04-Sep-21

Chapter 4

RFID

What is RFID?

 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)—describes technologies that use radio

waves to automatically identify people or objects.
 RFID tags can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person, for
the purpose of identification using radio waves.
 An ADC (Automated Data Collection) technology that:
 uses radio-frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and a movable item
to identify, categorize, track..
 Is fast and does not require physical sight or contact between reader/scanner and
the tagged item.
 Performs the operation using low cost components.
 Attempts to provide unique identification and backend integration that allows for
wide range of applications.
 Other ADC technologies: Bar codes, OCR.
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RFID system components

Ethernet
RFID
Reader

RFID Tag RF Antenna Network Workstation

3

 There are three parts to a RFID system:

1. Antenna
 Provides a means of communication and energy to communicate with RFID tag
 RFID tag passes through field of the antenna and the RFID tag detects the
activation signal from the antenna causing the RFID tag to transmit the
information on the microchip to the transceiver.
 Permanently affixed to a surface or handheld
2. Transceiver
 Has a decoder to interpret the data
3. RFID Tag (Transporter)
 Programmed with information

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RFID systems: logical view

11
12
Product Information
ONS
Internet (PML Format)
Server

Antenna
RF
Write data to Items with RF Reader Read Application
Transaction
RF tags Tags Manager Systems
Data Store
Antenna
Trading Partner
Systems
EDI /
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 XML

Tag/Item
10
Relationship
Database 9

Tag Interfaces RFID Middleware Other Systems

RFID 2005 IIT Bombay 5

What is Radio Frequency XYZ

Identification
Inc. (RFID)?
EPC Information
Service
(3) Give me the
HazMat Class for this
Substrate EPC

Die attach

Tag IC (4)

(1
Antenna

- Can be Passive or Active

- Can be Read-only or Read-Write Reader
ALE/EP
6Middlewa
Tag

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RFID vs. Bar Codes

 How is RFID different from Bar Codes?

 Tag does not need to be on the surface of the object because they do not
need a direct line of sight, tags can be embedded or hidden.
 Tags are applicable in harsh environments, such as outdoors, around
chemicals, moisture and high temperatures.
 RFID tags can be read at a rate of forty or more tags per second; Bar
Codes usually take half a second or more per bar code.
 RFID tags can be read at distances up to 300 feet; Bar Codes no more
than 15 feet.
 RFID Tags can be re-programmed; Bar Codes do not have the read/write
capability 7

Some Claimed Advantages of RFID vs. Barcode

 No requirement for line-of-sight

 Many tags can be read at the same time

 High memory capacity if needed

 Dynamic information carrier (read/write)

 Robust and reliable

 Performs in rugged, harsh environment

 Cheaper in long term

 No human intervention

 Reader virtually maintenance free

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RFID vs. Bar Codes

Manual Process Bar Code RFID

Data Accuracy Least Accurate Most Accurate More Accurate

Data Collection Time/Labor Most Time/Labor Some Time/Labor Least Time/Labor

Data Input Time/Labor Most Time/Labor Some Time/Labor Least Time/Labor

Equipment Costs (tags, N/A Some More

readers/scanners)
Ability to Track Assets Out of No No Yes
Line of Sight
Amount of Data Storage on N/A Less More
Tag
Ability to Exchange No No Yes
Information Two Ways
Ability to Reprogram Tags N/A No Yes
9

