report on transparent supply chain1

8/6/2019 Report on Transparent Supply Chain1

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Project Report

On

Transparent Supply Chain

using

Radio Frequency Identification

Submitted to:

Professor S. Chandrashekhar

Submitted by Group 6 (FMG19C):

Ankit Garg(191126)

Ankita Garg(191127)

Gaurav Sakhuja(191140)

Madhur Gautam(191144)

Sonal Saraogi(191175)

Sudarshan Chitlanga(191177)


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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 3

REVEALING TECHNOLOGIES................................ ................................ ...................... 4

RFID................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 5

BASIC COMPONENTS OF AN RFID SYSTEM................................ ................................ ........... 5

READ ONLY, READ/WRITE AND WORM TAGS ................................ ................................ ........ 8

PASSIVE, SEMI-PASSIVE AND ACTIVE TAGS ................................ ................................ .......... 8

PASSIVEVS.ACTIVE RFIDCOMPARISON................................ ................................ ............ 8

EPC ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 10

RFID VS.BARCODES COMPARISON ................................ ................................ .................. 10

RFIDFREQUENCIES ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 11

RFIDINTHERETAIL SUPPLY CHAIN ................................ ................................ ...... 14

APPLICATIONS OFRFID................................ ................................ .............................. 18

ADVANTAGES ANDDISADVANTAGES OFRFIDTECHNOLOGY ....................... 19

ADVANTAGES: ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 19

DISADVANTAGES : ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 19

PROBLEMS WITH RFID ................................ ................................ ............................... 21

TECHNICALPROBLEMS WITH RFID ................................ ................................ ................... 21

SECURITY, PRIVACY AND ETHICS PROBLEMS WITH RFID ................................ ................... 22

RFID MANUFACTURERS ................................ ................................ ............................. 24

INDIAN COMPANIES IMPLEMENTING RFID................................ .......................... 25

REFERENCES ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 27


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Introduction

The definition of transparency in supply chain refers to a quality, characteristic, or state in

which activities, processes, practices and decisions that take place in the supply chain become

open and visible to the outside world.

The origins of a companys products used to be pretty murky. Beyond the supply chain

function, virtually no one cared. Of course, all thats changed. Consumers, governments, and

companies are demanding details about the systems and sources that deliver the goods. They

worry about quality, safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Farsighted organizations are

directly addressing new threats and opportunities presented by the question, Where does this

stuff come from?

Consider the trouble an opaque supply chain can cause. Most iPhone owners probably dont

think about the provenance of their devices, but worker suicides at Foxconn, one of Apples

major Chinese suppliers, forced the company to pull the curtain back on part of its supply

chain in 2009. It had to quell claims that it relied on sweatshop labor. Another high-profile

case, the toxic drywall scandal, led to class-action lawsuits. The offending product was

imported into the United States bearing no readily available information about its source

other than a Made in China stamp. And a few years earlier, toy giant Mattel faced a tornado

of publicity about lead in toys, which raised questions about how much control it had over its

supply chain.


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Revealing Technologies

Driven by growing calls for transparency, firms such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, and Kroger are

beginning to use new technologies to provide provenance data to the marketplace. In time,

customers will perceive easy access to such information as the norm. Revealing origins will

become an essential part of establishing trust and securing reputation.

The key technologies are not fundamentally new, but they are evolving and blending to

unleash new opportunities and threats. Product labeling has been transformed by microscopic

electronic devices, genetic markers for agricultural products, and a new generation of bar

codes that can be read with standard mobile phones. Combine these developments with the

reach of the internet and virtually unlimited data storage, and firms can now contemplate

more-sophisticated ways to trackand to revealthe manufacturing trajectory of theirproducts.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, well established for inventory management

and other purposes, are becoming smaller, cheaper, and more flexible. New generations of

tagssuch as Hitachis sand-grain-size mu-chipcan be used, for instance, to label jewelry

inconspicuously. It can even be embedded in paper and plastic, making the products

provenance data part of the material itself. And smaller-scale tagslabeled exotically as

radio dustare in development.

