Newsletters

Volume 1,
Issue 1

Brochures

The goal of the newsletter is to inform Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) System Integrators, Value Added Resellers (VARS) and End Users on the benefits of using smart readers in their RFID system.

What’s a smart RFID reader?
Smart readers have embedded processors that can be programmed for data collection. A smart reader can be programmed to read a tag every second or to read a tag when a case passes in front of a presence detector. The program application is loaded into the smart readers’ memory and runs every time the reader is turned on. The reader can be programmed to send data to a server and or database.

Used effectively, smart readers can eliminate the need for middleware and other devices that are used to control detectors, sensors and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). However, programming readers requires additional resources.

Cost effective solutions
Using a smart reader on a conveyor system to track tagged items is becoming prevalent. In an industrial automated system, presence detectors, motion sensors, light stacks and Programmable Logic Devices must communicate with the reader.

Middleware, and other hardware is used to connect and manage these devices. This is an additional cost that can be eliminated by using a smart reader to directly control the devices.

We will devote a future newsletter to smart reader interfaces and controlling external devices.

Dumb readers
Today, RFID solutions ‘manage and control’ the reader through a host. A host system can be a PC running an application or middleware sending commands to the reader. When a reader is controlled by a host system it is usually called a dumb reader. (continued next column)

Dumb readers (continued)
When implementing a dumb reader RFID system, integrators must plan for the additional network traffic between the host system, reader and sensor devices.

Data aggregation
One advantage of smart readers is the ability to aggregate data and deploy business logic close to the data collection point.

In addition to the above mentioned devices used in a conveyor system users may also consider sensors that capture qualitative data such as temperature and weight.

A smart reader application program can collect data from various sensors and apply business logic. Aggregating and converting data to business information from various sensors at the 'sensor network edge' improves productivity and reduces cost.

The small / medium sized business
Smart reader solutions are ideal for the Small and Medium size businesses considering RFID in an automated and industrial environment. They eliminate the need for additional equipment and middleware solutions.

In addition, smart reader solutions can be designed to connect to third party or internally developed servers and databases.

Conclusion
Over the coming months we at Senetric hope to provide useful information to those considering RFID systems and smart RFID readers. We look forward to sharing our experience and knowledge of smart RFID systems.

For more information on cost effective deployments with smart readers to reduce your deployment costs:
Call Karl Hutchinson at 314-960-3859 or email him at karl.hutchinson@senetric.com