RFID: The History

Pre-50’s 1950’s 1960’s 1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s
• 1926: Baird’s • 1973: Cardullo • Over 350 direct - reference patents
radio object • Harrington
• 1952: Vernon patent • MIT Auto-ID
detection “Active &
patent “Application of the • 1975 LASL Center formation
Microwave Loaded releases • EPC™ introduced
• 1935: Watson- Homodyne” Scatterers” research to • National & international
Watt’s radar public sector standards emerge
patent
• LASL spins-off • Smart shelves
• WW II: Radar IDX & Amtech • 1984: IDX/Allen
• 1966: Sensor- Bradley install • 2003: RFID
refined • 1991: AAR
• Harris matic & Check- • Fairchild, RCA GM System standard
prominent in
point EAS & Raytheon Iraqi Freedom
patent: “Radio initiate pgms •EPCglobal
transmission formed 2003
systems with • 1977: Electronic • 1994: All
license plate for US railcars
modulatable motor vehicles • Multiple early outfitted
• 1948: Harry passive adopter • 1997:US Army
• 2004: TREAD
Stockman - responder”
Communications installations rolls out TC- • 2005: Walmart
• 1969: Mario AIMS II initial deadline
By Means of Cardullo RFID
Reflected Power concept • Vast number of companies
• 1979: RFID enter RFID marketplace
animal
implants
RFID TIMELINE • 1st Toll Collection • Texas, Georgia /
System - Norway Oklahoma Tolls
• Wide-scale US
Roll-out 10
Adapted from Interaction Design Institute RFID Project Presentation - 2002

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History

 1940-1950
 First work exploring RFID by Harry Stockman
 Followed advances in radio & radar
 1950-1960
 Era of exploration, laboratory experiments
 1960-1970
 First and most widespread commercial use
 Electronic article surveillance, Sensormatic

 1970-1980
 Explosion of RFID development work
 Animal and vehicle tracking, factory automation 11

History

 1980-1990
 Commercial implementation enters mainstream
 Transportation, personnel access, & animals
 1990-2000
 Emergence of Standards
 Becomes part of everyday life
 Electronic highway tolling system
 2000-
 Exciting times await in the advancement of RFID

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Electronic Product Code

How RFID Works

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Basic operating principles of an RFID system

RFID tags: Smart labels

A paper label
with RFID inside

an antenna,
printed, etched
or stamped ...

… and a chip … on a substrate

attached to it e.g. a plastic
foil ...

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Tags vary significantly in their computational capabilities

 Passive tags have limited computational capacity, no ability to sense

the channel, detect collisions, and communicate with each other
 They respond only at reader commands
 Semi-passive tags have an on-board power source that can be used
to energize their microchip
 Active tags can sense the channel and detect collisions

RFID devices may take different forms

 RFID systems operate in the Industry, Scientific and Medical (ISM)

frequency band that ranges from 100 KHz to 5.8 GHz

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RFID tags
 Tags can be attached to almost anything:
 Items, cases or pallets of products, high value goods
 vehicles, assets, livestock or personnel
 Passive Tags
 Do not require power – Draws from Interrogator Field
 Lower storage capacities (few bits to 1 KB)
 Shorter read ranges (4 inches to 15 feet)
 Usually Write-Once-Read-Many/Read-Only tags
 Cost around 25 cents to few dollars
 Active Tags
 Battery powered
 Higher storage capacities (512 KB)
 Longer read range (300 feet)
 Typically can be re-written by RF Interrogators
 Cost around 50 to 250 dollars
19

Tag block diagram

Antenna

Power Supply
Memory
Control Logic Cells
Tx Modulator (Finite State
machine)
Rx Demodulator

Tag Integrated Circuit (IC)

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RFID tag memory

 Read-only tags
 Tag ID is assigned at the factory during manufacturing
Can never be changed


 No additional data can be assigned to the tag

 Write once, read many (WORM) tags

 Data written once, e.g., during packing or manufacturing
Tag is locked once data is written


 Similar to a compact disc or DVD

 Read/Write
 Tag data can be changed over time
 Part or all of the data section can be locked 21

RFID readers

 Reader functions:
 Remotely power tags
 Establish a bidirectional data link
 Inventory tags, filter results
 Communicate with networked server(s)
 Can read 100-300 tags per second
 Readers (interrogators) can be at a fixed point such as
 Entrance/exit
 Point of sale
 Readers can also be mobile/hand-held 22

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Some RFID readers

23

Tag Types: Passive

Memory
(EEPROM)

Digital Logic
& Control

RF antenna
(power source)

