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"The emergence of
radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a
force in the supply chain has created the need for middleware that can manage the flow of data between
tag readers and enterprise applications in order to facilitate intelligent use of information generated
by RFID tags."
Source : SEEBURGER
RFID Workbench: Understanding the Basics
RFID Workbench is also known as :
Active RFID System,
White Paper RFID,
RFID Systems Service,
RFID Workbench Analysis,
RFID Workbench Simulation,
RFID Workbench Middleware,
Seeburger RFID Workbench,
Advice RFID Implementation,
Subset RFID Workbench,
RFID Workbench White Papers,
Vendor RFID Workbench,
Embedded RFID Module,
Electronics Workbench,
Radio Frequency Identification,
Radio Frequency Identification Device,
Radio Frequency Identification System,
Radio Frequency Identification Systems,
Radio Frequency Identification Tags,
Radio Frequency Identification Technology,
Research RFID,
RFID Application,
RFID Asset Management,
RFID Asset Tracking,
RFID Companies,
RFID Company,
RFID Compliance,
RFID Conference,
RFID Datasheet,
RFID Global Solution,
RFID Identification.
Summary
The use of RFID has shown a remarkable increase in the United States and in Europe during the
past few months as a larger number of companies have been able to appreciate the benefits of
applying this technology to their production, logistic, as well as sales and planning processes.
The participants in a supply chain classically exchange information based on computer data
exchange (CDE) and bar code data exchange. This approach has enabled productivity increases
that no one today would have imagined possible. The same process is now ongoing with RFID, in
areas where bar codes reach their limitations.
The limitations of bar codes are well known:
- Around 10% reading error
- Linear reading (one code follows another), therefore slower than a broadcast reading
- The reading often requires human intervention (moving and orienting the object for
scanning etc.).
- The need for the bar code to be visible
- The impossibility to apply a bar code in a problematic environment (dust, mud, vapour
etc.) and to reduced size objects or to those with improper shape for sticking on a paper
label
- The impossibility to use bar code to overcome shoplifting.
Today, a second generation of workbench technology enables us to move beyond these
limitations. RFID helps actualize a vision of perfectly integrated logistical and commercial chains.
However, the stages to surpass before getting there must be evaluated in a pragmatic way. Using
RFID in your organization implies direct changes concerning the processes involved and the
information you'll have at your disposal in RFID processes. RFID changes the way your
employees work. It has a direct impact on their productivity and your investments productivity. It
also enables you to base your decisions on more accurate information. However, the real impact
RFID can have on your bottom-line is not easy to quantify.
Just as setting up bar codes required tests and full-scale models, setting up RFID is undergoing a
validation test that, in itself, enables us to certify the concrete impact of this technology on your
profession. The best method to grasp these changes in your environment in a concrete way is to
test them on a defined perimeter and involving the processes that have the most direct impact on
your activity.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a state-of-the-art technology, which has become a
central discussion point for applications such as logistics, material management, industrial
automation and services. An RFID system is composed of a transponder, a reader with antenna
and the application software.
The RFID Workbench is a client/server system which provides visualization, analysis and
processing of RFID Data through any phase of an RFID project, i.e. evaluation and simulation to
backend integration. The RFID Workbench is accesible via a web browser, such as Microsoft
Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firebird. The RFID Workbench enables the user to realise complete
RFID business processes. These processes can integrate with the customer's backend system
using EDI or ERP proprietary formats or protocols such as IDOCs or RFCs.
Common Questions in RFID
What is RFID?
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that enables the identification, localization
and tracking of goods, people, animals and any sorts of objects. It enables immediate data
reception by means of radio waves. A RFID system is mainly composed of three basic elements:
- Transponder (pins, card or label)
- Reader/scanner with an antenna
- Software application
What is a transponder?
The transponder is composed of three elements:
The main component of a RFID transponder is the chip (integrated circuit). The chip has a
memory section that stores the identification code or other data. The content of the memory is
sent to the reader when the chip is activated. The quantity of data storable on the chip depends
on the type of the circuit. Most chips can comprise between 64 bits and 2 kilobytes of data. The
transponder's antenna enables the communication between the chip and the reader. The
packaging protects the transponder and is designed to make it resistant to its environment.
Objects that are equipped with a transponder are called "smart objects", because they can signal
their identification number and other useful properties to a processor.
What is the identification code best suited to a RFID object?
It is necessary to use generators that create identification codes that are unique in the world.
Methods such as EAN UCC's GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) or MIT's ePC (electronic
Product Code) are particularly suited. However, it is possible to use any other identification code,
provided that it is unique on a global scale.
What is a node?
