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RFID Technology Discussion |
RFID Discussion |
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A Discussion of RFID Technology... RFID technology is another form of
automated identification system, which is similar to bar codes. The
recent history of RFID in this century includes: Technology was
developed in the 1940's for defense applications. Market acceptance
of the technology happened in the 1980's for cattle tracking
applications. There are three main components of RFID technology: the RFID tag, the RFID antenna, and the RFID Reader. The RFID reader is the intelligent interface for the RFID information into the value chain. RFID tags come in active and passive forms. Active tags leverage battery power. Passive RFID tags receive their power from the RFID antenna. Active tags sometimes have data logging capabilities. Tags can read from ranges of millimeters to hundreds of feet. Worm tags can be write once and read many times. Read / write RFID tags can store a large about of data, in amounts up to 100 Kb. The RFID data may broken up into addressable chunks of data, so all data does not have to changed at the same time. The RFID tag information is easily changed by the user. The read / write RFID tags become the moving database, storing information about itself as it travels in the value chain. The memory types used in RFID tags range from fixed memory to worm and eeprom memory. Eeprom memory can hold its information up to 10 years. FRAM memory offers advantages in write speed and number of write cycles and can be found in some RFID tags. RFID antennas come in many shapes and sizes, depending on frequency and other characteristics. The 13.65 MHz frequency is popular today. Lower frequencies are friendlier to metal environments and liquid handling. You have to choose the right RFID technology for the right application of RFID. Frequency selection is important. RFID Readers are the RFID integration point to enterprise systems and come in many configurations. There are also hybrid technology readers which combine bar code scanners and RFID readers. In general, there are a lack of RFID standards in industry. Some of the existing or emerging standards around RFID technology are: ISO 15693, ISO 18000, GTAG, and ISO 14443. Smart labels are an RFID form factor. They are thin and flexible and can be placed on a label. The RFID tags placed on labels are called transponder inlays, which includes the RFID chip and the RFDI antenna. A smart label printer reads, writes, and verifies RFID tags. The RFID reading and writing device is embedded into the smart label printer. You may also print bar codes on the smart label. RFID applications are found in manufacturing and supply chain, access control, asset management, animal tracking and livestock management, and automated data collection. Applications of smart labels can be found in warehouse and logistics applications, automation, parcel delivery and management, airline baggage tracking, returnable container management, book and document tracking, source tagging in the supply chain, entertainment ticketing, anti-counterfeiting, and pharmaceutical identification. Another form factor, RFID wrist bands, are used in hospitals, amusement parks, entertainment events, and ticketing. Interesting applications of RFID data are helping the visually impaired by reading and delivering information about pharmaceuticals. |
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Discussion |
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Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an enabler of tracking processes in the extended value chain. Roadblocks could slow RFID Radio frequency identification has become a hot concept promising to streamline how businesses track and stock inventory. But companies may need to rethink their software infrastructures in order to make RFID work as advertised say analysts and technology makers. RFID tags which combine chips that carry descriptive information and radio frequency technology to track inventory could make it easier for businesses to track products and raw materials and therefore reduce their operating costs over time. Globetechnology E-Insider, Feb 19, 2004 Commentary: Filling a void for RFID Companies experimenting with radio frequency identification tags and readers are learning that they need new software to get the most out of their efforts. CNET News.com, Feb 19, 2004 FDA Backs RFID Tags to Track Prescription Drugs February 19 2004 - News Prescription drug manufacturers in general back the plan with key manufacturers distributors and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores settling on Accenture Ltd. to serve as their RFID program manager. The FDA in a report released Wednesday on combating counterfeit drugs called RFID tags the most likely technology to bring about mass serialization of prescription drugs. Bio-IT World, Feb 19, 2004 Exel: RFID on trial GMT Datamonitor Exel EXL.L is embarking on a project with House of Fraser HOF to trial RFID in the retailer's international supply chain. RFID is capturing the imagination of several leading retailers in Europe and the US who see it as a potentially revolutionary supply chain tool. Although the technology is neither proven nor perfected Exel is gearing itself to meet the challenge. Comment Wire, Feb 19, 2004 Data Synchronization Fundamental to RFID Success According to Latest GMA/FMI/NACDS Report; Action Plan Based on Input from 100 Executives at 80 Global Companies 19 U.S. Newswire Retail and consumer products companies must continue to drive implementation of data standards item registry and data synchronization if they are to take full advantage of advanced collaborative technologies such as the Electronic Product Code EPC and Radio Frequency Identification RFID according to a new action plan for electronic collaboration in the industry. US Newswire, Feb 19, 2004 Sierra Atlantic seeks RFID applications market ... Having built a strong expertise in manufacturing sector we are working with a manufacturing customer in evaluating new emerging technologies like RFID. One of the core areas for RFID applications is the manufacturing sector and we are in the early stages of developing RFID applications Mr Joga Ryali Sierra Atlantic s CTO told ET. The India Times - InfoTech, Feb 19, 2004 MeadWestvaco Launches RFID Inventory Solution That Meets FDA Anti-Counterfeiting Recommendations Over the last several months MWVIS has been assisting the FDA's Task Force in its efforts to understand fully the value of RFID technology for both consumer safety and in creating greater efficiencies in the manufacturing and distribution of prescription drugs. Task Force recommendations include the deployment of authentication and track and trace technology to guarantee that drugs delivered to consumers are those produced by pharmaceutical manufacturers. PR Newswire via iWon, Feb 19, 2004 Paxar RFID printing solutions approved for use with Manhattan Associates supply chain execution systems ... a provider of supply chain execution SCE solutions. Paxar's Monarch brand 9855 RFID printer encoder has been tested and approved by Manhattan Associates to work with its supply chain execution solutions. Frontline Today, Feb 19, 2004 P&G EPC Leader Takes New Role Larry Kellam who helped to lead Procter Gamble's EPC efforts has retired and will offer consulting services. Feb. 19 2004 As director of B2B supply chain innovation at Procter Gamble Larry Kellam was a leader in promoting Electronic Product Code EPC technology. In December Kellam retired from P G after 35 years. RFID Journal, Feb 19, 2004 AIM expands mission to include mobile computing RFID focus AIM the global trade association representing the automatic identification industry is expanding its charter to emphasize mobile computing and radio frequency identification. AIM s broadened mission is reflected in the association s proposed name change. Upon ratification by members in March the organization will be known as AIM The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility. Frontline Today, Feb 19, 2004 NTT DoCoMo tests cell phones with RFID cards INNOVATIVE NEW PACKAGING IN JAPAN via NewsEdge Corporation NTT DoCoMo has begun testing cell phones with RFID cards built to Sony's FeliCa standard. The phones can be used as a credit card. Twenty seven companies including All Nippon Airways Pia and am pm Japan are taking part in this experiment which runs through summer 2004. Wireless Week Regions, Feb 19, 2004 Leading regional networking distributor sees strong adoption of Zebra desktop label printers in healthcare and warehousing Zebra Technologies is one of the leading global providers of thermal bar code label and receipt printers card printers RFID smart label printer encoders supplies label design integration software and the widest range of thermal printer connectivity and networking solutions. Zebra Technologies Corporation Invites You to Join Its 2003 Fourth Quarter And FY 2003 Analyst Conference Call on the Web More than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Zebra R printers. A broad range of applications benefit from Zebra-brand thermal bar code smart label card and receipt printers resulting in enhanced security increased productivity improved quality lower costs and better customer service. The company has sold more than 3 million printers including RFID printer encoders and wireless mobile solutions and also offers software connectivity solutions and printing supplies.
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Recent interest is in making RFID technology more ubiquitous in the
global value chain.