 Passive:
 Standard: None/many, Mainly Manufacturers Proprietary Systems/Protocols (uses
back scatter technology)
 Range: Typically Measured in “Inches”, Working Toward “Meters” (dependant
system layout, interference, etc.)
 Used Predominantly in Retail Systems and Transportation Systems.
 Characteristics: Small Tag Loaded with License Plate Data
 Typically Mounted to End Item, Reader Captures Data as Item Moves Through Choke
Point (door, pathway, frame, etc.).
 Data Capacity Limited.
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Passive tags

Passive Tags
Have no internal power supply,
Power supplied by the reader
Cost Less Expensive--Few Cent to a
Few Dollars
Size Smaller
Power Reader
Maintenance None
Read Distance A few feet
Life Up to 20 years
Memory Around 16K
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Tag Types: Active

RF & Digital
Circuitry

RF
antenna

 Active: Battery

 Standard: None, Mainly Manufacturers Proprietary Systems/Protocols

 Range: Generally 300 Feet or less
 Battery powered / limited life
 Used Predominantly in Transportation Systems (rail, toll systems, trucking, container).
 Characteristics: Tag with Internal Power Cell Mounted to Item or container/pallet/box,
Interrogator Queries Tags, Uploads/Downloads Data. Does not transmit all of the time.
Data Capacity Varies.

27

Active Tags
Have their own internal power source,
Can have a replaceable battery
Cost More expensive--often $20 or
more
Size Larger
Power Provided by Battery
Maintenance Replacement Required
Read Distance Up to 100s of feet
Life Depends on battery life
Memory As high as 512K
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Tag Types: Semi-Active

Memory
(EEPROM)

Digital Logic &

Control

RF
antenna
Battery
 Semi-Active or Battery Assisted Passive
 On-board battery power source
 Uses Passive Technology (no transmitter)
 Greater range but higher cost (less than active)
 Requires less power from reader
 Finite life
 Can use thin batteries (little change to form factor)
29

Semipassive tags and active tags

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Tag Types - Read vs Read/Write

 Read Only:
 Information can only be read from an RFID device – programmed at
manufacture
 User Programmable
 WORM - Write Once Read Many - Ability to initialize an RFID device outside of
the RFID manufacturer’s facility after manufacture
 Read/Write:
 Information can be read from or written to an RFID transponder during the time
it is presented to a reader/writer
 Typically asymmetric read and write operating range

31

Technical Considerations
 Anticollision
 Ability to communicate with several transponders simultaneously
 Important in longer range readers
 Must be implemented in the silicon of the RFID device
 Who Talks First
 Tag Talks First (TTF)
 After the tag is energized, it sends out a signal that says “I am here”
 Reader Talks First (RTF)
 As reader sends out energization signal it says “who is there”
 Problems
 With TTF you can get tag pollution but slower total read time
 Compatibility issues?
32

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Protocol

 The method used to talk to a tag

 Modulation method
 Error correction
 Anti-collision technique
 Message format
 Commands
33

RFID Operating Frequencies

Low Frequency (125 – 134 kHz)

Used in Access control, livestock, race timing, pallet tracking, automotive
immobilizers, wireless commerce
High Frequency (13.56 mHz) – Smart Labels
Used in supply chain, wireless commerce, ticketing, product
authentication
Ultra-High Frequency – UHF (900+ mHz)
Emerging technology, applications still in development
Microwave (2.45 gHz)
Still highly experimental, chipless technology
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Inductive LF tags

Inductive HF tags (13.56 MHz)

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Inductive coupling

Inductive HF tags (13.56 MHz)

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Inductive coupling

UHF tags

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UHF tags

Electromagnetic propagation

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Electromagnetic propagation

Frequency Selection Issues

 Desired Pattern
 Required Range
 Tag-to-Tag Spacing
 Data Rate
 Size Requirements
 Power Requirements
 Interference Issues
 Noise Environment
 Cost / Performance Tradeoffs
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RFID System Considerations