In a RFID system, the smart objects are located by the readers. Each location is a node. A node
can be a production unit, a storage place, a vehicle equipped with a smart object, a warehouse, a
sales point as well as any reader unit or group of RFID readers.
Just like the objects, the nodes must
have an identification code that is
unique on a worldwide scale. It is this
which guarantees an event registered
on a particular node will not be mixed
with other events. The unique
identification of a node also helps
reduce the data volume and
subsequently the system's complexity.
The identification code can be
associated with complementary data,
such as location, address, meaning,
and this additional data doesn't need to be sent along with each event. This (unique) double
identification, of the object and of the node, associated with temporary data (transitory data in the
node) constitutes a minimum quantity of data that is necessary to describe every RFID event.
How do the transponder and the reader communicate?
When a transponder goes through a specific electric field created by the reader, the transponder
detects the signal and starts to send the data stored from the transponder to the reader. The
signal generated by the reader usually supplies id data, and a sufficient amount of energy for the
transponder's supply.
Can a transponder be read through any type of material?
Yes, it can be read through almost any type of material. The tags can be read through plastic,
wood, partition walls, dust, paint, vapour, mud, water and almost any conceivable material. The
only materials that require analysis or more advanced tests are metals and liquids. For the
metals, there is a 125-kHz technology that allows tagging on or inside the metal, enabling
transmission in a metallic environment. For certain systems, it is possible to apply a transponder
in milled metallic pieces with a single exposed surface. However, there still are physical
limitations to these materials.
What are the technical characteristics of a RFID solution?
The analysis of your environment, of your processes and applications allows you to determine:
- The frequency
- The chip technology
- Memory dimensions
- The particular characteristics of the chip
- The transponder's size and shape
- The reader's antenna
- The middleware computer
- The type of data communication
What are benefits of RFID usage against bar code usage?
RFID is not intended to replace the bar code in all its applications but to provide for its limits. Its
main benefits are:
- Identification without contact (even beyond visual range)
- Reading through materials such as cardboard, wood, etc.
- Identification takes less than a second
- Reading of several transponders at the same time (anti-collision principle)
- Endurance in difficult environments (extreme temperatures, humidity, etc.)
- Adaptable size and shape
- The transponder can be completely integrated in a product
- High security: password and data transfer of encrypted data anti-copy protection
The main benefit of RFID is that it eliminates reading lag and reading errors.
What does a RFID solution imply?
In order to establish the input of RFID applications we have to consider several elements:
- Fast and reliable processing by automating production management, logistics, storage
and sales administration, follow-up warranty services, etc.
- Error suppression (for example through automated identification of the goods the moment
they enter in stock)
- Improved data flow enabling "real time" data retrieval, a better anticipation aiming toward
production on demand
- Significant cost deductions by eliminating manual reading of bar codes
SEEBURGER RFID Workbench Functionality
Administration and Role-Based Access
The RFID Workbench uses a User
Management system to ensure that
users of the system are
authenticated and that their defined
roles only have access to specified
parts of the solution.
Additionally, users can define their
own '‘look and feel regarding
displayed contents, columns, sort
orders and other user-dependent
display and processing options.
Inventory Views
The RFID Workbench provides an
overview and online status report for
all RFID-tagged items with present
location and item status in the
defined system. RFID Workbench
enables users to produce reports on
inventory levels and stock
movements in real-time. This
includes the complete supply chain (across company boundaries) that is tracked using RFIDtags.
Inventory Details
The RFID Workbench dramatically
reduces the time taken to count
stock and report on stock levels.
RFID Workbench supports reports
and various printing functions like
stock movements, inbound or
outbound shipping processes etc.
Reports & Statistics
The RFID Workbench provides
a set of reports which allow the
user to analyse almost any
aspect of the processed (RFID)
data and the expenses of the
taken activity. Such reports also
allow users to determine peak
points (of processing) or
determine reader-location and
reader-types required to
process the RFID data
appropriately.
Tracking and History
Each RFID-tagged item can be
tracked across the supply chain.
All involved companies/readers
in the supply chain system are
recorded and details show
which reader and when it was
passed by an item.
Visual Tracking
The RFID Workbench provides a graphical view that shows the user where items are in the
supply chain.
Event Management
The RFID Workbench includes a
complete event management system to
combine situations/events around tagged
items with according action steps. This
allows an easier and improved control of
processes.
A combination of events (a specified
reader, location, item amount, item status,
date, time etc.) can be used as an event
trigger for according actions, error
messages and alerts.
Example: Event management can be
used to exclude incorrect delivery
processes or prevent inventory processes
from not following a '‘FIFO-principle.
