GS1 EPCglobal is a suite of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) standards and services for increased visibility and efficiency throughout the supply chain and higher quality information flow between companies and their key trading partners.
The EPC is a unique number that is used to identify a specific item in the supply chain. The EPC is stored on a RFID tag, which combines a silicon chip and an antenna. Once the EPC is retrieved from the tag, it can be associated with the data held in a secured database, such as where an item originated or the date of its production. It is the next generation of the bar code, but unlike the barcode, which needs “line of sight” to be read, EPC tags use radio waves to read product information faster and more efficiently.
Components of the EPCglobal Network are:
Unique number that identifies a specific object in motion in the supply chain.
The ID System consists of EPC tags and EPC readers. EPC tags* are RFID devices that consist of a microchip and an antenna attached to a substrate. The EPC is stored on this tag, which is applied to cases, pallets and/or items. EPC tags communicate their EPCs to EPC readers using RFID. EPC readers communicate with EPC tags via radio waves and deliver information to local business information systems using EPC Middleware.
EPC Middleware manages real-time read events and information, provides alerts, and manages the basic read information for communication to EPC Information Services (EPC IS) and a company’s other existing information systems. EPCglobal is developing a software interface standard for services enabling data exchange between an EPC reader or network of readers and information systems.
A suite of services that enable users to find data related to a specific EPC and to request access to that data. Object Naming Service (ONS) is one component of Discovery Services.
Enables users to exchange EPC-related data with trading partners through the EPCglobal Network.
Key benefits for consumers and businesses:
EPCglobal Inc™ is the organisation entrusted by industry to establish and support the EPCglobal Network™ as the global standard for real-time, automatic identification of information in the supply chain of any company, anywhere in the world. Our mission is to make organisations more efficient by enabling true visibility of information about items in the supply chain.
More information about EPCglobal on: http://www.gs1.org/epcglobal