RFID Market

I have been watching the RFID Market evolve for several years with increasing interest. The market seems to be at the inflection point of where bar code labels were in the early 1970's in that by virtue of Wal-Mart's mandate it is finally set to take off. The key components of any RFID System are :

RFID Tag or Transponder
RFID Reader or Transceiever
Data Processing Subsystem coupled with a wireless basestation


Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a general term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object wirelessly, using radio waves.

RFID technologies are grouped under the more generic Automatic Identification(Auto ID) technologies. The barcode labels that triggered a revolution in identification systems long time ago, are inadequate in an increasing number of cases. They are cheap but the stumbling block is their low storage capacity and the fact that they cannot be reprogrammed. A feasible solution was putting the data on silicon chips. The ideal situation is contactless transfer of data between the data carrying device and its reader. The power required to operate the electronic data carrying device would also be transferred from the reader using contactless technology. These procedures give RFID its name. One grand commercial vision for RFID is to change the way demand-supply chain moves. In the current almost stone-age scenario, manufacturer produces goods based on forecasts and hopes all of them will be consumed before the shelf life gets them. Good, if the market is consistent. Horrible, if a sudden surge makes the supply fall short and hence everyone in the chain miss on profits. Disastrous, if demand dies suddenly and losses are passed along the chain.

In a not so distant future, RFID enabled stores will monitor the consumption in real time. Shelf will signal the inventory when it needs more stuff and inventory will pull supplies from the manufacturer based on its level of stock.

I have had experience in all aspects of RFID systems and have also been involved in projects that have sought to combine RFID with more traditional bar code based legacy systems.

Project examples:

Developing an RFID system for asset tracking within a facility
Designing a system using TCP/IP protocol stack as intelligent way to communicate to the tag
UPS based material handling system
FED EX based material handling System
USPS based internal package tracking system
Perscription drug tracking & management system

RFID Skills include understanding the basic technical system aspects that include the processing of the RF Siginal as well as the materials handling aspects of the system. RFID applications are a
combination of technologies that provide a solution. It takes an application and solutions oriented sales approach to be able to successfully define and close business in this market.