RFID will play a key role in reusable container tracking.

The tracking process should provide reliable data, such as, dwell time of returnables, cycle length per container and per trip, inspection, repair, cleaning and usage. RFID tags with a passive read/write system allow for tags to be reprogrammed and revised while the tag remains attached to container.

There is an ANSI draft standard, MH10.8.4 , for Unit Loads and Transport Packages – RFID Tags for Returnable Containers. The standard has been reviewed and revised recently.

RFID Working Group

A very practical RFID working group is starting up to address best practices for RFID label and tag placement - How to tag pallets, case, items, and other challenging objects. It is called the Packaging and RFID Special Interest Group (SIG) sponsored by MIT's Auto ID Labs.

A consortium of companies will work together on this necessary topic. First meeting is slated for March 4 at MIT. There is an annual company membership which has incentive tiers for early sign-up.

Worked today to put together information on RFID jobs for RFIDa website visitors. A fair amount of jobs are developing in sales for RFID. Not a tidal wave yet, but it looks promising. Also, signed up for Technorati today after reading excellent article on WebProNews on the future of search technology - "In a recent interview with Microsoft's Robert Scoble"... Excellent insights by Robert and good reporting by Andy Beal...