Just like a paper label, a technology tag can be used in two ways. It can store data directly, in

some cases even being updated as the item moves through the supply chain. Alternatively, the

tag can simply hold a unique identifier, which acts as a pointer to a vast amount of web-based

supporting data. The ubiquity of such mobile devices means that consumers can readily

access this internet of things, gathering provenance information not just at the generic level

of the item category or type but for the specific item. If Im interested in, say, food safety, the

technology can tell me not just about this type of chicken, butthis chicken.


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RFID

RFID stands forRadio-Frequency Identification. The acronym refers to small electronic

devices that consist of a small chip and an antenna. The chip typically is capable of carrying

2,000 bytes of data or less.

The RFID device serves the same purpose as a bar code or a magnetic strip on the back of a

credit card or ATM card; it provides a unique identifier for that object. And, just as a bar code

or magnetic strip must be scanned to get the information, the RFID device must be scanned to

retrieve the identifying information.

Basic components of an RFID system

A basic RFID system consists of three components:

y An antenna or coil

y A transceiver (with decoder)

y A transponder (RF tag) electronically programmed with unique information

Antenna: The antenna emits radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it.

Antennas are the conduits between the tag and the transceiver, which controls the system's

data acquisition and communication. Antennas are available in a variety of shapes and sizes;

they can be built into a door frame to receive tag data from persons or things passing through

the door, or mounted on an interstate tollbooth to monitor traffic passing by on a freeway.

The electromagnetic field produced by an antenna can be constantly present when multiple

tags are expected continually. If constant interrogation is not required, a sensor device can

activate the field.


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Often the antenna is packaged with the transceiver and decoder to become a reader (a.k.a.

interrogator), which can be configured either as a handheld or a fixed-mount device. The

reader emits radio waves in ranges of anywhere from one inch to 100 feet or more, depending

upon its power output and the radio frequency used. When an RFID tag passes through the

electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data

encoded in the tag's integrated circuit (silicon chip) and the data is passed to the host

computer for processing.

Tag: Chip tags consist of a microchip and a coupling element an antenna. Most tags are only

activated when they are within the interrogation zone of the interrogator; outside they sleep. Chip

tags can be both read-only (programmed during manufacture) or, at higher complexity and cost,

read-write, or both. Chip tags contain memory. The size of the tag depends on the size of the

antenna, which increases with range of tag and decreases with frequency.

Tag shape: RFID tags come in a range of shapes and sizes. The following are the most common:

y Label: The tag is a flat, thin, flexible form

y Ticket: A flat, thin, flexible tag on paper


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y Card: A flat, thin tag embedded in tough plastic for long life

y Glass bead: A small tag in a cylindrical glass bead, used for applications such as animal

tagging (e.g. under the skin)

y Integrated: The tag is integrated into the object it is tagging rather than applied as a

separate label, such as moulded into the object

y Wristband: A tag inserted into a plastic wrist strap

y Button: A small tag encapsulated in a ruggesdised, rigid housing

Interrogator: Depending on the application and technology used, some interrogators not only read,

but also remotely write to, the tags. For the majority of low cost tags (tags without batteries), the

power to activate the tag microchip is supplied by the reader through the tag antenna when the tag is

in the interrogation zone of the reader, as is the timing pulse these are known as passive tags.

Middleware:Middleware is the interface needed between the interrogator and the existing company

databases and information management software.


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Read only, read/write and worm tags

y Read only tags contain a unique licence plate number which cannot be changed

y Worm Write Once Read Many enables users to encode tags at the first instance of

use, and then the code becomes locked and cannot be changed

y Read/write tags allow for updated or new information to be written to the tag

Read only tags can be the cheapest, because they often require the least amount of memory,

but they rely on an infrastrucutre and readily available database to retrieve useful

information. Where this is not possible, read/write tags, whcih are more expensive (but do not

need large infrastructure) and often used. In many cases these functionalities are combined

with segmented memories.

