| ©Robert
L. DiLonardo, 2005
Title:
RFID Field Guide: Deploying Radio Frequency Identification
Systems
Authors: Manish Bhuptani and Shahram Moradpour
Sun Microsystems Press (Prentice Hall)
ISBN: 0-13-185355-4
 Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) is a hot topic in the retail
industry. The preponderance of published information, however,
is either white papers covering RFID from an intellectual’s
vantage point, or press releases, touting the technical specifications
of a new product. Missing until now is a practical manual
that will help managers in any discipline understand RFID
basics and begin to put them into practice. The RFID Field
Guide covers all the important aspects of the subject in
a format and in language that is ideal for the non-scientific
practitioner, or those who want to understand certain areas,
such as ISO and RFID standards.
The
book is divided into three parts: What is RFID?; How to Deploy
RFID; and The Path Ahead. Each part contains chapters that
begin with a list of questions that are to be answered within.
For example, Chapter 3, entitled Components of RFID Systems,
asks, then answers, the following questions:
• How does RFID work?
• What are the different types of RFID tags?
• What determines the size of an RFID tag?
• Why do I need to consider different operating frequencies?
• What is the purpose of RFID middleware?
For
the most part, answers are straightforward. Why do I need
to consider different operating frequencies? “In general,
the frequency defines the data transfer rate (speed) between
the tag and the reader. The lower the frequency, the slower
the transfer rate…Higher frequency usually means smaller
antennae, smaller tag size, and greater range – and
typically, more regulatory use restrictions and often, higher
cost.” In amplifying the answer, the authors describe
the roll of other factors to consider, such as the role of
the substrate to which the tags are attached, and the presence
of other electronic devices that cause interference.
Part II,
How to Deploy RFID, provides a detailed outline of a methodology
of deployment. This section would be invaluable for retail
loss prevention executives who will have to be involved in
a rollout. Chapters include information on such important
topics from defining and building a pilot program, to providing
program leadership. A financial analyst by training, I am
less impressed, however, with the authors’ treatment
of one of the most important topics - cost-benefit analysis.
I found this section to be over generalized and superficial.
For retailers,
one of the most germane chapters is Chapter 9, entitled Mandates
as Business Catalysts. Here the authors supply specific recommendations
to companies that may be required to participate in mandated
programs. Another interesting chapter, Emerging Trends in
RFID helps the reader understand the most likely near-term
advancements to products, business process changes and the
evolution of standards and legislation.
In my
opinion, RFID Field Guide would be a valuable reference edition
in the library of anyone who would be either directly or
indirectly involved in future RFID initiatives within their
organizations. The book is full of solid information that
is presented in an orderly and easily understandable format.
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