April/May 2007

If you're using RFID to track and monitor goods in your supply chain, just how do you tackle the job of reading and storing the data on the tags?

You can use a reader device that simply passes it to and from a separate computer, or you can have an intelligent device that knows what to do with the data by itself.

Intermec is targeting those who take the latter approach with its IF61 Enterprise RFID Reader. Essentially it's a ruggedised PC and RFID reader combined, which means it can both scan and process RFID data.

It is offered with up to 1Gb of scalable flash memory and an optional 40Gb hard disk drive, which is said to be capable of storing data from billions of EPC tags. Intermec says its 'store and forward' capabilities and onboard memory ensure that data won't be lost even if the host system or electrical power fails, and it can be programmed to store a day's worth of shipping manifests.

 

The reader is based on the Intermec's IM5 radio module, which is certified by EPCglobal for Gen 2 interoperability and compliance.

The IF61 can host applications written in Java, JavaScript, Visual Basic .NET or C# .NET, performing the typical functions of an industrial PC or server (for instance filtering, storing, manipulating, and formatting information from tags). It supports IBM's Eclipse open standards-based RFID platform model for WebSphere RFID Premises Server 6.0, and Intermec sees its ideal use in a network built round this.