Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that has been around for more than half a century. At a simple level, it is a technology that involves tags that emit radio signals and devices called readers that pick up the signal.

In the last few years, new interest was sparked for this "new" technology that promises to streamline and speed up inventories, supply chains and payment processes. Its tremendous potential has begun to be harnessed to deliver new century solutions to the way manufacturers and retailers do business in the food and consumer packaged goods industry. In particular, the benefits to end consumers are also being realized by enabling improved on shelf availability and providing the capability to enhance the shopping experience.

The Global Commerce Initiative (GCI) Executive Board strongly recommends the implementation of RFID technology based on open, global standards. The Auto-ID Center worked for several years on a concept for RFID and the Electronic Product Code (EPC), which is the key identifier and content of the RFID tag. The establishment of a new organization, EPCglobal^TM was approved in September 2003 as a joint venture of EAN International and the Uniform Code Council. It is a not-for-profit organization entrusted by industry to establish and support the Electronic Product Code (EPC) Network as the global standard for immediate, automatic, and accurate identification of any item in the supply chain of any company, in any industry, anywhere in the world.

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The Electronic Product code (EPC) has been called the "next generation barcode" but it is much more than that. It is an unique number that identifies a specific item in the supply chain. The EPC is stored on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, which combines a silicon chip and an antenna. Once the EPC is retrieved from the tag, it can be associated with dynamic data such as from where an item originated or the date of its production. Much like a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the EPC is the key that unlocks the power of the information systems that are part of the EPCglobal Network.

The EPCglobal Network is a set of technologies that enable immediate, automatic identification and sharing of information on items in the supply chain. In that way, the EPCglobal Network will make organizations more effective by enabling true visibility of information about items in the supply chain.

The EPCglobal Network uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to enable true visibility of information about items in the supply chain. The network comprised of five fundamental elements: the Electronic Product Code (EPC), the ID System (EPC Tags and Readers), Object Name Service (ONS), Physical Markup Language (PML) and Savant.

• Appropriate access to the regional/global EPC data network and royalty-free EPC system license components. This will include a user ID and security codes. This right will benefit all users who need to monitor or interact with the flow of materials and finished goods in a supply chain.
• Assignment and maintenance of EPC Manager Numbers in the Object Naming Service (ONS Registry)
• Manager(s) and object class numbers on an as-needed basis, to assign EPC numbers for pallets, cases, and items.
• Participation in the on-going development of the EPC Network standards.
• Access to EPCglobal Network components, software specifications and the published reference implementations of Savant and Physical Markup Language (PML).
• Access to certification and compliance testing.
• Access to best practices regarding consumer privacy and public policy.
• Continued influence (through EPCglobal Action Groups) on the future direction of research by Auto-ID Labs
• Links with other subscribers to create pilots and test cases
• Participation in joint marketing activities with EPCglobal., including joint press releases, articles, etc.
• Direct access to early adopter business users also participating in EPCglobal.
• Training and education on implementing and using the EPC and the EPCglobal Network

• Header
  The header defines the overall number length of the EPC including the number, type, version and length of the subsequent partitions.
• EPC Manager
  The EPC Manager is the company or entity responsible for managing the subsequent codes.
• Object Class
  The object class identifies the item, eg, the stock keeping unit (SKU) or consumer unit.
• Serial Number
  The serial number provides a unique serial number for all items within a given class.

For more details on subscribing to EPCglobal membership, please refer to NEPC Online.

1. Singapore To Grow Into Asia RFID Hub: Align, Build & Collaborate - by Lam Chuan Leong