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RFID - Radio Frequency Identification
Radio Frequency identification is a technology that has been
available for decades, originally developed to identify combatants
(Aircraft) as “Friend or Foe”. In its simple form, it is a
technology that allows tags (RFID Tags) to be interrogated by a
device that is capable of decoding the information encoded on the
RFID tag. Similar to the UPC (Universal Product Code) barcode found
on virtually all consumer products, the EPC (Electronic Product
Code) will replace, or at the least enhance the ability to track
products through the supply chain. The significance of the EPC is
that it is a “unique” identification of the product, much like a
license plate, that can be used to distinguish:
·
Authenticity of the Product
·
Unique Lot Number
·
Date of Manufacture
·
Various data associated with the transport of the item
through
the supply chain can also be traced:
A.
Place of Manufacture
B.
Product shipment date & information
C.
Carrier manifest information & current product location
D.
Product Receipt information
E.
Product Sale information
UPC data can only be used to identify the unique ‘item’ product
code, it does not allow for the tracking of unique (license plate)
data through the supply chain.
EPCglobal, Inc. is one of the companies responsible “for the
development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product
Code™ (EPC) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)”.
Their Web site is a wealth of information on RFID and EPC. Also, on
the EPCglobal Web site is a Video “The Basics of RFID and EPC
Standard
Quality -
High Quality”
which can be used as a primer for the basics of RFID & EPC. Since
EPCglobal, Inc. does not allow for companies to directly link to the
video, you will have to visit their Web site and locate the link on
the “LEFT” hand side of the home page:
EPCglobal, Inc
The principals of SeaTrak, Inc would be happy to discuss any
questions concerning RFID and EPC. Please contact us at:
Contact SeaTrak |
