Newsletter 2006

RFID - Radio Frequecy Identification

DEFINITIONS

RFID - Radio Frequency Identification

EPC - Electric Product Code

EPC Global - A joint venture of EAN and UCC formed to set the standards for RFID in the supply chain

Generations - Different versions of EPC specifications

These are just some of the definitions used daily in the world of RFID. From all of the discussion, it would appear that RFID is the best thing to happen to the supply chain since the truck. The interesting thing is that it may well be.

HOW IT WORKS

In the simplest form, RFID is a tag, called a transponder and reader. The tag can be passive or active. Most of what we are hearing about RFID relates to passive transponders. They are relatively inexpensive, in quantity, from 20-80 cents each.

A passive transponder is written to once and must be scanned by a reader antenna in order to share the data. The original tag transponders were 64 bit, new generations are 96 bit. In addition, there are active transponders. Active transponders are the ones that cost more and have a certain read/write capability.

RFID CLASS SYSTEM

Class 0 Tag - Read only tag with 64 bits of memory programmed at the factory with an identification number

Class 1 Tag - Write once, read many times, 64 bits can be written on by user Gen 2. Global standard 96 bits of data. Passive tag.

Class 3 - Semi-passive tag with read/write capabilities

Class 4 - Active tag with a built in power source.

WHAT IT MEANS

Cases and pallets can have RFID tags applied at the manufacturer level. In the long run we will be able to read transponders and capture data applied on the product or pallet as it is received from the manufacturer. It is easily seen how the process would be a huge savings, especially when it gets down to the case level.

Consider selection labels for food distribution where the selector is using Voice to select and confirms each case using an RFID reader. Each case would have a unique RFID label so not only would you know the correct item has been selected, but that the quantity is also correct. Realistically, we are in the infancy of the RFID revolution and it is some time off, but when it arrives, be prepared to take advantage of it.