12-14-2007, 11:08 AM
|
|
Ghost of RFID Active Tags Future
Issue #127 | Dec. 14, 2007 | by Byron “Woody” Blackburn
Yes, we are talking active tags here, okay?
The passive “retail” market is becoming well entrenched. EPC Gen II, the just-a-few-cents-a-tag technology is here to stay and will no doubt keep dropping in price. Proven and cost effective, the passive retail formats have earned their position. But let’s not forget the many active, and other style passive, tags all have their place in the world today, too.
Over the last year I have observed a trend that I think will catapult active RFID tags over the walls that have been holding it back to some extent. The future of active RFID will be about jumping to the next level of integration in today’s global business and lifestyle model. Jumping up a few levels requires new innovative ideas and approaches, changing the core functions and infrastructure of active RFID.
What is this trend, you ask?
• Smart tags that communicate longer distances to smart base units
• Tags that work with low cost beacon infrastructures
• I/O interfaces built in monitoring associated environments
• Multi-operational modes
• Mesh-like networking technology
Add in the lowering of tag cost, infrastructures that can function without or limited power and network access, and infrastructure cost falling into more affordable ranges because of these core changes – Merry Christmas! You have leapfrog opportunities.
Imagine: today you can drive around your operation, monitor the facility and record everything in an open field with approximate location. This can be done without power or network access.
Sound good? It gets better. Let’s say this yard is full of cars, trucks, or construction equipment. Now, not only do we have approximate location, I can give you battery condition, mileage, meter readings and employ sensors and alarms to flag faults. If this is a secure yard maybe you want to know if and when something moves. Smart RFID at work again.
Case Study A, Car Rental Lot:
All vehicles are smart tagged with the I/O interface to the onboard electronic control module. When a vehicle leaves the lot as a rental it is checked out; time stamped; the mileage is recorded; and fuel level is validated. Returning vehicles are time stamped in; the mileage is recorded; and fuel level is validated. The customer pulls in, parks, removes his/her luggage and the paperwork is at the checkout desk. Very convenient for the customer and the staff; everyone is happy.
Okay so far, but get this, we also download warning sensors that activated during the rental period. The rental shop knows, before the car pulls into its parking spot, the highest speed reached during the trip or any engine faults (oil pressure, temperature, low fluids, or shock sensors/airbag). Potential problems can be addressed before the customer gets out of the vehicle.
Case Study A+, Heavy Construction Rental Lot:
Take everything above, and apply that functionality to construction equipment. The benefits might become even more critical in harsh environments. Fuel or hydraulic filter plugs can cost tens of thousands of dollars in repair labor and parts. All this can be discovered before the rental unit hardly gets past the entry gate.
Just these vehicle tracking applications show the potential for almost instant ROI for any vehicle-dependent operation. Side note:the infrastructure cost for the rental lots (readers, antennas, and three gates) was less the $5,000. Tag cost is in the $40 to $100 dollar range depending on the level of integration.
Exciting is an understatement. My team is exploring hundreds of uses for this new level of smart, active RFID –
• High value containers
• Storage racks
• Parts in process
• Finished product in secure or large open field storage
. . . and all sorts of logistic solutions. Smart RFID just makes sense, it will tell you where items are, have been, or where they are going; but they will tell so much more if your bottom line depends on how your product is used or abused.
Byron W. Blackburn is the principal at Blackburn Global and specializes in vendor relationship management. www.BlackburnGlobal.com
|
