Information resources
RFID Implementation cookbook
2nd release - September 2006
The EPCglobal Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Implementation Cookbook is targeted towards readers who already know about RFID and intend to get involved in using the technology. The Cookbook includes information from EPCglobal working groups, of which many members are early RFID adopters.
The objective of the Cookbook is to provide companies with practical and timely information needed as they prepare for RFID pilot and implementation projects by taking advantage of the learning already captured by the EPCglobal member community.
The Cookbook includes a table of contents with summaries that provide an overview of the information contained in each section. The full details can be accessed through links to additional documents. Some of the documents are not accessible unless you are an EPCglobal subscriber. These documents can be identified by the lock icon next to the document, shown below.
These documents are only accessible by EPCglobal subscribers
For more information on becoming an EPCglobal subscriber, please contact GS1 Australia on 1300 366 033.
- 1.1 RFID/EPC essentials
- 1.2 RFID/RPC implementation guidelines
- 1.3 Working with EPCglobal
- 1.4 Public policy overview
- 1.5 Importance of data synchronisation
2. Tools
- 2.1 Standards
- 2.2 Cost tutorial
- 2.3 EPCglobal network architecture
- 2.4 Gen2 information
- 2.5 EPCglobal compliance certification
- 2.6 Pilot and implementation planning tools
- 2.7 Data exchange pilot learning's
- 2.8 Peloton
- 2.9 Implementing RFID in Europe - and overview of European UHF RFID Standards and Regulations
3. Measuring performance
- 3.1 Key performance indicators
- 3.2 KPI scorecard development for EPC pilots
- 3.3 Questions to consider in developing a EPC business case
- 3.4 Baseline measures with EPC
- 3.5 Validation of EPC results
4. Practice briefings
- 4.1 Readers and infrastructure
4.1.1 Reader configuration
4.1.2 Reader interference - 4.2 Applications, systems and processes
4.2.1 Deploying RFID with varying levels of back-end systems
4.2.2 Compensation for less than 100% case read rate on pallets
4.2.3 Scaling from pilot to implementation
4.2.4 The role of EPC/RFID middleware
4.2.5 Managing RFID tag failure by exceptions handling
4.2.6 Benefits and issues of Gen2 migration
5. Reference material
- 5.1 Glossary
- 5.2 FAQ's
- 5.3 Key learning's
1. Getting started
The concept of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Electronic Product Codes (EPC) is fairly simple.
RFID has been around for more than 60 years when it was first introduced during WWII by the allied forces who needed to identify "friend or foe" aircraft by sending Radio Frequency "squawks." Now, we use Radio Frequency every day, on toll roads, using speed passes at the gas pumps and access passes in secure areas at work and in countless other ways.
EPC, on the other hand, is only six years old and was developed at MIT Auto ID Labs. The "buzz" in the marketplace is the concept of storing product identification on chips no larger than a grain of sand, then placing these chips on tags, which in turn are placed on objects so they can be uniquely identified. The applications and possibilities for EPC/RFID are endless as these objects in motion are traced throughout the supply chain.
RFID/EPC essentials will highlight concepts, components, and applications to enable technical knowledge for beginning the road to implementation. Yes, it's a simple concept with technical ramifications but it's driven by business and process re engineering possibilities which require commitment, resources and time to reap the many benefits associated with adoption.
RFID & EPC essentials
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1.2 RFID/EPC implementation guidelines
The RFID/EPC implementation guidelines provide an overview of key actions and executable milestones recommended by EPC/RFID early adopters based on their real world experiences. Related actions are grouped into categories and chronological phases for easy reference.
Based on the business drivers at hand, an individual company may choose to adopt all or a selective list of actions to create their customised roadmap. It is important to note that separate roadmap's may be required for compliance versus business transformation types of RFID initiatives. Alternative steps in the roadmap may be necessary to get the job done.
