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WHITEPAPER
ON
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ENETEK BUSINESS CONSULTING
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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Executive Summary
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is evolving as major technology enabler for supply chains around
the world.
Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense (DoD) along with some other major retailers now require their
suppliers to begin RFID tagging pallets and cases shipped into their distribution centers. These
mandates are about to impact some 200,000 suppliers globally. The Department of Homeland Security is
looking to leverage RFID along with other sensor networks to secure supply chains and ensure port and
border security. Pharmaceutical companies are already adopting the technology for anti-counterfeit
measures. The automotive industry has been using the technology in manufacturing for decades. Now
they are looking to extend its use to help with other mandates. Many major businesses already use RFID
for better asset visibility and management.
Companies looking to adopt RFID have to deal with a number of challenges, including:
• Implementing an RFID solution that can interoperate with emerging standards for communication
protocols, hardware platforms, and software interfaces.
• Implementing an RFID solution that is cost effective, leverages their existing supply chain
investments, and gives them clear a return on investment (ROI).
• Preparing for the vast amounts of data generated by RFID.
Although RFID technology is still developing, it is projected that RFID solutions will be widely deployed
by 2011. Specifically, it is recognizes that RFID is a larger software issue than hardware issue. There are
data issues concerning deploying the technology, reading the data, managing and integrating the data
into the business flow, and scaling solutions.
INTRODUCTION
History of RFID
The roots of RFID technology can be traced back to World War II. The Germans were using radar to
warn of approaching planes. Although planes could be detected at great distances, it was impossible to
determine if these planes were enemy or allied aircraft. The Germans discovered that if their pilots
changed the angle of approach as they returned to base, it would change the signal reflected back.
Effectively, this became the concept of modern day passive RFID systems where a tag reflects back the
carrier to effectively backscatter modulate a response.
Radar and RF technology systems continued to evolve throughout the 1950s and 1960s. It was
discovered that an RF signal could be used to identify objects remotely. Companies began using this
technology in anti-theft systems.

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At the request of the Agricultural Department, Los Alamos also developed a passive RFID tag to track
cows. This was the birth of animal ID or 125 kHz passive RFID to track dosages of medicine given to
cows when they were ill. These backscatter systems were small glass tags injected under a cows skin.
Other applications for these RFID systems were access control systems.
As longer read ranges were needed, systems moved to the 13.56MHz high frequency spectrum which
was unregulated and allowed interoperability in most parts of the world. These HF tags had faster data
rates and allowed more tags to be used and identified in a shorter period of time. Today, 13.56MHz
cards are used in access control, cashless payments, and asset management.
In the early 1990's RFID moved up the spectrum again into the 900MHz spectrum offering longer read
ranges and faster data rates. This technology is the technology driving the current Walmart mandates
and supply chain applications.
In 1999 the Auto-ID center was established at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with
funding from Gillette, Procter and Gamble, and barcode standard orgnizations the Uniform Code Council
and EAN International. The Auto-ID center tried to establish an "internet of things" where all items would
be tagged with unique IDs and identified over the internet. The Auto-ID center eventually became
EPCGlobal, an organization dedicated to commercializing and standardizing RFID technology.
Today, RFID is used everywhere from cashless payment terminals to automatic vehicle identification (toll
roads). RFID is beginning to take hold in non traditional markets and appliations. Embedded and enabled
RFID technology is gaining foothold in vertical markets such as pharmaceutical and IT. Wal-Mart, Target,
Tesco, and Albertsons have firmly backed the technology. New applications and uses are being
discovered regularly.
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and
remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. RFID is a proven technology
that's been around since at least the 1970s. Up to now, it's been too expensive and too limited to be
practical for many commercial applications. But if tags can be made cheaply enough, they can solve
many of the problems associated with bar codes. Radio waves travel through most non-metallic
materials, so they can be embedded in packaging or encased in protective plastic for weatherproofing
and greater durability. And tags have microchips that can store a unique serial number for every product
manufactured around the world.
