Under the background of the increasingly popular application of mature barcode technology in various logistics categories, some IT and supply chain leaders have raised their doubts and debates on the development and application prospects of RFID (Radio Frequency Label) automatic identification technology. Conceptual blueprint for EPC technology (electronic product code) and Internet of Things. So, what is the relationship between EPC and RFID? Will EPC replace barcodes? These problems have confused and confusing users in the industry and logistics information technology, and a scientific analysis and logical explanation are urgently needed.
1 Limitations of Barcode Identification Technology and RFID Identification Technology and Its Advantages1.1 Limitations of Barcode Identification Technology
Although the bar code is widely used in the present, it also greatly improves the efficiency of logistics. But barcodes still have a lot of drawbacks:
(1) Bar codes can only identify one type of product, but cannot identify a single item.
(2) Bar code is a visual propagation technique. That is, the scanner must "see" the bar code to read it, indicating that it is usually necessary to align the bar code with the scanner.
(3) If the bar with the bar code is torn, stained or peeled off, it is impossible to scan these items.
(4) The traditional one-dimensional bar code is an index code, which must be contacted with the database in real time to find complete description data from the database.
The limitations of barcodes are as follows:
Information identification is static
Information recognition is contact
Information capacity is limited
Cannot give each consumer unit a unique identity
Data storage, calculation is centralized
2D barcode only solves the problem of information identification capacity
The EAN.UCC bar code identification system plays an important role in retail settlement and inventory management, but there are several shortcomings in the supply chain:
(1) There is no real “one thing, one codeâ€: the management of each product is not in place, and real-time tracking of products cannot be realized;
(2) The traditional EDI method is not easy to promote due to cost and technical reasons, and it is necessary to develop an Internet-based EDI standard;
(3) There is no classification and attribute information; applications such as classification query and statistics cannot be implemented, and applications in e-commerce are limited.
In short, bar codes can only be applied to the circulation field (information management of business flow and logistics), and cannot transparently track and penetrate the supply chain process.
1.2 RFID identification technology and its superiority
RFID is essentially a means of item identification, and it is believed to eventually replace the traditionally widely used bar code, which is the most effective way to identify items. It has some very obvious advantages. Bar code and RFID function comparison, in the label information capacity size, the number of readings, the reading distance, the reading and writing ability update (tag information can be read and written repeatedly R / W), read convenience (read speed and high speed) Mobile reading), adaptability (all-round penetrating reading, readable in harsh environments, all-weather work) are much better than barcodes. RFID technology has good functional characteristics and can meet the high efficiency requirements of commodity processing for current social and economic development. As the basis for high-tech and information standardization of fast, real-time and accurate collection and processing of information, radio frequency identification technology is uniquely identified by physical objects (including retail goods, logistics units, containers, freight packaging, production parts, etc.). Widely used in production, retail, logistics, transportation and other industries. RFID technology has gradually become an indispensable technical tool and means for enterprises to improve the management level of logistics supply chain, reduce costs, realize enterprise management informationization, and enhance the core competitiveness of enterprises.
Compared with bar code technology, Radio Frequency IdenTIficaTIon is an emerging automatic identification technology. The radio frequency identification system uses the radio frequency tag to carry information, and the non-contact two-way communication between the radio frequency tag and the reader through induction, radio wave or microwave energy achieves the purpose of automatic identification. RFID technology is a very effective technology to realize the tracking of goods in the logistics process.
The most prominent features of RFID technology are:
(1) It can be read without contact, and the distance can be from ten centimeters to several tens of meters;
(2) can recognize high-speed moving objects;
(3) Resistant to harsh environments;
(4) Strong confidentiality;
(5) Multiple recognition objects and the like can be identified at the same time.
2 EPC concepts and technologies and their technical characteristicsIt is recognized that the unique identification of a product is necessary for certain commodities. One of the biggest drawbacks of bar code recognition is that it only recognizes one type of product, not the only one. For example, the barcode on the milk carton is the same everywhere. It is impossible to tell which box of milk is above the expiration date. So how do you identify and track every item in the supply chain?
With the rapid development of the Internet and the maturity of RF technology, digitalization of information and global commercialization have facilitated the development of more modern product identification and tracking solutions, providing an unprecedented and near-perfect solution for the supply chain. In other words, the company will be able to know in a timely manner the location of each item at any point in their supply chain.
2.1 Generation of EPC concepts and technologies
Although there are multiple ways to solve the single item identification problem, the best solution currently found is to give each item a unique number - "EPC code". The EPC code uses a set of numbers to represent the manufacturer and its products, except that the EPC also uses a different set of numbers to uniquely identify the item. EPC is the only information stored in the RFID tag microchip, which allows RFID tags to maintain low cost and maintain flexibility, enabling numerous dynamic data in the database to be linked to EPC tags.
EPC technology was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Auto-ID Center to construct a real-time sharing of global item information using technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless data communication via the Internet platform. "Internet of Things".
On November 1, 2003, the International Article Numbering Association (EAN-UCC) officially took over the promotion and application of EPC in the world, and established the Electronic Product Code Global Promotion Center (EPC Global), marking the official entry of EPC into the global promotion and application stage. The China Article Numbering Center (ANCC) is the only authorized representative body of EPC Global in China.
The EPC system is a very advanced, comprehensive and complex system. The ultimate goal is to establish global, open labeling standards for each item.
In order to solve the first problem, EAN and UCC (currently merged and renamed GS1 Global First Business Standardization Organization) jointly launched the product electronic label (EPC) technology. Product Electronic Labels are a new type of RFID tags, each containing a unique electronic product code that provides a uniquely valid identification of all physical objects. It uses the computer to automatically manage the location and status of the item, and fully applies the information to the logistics process, and details the dynamics and circulation process of each item flowing from the enterprise to the consumer, so that the specific product can be supplied. Tracking on the chain.
Mccb Breaker,Mccb Circuit Breaker,Overload Protection Mccb,Moulded Case Circuit Breaker
ZHEJIANG QIANNA ELECTRIC CO.,LTD , https://www.traner-elec.com