Radio-Frequency Identification

David Schroeder

Bobby Miller

B&D Grassroots Marketing

Concept Map

CEO: David Schroeder

CFO: Bobby Miller

B&D Grassroots Marketing

9th St. Brewing

James, Shane, Danny, &

Matt

World Wide Web

Business Magazine

s

Supplier Websites

How it works

Different Types

RFID Controversi

es

Real-World

Examples

SourcesInformationa

l Content

Recommendations and Further

InformationRFID

Hardware/ Software

Our Recommendations for 9th St.

Brewing

Research Methods and Ideas

Questions from 9th St. Brewing How do we implement an RFID system?

What kind of software is required to be able to use RFID tags to track our inventory?

What type of RFID tag would work best for our situation and line of work?

Once an RFID system is implemented what process would work best to track our shipments?

How does it work? Components of a system-

A scanning antenna A transceiver with a decoder to interpret the data A responder, or RFID tag, that has been

programmed with the information

When an RFID tag passes through the field of a scanning antenna, it detects the activation signal and transmits the information on its microchip to be received by the antenna

Two Types of RFID Tags

Active

Passive

Active RFID Tags Have their own internal power source

Used as a partial or complete source of power for the tag’s circuitry and antenna

Communication from active tags to readers are typically much more reliable

They conduct a “session” with the reader

Pros and Cons of Active Tags

Pros They can be read at

much longer distances

They are more reliable in “RF challenged” environments with high levels of humidity, with dampening targets, reflective targets, etc.

Cons•Tags tend to be larger to accommodate a battery

•Battery life is finite

Passive RFID Tags Does not contain any internal power

A small electrical current is induced in the antenna by the incoming RF frequency which provides just enough power

Passive tags use backscatter from the carrier waves in order to transmit information

Pros and Cons of Passive Tags

Pros Tags can be used for

20 years or more

Much less expensive

Much smaller

Cons•Must be read within very short distances•Tag remains readable even after the product is no longer being tracked

Controversies with RFID Main concerns are with privacy issues

Owner of item will not necessarily be aware of an RFID tag, and consequently would not know when it is being read

Many concerns revolve around the fact that RFID tags remain functional even after the products are purchasedby end consumer

Current Uses of RFID Passports

E-Passports can contain travel history, entries and exits from a country, etc.

Transportation Payments Automatic Toll Payment

Product Tracking

Lap Scoring Used in many off road events to log lap times

Uses of RFID (Cont.) Animal Identification

Animals being “chipped”

Libraries Beginning to replace barcodes in some libraries

Humans…

Human Implants

Implementing an RFID system Here’s what you need

Tags

RFID Readers

Middleware (interface between reader and company software)

If applicable, software to track products

RFID Products

•The following are companies who specialize in making RFID hardware and software:

• Texas Instruments- TI is the world's largest integrated supplier in RFID, with over 500 million tags, smart labels, and readers manufactured for use in asset tracking, contact-less payments and secure ID applications.

• Psionteklogix Technologies- rugged hardware products, great for industrial and hands on use

• Bar Codes Inc- RFID System Hardware, Supplies, & Equipment

• Activewave Inc- User Friendly Windows Based RFID Host Software

Recommendations

After reviewing the statement problem from 9th Street Brewing- B&D Grassroots Marketing recommends:

TrenStar- Asset Management Solutions

TrenStar is the gold standard for asset tracking and management solutions. Their use of- state-of-the-art asset management supply chain technology Web based reporting logistics services

have proven to significantly reduce operational costs, improve return on investment and enhance business processes for their clients

TrenStar can locate each item within the supply chain and report back to clients quickly and easily. Assets can also be more effectively managed, maintained and replaced when necessary.

Why Recommend TrenStar?

TrenStar addresses the gaps in the logistics services market with a three-part solution:

1. Outsourced Asset Management — TrenStar allows clients to

• Focus on their core business by providing, supplementing or purchasing their asset fleets and

• Taking full responsibility of managing the assets through the supply chain, which includes cleaning, maintenance and return logistics.

Why Recommend TrenStar?

2. Asset Tracking Technology — TrenStar uses radio frequency identification (RFID) and asset tracking software to-

• Improve efficiency in supply chains

• This solution also offers full integration with customer Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems giving brewers access to valuable reports and information.

Why Recommend TrenStar?

3. Financing Options Such As Pay-Per-Use — TrenStar eliminates large up-front fees for technology and services by

• Charging a per-use fee for every fill of a keg

• This also allows for companies on the smaller scale (9th St. Brewing) to explore the world of RFID to gain better understanding of implementation and future use in the case of expanding their business

TrenStar Benefits

9th Street Brewing can also expect to experience:

•TrenStar’s RFID-based solution reports both keg • location • Status

• Less spoilage and waste

• Accurate inventory and order tracking

• Fewer keg losses (number one issue facing keg distribution)Say you have 1,000 accounts pouring your beer in a three-state area. You’ll need about 5,000 kegs to cover the cycle, at $100 each: $500,000 of stainless, a hefty chunk of capital. But then factor in the rough industry standard annual loss of 10 percent, and you’re buying 500 new kegs each year, $50,000 down the drain—and you’re not even sure where they’re going.

• Optimized transportation routing

•This enables brewers to identify trends and failures in the trade/supply chain directly and know exactly where the problem is

TrenStar Overall

The RFID solution alone allows for a variety of benefits since TrenStar has RFID experts with real-world experience providing integration and technology deployment in complex supply chains.

TrenStar also uses its leverage to deliver its pay-per-use business model, which offers clients much greater cost predictability and value than they experience managing, maintaining and tracking their own assets.

Research Methods and Ideas

•The RFID products are easy to find, but information about actually implementing the program was not as easy.

•Methods Used:

• Internet

• Business Magazine

• Supplier Websites

•Recommended RFID World Trade Show in Las Vegas

Questions???