Definition:
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the mechanism used to get the Electronic
Product Code (EPC), which is embedded in a computer chip, from the label
on the pallet/carton to a computer. It uses radio frequency signals to
identify the electronic number as the pallet/carton passes through and
magnetic field.
A line-of-site to the label is not necessary to transfer
the EPC to a computer as is necessary with the scanning
of a UPC bar code. |
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How the Technology is Being Used:
Founders of EPC technology at MIT used RFID to transmit the
number to a computer as part of their project launched with
major suppliers and retailers. Organizations such as Wal-Mart,
Gillette and the U.S. Department of Defense were all interested
in how this new technology could be used to eliminate cost
and errors in the supply chain.
Mandates have been issued by many of these organizations
that suppliers must comply with this type of labeling scheme
by certain dates. Many of these organizations have said that
their current plans are to use the technology in the back
room to improve their efficiencies without taking the technology
to the store shelves and ultimately to their POS yet.
Online Resources of Information:
RFID Journal – for current news on the topic
Integrated
Solutions – an online publication for news,
with links to services providers
Frontline
Solutions RFID – an online newsletter for
RFID topics
Technology Suppliers:
None
