RFID (radio frequency identification) is a series of hardware and software components that are designed to work together. Each is chosen based upon the project goal to be achieved and the numerous conditions present that would impact reading the tags. RFID tags (or chips) requirements are designed and selected based upon the following attributes:
- Power Source -- Active tags contain a battery, and passive tags use the radio energy from the reader to generate power for sending responses to an inquiry.
- Frequency -- ultra high frequency (UHF), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF) or microwave (MW). Each frequency is used in different conditions, which includes moisture and humidity of the environment and product, metal packaging present, and numerous other factors.
- Antenna -- Attached to chips to send and receive communications from a reader.
- Encoding method -- Tags can be factory encoded as read only, write once/read many, or read/write depending on the application. Reusable totes in the chemical industry might use read/write so that each time the tote leaves the building, the tag can be updated with information specific to that shipment. Case or pallet labels might be read only, since they are sent with an outbound shipment to a customer and will not be re-used internally.
Finally, there is EPCglobal Inc., a member-driven organization that is developing standards for data synchronization and communication of RFID data. EPC (or Electronic Product Code) is the unique number assigned to each passive RFID tag, and EPCglobal allows a manufacturer to share the specific product data assigned to each EPC number so that it can eventually be accessed and used by a packaging company, wholesale distributor, retailer and even a point-of-sale system. Once fully in use, it should allow consistent and accurate data synchronization on a global basis. Not all RFID is EPC-related, although much of the RFID news you read about related to Wal-Mart, the Department of Defense and various retailers refers to passive, EPC encoded tags. There are many other types of tags and depending on their use may or may not have an EPC encoded. I will discuss EPCglobal in greater detail in a future column. Chris York is a principal with Raleigh, N.C.-based Tompkins Associates, a global supply-chain-solutions consulting firm. Chris has more than 15 years of experience in the design and implementation of supply chain planning and execution systems, collaboration and visibility solutions, FDA validation and regulatory compliance, AIDC/RFID, TQM, ISO9000, warehouse and TPM in a variety of industries.
