By Jill Gambon

July 20, 2009—The process of hiring a systems integrator for a radio frequency identification project can be lengthy and intensive, but when done smartly, it can improve the chances of a successful deployment. A critical part of the process is the request for proposal (RFP), used to identify the company that can assist with system design and technology selections, as well as implementation and support.

The hallmark of an effective RFP is that it is information-packed, completely describing the project's goals and how it will fit into the company's overarching business strategy. In addition, business operations must be clearly documented and future plans for the RFID system identified. "Most RFPs are vastly incomplete in the information a systems integrator needs to know," says Patrick Sweeney, CEO of ODIN Technologies. "The No. 1 rule is: Put in more information than you think you need."



In general, it takes up to six months for the entire process of hiring a systems integrator—including conducting researching, gathering information, writing the RFP, evaluating responses and vetting the responding vendors. For especially complex projects, or for organizations beginning their first foray into RFID, a preliminary step can be to issue a request for "sources sought," or a request for information (RFI) to learn more about the vendors and the services and solutions they offer.