Data collection and RFID

The topic of today is data collection and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). There are three aspects that have to be considered when looking at RFID as a data collection tool.

1. RFID tag form factor
2. Points of visibility
3. Software and middleware application

The tag form factor has to do with the physical aspects of the application. Aspects such as, type of tag, data capacity requirements, and desired read rates, a metric for system performance. Usually depending on the material to be tagged with RFID it's important that the form factor of the tag is taken into account . Well written specs of the operating conditions and the flow of the assets are required. the understanding of how the tag will applied to the assets whether the tags will be enclosed protective pockets or plastic or will be attached to a metal surface define a lot of the decisions in the RFID install. These physical aspects are of utmost importance for the reliability of the system.

The points of visibility are related to the RFID reader or access points that will collect the data. Usually a site survey has to be performed and spectrum analysis it is highly recommended to minimize the risks of interference and poor read rates. The quality of the reader is extremely important and the specs of the readers have to be accounted for to make sure the reader will fulfill the applications performance and constraints. Reader should be EPC compliant so that the industry standard can be used for any RFID tag vendor

Last but no least the middleware or software that will display the data is the defining factor to have a full deployment successfully running. There are several vendor and integrators and it is recommended that prior to contract or purchase any software, a good look is taken to the flexibility of the software to minimize expenses on complex integrations or software with too many or little features.

In summary these are the three aspects that should be considered closely prior to any RFID install or use of the technology in a data collection context.

RFID Passive versus RFID Active

Automation professionals are usually concerned with the ecosystem of technologies the will best support the customer needs. In the case of RFID, because the technology is becoming more widespread, there is a lack of a systematic approach.

On one hand, automation can be as basic as the use of bar codes and scanners for the tracking of items. In this context, some consider RFID passive as the "new bar code" or the bar code on steroids endorsed by EPC just as UPC does for bar coding. The next phase we apply the technology pitched against the existing processes. This is the passive world. Then we have real life problems to consider with radio interference, metallic materials, Electromagnetic wave reflections, liquids, etc.

RFID active, on the other hand, is a more mature technology, nevertheless, because of cost, is not considered as a possible alternative for an application within the four walls. Therefore, RFID active is sandbox for vehicle tracking, cargo, or applications where the RFID tag will be exposed longer range of communication.

Then the question becomes: what is the approach for automation with RFID to automate processes when we have this two options?

Depending who you ask, some will try to use RFID passive because is cost effective in massive deployment. However, this approach , on my opinion, is shortsighted. Likewise when in an application where active RFID is chosen there are instances where clearly passive fits better.

On my opinion, the best approach is to take a balance view an consider RFID as a tool within the ecosystem of technologies to solve a problem or provide automation. RFID active should be chosen when there are data storage constraints and lighter reader infrastructure requirements. RFID passive should be chosen when there is the need of visibility at checkpoints such as portals, conveyors, and items that make up the pallet.

For instance, consider that once commissioned, an item with a RFID tag, at the end of the cycle, a nested load that accounts several of them as a group is the best approach for having the active RFID tag that is attached to the container. This enables the double assurance that:

1. 100% of the items have been accounted for and have RFID passive tags
2. The RFID active tag for the nested load has the master list, thus providing the 100% read rate in logical way rather than the physical way with RFID passive on portal
   

In summary, RFID technologies should fit the application and should be used as tools rather than platforms that are forced across a process. The advantage of RFID is the wireless data collection and as long as there are efficiencies, the ROI should be obvious besides the intangible value of the use of the technology.