May 10, 2010 — AIAG’s Radio Frequency Identification work group conducted a RFID Case Study to validate and demonstrate the benefits of using a single RFID tag to carry information critical in manufacturing, logistics and retail processes. In 2008, a Returnable Transport Item Tracking Case Study was conducted to demonstrate how RFID can 1) improve the visibility of Returnable Containers in the supply chain, 2) be used to create and monitor tracking data, and 3) test the open standard data exchange. While the study was successful, additional questions were raised. Phase two of this study was launched in 2009 to demonstrate that two different types of standards-based information could be placed on, carried and read simultaneously on a single RFID tag.
The study was conducted at three facilities. EPCglobal-based data and various ISO Data Identifier-based data were programmed into the Unique Item Identifier Memory Bank and User Memory Bank respectively. “The Case Study Using RFID on Returnable Transport Items (B-19) is the result of major OEM’s, Tier 1 manufacturers, and RFID equipment manufacturers collaborating to prove an important point – RFID interchangeability and interoperability is a reality today if the standards are followed. The B-19 is proof that the B-11 (Item Level RFID Standard) works.”
Companies participating in the study include Alien Technology, AutoID LLC, Bridgestone America’s Tire Operations LLC, Ford Motor Co., General Motors LLC, Grupo Antolin, Hoffman Systems LLC, Honda NAL Systems, Intermec Technologies, Inc., Metalcraft, Ohio University, Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Omni-ID, Pyramid Solutions, Rumble Trucking, Starport Technologies LLC, Symbol Technologies Inc., and Unique RFID LLC. With the successful completion of this study, the group issued a data identifier use survey, to find out what data identifiers are used, and why.
The findings from this study will be used to continue to pave the way for bar codes and RFID to work cooperatively and supportively together.
About AIAG
AIAG is a unique not-for-profit organization where for more than 25 years, OEMs, suppliers, service providers, government and academia have worked collaboratively to drive cost and complexity from the supply chain via global standards development and harmonized business practices. AIAG membership has grown to include preeminent OEMs such as Caterpillar, Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Company, General Motors LLC, Honda, Navistar International, Nissan, Toyota and many of their part suppliers and service providers.