Passive, semi-passive and active tags

Passive tags refer to RFID tags which are powered solely by the RFID interrogator. The

interrogator emits a radio frequency (RF), which powers the silicon chip on the tag when it is

within range of the RF field. When the power to the silicon chip on the tag meets the

minimum voltage threshold it require to turn on, the silcion chip can then send back

information on the same RF wave. Range is usually limited to several meters.

Active tags refer to RFID tags which have their own power source, so they can recieve a

weaker signal from the interrogator (i.e. be further away), and the power source on the tag

boosts the return signal. These types can have ranges of many tens of meters and even

hundreds of meters, but cost more becasue of their size and sophistication. Battery life can

also limit the life of the tag.

Semi Passive tags refer to tags with a power source (usually a laminar, flexible, low cost

battery) which can be used for on tag sensing (e.g. temperature), but not to boost range.

Passive vs. Active RFID Comparison

The primary difference betwee passive and active RFID tags is that active tags are powered

by a battery and automatically broadcast their signal, whereas passive tags do not have a

power source and only transmit a signal upon receiving RF energy emmited from a reader in

proximity of the tag.


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Passive Active

Read Range Up to 40 feet (fixed readers)

Up to 20 feet (handheld

readers)

Up to 300 feet or more

Power No power source Battery powered

Tag Life Up to 10 years depending

upon the environment the tag

is in

3-8 years depending upon the

tag broadcast rate

Tag Costs $.10-4.00 or more depending

upon quantity, durability, and

form-factor

$15-50 depending upon

quantity, options (motion

sensor, tamper detection,

temperature sensor), and

form-factor

Ideal Use For inventorying assets using

handheld RFID readers

(daily, weekly, monthly

quarterly, annually). Can also

be used with fixed RFID

readers to track the

movement of assets as long

as security is not a

requirement.

For use with fixed RFID

readers to perform real-time

asset monitoring at choke-

points or within zones.

Typically necessary when

security is a requirement.

Readers Typically higher cost Typically lower cost


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EPC

The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a family of coding schemes created as an eventual

successor to the barcode. The EPC was created as a low-cost method of tracking goods using

RFID technology. It is designed to meet the needs of various industries, while guaranteeing

uniqueness for all EPC-compliant tags. EPC tags were designed to identify each item

manufactured, as opposed to just the manufacturer and class of products, as bar codes do

today. The EPC accommodates existing coding schemes and defines new schemes where

necessary. The EPC was the creation of the MIT Auto-ID Center, a consortium of over 120

global corporations and university labs. The EPC system is currently managed by EPCglobal,

Inc., a subsidiary of GS1. The Electronic Product Code promises to become the standard for

global RFID usage, and a core element of the proposed EPCglobal Network.

RFID vs. Barcodes Comparison

RFID and barcodes are similar in that they are both data collection technologies, meaining

they automate the process of collecting data. However, they also differ significantly in many

areas. Although this comparison primarily focuses on the advantages of RFID over barcodes,

RFID will not completely replace barcode technology. Barcodes offer some advantages over

RFID, most notably their low cost.

Comparison Statistics

y RFID is 15-20 times faster than manual and barcode processes for inventorying IT

assets. (Source: RFID Journal)

y Some companies experience a 95% reduction in time using RFID (Source: Motorola)

y The #1 RFID application being deployed is IT asset tracking (Source: Aberdeen)

RFID Barcodes

Line of Site Not required (in most cases) Required

Read Range Passive UHF RFID:

- Up to 40 feet (fixed

readers)

- Up to 20 feet (handheld

readers)

Several inches up to several

feet


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Active RFID:

- Up to 100's of feet or

more

Read Rate 10's, 100's or 1000's

simultaneously

Only one at a time

Identification Can uniquely identify each

item/asset tagged.

Most barcodes only identify

the type of item (UPC Code)

but not uniquely.

Read/Write Many RFID tags are

Read/Write

Read only

Technology RF (Radio Frequency) Optical (Laser)

Interference Like the TSA (Transportation

Security Administration),

some RFID frequencies don't

like Metal and Liquids. They

can interfere with some RF

Frequencies.

