International Journal of RF Technologies - Volume 1, issue 3

Authors: Oh, Chongsun | Dighero, Craig | Thomas, Scott | Veeramani, Dharmaraj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Successful deployment of radio frequency identification (RFID) in supply chain applications depends on several critical factors that affect the RFID system performance. In this paper, we address two important considerations, namely tag performance evaluation and optimisation of reader communication settings, and present our findings based on an RFID system deployment in Intel’s supply chain and additional experiments conducted at the University of Wisconsin–Madison RFID Lab. Technical issues and challenges in designing RFID read points for singulation and localisation of the RF interrogation zone are studied. Results from UHF Gen 2 tag evaluation based on readability, tag sensitivity and tag backscatter …link frequency error are presented. Further, we also discuss how Gen 2 reader communication parameter settings can be optimised to maximise performance in multi-tag environments. This research helped Intel enhance RFID system performance in its supply chain resulting in improved inventory visibility. The research results and solutions to technical issues described in this paper will also benefit researchers and potential users seeking to maximise RFID system performance in supply chain applications. Show more

Keywords: UHF passive RFID, Gen 2 communication parameters optimisation, tag performance evaluation, RFID deployment issues, supply chain inventory visibility

DOI: 10.1080/17545730903228888

Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 151-168, 2009

Authors: Bottani, Eleonora | Bertolini, Massimo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper aims to assess the economic feasibility of a technological solution, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, for asset management in the context of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Three case study companies are examined, respectively, operating as manufacturers of FMCG, pallet pooler and retailer, to be representative of an integrated logistics channel. Site visits and direct interviews are performed to detail the main processes assets are subjected to and the way such processes are currently managed, as well as to derive quantitative values concerning such processes. Based on the analysis, re-engineered procedures have been developed hypothesising RFID deployment …for asset management. Re-engineered procedures were validated by a panel of experts, whose members operate in the logistics, sales and information technology functions of about 15 companies, either manufacturers or distributors of FMCG. On the basis of the comparison between current and re-engineered processes, a detailed economic evaluation is performed for each case study examined to assess the economic suitability of the solution proposed. Results show that RFID deployment allows both manufacturer and pallet provider to achieve an economic profitability on a 5-year period; conversely, the investment is less profitable for the distributor, mainly due to the substantial costs arising for RFID implementation at all retail stores. Outcomes of the study could serve as a guideline for the implementation of RFID technology for asset tracking. Show more

Keywords: radio frequency identification, asset tracking, case studies, feasibility study

DOI: 10.1080/17545730903159034

Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 169-193, 2009

Authors: Nummela, Jussi | Lehto, Arttu | Ukkonen, Leena | Sydänheimo, Lauri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The benefits of using passive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve supply chain productivity have been proved several times in recent years, throughout the world. The paper industry has not been able to fully exploit these benefits, because of the challenging characteristics of the paper reel itself and the lack of a suitable tag antenna. Now the tag antenna has been developed, and this paper studies the means of using this technology in paper mill and sea port environments. These environments cover a major part of the typical supply chain of paper reels. Pilot tests presented in this paper …were performed in realistic industrial circumstances to achieve realistic results. Results proved that paper reels can be reliably identified by passive RFID technology in a real environment. These results bring the large-scale exploitation of RFID in the paper industry one major step closer. Show more

Keywords: automatic identification, paper reel supply chain, radio frequency identification, sea port operations

DOI: 10.1080/17545730903140851

Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 194-213, 2009

Authors: Biader Ceipidor, U. | Medaglia, C.M. | Serbanati, A. | Azzalin, G. | Barboni, M. | Rizzo, F. | Sironi, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this article, the authors present secure and safe mobility network (SeSaMoNet), a navigation and environment description system for users with visual impairments. The system is designed with attention to usability and accessibility features and for its great scalability. The spread of mobile technology such as handheld devices and related software, personal digital assistants and smartphones, wireless communication, text-to-speech, databases and finally radio frequency identification made it possible for the authors to build a portable, easy to use orientation and navigation aid that still has a great development margin. A double version, Symbian and Windows Mobile, allows quite every type …of user equipment to be supported. The system aims to provide a non-intrusive and accessible way to expand the experiences of people with visual impairments and provide them with useful information about the environment beyond the tactile probing of the closest surroundings. This article expands previous work, detailing the usability and accessibility issues the authors faced and the new features introduced in the last period. Show more

Keywords: navigation system, visual impairment, environment description, RFID, mobile

DOI: 10.1080/17545730903039806

Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 214-224, 2009