EPC implementation guidelines
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[format: pdf - date: August 2005 - size: 52kb]
By subscribing to EPCglobal, your company has joined a dynamic, global community dedicated to developing global standards for the use of Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology within the supply chain and promoting rapid and efficient implementation of the EPCglobal Network™.
Employing EPCglobal Standards and EPC/RFID technology via the EPCglobal Network will provide your company with increased accuracy and visibility at all points in your supply chain.
To get the most from being an EPCglobal community member, take advantage of all EPCglobal has to offer:
- EPCglobal action groups
- Support tools and services
- Training and educational programs
EPCglobal is committed to providing you with the information, tools and support services to increase the efficiency of your supply chain through the rapid and efficient implementation of EPC and RFID technology.
Working with EPCglobal action groups
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[format: pdf - date: July 2005 - size: 51kb]
Working with EPCglobal simple standards development process
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[format: pdf - date: July 2005 - size: 18kb]
It's been stated that "RFID has the potential to jeopardise consumer privacy, eliminate anonymity and threaten civil liberties. It uses technology to invade privacy, and these new instruments will surely doom civilisation."
These statements from consumers and consumer advocates are certainly thought provoking and designed to raise questions regarding RFID. They are good questions, and they deserve honest answers. That's why EPCglobal states "privacy is as important as anything else we are doing!" Our commitment is to understand and address the complex questions that surround consumer privacy.
The EPCglobal mission regarding public policy and privacy is to manage critical issues, displace negative misinformation with a positive perception of EPC technology and to ensure that EPC technology is deployed responsibly without undue public, legislative or regulatory delays.
In this section of the Cookbook, you will learn how EPCglobal addresses these and other issues surrounding public policy and privacy.
1.5 Importance of data synchronisation
Companies require detailed information about their products and supply chain, and the ability to share that information with their trading partners in order to facilitate commercial transactions and the movement of goods and services. In order to serve various needs for information, two distinct information networks have been developed: the GS1 Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) and the EPCglobal Network.
The GS1 GDSN ensures the quality of static information about commercial entities and product/service groups among partners for collaborative trading. The EPCglobal Network provides access to dynamic information about the movement of individual items as they pass through the supply chain. The EPCglobal Network and the GS1 GDSN each provide significant benefits in their own right. Moreover, for companies striving to achieve a fully collaborative business model, the combination of the EPCglobal Network and the GS1 GDSN can provide a comprehensive, integrated approach to electronic collaboration and, as a result, can be complementary in the effort to optimise global trading relationships.
GS1 GDSN/EPCglobal building the bridge
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2. Tools
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 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.
The Cost tutorial, in an Microsoft Excel™ workbook format, is an 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 organisation.
Cost tutorial
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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 utilising EPCglobal core services.
Click here for more 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.
Gen2 information
download [format: pdf - date: January 2005 - size: 1300kb]
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.
2.6 Pilot and implementation planning tools
This Five Phase Adoption Model tool provides a structure method for optimal implementation of EPC. There are four key focus areas (Knowledge, Business case, Analysis, and Partner Actions) in each phase of the five 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
download [format: pdf / xls - date: July 2005 - 2 documents]
2.7 Data exchange pilot learning's
This paper focuses on documenting learning's 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, organisational and technical perspectives. We have synthesised the findings and consolidated lessons from the pilot experience in an attempt to share these learning's with new practitioners looking to start RFID projects.
Data exchange pilot learning's
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005]
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.
Data exchange pilot learning's
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005]
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.
Overview of European UHF RFID standards and regulations
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3. Measuring performance
3.1 Key performance indicators
Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) are critical measures that provide for the ability to accurately measure the effectiveness of operational business processes such as Supply Chain processes. A key element of a KPI is a Scorecard. By determining specific metrics that make up a KPI, one can measure the current operational efficacy of a business process. Defining many Key Performance Indicators and organising them into a Scorecard can help an enterprise measure its overall effectiveness against specific, strategic business goals. Following the implementation of a new technology (such as RFID) and/or a re-engineering of a process enables the enterprise to observe the change in any given KPI to determine the operational impact (positive or negative) of change in the organisation.