Obstructed barcodes cannot

be read (dirt covering

barcode, torn barcode, etc.)

Automation Most "fixed" readers don't

require human involement to

collect data (automated)

Most barcode scanners

require a human to operate

(labor intensive)

RFIDFrequencies

Frequency refers to the size of the radio waves used to communicate between the RFID

systems components. It is generally safe to assume that a higher frequency equates to a faster

data transfer rate and longer read ranges, but also more sensitivity to environmental factors

such as liquid and metal that can interfere with radio waves. RFID systems currently operate

in the Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF) and Ultrahigh Frequency (UHF) bands.

Each frequency has advantages and disadvantages relative to its capabilities. Generally a

lower frequency means a lower read range and slower data read rate, but increased

capabilities for reading near or on metal or liquid surfaces.

No single frequency is ideal for all applications, even within a single industry. Just as

separate bar code symbologies are used at different levels of consumer goods packaging,


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from U.P.C./EAN symbols at the item level to Code 128 and two-dimensional symbologies

on cases and pallets, RFID tags of different frequencies and functionality will be used

together within overall supply chain operations.

Frequency

Band

Description Operating

Range

Applications Benefits Drawbacks

125KHz to

134 KHz

Low

Frequency

< .5M or

1.5ft.

Access

Control

Animal

Tracking

Vehicleimmobilizers

Product

Authentication

POS

applications

Works

well

around

water and

metalproducts.

Short read

range and

slower read

rates

13.56 MHz High

Frequency

< 1M or

3ft.

Smart Cards

Smart shelve

tags for item

level tracking

Library

Books

Airline

Baggage

Maintenance

data logging

Low cost

of tags

Higher read

rate than LF

860 MHz to

930MHz

Ultrahigh

Frequency

(UHF)

3m or 9ft. Pallet tracking

Carton

Tracking

Electronic

toll

EPC

standard

built

around

this

Does not

work well

around

items of

high water


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collection

Parking lot

access

frequency or metal

content

2.4GHz Microwave 1m or3 ft. AirlineBaggage

Electronic

toll collection

Mostexpensive

Fastest readrates


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RFID in the Retail Supply Chain

Wal-Mart and DoD suppliers are moving forward with EPC RFID implementations to gain

operational improvements, such as:

100 percent inventory visibility

major reduction in losses and shrinkage

tracking lot and expiration dates

work in process data management

enabling tags to carry real-time databases of item information

assigning unique serial numbers to items

sharing EPC and other product data with partners in the supply chain

Operational Procedure:

1. In the Manufacturing plant, pallets arrive at the dock door where stationery readers pick

up EPC numbers and other data about the shipment.

2. Received goods are checked against the Shipping Manifest and will go to one of three

areasInventory, Production orReturns.

3. A new shipping smart label is created to ship Returnsback to suppliers.

4. Inventory cases are read by a forklift reader that updates the system with product and

location data where they will be stored in the Warehouse

5. Production components are read at the case level, updating the system that these goods

will be used immediately. Individual components needed to assemble new products are

collected into bins at the start of the Production Line, allowing the manufacturer to link EPC

data of raw materials with the finished products. A smart label is generated to identify the bin

and its contents.

6. As the bins move toward the work-in-process line, they are read into the system by

stationary conveyor-belt readers.

7. As workers assemble components into products, a smart label is attached to the product at

the outset of Work In Process. Strategically positioned reader/encoders write data about

each task that is completed to the read/write tag in the smart label.

8. At Quality Control, a reader picks up EPC numbers of products that have passed

inspection. EPC numbers and product data are recorded in the manufacturers database,

providing QC documentation as goods move through the supply chain.


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9. Finished goods go to Packaging and a smart label is created that contains specific new

product data.

10. A fork-lift reader is used to update the system with information about the location where

finished goods are stored.