Planning Management
Specific planning processes within RFID
Workbench can be combined with defined
process steps. This enables the definition
of minimum/maximum times for
processing of specific supply chain steps,
and consequently triggering alerts in case
of errors.
Example: Prevents items being stored
longer than a defined period in a defined
location.
RFID Workbench - Meeting Industry Mandates
The majority of major retailers including Wal-Mart, Target, Albertson's, as well as the Department
of Defense are instituting mandates for compliance by their major suppliers. These organizations
will not be the last. Movement toward RFID initiatives can already be seen in other industries
including Healthcare, Medical Devices, Automotive, and Pharmaceuticals. These new mandates
leave many suppliers with two core questions:
- What do we have to do in order to comply?
- How can we turn this cost into a positive investment?
The emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a force in the supply chain
has created the need for middleware that can manage the flow of data between tag readers and
enterprise applications in order to facilitate intelligent use of information generated by RFID tags.
Multiple vendors are entering the RFID middleware space, but most lack the ability to provide an
end-to-end solution that can serve basic needs such as reader connectivity as well as more
advanced requirements such as application integration. SEEBURGER's RFID Workbench is
designed to address the full spectrum of RFID middleware needs, enabling an organization to
implement RFID on a phased basis without changing middleware packages or engaging multiple
providers.
RFID Workbench- Compliance Functionality
- Connecting to Hardware: Workbench communicates directly to printers and devices
allowing organizations to seamlessly program and link EPC and UPC codes.
- Programming of RFID Infrastructure: Workbench provides validation and
authentication functionality ensuring the tags are working correctly and can be
programmed with the required EPC Codes.
- Data Catalog - Logging your Compliance: For mandates driven by companies such as
Wal-Mart, an organization must validate that the tags which are being transferred work
correctly. By storing them in our system catalog you can verify that when they left your
facility, they did in fact work. Therefore, your company avoids penalties or additional fees.
Additionally, Workbench provides a searchable time log if research requests are initiated
by the receiving organization.
- Tag Consolidation: Throughout the RFID process, case data must be consolidated to
pallet tags. In Workbench, cases are read during packing and the combined data is
matched to a single pallet tag. This is necessary as it is very difficult to get a 100% read
of packed cases on a full pallet due to interference caused by packaging, tag locations,
and load types (i.e. liquids can cause interference during the reading procedure).
SEEBURGER B2B Gateway - Platform Support for RFID
The B2B Gateway Advantage
SEEBURGER's B2B Gateway is the most comprehensive and cost-effective business integration
platform in the industry. Designed to cut administrative costs and accelerate business processes
by automating trading relationships throughout the supply chain, it is the only middleware solution
capable of integrating 100% of an organization's applications and trading partners --- including
smaller customers and suppliers that still do business on paper. Over 6,500 customers in 35
countries utilize SEEBURGER's business integration solutions.
Unique B2B Gateway Features and Capabilities
- 100% trading partner integration, with special solutions that automate document
exchange via email, Web portal and even paper in order to extend connectivity to
smaller trading partners that are not electronically enabled.
- Automated processing of paper transactions, including faxed documents, through a
combination of OCR, artificial intelligence and data validation/exception handling that
dramatically reduce manual data entry.
- One-platform architecture, with all components and adapters developed in-house by
SEEBURGER to ensure compatibility, provide a common work environment, and
simplify maintenance across the extended supply chain.
- Rapid deployment, typically two to three times faster than other solutions, via thousands
of reusable industry-specific processes and templates, an extensive library of adapters,
and a rapid implementation process.
- Reduced integration costs, achieved through a broad range of processes and
components preconfigured for different industries and B2B/EDI standards, resulting in a
faster return on investment.
- Modular implementation options, including the ability to deploy point solutions for
Paper2ERP conversions or RFID data management, or implement a new protocol,
without a full-blown application integration project.
- Extensive installed base and ERP vendor relationships, including the distinction of being
the only B2B/EDI provider resold by SAP, Peoplesoft, and SSA Global.
Key B2B Gateway Components
- Configuration console providing one view to establish and administer integration
scenarios and trading partner relationships
- Adapters and connectors for seamless integration of applications, databases,
marketplaces and/or portals.
- Conversion engine, a drag-and-drop tool for mapping any-to-any message conversions
and creating rules for message standards and relationships.
- Communication gateways for establishing connections to external business partners,
providing transport and transmitting required acknowledgements.
- Business process & workflow designer for defining, modifying and running rules-based
business integration processes.
- Monitoring tools that track business integration processes, flag problems requiring user
intervention, and facilitate document searches.