Many companies have invested in RFID to get the advantages it offers. These investments are usually
made in closed-loop systems—that is, when a company is tracking goods that never leave its own
control. That's because some existing RFID systems use proprietary technology, which means that if
company A puts an RFID tag on a product, it can't be read by Company B unless they both use the same
RFID system from the same vendor. Another reason is the price. If a company tracks assets within its
own four walls, it can reuse the tags over and over again, which is cost-effective. But for a system to

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work in an open supply chain, it has to be cheap because the company that puts the tag on a case or
pallet is unlikely to be able to reuse it.
One issue that has prevented RFID from taking off until now is standards. There are well-developed
standards for low- and high-frequency RFID systems, but most companies want to use UHF in the supply
chain because it offers longer read range—up to 20 feet under good conditions. UHF technology is
relatively new, and standards weren't established until recently. Another issue is cost. RFID readers
typically cost $1,000 or more. Companies would need thousands of readers to cover all their factories,
warehouses and stores. RFID tags are also fairly expensive—20 cents or more—which makes them
impractical for identifying millions of, items that, cost only a few dollars.
RFID is used for everything from tracking cows and pets to triggering equipment down oil wells. It may
sound trite, but the applications are limited only by people's imagination. Increasingly, retail/CPG and
pharma companies are looking to use RFID to track goods within their supply chain, to work in process
and for other applications.
RFID Technology
An RFID system consists of a tag made up of a microchip with an antenna, and an interrogator or reader
with an antenna. The reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna is tuned to receive
these waves. A passive RFID tag draws power from the field created by the reader and uses it to power
the microchip's circuits. The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader, which
converts the new waves into digital data.
There are differences between low-, high-, and ultra-high frequencies, just as your radio tunes in to
different frequencies to hear different channels, RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same
frequency to communicate. RFID systems use many different frequencies, but generally the most
common are low-frequency (around 125 KHz), high-frequency (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high-frequency or
UHF (860-960 MHz). Microwave (2.45 GHz) is also used in some applications. Radio waves behave
differently at different frequencies, so you have to choose the right frequency for the right application.
Different frequencies have different characteristics that make them more useful for different applications.
For instance, low-frequency tags use less power and are better able to penetrate non-metallic
substances. They are ideal for scanning objects with high-water content, such as fruit, but their read
range is limited to less than a foot (0.33 meter). High-frequency tags work better on objects made of
metal and can work around goods with high water content. They have a maximum read range of about
three feet (1 meter). UHF frequencies typically offer better range and can transfer data faster than low-
and high frequencies. But they use more power and are less likely to pass through materials. And
because they tend to be more "directed," they require a clear path between the tag and reader. UHF tags
might be better for scanning boxes of goods as they pass through a dock door into a warehouse. It is
best to work with a knowledgeable consultant, integrator or vendor that can help you choose the right
frequency for your application.
All the countries do not use the same frequencies, different countries have allotted different parts of the
radio spectrum for RFID, and so no single technology optimally satisfies all the requirements of existing
and potential markets. The industry has worked diligently to standardize three main RF bands: low

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frequency (LF), 125 to 134 kHz; high frequency (HF), 13.56 MHz; and ultrahigh frequency (UHF), 860 to
960 MHz. Most countries have assigned the 125 or 134 kHz areas of the spectrum for low-frequency
systems, and 13.56 MHz is used around the world for high-frequency systems (with a few exceptions),
but UHF systems have only been around since the mid-1990s, and countries have not agreed on a
single area of the UHF spectrum for RFID. UHF bandwidth across the European Union ranges from 865
to 868 MHz, with interrogators able to transmit at maximum power (2 watts ERP) at the center of that
bandwidth (865.6 to 867.6 MHz). RFID UHF bandwidth in North America ranges from 902 to 928 MHz,
with readers able to transmit at maximum power (1 watt ERP) for most of that bandwidth. Australia has
allotted the 920 to 926 MHz range for UHF RFID technology. And European transmission channels are
restricted to a maximum of 200 kHz in bandwidth, versus 500 kHz in North America. China has approved
bandwidth in the 840.25 to 844.75 MHz and 920.25 to 924.75 MHz ranges for UHF tags and
interrogators used in that country. Until recently, Japan did not allow any UHF spectrum for RFID, but it is
looking to open up the 960 MHz area. Many other devices use the UHF spectrum, so it will take years for
all governments to agree on a single UHF band for RFID.
