Glossary of RFID Terms

If there is a term that should be in this glossary but isn't, please let us know by sending e-mail to .

G

GCI

See Global Commerce Initiative

GDS

See global data synchronization

Gen 2

See EPC Generation 2

General Pupose Input/Output

Ports on a reader provided for interaction with hardware peripheral to the reader itself. For example, a device such as an electronic eye may be connected to a general purpose input (GPI) port so that when an object breaks the beam of the electronic eye the reader begins reading. As another example, an actuator device may be connected to a general purpose output port (GPO) so that when a tag is read, a conveyor is turned on or a dock door opened.

Geographical Information System Software

A system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes that are spatially referenced to the earth. GIS software enables users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information, edit data, create maps and present the results of these operations. GIS is often utilized in logistics applications; other common apps include scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, cartography, criminology, history, sales, marketing and emergency disaster relief.

Geospatial

A term frequently used to describe the combination of spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic datasets. The term is often employed in conjunction with geographical information systems (GIS) and geomatics.

GIS Software

A system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes that are spatially referenced to the earth. GIS software enables users to create interactive queries, analyze spatial information, edit data, create maps and present the results of these operations. GIS is often utilized in logistics applications; other common apps include scientific investigations, resource management, asset management, cartography, criminology, history, sales, marketing and emergency disaster relief.

GLN

See Global Location Number

Global Commerce Initiative

In user group founded in October 1999 by manufacturers, retailers and trade industry associations, to improve the performance of the international supply chain for consumer goods through the collaborative development and endorsement of recommended voluntary standards and best practices. Its charter is to drive the implementation of EAN•UCC standards and best practices, including use of EPC.

Global data synchronization

A term that generally refers to the process of ensuring that a manufacturer's master files with product information match those of retailers. GDS is an importan prerequisite to deploying RFID in open supply chains because companies need to ensure that RFID serial numbers refer to the right product information in a database.

Global Location Number

A numbering scheme created by EAN International and the Uniform Code Council to as a means to identify virtually limitless numbers of legal entities, trading parties and locations to support the requirements of electronic commerce (B2B and B2C). Parties and locations that can be identified with GLNs include functional entities (e.g., a purchasing, accounting or returns department), physical entities (e.g., a particular room in a building, warehouse, loading dock, delivery point) and legal entities or trading partners (e.g. buyers, sellers, whole companies, subsidiaries or divisions such as suppliers, customers, financial services companies, or freight forwarders).

Global Positioning System

Developed for and managed by the United States military, GPS is a satellite navigation system. It consists of 24 satellites above the earth. They transmit radio signals to receivers placed on ships, trucks or other large assets that need to be tracked. The receivers compute longitude and latitude and velocity by calculating the difference in the time signals are received from four different satellites. Some companies are integrating RFID and GPS systems to track assets in transit.

Global System for Mobiles

The digital cellular telephone system, widely used in Europe, Asia and Australia.

Global Trade Item Number

A standardized system of identifying products and services created by the Uniform Code Council and EAN International. Product identification numbers, such as EAN/UCC-8, UCC-12, EAN/UCC-13, and EAN/UCC-14, are based on the GTIN.

GPS

Global Positioning System

GSM

See Global System for Mobiles

GTAG

See Global Tag

GTIN

See Global Trade Item Number

If there is a term that should be in this glossary but isn't, please let us know by sending e-mail to .