RFID tag identifier paves way to UHF global standard

EPCglobal Inc - the body charged with the promotion of the Electronic Product Code as a global standard - has outlined a new approach to identifying its RFID tags under the recently ratified UHF Generation 2 standard.

Proposed is an identifier which will act as a guidepost for RFID readers and will enable the reflected signals from tags to be distinguished between an EPCglobal numbered tag and tags using other numbering schemes. This will allow for more efficient and accurate use of EPC tags in a global, multi-tag supply chain environment.

'This recommendation recognises the broad and increasing uses of RFID in multiple industries around the world,' said Chris Adcock, president, EPCglobal Inc.  'Once the recommendation is approved through the EPCglobal standards development process, this will pave the way for the amended UHF Generation 2 standard to be presented to the International Standards Organisation.'

Michael Guillory, a representative of the ISO working groups in this area and member of the EPCglobal AFI Committee, commented, 'This is the best approach to reaching EPCglobal's and ISO's goal; a unified and globally interoperable standard. We firmly believe that cooperation between ISO and EPCglobal is beneficial to the industry communities we serve.'