An analysis of using EPCglobal class-1 generation-2 RFID technology for wireless asset management

Barcode and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies can automatically identify enterprise assets. In particular, RFID is a data collection tool that enables wireless identification and tracking of tagged assets. Radio frequency (RF) signaling does not require direct line of sight. A new global standard was defined for passive RFID technology by EPCglobal, an organization formed as a joint venture between European Article Numbering (EAN) International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC). This standard, which was approved by EPCglobal in December 2004, is known as the class-1 generation-2 UHF (ultra high frequency) RFID standard and this standard can be used for commercial and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) asset management in the immediate future. This paper discusses the features of this new UHF RFID standard and their implications for asset management. Of these features, tag memory, security techniques, operational modes, communication methods, global applicability, and other expected implementation specific improvements are covered. When discussing each feature, the improvements the feature brings to asset management also mentioned. Lastly, the future of this technology and its pending acceptance by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and community of end users are examined.