 Read distance requirements

 Long read range
 Short read range
 Frequency
 All frequencies have their pros and cons
 ISO standards
 Proprietary or standards-based
 Government regulations
 Varies from country to country
45

RFID System Considerations

 Multiple Tag Reading in Same Field
 Anti-collision
 Sensitivity to Orientation
 A single orientation or omni-directional
 Hardware Set-up
 Environment can affect performance
 Tag Sensitivity to Metallic environments

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Reader Characteristics
 Stationary or handheld
 Weather-proof or industrialized
 Typical read ranges vary from a few centimeters to a few meters
 Read Range is dependent upon:
• Broadcast signal strength
• Size of broadcast antenna
• Size of transponder antenna
• The environment – Metallic, Liquid
 Multi-frequency readers
47

RFID Technology Internals

 RFID communications
Reader
Antenna
Power from RF field
Reader->Tag Commands
Reader
Tag->Reader Responses

Tags

RFID Communication
Channel

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RFID communication

 Host manages Reader(s) and issues Commands

 Reader and tag communicate via RF signal
 Carrier signal generated by the reader
 Carrier signal sent out through the antennas
 Carrier signal hits tag(s)
 Tag receives and modifies carrier signal
– “sends back” modulated signal (Passive Backscatter – also referred to as “field
disturbance device”)
 Antennas receive the modulated signal and send them to the Reader
 Reader decodes the data
 Results returned to the host application 49

Antenna fields: Inductive coupling

IC or microprocessor

Transceiver
Tag Reader RFID
Tag
antenna

antenna

50

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Antenna fields: Propagation coupling

IC or microprocessor

Transceiver
Tag Reader RFID
Tag
antenna

antenna

51

Operational frequencies
UHF Microwave
Frequency LF HF
868 - 915 2.45 GHz &
Ranges 125 KHz 13.56 MHz
MHz 5.8 GHz
Typical Max
Shortest Short Medium Longest
Read Range 1”-12” 2”-24” 1’-10’ 1’-15’
(Passive Tags)
Active tags with
Generally passive Active tags with
integral battery
Generally passive tags only, using integral battery or
Tag Power tags only, using inductive or
or passive tags
passive tags using
Source inductive coupling capacitive
using capacitive
capacitive storage,
storage,
coupling E-field coupling
E-field coupling
Data Rate Slower Moderate Fast Faster
Ability to read
near Better Moderate Poor Worse
metal or wet
surfaces
Access Control &
Security
Identifying widgets Highway toll Tags
Library books supply chain
through Identification of
Laundry tracking
manufacturing private vehicle
Applications processes or in
identification Highway toll
fleets in/out of a
Access Control Tags
harsh environments yard or facility
Employee IDs
Ranch animal Asset tracking
identification
Employee IDs

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Reader->Tag power transfer

Reader
Tag
Antenna

Reader
Separation
distance d

Q: If a reader transmits Pr watts, how much power Pt does the tag receive at a
separation distance d?
A: It depends-
UHF (915MHz) : Far field propagation : Pt  1/d2
HF (13.56MHz) : Inductive coupling : Pt 1/d6

53

Limiting factors for passive RFID

1. Reader transmitter power Pr (Gov’t. limited)

2. Reader receiver sensitivity Sr
3. Reader antenna gain Gr (Gov’t. limited)
4. Tag antenna gain Gt (Size limited)
5. Power required at tag Pt (Silicon process limited)
6. Tag modulator efficiency Et

54

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Implications
 Since Pt  1/d2 , doubling read range requires 4X the transmitter
power.
 Larger antennas can help, but at the expense of larger physical size
because G{t,r}  Area.
 More advanced CMOS process technology will help by reducing
Pt.
 At large distances, reader sensitivity limitations dominate.

