2. TOOLS
2.1. Standards
Standards and specifications provide the common definitions, functionality and language for the hardware and software components of the EPCglobal Network. They help advance the EPCglobal community toward a common objective, namely, implementing the EPCglobal Network(tm) to improve visibility and efficiency in today's global, multi-industry supply chain. EPCglobal Specifications result from the work that began under the auspices of the Auto-ID Center at MIT and form the foundation for the EPC/RFID technology that the EPCglobal community has begun implementing worldwide.
Specifications & Ratified Standards
2.2. Cost Tutorial
The Cost Tutorial is an Excel workbook format, this easy-to-use reference tool contains an exhaustive list of RFID implementation-related costing items that companies need to consider as they budget or estimate the cost of an EPC/RFID pilot or implementation project. Cost numbers are designed to be filled in by individual companies as they obtain negotiated contract pricing from their strategic technology suppliers. Cost items, phase structure and timeline presented in the tool can be modified easily to suit the specific needs of an organization.
2.3. EPCglobal Network Architecture
The EPCglobal Network Architecture enumerates, at a high level, each of the hardware, software and data standards that are part of the EPCglobal Architecture Framework, showing how the different components fit together to form a cohesive whole. In addition, it defines the high-level architecture of the core services operated by EPCglobal and its delegates. One of the document's goals is to provide architectural guidance to technology vendors (and end users) implementing EPCglobal standards and to end users deploying systems conforming to EPCglobal standards and utilizing EPCglobal Core Services.
EPCglobal Network Architecture Documents
2.4. Gen2 Information
UHF Generation 2 Air Interface Protocol was ratified as an EPCglobal Standard in December 2004. Some of the requirements for this standard were:
- Convergence to One Global, Interoperable Standard
- Simple purchase decisions for implementers
- Focused equipment manufacturing efforts
- Increased Speed and Ease of Global Adoption
- Enhanced compatibility with regional RFID regulations
- On-the-fly adaptive techniques for readers
- Increased Functionality and Performance
- Defined by cross-industry requirements of the market
- Better read and write rate performance
- Increased Production and Competition
- Increased inventory available for implementations
- Reduced costs for tags and readers.
The Gen2 Features document will identify what features were designed to meet the requirements above and an overview of how those features work, in addition to several frequently asked questions about the interoperability of Gen2 with an implemented environment.
The Gen2 standards have been accepted by ISO.
2.5. EPCglobal Compliance Certification
Certification is a "procedure by which a [neutral] third party gives written assurance that a product, process or service conforms to specified requirements." (ISO) EPCglobal Certification Tests include:
- Conformance measures a device's compliance to a given standard with RF testing (the air interface portion of the tags and readers) and with protocol testing (the logic or protocol portion of the tags and readers)
- Interoperability measures a device's ability to operate with other devices
- Performance measures a device's (applied tag) performance under real world conditions within specified environments as static (testing tag applied to an object) and as dynamic (testing tags applied to an object in motion) tests.
The EPCglobal Hardware Certification program occurred as interoperability testing with Generation 1 Hardware and was conducted first in August of 2004 and again in February of 2005.
The EPCglobal Hardware Certification program for compliance will take place in August 2005 with compliance to the Gen2 standard.
February 2005 Hardware Interoperability Testing Results
2.6. Pilot and Implementation Planning Tools
This 5 Phase Adoption Model tool provides a structure method for optimal implementation of EPC. There are 4 key focus areas (Knowledge, Business case, Analysis, and Partner Actions) in each phase of the 5 phase model. As you move into the higher level phases the level of engagement in all aspects of the focus areas increase. At the conclusion of the final phase a integrated plan is created that leverages EPC uniquely for your business.
Pilot and Implementation Planning Tools
2.7. Data Exchange Pilot Learnings
This paper focuses on documenting learnings from a RFID data exchange pilot in the fast moving consumer goods industry. The pilot we studied is a collaborative effort between two of the largest retailers in the world and five of their major suppliers facilitated by EPCglobal and the MIT Auto-ID labs. Currently manufacturers and suppliers are building the infrastructure to exchange EPC data to validate standards and proof of concepts for RFID adoption. The outcome of these pilots will essentially set the stage for large scale RFID adoption worldwide. This paper attempts to document issues relating to data exchange from business process, organizational and technical perspectives. We have synthesized the findings and consolidated lessons from the pilot experience in an attempt to share these learnings with new practitioners looking to start RFID projects.
2.8. Peloton
The EPC Peloton Planning Tool was developed out of a need to collaborate and form consensus around the events and milestones that are critical for the widespread adoption of EPC for an industry. Through an iterative and collaborative process, a Peloton can align an industry on critical events which need to occur in order to capture certain business benefits from the adoption of EPC technology. The Peloton provides a methodology to capture and display this collaborative industry view.
2.9. Implementing RFID in Europe – an Overview of European UHF RFID Standards and Regulations
UHF RFID implementations in Europe must comply with the EU and national radio regulations and standards. This section, together with the linked documents, provides an introduction to the various regulations and standards and how they impact the implementation of UHF RFID in Europe.