11. Inventory is also stored in the warehouse. As cases are removed from shelves and used in

manufacturing, a

hand-held reader or forklift reader can be used to update the system.

12. In the Warehouse, finished goods destined for a particular Distribution Center are

collected into pallets.


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13. As pallets leave the dock door, stationary readers at Dispatch take take a final reading of

the goods and update the system that they have been loaded on to a truck for shipping out.

14. Advance Shipping Manifests give Distribution Centers data about pallets of good that

will arrive. Pallets are read by stationary readers that record the shipment and flag duplicate,

unordered or suspect items.

15. Forklift readers/encoders update the system with the location of goods that are being

stored. At any time, sensors can record conditions in the DC and add data to the smart label,

allowing products to carry their own pedigree or history.

16. At the DC, goods from multiple suppliers are collected on pallets and targeted for a

particularRetail destination. Pallets are shrink-wrapped to protect contents and keep them

stable. A smart label is created to identify the contents of the pallet and encode shipping

instructions. Stationary readers at the dock doors update the system about outbound

shipments.


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17. Stationary readers at the dock doors update the system to reflect what types of goods have

been received, from whom and when. Again, goods that are accepted will be stored in the

Backroom or placed directly onto shelves in-store.

18. Stationary readers or forklift readers update the system as goods transition from the

backroom into the Retail Store.

19. Shelf readers report back into the system when items are low and shelves need restocking.

20. EPC numbers become inactive at the end of the supply chain when containers are

recycled in Compacting, unless assets, such as pallets or cartons, will be reused.


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Applications ofRFID

Supply Chain Management

Thousands of inbound and outbound shipments can be identified with RFID smart labels that

enable unattended identification, verification and sortation at different points in the supply

chain across trading partners and distribution centers.

Asset Management

RFID promises more effective asset management by providing real-time information about

location of assets ensuring employees always have equipment, tools and other resources

when and where they need them.

Anti-Counterfeiting/Track& Trace

Materials authentication is another complementary asset management application. It provides

a way to detect counterfeit products and can ensure that only authorized parts and supplies

are used with equipment. Many organizations in the life sciences and pharmaceutical

industries will use RFID to comply with FDA rules to create pedigrees to support drug

traceability and security.

Inventory Control

RFID can significantly deliver correct and current information about inventory levels to allow

companies to ensure they can deliver what they have promised. In addition better inventory

control reduces storage space and labor costs and improves asset utilization as well as enables

faster billing cycles and contributes to cash flow.

Work in Process

Along the assembly line, tasks associated with WIP can be reported back to the systems with

RFID, identifying that each step of the assembly process was completed and ensuring that

quality control measures were taken reducing makeovers.


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Advantages and Disadvantages ofRFID Technology

Advantages:

RFID technology has a number of advantages.

y RFID tags are very simple to install/inject inside the body of animals, thus helping to

keep a track on them. This is useful in animal husbandry and on poultry farms. The

installed RFID tags give information about the age, vaccinations and health of the

animals.

y RFID technology is better than bar codes as it cannot be easily replicated and

therefore, it increases the security of the product.

y Supply chain management forms the major part of retail business and RFID systems

play a key role by managing updates of stocks, transportation and logistics of the

product.

y Barcode scanners have repeatedly failed in providing security to gems and jeweleries

in shops. But nowadays, RFID tags are placed inside jewelry items and an alarm is

installed at the exit doors.

y The RFID tags can store data up to 2 KB whereas, the bar code has the ability to read

just 10-12 digits.

Disadvantages:The RFID technology, though very beneficial, is expensive to install. Small and medium

scale enterprises find it costly to use it in their firms and offices.

y It is difficult for an RFID reader to read the information in case of RFID tags installed

in liquids and metal products. The problem is that the liquid and metal surfaces tend

to reflect the radio waves, which makes the tags unreadable. The tags have to be

placed in various alignments and angles for taking proper reading. This is a tedious

task when the work involves big firms.y Interference has been observed if devices such as forklifts and walkie-talkies are in

the vicinity of the distribution centers. The presence of mobile phone towers has been

found to interfere with RFID radio waves. Wal-Mart, the retail sector giant, has

installed billions of RFID tags in their products throughout the world and they have

encountered such problems.