55

How compare to 2D barcodes

RFID Tag 2D Barcode

Line of sight Not required Required

Capacity Low to high Low to medium

Security High Low to Medium

Change Information? Yes – Read/Write NO – new label

Cost (today) $0.40 - $1.00 (in millions) $0.05 or less

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Barcode Examples – Many types

UPC A Maxi-code

PDF 417
Code 49
Codablock

QR Code Data Matrix

57

Current Technology: Bar-coding

 UPC A code
 18 digit alphanumeric code used for identifying flow of package and
billing information
 Large database used to support this system – 18 terabytes
 Maxi-code
 Determined by the locations of bars around a central dot
 Contains information for the destination address of the package as
well as weight and size specs.
 requires special equipment and a stable environment free from
movement to obtain a read of the information
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RFID vs. Bar-coding

 Bar-coding Disadvantages
 Code must be clearly readable
 free from dirt, smudging or other damage

 This is problem with the constant movement of packages

 Code must be in a position that can be easily read by a scanning device

 Optical lasers are usually used for scanning

 Code must be within a short distance to be read

 Typically within 3 feet

 Only one code can be scanned at a time

 Codes must be a reasonable distance apart

 The use of RFID can eliminate many of the problems associated with bar-
coding technology.
59

RFID in Action …

Pay for Gas at

Exxon/Mobil with
Buy Burgers at
Speedpass
McDonald’s

Get a Coke
from a vending Race timing
machine at the Check out at most
Olympics library books major
with 3M system Marathons 60

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Toll tags,
parking lot
access
Building access
control, security

Event access, ticketing Anti-theft for automobiles

61

Product
authentication

Chip wafer
Manufacturing

Warehouse,
supply chain,
logistics

Livestock,
asset tracking

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Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)

Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)
 Already exists
 RFID technology detects if an item is removed from a store without tag being deactivated
 Amorphous magnetic strips
 Destructible tuned circuits
 But - Existing technology cannot uniquely identify goods
 New RFID technology provides significant features:
 Able to write SKU number into transponder
 Automatic inventory with a hand held reader
 Anti-collision mandatory for this feature
 Cash registers can automatically ring up merchandise
63

Smart groceries

 Add an RFID tag to all items in the grocery.

 As the cart leaves the store, it passes through an
RFID transceiver.
 The cart is rung up in seconds.

64

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Smart cabinet
Reader antennas placed under each shelf 1. Tagged item is removed from or
placed in
“Smart Cabinet”

2. “Smart Cabinet” periodically

interrogates to assess inventory

3. Server/Database is updated to
reflect item’s disposition

4. Designated individuals are notified

regarding items that need
Passive attention (cabinet and shelf
read/write tags location, action required)
affixed to caps
of containers

65

Smart fridge

 Recognizes what’s been put in it

 Recognizes when things are removed
 Creates automatic shopping lists
 Notifies you when things are past their expiration
 Shows you the recipes that most closely match what is available

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Smart groceries enhanced

 Track products through their entire lifetime.

67

RFID – Supply Chain Perspective

"A Manufacturer of soft drinks can identify with the click of a button how
many containers of its soda cans are likely to reach their expiration
date in the next few days and where they are located at various
grocery outlets.”
How easy / realistic is this?
What infrastructure must exist?

68

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how it works…
Adding Identity to Products

Coke

69

how it works…

Adding Identity to Cases:

Assembly line applications

70

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how it works…

Reading Tags:
Portal applications:
Shipping validation &
Confirm routing

71

how it works…

-Savant
(middleware software for EPC)

-ONS
(Object Naming Service)

-PML
(Physical Markup Language)

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how it works…

Efficiency in Distribution

73

how it works…
Efficiency in Inventory

74

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how it works…

Overstocking and
Out of Stock Eliminated

75

how it works…

Consumer
Convenience

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Supply Chain Reality

It is happening …
77

RFID in the Supply Chain

SC Visibility & SC Leader ERP

Event Management

EPC Data Management Infrastructure

(Private/public)

Who controls?
Distribution
Contract
Supplier

Manuf.