- RFID Workbench, an optional tool for managing RFID data, tags and hardware and
integrating data into core systems.
B2B Connectivity Options for Smaller Trading Partners
- Paper2ERP, enabling faxes and other paper documents to be processed electronically
to reduce the time and error risks of manual data entry.
- XMLMail, offering two-way interactive email integration that automatically converts preconfigured
populated forms sent by email into XML documents.
- WebForms/Portal, permitting electronic data exchange via Web browser with automatic
generation of shipping notices, bar codes and other documents.
- Hub & Spoke, a centrally managed add-on component installed by smaller partners that
integrates with the SEEBURGER B2B Gateway as well as the supplier's back-end
application for seamless collaboration.
B2B Gateway Business Benefits
- Reduced handling costs, achieved through end-to-end electronic transaction processing
that eliminates manual data entry even for smaller partners.
- Reduced inventory levels, with associated cash flow benefits, produced by the
availability of up-to-the-minute information along the value chain.
- Faster transaction processing, resulting from automation of all processes and the
elimination of bottlenecks associated with manual data entry.
- Shorter lead times and faster time to market, made possible by the accelerated
availability of information to all members of the supply chain.
- Reduced IT maintenance expense, provided by a simpler infrastructure that eliminates
point-to-point connections and multiple integration technologies.
Widespread Adoption
SEEBURGER's business integration solutions have been adopted by thousands of customers
around the globe, including automotive OEMs and their suppliers as well as enterprises in the
aerospace/defense, chemical, consumer packaged goods/ retail, energy/utilities, finance,
insurance, manufacturing, paper, pharmaceutical/healthcare, and high-tech/telecommunications
industries. U.S. clients range from Hyundai to Whirlpool, Chevron Philips Chemical, Bosch-
Siemens, C&H Sugar and Goodyear.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Common Questions in RFID.
- SEEBURGER RFID Workbench Functionality
- RFID Workbench - Meeting Industry Mandates
- SEEBURGER B2B Gateway - Platform Support for RFID
- SEEBURGER Global Offices
SEEBURGER Global Offices
North American Headquarters
SEEBURGER, Inc
5 Concourse Parkway
Suite 2400
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Phone: 678-904-3300
Fax: 770-604-3885
e-mail: info@seeburger.com
www.seeburger.com
European Headquarters
SEEBURGER AG
Edisonstra'ße 1
D-75015 Bretten
(near Karlsruhe)
Phone + 49 (0) 72 52/96-0
Fax + 49 (0) 72 52/96-2222
info@seeburger.de
Asia Pacific Headquarters
SEEBURGER Asia Pacific
Ltd.
8/F., Bank of America Tower
12 Harcourt Road, Central
Hong Kong
Phone + 852 2584 6220
Fax + 852 2588 3499
infoasiapac@seeburger.com
European Subsidiaries:
Great Britain
SEEBURGER UK Limited
Abbey House
450 Bath Road
Longford
Heathrow, UB7 0EB
Phone + 44 (0) 20 8757 5879
Fax + 44 (0) 20 8757 5886
info@seeburger.co.uk
Italy
SEEBURGER Informatica S.r.l.
Via Frua, 14
Phone + 39 02 45 48 52 28
Fax + 39 02 43 51 01 10
info@it.seeburger.com
Spain/Portugal
SEEBURGER Informática S.L.
Pso. Infanta Isabel, 27-1 Izq.
E-28014 Madrid
Phone + 34 91 433 69 89
Fax + 34 91 434 12 28
info@es.seeburger.com
Switzerland
SEEBURGER Informatik AG
Marktstrasse 13
CH-8853 Lachen
Phone + 41 (0) 55 451 06 90
Fax + 41 (0) 55 451 06 91
info@seeburger.ch
France
SEEBURGER France S.A.R.L.
87, rue du Gouverneur Général
Eboué
92130 Issy Les Moulineaux
Phone: +33 (0) 1 41 90 67 50
Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 90 67 59
info@seeburger.fr
Austria:
SEEBURGER Informatik GmbH
Schlachthausgasse 29/Top B02
A-1030 Vienna
Phone + 43 (0) 1 21228590
Fax + 43 (0) 1 2122859-111
info@seeburger.at
Sweden/Scandinavia
SEEBURGER Svenska AB
Kungsgatan 56
S-41108 Goeteborg
Phone +46 (0) 31 339 15 25
Fax +46 (0) 31 339 15 26
s.meissner@seeburger.se
Hungary
SEEBURGER Kft.
H-1145 Budapest
Újvilág utca 8
Phone + 36 1 223 5623
Fax + 36 1 460 0210
info@hu.seeburger.com