupled with Matt Ruiter's scientific acumen, uniquely positions UID as a frontrunner in RFID technology, particularly for animal ID, and a myriad of trace and track solutions, shaping the future of research and data management. Hobbies: Craig enjoys flying, golfing...
Matt Ruiter
Chief Scientific Officer
Matthew Ruiter started his research career working in a contract research laboratory that specialized in CNS research and drug testing. He worked as lead surgeon and performed complex catheterizations and drug infusion studies on rodents, canines, and primates. In this position, Matt also served as Study Director and Chairman of the IACUC committee. After 8 years in that role, Matt took on a new challenge as Vice President for a medical device company that provided catheters, infusion pumps and software for laboratory research. In this position, Matthew traveled the world performing contract surgeries and teaching drug infusion procedures for all animal species. His extensive experience in these fields is what led him to where he now as CSO of UID. Hobbies: Matt enjoys fishing...
José Gadea
VP of Sales & Marketing
José Gadea joins UID from DURECT Corporation, a specialty pharmaceutical company located in Cupertino, California, where he held multiple positions with increasing responsibilities. In his most current role, José served as Senior Product Marketing Manager leading the sales and marketing operations for implantable drug delivery devices (ALZET® and iPRECIO®) and other ancillary products for laboratory animal research. José brings over 19 years of sales and marketing experience promoting and selling products to the life science market. Prior to DURECT, José held the position of therapeutic sales specialist at ALZA Pharmaceuticals. He also has over five years of combined academic and biotechnology research experience in the fields of cancer immunology, cell and gene therapy, infectious diseases, and drug delivery. He has authored and co-authored various scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals, which feature some of his preclinical research work. José earned his Bachelor of Science degree with concentration in Medical Microbiology & Immunology at San Jose State University, California. Hobbies: José enjoys playing and watching futbol (soccer), hiking, fitness, mountain biking and family time.
Dennis Bruns
Director of Business Development
Dennis brings to UID more than 25 years of sales and business development experience in the technology industry. Dennis is also actively involved in volunteer work at the James Lovell Great Lakes Veterans Administration Health Center as a Site Coordinator & Fundraising Champion. Hobbies: Dennis enjoys basketball, camping, coaching, dog lover, golfing, hiking, music and swimming.