New to RFID? This optional session is open to all preconference seminar attendees looking to gain a basic understanding of the fundamentals of RFID. The differences between the various classes of tags will be explained, including active and passive systems, and the need for additional IT systems to build upon RFID in real-world applications will be highlighted. The session will also include a very brief overview of the EPCglobal network, the future of ISO standards, ETSI reader regulations and the latest standardization efforts worldwide. Finally, the relationship between different standards in the area of RFID and EPC, including the latest EPC Gen 2 standard, will be presented.

Speaker:

Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal LLC

Obtain a fundamental understanding of RFID hardware. We will cover the different frequency bands used: low frequency (LF—125 KHz); high frequency (HF—13.56 MHz); and ultrahigh frequency (UHF—860 to 960 MHz and 2.45 GHz). The instructor will explore the nature of RF fields and radio propagation, including the complex areas of null spots, reflections, polarization and other issues. By defining many buzzwords common within the RFID community, we will give delegates the terminology necessary to understand the technology, and to work with systems integrators and other RFID vendors.

Speaker:

Rossano Vitulli, Ing., Software Architect, Id-Solutions S.r.l., Industrial Engineering Department, University of Parma

Legislation regarding the use of RFID varies around the world and is subject to almost constant ongoing review. Standards will ensure compliance with legislation, while also guaranteeing interoperability between RFID systems manufactured by different technology providers. This session will provide an update on the latest developments by legislative and standardization bodies around the world.

Speaker:

Rossano Vitulli, Ing., Software Architect, Id-Solutions S.r.l., Industrial Engineering Department, University of Parma

Theory is nice, but wait until you experience RFID in action and see its potential—as well as the potential challenges you might encounter while deploying the technology. Our live demo of a UHF RFID interrogator with a variety of products will highlight many real-world issues that arise when deploying RFID. We will demonstrate how antenna polarization and the presence of metal and liquids affect the ability to read a tag on a product, and we will also explore various approaches to alleviating problems reading tags on such products.

The instructor will discuss several important practical issues that must be considered when embarking on an RFID deployment. These range from the all-important cost of tags and interrogators to practical approaches to ensuring high operational reliability. Some example application areas will be presented to highlight how to apply these insights in the real world.

Speaker:

Rossano Vitulli, Ing., Software Architect, Id-Solutions S.r.l., Industrial Engineering Department, University of Parma

Developing an RFID strategy and business case is the first step toward understanding how this technology can develop high-performance results. Your instructor will present various scenarios for RFID strategy and business-case development, while providing an in-depth look at the components and output, including data gathering and analysis, developing a hypothesis, examining current technical architecture, executing cost-benefit calculations, evaluating the opportunities and finding the value, and constructing an implementation plan.

Speaker:

Marshall Kay, Founder, RFID Sherpas LLC