Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Performance Test
Center Accreditation Program
Hardware Certification
Program
Future Programs
Performance Test Center
Accreditation Program
Q1. When will the Performance Test Center (PTC) Accreditation
Program be formally launched?
A1. The Performance Test Center Accreditation Program is in pilot mode with a
small group of companies that represent the types of business models that may
elect to engage in the Accreditation Program. As we exit the Pilot Phase,
EPCglobal will be making modifications to both the accreditation process and
well as documentation. EPCglobal will then send communication to the global
community announcing the formal launch of the program. This communication
will include information regarding the Performance Test Center Accreditation
Process and where to obtain the application packet.
Q2. How can I apply for EPCglobal PTC Accreditation of my
company's test center?
A2. While the Program is currently in Pilot Phase, interested companies
should send an email to certification@EPCglobalinc.org.
Further updates will be communicated to all Subscribers and interested
companies.
Q3. What is the lead-time for PTC Accreditation?
A3. The typical lead-time for PTC Accreditation is subject to availability.
For Accreditation, EPCglobal will schedule Candidate Test Centers for on-site
visits based upon Test Center readiness. Test Center readiness is determined
by a paper desk audit performed by the Met Labs Auditors upon receipt of the
Quality and Technical Checklists contained within the application packet.
Once the company's application is received and accepted by EPCglobal, and the
desk audit is completed, a firm date will be set-up for the on-site audit and
communicated to the Candidate Test Center.
Q4. Where can I find the specifications for the PTC Accreditation
audits?
A4. When the PTC Accreditation Program is formally launched, the location of
the accreditation audit specifications will be found in the PTC Accreditation
application packet.
Q5. Does PTC Accreditation require training before testing begins?
Q5. EPCglobal PTC Accreditation does not require training. The desk audit is
performed by MET Labs Auditors upon receipt of the completed questionnaire
and the documentation a company provides in support of its entries in the
questionnaire. The purpose for the preliminary audit is to understand the
capabilities of the Test Center and confirm that the capabilities meet the requirements
set forth in the specifications. The purpose of the on-site audit it to
confirm the capabilities specified and reviewed in the desk audit.
Q6. What are the PTC Accreditation Program fees?
A6. There is an initial Accreditation fee per site and an ongoing annual
surveillance fee. Please refer to:
http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/EPCglobalStandardsDocuments
Q7. What future PTC Accreditation tests are being considered?
A7. At this time, Candidate Test Centers may be audited for dynamic Conveyor
Portal and Dock Door Portal capabilities. The Applied Tag Performance (ATP)
Working Group is in the process of completing specifications for static
tests. The ATP Working Group, a joint Working Group made up EPCglobal
Subscribers from the Hardware Action Group (HAG) and Software Action Group
(SAG), work collaboratively to develop Accreditation tests and will identify
requirements for future Accreditation testing.
Hardware Certification Program
Q1. How can I apply for Hardware Certification for my company's
product?
A1. For companies that are interested in Hardware Certification for a
particular product, please go directly to the following link to obtain the
application information. Hardware Certification Program Application:
http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/EPCglobalStandardsDocuments/0_3e2a5
Q2. What is the lead-time for Hardware Certification?
A2. The typical lead-time for Hardware Certification is subject to
availability. Once the completed application is received, EPCglobal verifies
the completeness of the application, and works with MET Labs to assign a product
test date. The test date is then communicated to the HW Vendor.The actual
test or survey typically takes 3-5 business days.
Q3. Where can I find the specifications for the Hardware
Certification tests?
A3. In order to claim that a product is compliant with EPCglobal Standards,
the product must undergo and successfully pass EPCglobal Conformance Tests.
The conformance tests are executed by an independent laboratory and certify
hardware devices compliant with EPCglobal Standards, specifically Class 1 Generation
2 UHF Air Interface Protocol Standard Version 1.0.9 . Please refer to:
http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/EPCglobalStandardsDocuments
Q4. When will other product tests be included in Hardware
Certification?
A4. The Testing and Certification (T&C) Working Group will identify
requirements for future Hardware Certification testing.
Q5. Does Hardware Certification require training before testing
begins?
A5. Training is not required, although it is prudent to review the test
specifications so that time during the testing process is optimized. In
addition, Test Mode Requirements are included in the application packet to
assist with advance test preparation.
Q6. What are the Hardware Certification and PTC Accreditation
Program fees?
A6. For Hardware Certification, a fee is associated with each product. Once
the product has successfully passed certification, this is valid for the
product's life cycle. Please refer to:
http://eroom.uc-council.org/eRoom/facility/EPCglobalStandardsDocuments/0_3e144
Q8. Am I correct in saying that "EPCglobal will not perform
any more conformance or certification testing programs for Gen1 C0/C1"?
A8. EPCglobal had two Interoperability events for Gen1 C0/C1 hardware
devices. There is no current plan for further interoperability events for
Gen1 hardware devices. If there are enough vendors requesting this, then
EPCglobal may consider additional round of Gen1 interoperability testing.
Q9. If we have a third party RFID Reader module installed in our
printers, we do not have to submit our product for certification?
A9. Correct, for Printers/Encoders with 3rd Party Reader Modules, Hardware
Conformance Testing will not be required and thus, these devices will not be
certified. Printers/Encoders manufacturers will be permitted to use the
Certification Mark/Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) of the Certified 3rd
Party Reader Module in their marketing literature. A company's supplying (3rd
party) partner must submit a reader module for Gen2 conformance testing and
successfully completes testing for certification.
Q10. Does the 3rd Party Reader Module manufacturer need to
initiate the Hardware Certification process?
A10. The actual vendor of the Reader Module needs to submit the device for
conformance testing. Once the certification process has successfully been
completed by the 3rd Party Reader Module manufacturer, then the following
statement applies: The Certified 3rd Party components will be included in the
Gen2 Certified marketing program support vehicles, such as the website, press
releases, etc.
Q11. Could you please define for me the difference between:
"Printers/Encoders with 3rd Party Reader Module" and
"Printer/Encoders with embedded reader modules"?
A11. The primary difference is Printers/Encoders with 3rd Party Reader Module
is an OEM relationship between the reader module vendor and the
Printer/Encoder vendor. While, in the case of Printer/Encoders with embedded
reader modules, the Printer vendor has their own reader module implemented on
the printer board.
Future Programs
Q1. When will EPCglobal have a Software Certification Program?
A1. EPCglobal has plans to launch a Software Certification Program in 2006.
Further information about this Program will be communicated at that time.
Q2. When will EPCglobal have an Interoperability Program?
A2. Interoperability testing between hardware devices is expected to launch
during the first half of 2006. As the Program information becomes available,
communications will be sent to all EPCglobal Subscribers.
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