Understanding the Whole Solution

By Ann Grackin

The reality is that many firms have been in the data-collection business for a very long time. RFID just adds more goodies for them to sell. From data-collection, manufacturing and warehouse equipment to wireless and pure-play RFID vendors, you can engage at the device or component level, or you can work with, for example, a material-handling firm to acquire a full solution.

For successful buying, you just have to invest the time to understand how RFID works. Some common misconceptions on RFID can be shattered here:

• Certain frequencies don't work with certain materials. In reality, this can be sometimes solved with custom antennas.
• Active tags are expensive. If you think about RFID in cost per use, however, the cost can actually be quite low.
• Passive tags are not reusable or long-lived—it's in the packaging. Rugged tags have been in use for years.
• A reader or interrogator is a single-purpose auto-ID device. Today, cell phones, PDAs and other devices can function as RFID interrogators, so think about what you are going to do with it.
• Customers won't embrace RFID. On the contrary, they most certainly will.

RFID Hardware Vendors

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Here are some key points to think about when implementing RFID:

• Run a pilot before you buy, and try to account for environmental factors—not only in your facilities, but also across the process—as well as the materials used in your products. You may need a customized tag antenna to make UHF work. Look into this—it is cheaper than you might think.
• In addition, think carefully about the management of the technology—that is, a process for dispensing, maintaining and managing devices. Plan for growth, and for the unpleasant issues of "disappearing" devices and other security breeches. Consider performance requirements (speed, distance and so forth); scalability; and growth in terms of understanding and increased functional requirements.
• Get your trading partners involved—if you are sharing a process, RFID has to work for all of you.
• Consider building your own little lab—this is not expensive, and if you are going to use RFID for many activities, you can build up the knowledge of RFID in your organization.
• Gain the necessary knowledge—take classes, and learn to work with and experience RFID.

There are many key factors to consider before choosing the best RFID technology and solutions for your company. Increase your confidence and unlock your creative side in gaining hands-on experience with RFID.

Ann Grackin is the CEO of ChainLink Research, a firm dedicated to helping executives improve business performance and competitiveness through superior business practices and technology. The research report on which this article is based can be purchased by visiting the company's RFID Technology Series Web page.