Center

Retail
VMI

Flow of Goods

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Understanding RFID’s Potential

Sample Supply Chain

Repair Center Returns Hub

Warranty/Services Revenue

Supplier VMI/ Manufacturing DC/ Reseller/ Customer

Inbound Hub Outbound Hub Distributor
Chargeback
Revenue Collection
Out of Stock
Brand Protection
Shrinkage
Counterfitting
BOM Tracking
Lot Tracking
Operating and Handling Cost
Shipment Visibility
Comp. Inv. Visib. FGI Inv. Visib.
Planning & Synchronization
79

Why do people buy RFID?

 Traditional Reasons:
 Reduction of direct labor (80%)
 Hand-held reader vs. Fixed reader
 Protection and tracking of assets
 Animals – Inventory – Tires – Access Control - etc.
 Cost Structure reduction
 Out of stock - 7.8% – “walk aways”
 Only technology that will work
 When bar codes don’t work
 (dirty / line of sight)
 New Reason:
 Mandated
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RFID Timeline (goals)

48 - 74 - 79 - 84 - 95 - 99 - 03- 1/04- 4/04- 7/04- 1/05- 6/05- 10/05- 07 - 09 - 13

Today 81

Technology Adoption Life Cycle

2007
Wal*Mart / DoD Sunrise date

Today
Companies

20,400 20,400

9,600

Companies under RFID mandate

0 60,000
Time

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Two primary concerns for Supply Chain users:

 Concern #1: Return on Investment - ROI

Labor Supply Demand Decision

Visibility Visibility Visibility Visibility

Fewer What are What do

Where is the
Faster Customers customers
Inventory?
More Accurate buying? want?

Reduction in costs > RFID technology investment = +ROI

83

 Concern #1: ROI – Easier said than done

Full Corp. Adoption Maximizes

- with data integration cost reduction

Limited Mfg Adoption Reduces more

- with data integration real costs
Limited Mfg Adoption Reduces some
- no data integration real costs

Tag and Ship Link to trading partners

- with data integration
Tag and Ship “Slap & Ship” = pure cost
- no data integration May be the majority

Note importance of data integration (addressed in part 2)

• Challenging within a large company
• Very challenging between/among multiple companies 84

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Two primary concerns for Supply Chain users:

 Concern #2: Partnerships
Let’s do the math

60,000
mandated
suppliers

 One of the largest RFID S.I. (“handle maybe 100”)

 <100 RFID Vendors & S.I.s * - 100 x 50 = 5,000
 Must mobilize >1000 new RFID Solution Providers
just to meet the demand for partnerships
* RFID Journal 85

Winners & Losers ?

 AT Kearney study
 Retailers benefits
 Reduce inventory by 5%
 Reduce store & warehouse expenses by 7.5%

 Reduce “out of stock” $700,000 per $1B

 Manufacturers costs
 High impact (expensive) v. low impact (cheap)
 Low impact: $155M in capital costs

(assuming $.15/tag, 10 year horizon, 12% cost of capital

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What about “closed loop” & Enterprise applications?

 RFID technologies have been available for a decade

 For many applications the tag cost was too high
 Supply Chain volume reduce tag costs
 All those applications are still waiting for an RFID solution

87

Enterprise Level Applications

Re-define ERP CRM

the “Edge”
of an enterprise

Middleware

Edge Server Edge Server

Light Read Failure
Stack Message
Board
Scale
RFID Bar code
Printer/ Reader/ Sensors PLC
Scanner
encoder encoder 88

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Problems with RFID

 Technical problem with RFID

 Problem with RFID standard.
 RFID has been used in different ways by different manufacturers. The
frequencies used for RFID in the USA are currently incompatible with
those of Europe or Japan. This can cause problems for companies.
 Moreover, consumer have problems with RFID standard. For example,
Exxon Mobil’s SpeedPass system is a proprietary RFID system; if another
company wanted to use the convenient SpeedPass, they have to pay to
access it. If every company had their own SpeedPass system, a consumer
would need to carry many different devices with them.
89

