The Art of Deploying RFID: Three Tips

Just as you'd take a map and driving directions on a cross-country trip, you need the same kind of planning in an RFID deployment. RFID in the supply chain has emerged so quickly and forcefully that there has been little time for companies to consider all aspects of an implementation.
3 factors are key:

The capabilities of different RFID technologies must be considered in relation to specific applications. In the supply chain, RFID data is captured differently than traditional bar code data and consequently must be managed differently You need an RFID solutions provider that has experience with the technology and the ability to provide low-risk and systematic solutions.

Relate RFID to the Application at Hand

Many pilot RFID implementations have failed from a technical perspective because the technology's limitations were not considered. Different RFID frequencies provide varying capabilities. In the supply chain, Ultra High Frequency (900 MHz) has been chosen for RFID compliance initiatives with the DoD and Wal-Mart and is a primary focus of the EPCglobal initiative. Although UHF delivers long read ranges and high data throughput rates, it has a limited ability to penetrate liquid or metal objects. Given the varying types of goods that pass through the supply chain (i.e. metal products, items packaged in foil, and liquid products), expect varying read success rates. You need to consider how to deploy EPC-compliant RFID solutions that take into account limitations of the technology.
Another consideration for RFID supply chain deployments is tag type. Today you can choose from UHF class 0 read-only tags or class 0+ and class 1 tags having both read and write capabilities. These different classes are currently not interoperable. You must use consistent technology throughout the supply chain. However, this is a short-term problem. EPCglobal's UHF Gen2 is a collaborative effort between most industry players to devise a universal protocol. In the interim, "agile readers" that read multiple protocols are necessary.
In closed-loop, non-compliance applications like baggage handling, there is a greater spectrum of RFID technologies to consider. Each provides unique capabilities. For example, Low Frequency (125-134 KHz) delivers a high capability to penetrate metal and liquid objects, but at the expense of read range and a requirement for tags with a larger antenna that results in higher costs. High Frequency (13.56 MHz) sits between UHF and LF and offers slightly greater read range than LF but less than UHF. Likewise, HF has less expensive tags than LF but more expensive tags than UHF. HF also offers greater read range than LF, but significantly less than UHF. Further, because a closed-loop system denotes a single "owner," the lack of prevalent global standards is not an issue. Different RFID technologies have different capabilities and each is suited to different applications. Choose the right technology for the application.
One example of a closed loop implementation is Fraport AG, owner and operator of Frankfurt Airport. With 50 million passengers, nearly 460,000 aircraft movements, and 1.6 million metric tons of air freight per year, Frankfurt is one of the world's largest international airports. In managing the airport, Fraport AG is required by law to regularly inspect primary technical components, service or repair them, and provide a record of proof. To keep up with the high volume of traffic and service expectations, Fraport AG replaced its time-consuming manual inspection process with SAP's Mobile Asset Management software and Psion Teklogix's netpad with an integrated HF (13.56 MHz) RFID reader. For Fraport AG, RFID delivered a high-value solution: a more efficient inspection process with greater data accuracy.

RFID Data Must Be Managed Differently Than Bar Code Data

One benefit of RFID over bar codes is its ability to read multiple tags simultaneously, and without the need for line-of-sight transmission. RFID tags can be read through cardboard, plastic, or paint, allowing tags to be embedded into pallets or cases, thus giving greater flexibility in their placement. By contrast, bar codes require line-of-sight transmission so they must be affixed to a visible, typically stationary, location.
However, RFID data capture capabilities pose challenges because of the large quantities of data captured in a short time. Make provisions to collect and filter data coming from multiple sources, manipulate and evaluate the data, and then forward the refined data to a management system. If these provisions are not made, the accuracy of the data obtained through the RFID system cannot be validated and the management system could potentially be overwhelmed with data.

Choose an Experienced RFID Solutions Provider

A critical step is the selection of an RFID solutions provider. Look for companies that have experience with the technology, an understanding of your business needs, and the ability to provide low-risk and systematic solutions.
Embark on the process knowing the facts. In the supply chain, RFID may require a company commitment to new business processes and logistical reorganization. In closed loop applications, RFID often replaces manual data entry methods. By performing due diligence and aligning RFID decisions with business strategies, organizations can expect to reap the benefits of RFID.