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y The USA and Europe, for instance, have different range of frequencies that allow

RFID tags to function. This makes it mandatory for international shipping companies

and other organizations to be aware of the working pattern of other nations also,

which can be very time-consuming.

y RFID technology has been referred to as invasive technology. Consumers are

apprehensive about their privacy when they purchase products with RFID tags. Once

the radio chips are installed in the product, the customer can be tracked and his

personal information can be collected by the RFID reader. However, many stores

have a facility that deactivates the RFID tags after the product has been purchased.

RFID technology can be the next tool for success and management of various businesses.

With more research, the flaws and limitations of this technology can be removed. This will

make RFID technology very useful for diverse sectors like retail, transport and jewelrybusinesses.


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Problems with RFID

RFID problems can be divided into several categories:

y Technical problems with RFID

y Privacy and ethics problems with RFID

Technical problems with RFID

Problems with RFID Standards

RFID has been implemented in different ways by different manufacturers; global standards

are still being worked on. It should be noted that some RFID devices are never meant to leave

their network (as in the case of RFID tags used for inventory control within a company). This

can cause problems for companies.

Consumers may also have problems with RFID standards. For example, ExxonMobil's

SpeedPass system is a proprietary RFID system; if another company wanted to use the

convenient SpeedPass (say, at the drive-in window of your favorite fast food restaurant) they

would have to pay to access it - an unlikely scenario. On the other hand, if every company

had their own "SpeedPass" system, a consumer would need to carry many different devices

with them.

RFID systems can be easily disrupted

Since RFID systems make use of the electromagnetic spectrum (like WiFi networks or

cellphones), they are relatively easy to jam using energy at the right frequency. Although this

would only be an inconvenience for consumers in stores (longer waits at the checkout), it

could be disastrous in other environments where RFID is increasingly used, like hospitals or

in the military in the field.

Also, active RFID tags (those that use a battery to increase the range of the system) can be

repeatedly interrogated to wear the battery down, disrupting the system.

RFIDReader Collision

Reader collision occurs when the signals from two or more readers overlap. The tag is unable

to respond to simultaneous queries. Systems must be carefully set up to avoid this problem;


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many systems use an anti-collision protocol (also called a singulation protocol. Anti-

collision protocols enable the tags to take turns in transmitting to a reader.

RFIDTag Collision

Tag collision occurs when many tags are present in a small area; but since the read time is

very fast, it is easier for vendors to develop systems that ensure that tags respond one at a

time.

Security, privacy and ethics problems with RFID

The following problems with RFID tags and readers have been reported.

The contents of an RFID tag can be read after the item leaves the supply chain

An RFID tag cannot tell the difference between one reader and another. RFIDscanners are very portable; RFID tags can be read from a distance, from a few inches

to a few yards. This allows anyone to see the contents of your purse or pocket as you

walk down the street. Some tags can be turned off when the item has left the supply

chain.

RFID tags are difficult to remove

RFID tags are difficult to for consumers to remove; some are very small (less than a

half-millimetre square, and as thin as a sheet of paper) - others may be hidden or

embedded inside a product where consumers cannot see them. New technologies

allow RFID tags to be "printed" right on a product and may not be removable at all.

RFID tags can be read without your knowledge

Since the tags can be read without being swiped or obviously scanned (as is the case

with magnetic strips or barcodes), anyone with an RFID tag reader can read the tags

embedded in your clothes and other consumer products without your knowledge. Forexample, you could be scanned before you enter the store, just to see what you are

carrying. You might then be approached by a clerk who knows what you have in your

backpack or purse, and can suggest accessories or other items.


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RFID tags can be read a greater distances with a high-gain antenna

For various reasons, RFID reader/tag systems are designed so that distance between

the tag and the reader is kept to a minimum (see the material on tag collision above).

