Preconference Seminar: RFID Journal University

11:15
RFID Basics
New to RFID? Here’s your opportunity to gain a basic introduction to the fundamentals of RFID. The differences between the various classes of tags will be explained, including active and passive systems. The need for additional IT systems to build upon RFID in real-world applications will be highlighted. The session also includes a very brief overview of the EPC 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 generation 2 standard, will be presented.
Speaker:
Alan Thorne, Associate Director, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs

11:55
RFID Business Benefits
Why is RFID suddenly the hot technology around the world? This session will explain the market forces driving RFID adoption, and why certain business sectors are leading the way. It will look at the potential business benefits in key operational areas, provide an overview of the benefits the technology is likely to bring to a whole range of industries, and update delegates with the latest plans and deployments from leading companies around the world.
Speaker:
Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal

12:15
Lunch

12:30
Working Lunch: The Physics Behind RFID
Obtain a fundamental understanding of RFID hardware. We will cover the different frequency bands used: LF (125 KHz); HF (13.56 MHz); and 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 explaining many buzzwords common within the RFID community we will provide delegates the terminology they need to understand the technology, and to work with systems integrators and other RFID vendors.
Speaker:
Alan Thorne, Associate Director, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs

13:15
Live Demo: RFID in the Real World
Theory is nice, but wait until you experience RFID in action and see its potential–as well as potential challenges you may encounter deploying the technology. Our live demonstration of a UHF RFID reader with a variety of products will highlight many of the 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 products, and we will explain various approaches to alleviating problems reading tags on these products. 
Demonstrators:
Mark Harrison, Senior Research Associate, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs
Alan Thorne, Associate Director, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs

13:45
Legislation and Standardization
Legislation regarding the use of RFID varies around the world and is subject to almost constant on-going review. Standards will ensure compliance with legislation and also guarantee interoperability between RFID systems manufactured by different technology providers. This session will give an update on the latest developments by the legislative and standardization bodies around the world.
Speaker:
Mark Harrison, Senior Research Associate, Cambridge Auto-IDLabs

14:15
Refreshment Break

14:30
Real-World Considerations
We will discuss some of the important practical issues that must be considered when embarking on an RFID deployment. These range from the all-important cost of tags and readers to practical approaches to ensuring high operational reliability. Some example application areas will be presented in order to highlight how to apply these insights in the real world.
Speaker:
Alan Thorne, Associate Director, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs

15:15
Building an RFID Business Case
Developing an RFID strategy and business case is the first step in understanding how this technology can develop high performance results. Your instructor will present various scenarios for RFID strategy and business case development, and provide 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
  · Constructing an Implementation Plan
Speakers:
Stefan Therond, Partner, Acccenture
Loic Feinbier, Partner, Acccenture

16:15
Building On RFID With the EPC Network
RFID is only one part of a solution. By itself, it provides the means by which the presence of objects can be automatically detected and information about those objects relayed. Equally important are issues such as the nature of the information to be relayed, how that information is conveyed within an organization and beyond, and how additional information is associated. This session will give a very brief introduction to the EPC Network standards that complement RFID to allow a complete solution to be built.
Speaker:
Mark Harrison, Senior Research Associate, Cambridge Auto-ID Labs

17:00
Q & A With the Instructor

17:30
RFID Journal University concludes