wilamowski-b-m-irwin-j-d-industrial-communication-systems-2011

Radio Frequency Identification 8-23
8.31 trace-and-Track
Fully convinced of the potential gains offered by the RFID, a smart R&D system has been installed
in Walmart for more efficient inventory control and better market intelligence. Since line-of-sight
is not required for tag detection, misplaced pallets and cartons could be found via a network of stationary
interrogators and supplemented by handheld readers. Significant saving could be achieved
by locating an overstocked item in one warehouse for replenishing the understocked condition in
another store. In conjunction with terrestrial and satellite communications links, an accurate real-time
trace-and-track of merchandise throughout the world could be conducted for upcoming promotional
activities.
Recall that information obtained from the manufacturer is more than a simple confirmation, the
reverse is also valid. Dependent on the object class of a tag, the IP address of the reader and the ID
number of the operator could be sent to the manufacturer with the TID. Together with the date and the
time of transaction, these ID numbers could be stored in the database of the given tag. This proposal is
welcome in China where careless contamination and deliberate poisoning in processed food is a major
issue of concern. Based on the information provided by the manufacturer, the origin of error could be
located and cleared. Moreover, as the handlers’ identities in all nodes of the logistics chain have been
recorded, the person responsible for the error could be identified. The ability to trace is a powerful
tool in deterring a frustrated employee or any other person from committing this type of criminal act.
Finally, but not the least, it must be emphasized that this apparently tedious dual-authentication process
is costless because sending a 1-bit confirmation takes as much time as sending it with other ID numbers
because the overheads needed to set up a communication channel involves the sending of thousands of
bits to and fro between both ends of the link.
8.32 Innovative Applications
Through examples cited in the previous headings, the intrinsic characteristics of the UHF RFID have
been demonstrated. Its potentials have also been explored via some propositions. Probably due to the
bar code mentality, developments of RFID technologies have outpaced conceptions of ingeniously new
RFID applications, not to mention system deployments.
Although the RFID is treated as a wireless bar code in Walmart’s inventory system, substantial values
have been added to justify the finite cost of RFID tags. Certainly, deployment of an RFID inventory system
in a hazardous environment is justified. For the closely packed tanks of inflammable gas in an open
space or a warehouse, a real-time check of tags via a network of interrogators on lamp posts or mounted
on the ceiling is definitely preferred to the close up reading of vicinity cards one-by-one by an operator
using a handheld device. The extra expenditure is justified in some high-profile events, such as the New
York Marathon and the Tour de France where thousands of participants must be counted in no time.
Due to role reversal, the RFID system could also be used to detect cheating, an invaluable value added.
As previously mentioned, HF RFID systems are vulnerable for replacement. One of the likely casualties
is the inventory system for libraries. The principal reason for this change is the adoption of the UHF
RFID by the logistics industry. It is foreseen that every new book will have a UHF RFID tag embedded
in an invisible location before shipment; therefore, significant manpower could be saved from attaching
an HF RFID tag (Figure 8.14) on a new book manually, the most time-consuming and expensive process
in the deployment of a smart library system. Besides the multibook self-service check out and the
multibook easy-return systems (Figure 8.15), library utilization could be enhanced through the smart
book sorting machine (Figure 8.16) and the smart bookshelves equipped with multiple antennas for a
real-time inventory check. For example, the library of the City University of Hong Kong was originally
designed for 10,000 students, but it now serves more than 20,000 students with more than a million
volumes. Hence, one half of the books are stored off campus. For access to these books, a student has
to browse through the Web and order it as if it were an interlibrary loan. Usually, the book will be
© 2011 by Taylor and Francis Group, LLC