However, a high-gain antenna can be used to read the tags from much further away,leading to privacy problems.

RFID tags with unique serial numbers could be linked to an individual credit card

number

At present, the Universal Product Code (UPC) implemented with barcodes allows

each product sold in a store to have a unique number that identifies that product.

Work is proceeding on a global system of product identification that would

allow each individual item to have its own number. When the item is scanned for

purchase and is paid for, the RFID tag number for a particular item can be associated

with a credit card number.


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RFID Manufacturers

AeroScout

- Leading manufacturer

- Private firm

- Headquarters in Redwood City California, USA

- Offices in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia and Latin America

- Revenues: $14.1 M

- Employees: 150

Alien Technologies

- Private firm

- Headquarters in Margan Hill, CA and RFID solutions center in Dayton, Ohio

- Offices in US, Europe, Australia and Asia

- Employees: 235

- Clientele: WalMart, IBM, HP, Microsoft, Philips, US DOD


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Indian Companies implementing RFID

PantaloonRetail (India) Limited

Headquarter - Mumbai (Bombay)

Over 1000 stores across 73 cities in India and employs over 30,000 people.

Operating Profit(2010): 600.44 crores

Pantaloon's experiment with RFID

The main objective was to smoothen the entire product lifecycle, introduce item-level

tagging for identification, and track the entire RFID roadmap with Pantaloon.

Pantaloon went in for RFID for its simplicity of tagging, efficacy of use, product

buffering, ability to keep track of over-produced items, and ability to monitor product-

line lead time at the warehouse and fast-moving product-lines. The company selecteda few lines of apparel, primarily shirts and trousers, for its RFID pilot.

Developed by :Wipro Infotech

Oracle database 10g, middleware along with an implementation of the RFID hardware

It integrates with the existing IT infrastructure, the in-house developed Retail

Enterprise Manager (a special variety of ERP package).

Efficiency and accuracy: After the RFID implementation, the time saved on the

same is about 80 percent in inward warehouse processing and 12 percent in outward.

Real-time visibility of items during all stages of the supply chain improved to 98

percent.

Ashok Leyland

Ashok Leyland, a Hinduja group company

Manufacturer of commercial vehicles and diesel engines

Deployed RFID technology within its assembling centers.

Ashok Leyland has seven manufacturing plants - the mother plant at Ennore near

Chennai, three plants at Hosur , the assembly plants at Alwar, Bhandara and state-of-

the-art facility at Pantnagar. The total covered space at these seven plants exceeds

650,000 sq m and together employ over 11,500 personnel.

Operating Profit in March,2010 is Rs.423.67 crores


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Benefits ofRFID in Engine Assembly

The parts received from the supplier are scanned at assembly shops and the database is

updated automatically. The objective of implementing RFID in engine assembly application

is:

To avoid mismatch of critical components that are to be assembled in the engine

To improve quality control

To facilitate JIT inventory

To facilitate automation

To facilitate genealogy tracking of critical engine components.

Implementation:

As a proof of concept, RFID was implemented at Instrumentation department of TechnicalCentre. Features of an RFID enabled Instrument transaction system:

Real - time availability of information about Instrument status through ERP

Availability of Instrument calibration information through ERP

Instrument requisition through ERP

Indication of Instruments going out of Instrumentation department

With the RFID enabled Instrument transaction system, users will have access to the

information regarding Instrument

availability through ERP. As soon as the user requests for the Instrument, the concerned

person at Instrumentation department gets an email. The authorized person at the

Instrumentation department approves the request and the Instrument is issued. When the

Instrument is issued to the user, the issue information is fed in the ERP, which sends it

to the RFID reader, disabling the beep. If the Instrument is taken out of the Instrumentation

department without being issued, the RFID system raises an alarm to indicate this.


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References

http://www.inlogic.com/rfid/rfid_vs_barcode.aspx

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/passive-vs-active-rfid-tags.html

http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Technology-Article.asp?ArtNum=2

http://www.howstuffworks.com/

http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/

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