4. PRACTICE BRIEFINGS

4.1. Readers and Infrastructure

This is a collection of documents about RFID readers and the connected infrastructure, like networks or basic software/middleware layers. This area ranges from site surveys to technical, difficult, multi-protocol environments.

4.1.1. Reader Configuration

This paper is focused on the tunable configuration parameters of RFID readers and antennas. Many of the problems associated with RFID system performance can be tuned out of the system. Reader and antenna configuration parameters play an important role in optimizing RFID system performance.

Reader Configuration

4.1.2. Reader Interference

This paper is geared for end-users of RFID with little-to-no RF expertise. Using general terms, it seeks to address two of the more complex issues surrounding practical RFID implementations, reader crosstalk and interference. Crosstalk can typically be controlled by understanding the tunable parameters of each reader on the market by selecting appropriate antennas, making adjustments to the physical infrastructure or by adding electronic systems that activate the reader when necessary and disabling it in the meantime. Interference among readers is unlikely but does not eliminate the need to understand the environment from an RF design perspective.

Reader Interference

4.2. Applications, Systems and Processes

These documents deal with whole systems and the applications and processes in the field of RFID.

4.2.1. Deploying RFID with varying levels of Back-end Systems

This document discusses how CPG manufacturers, retailers and other companies can get started with RFID with varying levels of systems integration. It especially focuses on the issues faced by companies who are using RFID in their supply chain to effectively and accurately track movement of cases and pallets of product. As companies begin to tag a larger percentage of their cases and pallets, they will move through different implementation phases and levels of integration. This document describes some of those options along with the pitfalls and the benefits associated with each approach.

Deploying RFID with varying levels of Back-end Systems

4.2.2. Compensation for less than 100% case read rate on pallets

RFID technology cannot deliver 100% guaranteed read rates. To compensate for less than 100% EPC case tag reads at the pallet level, one will need to implement processes that will ensure 100% EPC tag data capture. Key points discussed to bridge the gap between the technology capabilities and the requirement for 100% data capture include developing process-based solutions, such as maintaining case to pallet associations and granting trust (EPC Trust Zone) between your Supply Chain partners.

Compensation for less than 100% case read rate on pallets

4.2.3. Scaling From Pilot to Implementation

This paper addresses relevant Hardware and Software considerations that companies will have take into account when attempting to scale from a small RFID pilot to a full-blown RFID deployment.

With respect to hardware, emphasis is given to the tag value chain and key considerations for printers/encoders.

With respect to Software, emphasis is placed on considerations that will drive the ability to seamlessly and scalably integrate the real-time data flowing from RFID readers and other compute infrastructure with traditional enterprise systems such as Warehouse Management Systems and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems.

Scaling From Pilot to Implementation

4.2.4. The Role of EPC/RFID Middleware

Electronic Product Code/Radio Frequency Identification (EPC/RFID) middleware refers to a wide range of functionality. Its primary functions are:

• Integrate a number of RFID readers with business applications.
• Handle a large number of EPC tag reads by consolidating the EPC tag data using filtering.

The Role of EPC/RFID Middleware

4.2.5. Managing RFID Tag Failure By Exceptions Handling

"Exceptions handling" refers to the process that addresses how to deal with those situations when RFID enabled cases or pallets cannot be read. Exception handling processes and guidelines are needed. Key questions and examples are given in this document.

Managing RFID Tag Failure By Exceptions Handling

4.2.6. Benefits and Issues of Gen2 Migration

This practice brief discusses some of the issues and benefits that have been experienced from migrating from Gen1 to Gen2 technology infrastructure. A major part of the discussion will be around the issues that exist due to the increased number of technology players with Gen2 offerings. Also, included will be a description of some of the major benefits that exists from using Gen2 technology over similar solutions with Gen1 technology.

Benefits and Issues of Gen2 Migration