Problems with RFID

 RFID systems can be easily disrupted

 Since RFID systems make use of the electromagnetic spectrum, they are
relatively easy to jam using energy at the right frequency. This problem
could be disastrous in business where RFID is increasingly used, like
hospitals or in the military in the field.
 RFID reader collision: Reader collision occurs when the signals
from two or more reader overlap. The tag is unable to respond to
simultaneous queries.
 RFID tag collision tag collision occurs when many tags are
present in a small area; but since the read time is very fast, it is
easier for vendors to develop systems that ensure that tags respond
one at a time. 90

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Problems with RFID

 Cancer risk
Veterinary and toxicology studies spanning the last ten years surfaced
indicating that RFID chips induced malignant tumors in laboratory animals.
However, there are some controversies. VeriChip Corp. maintains that the
chips are completely safe and that they were unaware of the studies.
 Security and privacy problems with RFID
 Loss of privacy: How would you like it if, one day your realized your
underwear was reporting on your whereabouts?
 Tag can be read at a distance, it become possible to gather sensitive data
about individual without consent. For example, an RFID tag can be read
after the item leaves the supply chain, this allows anyone to see the contents
of your purse as pocket as you walk down the street.

91

Security and privacy problems with RFID

 RFID tags with unique serial numbers could be linked to an individual

credit card number.
 At present, each individual item has its own number. When the item is
scanned for purchase and is paid for, the RFID tag number for a particular
item can be associated with a credit card number

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Future of RFID

 RFID will replace barcode.

 RFID is a great tool for the supply chain and companies wishing to better
track their products and inventory. As a result, it will definitely become a
requirement for all suppliers to use RFID tags when the tag become
affordable.
 RFID’s price will reduces
 With mass production, their price eventually reduces to perhaps a cent.
 RFID chips are no bigger than grains of sand.
 Every item in house will eventually come from the store with a
tiny, almost invisible RFID tag attached.

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RFID deployment challenges

 Manage System costs
 Choose the right hardware
 Choose the right integration path
 Choose the right data infrastructure
 Handle Material matters
 RF Tagging of produced objects
 Designing layouts for RF Interrogators
 Tag Identification Scheme Incompatibilities
 Which standard to follow?
 Operating Frequency Variances
 Low Frequency or High Frequency or Ultra High Frequency
 Business Process Redesign
 New processes will be introduced
 Existing processes will be re-defined
 Training of HR
 Cost-ROI sharing
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Using tags with metal

 Tags placed directly against metal will negatively affect readability

Space tag from surface Offset tag from surface

Couple one
end of the
antenna to Angle Tag
the metal

95

Getting ready for RFID

 Identify business process impacts
 Inventory control (across the supply chain)
 Manufacturing assembly
 Determine optimal RFID configuration
 Where am I going to tag my components/products?
 Surfaces, metal environment and handling issues
 Where am I going to place the readers?
 Moving from the lab environment to the manufacturing or distribution center can
be tricky
 When am I going to assemble the RFID data?
 Integrate with ERP and other systems 96

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RFID services value chain

Data Enterprise
Strategy/ Middleware/ Device EPC & Information Application Business
Consulting Hardware Mgmt Network Management Integration Applications
Services

System Integration and Solution Delivery

• Business Process • Supply Chain

Integration • Tags • Event Monitoring • Directory Services • Product • ETL Services
Catalog and Execution
• Solution • Readers • Data filtering • Discovery Services Attribute • Legacy Application
Managemnt Integration • ERP
Framework
• Label Printers • Reader coordination • Authorization/ • Data Synchro- • Warehouse
• Network Setup Authenticatn
nization Management
• Policy Management Framework
• RF aspects • Store Management

• Distribution
Management

97

Privacy: The flip side of RFID

• Hidden placement of tags

• Unique identifiers for all objects worldwide
• Massive data aggregation
• Unauthorized development of detailed profiles
• Unauthorized third party access to profile data
• Hidden readers
“Just in case you
want to know, she’s
carrying 700 Euro…”

98

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