KPI Introduction
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Key performance indicators
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3.2 KPI scorecard development for EPC pilots
It is critical to have a Scorecard developed before you begin a pilot. There are two distinct parts to the scorecard. The first focuses on ensuring the technology is capable of delivering reliable data and information. This then becomes the foundation for the second element which focuses on business results (KPI's). The critical enabler to demonstrating business value with EPC technology is to understand the current/actual work processes of the system being impacted and then to use the technology/data to develop specific EPC enabled work process changes that deliver improved business benefits. A key element for both parts of the Scorecard is the focus on baseline data and then comparing that to actual data after EPC is implemented. The Scorecard will continue to evolve and become more granular as it is being used for a specific application.
KPI scorecard development for EPC pilots
download [format: pdf - date: August 2005]
3.3 Questions to consider in developing a EPC business case
Before engaging in EPC it is critical to ask the organisation key questions on where the benefit and value of using the technology will come from. It's a simple quick list of questions to answer that will guide you on business case development.
Questions to consider in developing a EPC business case
download [format: pdf - date: August 2005]
3.4 Baseline measures with EPC
As the business case for EPC is developed it is important to develop baseline data to compare results before and after EPC implementation. This tool provides a method to ensure that prior to implementation the data is collected and then later available to compare results (specific example shown relative to inventory).
Baseline measures with EPC
download [format: pdf - date: August 2005]
To distinguish the unique value of EPC it is important to be able to determine what results are directly linked to EPC. This tool helps develop a process to clarify the process changes/results which are enabled due to EPC.
Validation of EPC results
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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.
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 optimising RFID system performance.
Reader configuration
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005 - size: 132kb]
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
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005 - size: 102kb]
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
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005]
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
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005]
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
download [format: pdf - date: July 2005]
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.
It is equally important that RFID middleware addresses the operational aspects and non-functional requirements.
The role of EPC/RFID middleware
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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
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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
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5. Reference material
Understanding and consistent use of terminology in an evolving technology can often be the root of a solid path to adoption and implementation. This glossary contains terms, acronyms and definitions used and defined by the EPCglobal community.
Glossary
download [format: pdf - date: May 2005 - size: 702kb]
Frequently asked questions about RFID/EPC technology and its benefits, as well as the role of EPCglobal.
Contact EPCglobal for more information.
A summary of key learning's presented by members in the EPCglobal Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Business Action Group (BAG) Pilot and Implementation working group. It contains common practices, as well as a short list of high-priority, implementation-related issues. The key learning's in the summary are organised in the following categories: Contributors, Strategy/Vision/Objectives, Overall pilot approach, Organisational design, Business process design/management, Technology, and High priority Implementation issues.
Key learning presentations given by individual EPCglobal subscriber companies are available to EPCglobal subscribers only.
Key learning's summary
download [format: pdf - date: August 2005 - size: 140kb]
Key learning's
download [format: pdf - 22 documents]
Disclaimer: EPCglobal Inc. (EPCglobal) is providing this "Implementation Cookbook" as a service to interested industries. This "Implementation Cookbook" was developed through a consensus process of interested parties. Although efforts have been made to ensure that the "Implementation Cookbook" is correct, reliable, and technically accurate, EPCglobal makes NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT THIS "IMPLEMENTATION COOKBOOK" IS CORRECT, WILL NOT REQUIRE MODIFICATION AS EXPERIENCE AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES DICTATE, OR WILL BE SUITABLE FOR ANY PURPOSE OR WORKABLE IN ANY APPLICATION, OR OTHERWISE. Use of the "Implementation Cookbook" is with the understanding that EPCglobal has no liability for any claim to the contrary, or for any damage or loss of any kind or nature.
