Issue #177 | Jan. 30, 2009 | by Terry Orsborn
Mobile data collection devices allow the RFID reader to be brought to the asset, instead of the asset having to pass by the reader. They can be scanners tethered to mobile computers, integrated handheld readers or readers mounted on all sorts of vehicles.
Mobile RFID enables unique use-cases not possible with fixed readers alone. These devices can leverage existing wireless networks to communicate continuously with the rest of your system. They are often used offline to collect data for transmission to the rest of the system at later time.
Early RFID deployments uncovered certain limitations with fixed readers during certain processes. Systems that relied on RFID-enabled portals or choke points occasionally found problems such as tagged assets moving too quickly; limited visibility of the asset beyond the choke point; and the inability to do inventory of stationary assets on shelves or in store rooms.
Mobility increases visibility
Today’s deployments that use mobile RFID technology — from workers carrying integrated handheld readers to the mounting of specialized readers on forklifts — benefit from more flexible interaction with tagged assets and broader location coverage. The additional read opportunities enable greater asset visibility and allow for the recording of asset entry, movement and placement around a facility.
New applications are being built every day to leverage these unique capabilities.
It is not enough to find a way to put wheels on your RFID readers. In order to truly capitalize on the benefits of mobile RFID, application developers must understand the unique requirements and challenges of application development, deployment and usage.
Going from barcodes to fixed RFID changed the dimension data could be used, from line of sight to entire fixed areas. By adding mobility, you are adding yet another dimension, requiring new retrieval, manipulation and even conceptual challenges. Our conclusion at RFID Anywhere was only a flexible platform providing a rich foundation for application development would fully leverage the benefits that mobile RFID provides.
Mobile apps challenge developers in new ways
As with barcode scanners and fixed RFID readers, mobile readers all have some notion of making the captured data available through an Application Programming Interface (API) or directly to a networked computer for integration into custom applications. Middleware provides additional functionality, such as APIs for client/server messaging or the ability to control device functionality through configurable properties instead of custom code.
From there, it is up to the application developer to understand and utilize the capabilities of the device and the communication network to build the most powerful and robust application for the end user. Here are four recommendations on middleware we would like to share:
1. Easy to develop, multi-device support
Before writing a line of code, it is important for a developer to choose an RFID middleware platform that provides the APIs, architecture, and overall feature set to integrate with the chosen device through a layer of device abstraction. By working with the mobile APIs of the middleware, developers avoid having to understand the low-level intricacies of each mobile platform.
2. On-device logic for rich, interactive applications
Mobile RFID readers have processing power and screens for display, so applications should leverage these with custom business logic. Extremely rich and user-friendly applications can be built using middleware APIs, the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework, and a clear list of application requirements.
In addition to being able to control the functionality of the reader hardware directly from the application, raw data can be turned into valuable information to reduce the need to process it at the server.
3. Asynchronous communication for online and offline use
Even with Wi-Fi networks being prevalent, applications should be built with the assumption that the network may not always be available or that it may not make sense to constantly communicate over the network. Mobile devices that use wide area wireless networks need to be even more aware of network limitations and plan accordingly.
These RFID solutions should not depend on a constant connection between the device and server. The mobile application should be able to collect data, make decisions, and generate valuable information offline. Then, when it makes sense, this valuable information can be sent to custom business logic running on a PC or server for integration with the enterprise.
Two common models for this asynchronous communication are database synchronization or application messaging. Application developers should look for companies that have middleware and product portfolios to support this type of communication.
4. Local data storage for persistent decision-making
Just as the processing power and rich displays of mobile devices can be leveraged to create compelling custom applications, so too can the available device memory. Applications could store supporting data locally to help with real-time decision-making, even in a relational database. Developers can leverage many APIs and storage options with these devices, matching the storage/retrieval capabilities to their specific requirements.
Mobile devices excel with middleware
Mobile devices' functionality differ greatly from fixed RFID readers and barcode scanners supported by most middleware. Developers must make sure the middleware is taking full advantage of mobile RFID devices by enabling powerful applications that fully leverage, and works within the restrictions of, the unique characteristics of mobile technology.
Integrate your mobile devices into a framework that gives you application development, event generation, and management. Developers must leverage the business module architecture to allow the flexible handling of events-based on the data captured by the device to develop rich, on-device applications.
Terry Orsborn, Senior Manager for Product Marketing at Sybase, welcomes you to download the free whitepaper, “Getting The Most from Mobile RFID by Using Middleware,” at RFID Software Applications - Radio Frequency Identification Systems & Solutions Supplier - Sybase Inc.