RFID can be used with sensors as some companies are combining RFID tags with sensors that detect
and record temperature, movement and even radiation. The technology can also be used in the health-
care sector. For instance, Belgium's University Hospital of Ghent has implemented a system that detects
when a patient is having cardiac distress, and sends caregivers an alert indicating the patient's location
(subscribers, see Belgium Hospital Combines RFID, Sensors to Monitor Heart Patients.)
RFID Technology in Steel Industry
Taking Product Tracking to the Next Level
Over the next couple of years, radiofrequency identification (RFID) and the Electronic Product Code™
(EPC™) are poised to be among the most exciting and transformational technologies to influence the
steel industry—with the potential to radically change the way global steel companies run their internal
and external logistics. Leading steel companies should move as quickly as possible to adopt RFID
technology to increase supply chain visibility, improve process security, generate cost savings and allow
for steady business growth.
Major benefits of adopting RFID technology include:
Asset use: Radio-frequency identification speeds up the identification of tagged items, increasing
throughput and optimizing the use of expensive handling equipment such as forklifts and cranes. Time
gained can be so significant that it is possible to eliminate machines and reduce attendant capital
investments and personnel costs. Operational efficiency: Radio-frequency identification improves
operational efficiency in many ways including improved collaboration with trading partners, faster product
localization and reduced manual effort.
Safety and security: Automating product identification and tracking removes people from physically
dangerous situations and averts the potential for product confusion. This in turn reduces risk exposure.
Customer service: In addition to the range of benefits accrued by the steel industry as a result of RFID
adoption, Technology experts anticipates that steel customers too will experience all the same benefits
and will likely mandate the use of RFID if the industry does not take the lead. While it is clear that RFID
applications can unlock unprecedented value for steel companies, the path to adoption will see some
challenges. Technical and process hurdles to overcome include getting RFID to work on metallic

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products, addressing internal resistance related to changing decades-old processes, meeting the need
for repeated tagging because of the iterative nature of the production process and supporting the
heterogeneous customer base.
Despite the challenges, the benefits of RFID will contribute to each steel company’s effort to realize high
performance. ThyssenKrupp Steel have set out to collaborate with other global steel manufacturers,
customers, industry bodies, standardization organizations and RFID vendors, to create standards for the
benefit of all. Using radio frequency enabled tags, these companies tracked the shipment and location of
various parts and products within their supply chains.
As an industry, Steel Mills faces a continuous need for decreased costs and increased efficiency.
Implementing RFID within the supply chain will allow for immediate product analysis, thus saving
valuable amounts of time and money. Pricing levels for RFID are still in the evaluation process. Costs are
expected to decrease as implementation increases. Passive tags alone cost approximately 30 cents
each and are expected to decrease to as little as 5 cents a tag. The RFID market is expected to grow
from $1 billion in 2003 to more than $8 billion by 2010.
With a value proposition that cuts costs, reduces errors, and increases efficiency; RFID technology is
making a name for itself in the Steel industry. Supplementing existing bar code technology standards, we
believe that RFID’s current and future applicability in the Steel industry realm will be tremendous.
Vendors, Steel Mills, and distributors all have much to gain from this technology as it continuous to grow
and changes the way Steel industry operates. This paper illustrates the potential RFID holds for steel
companies and demonstrates how cooperation within the steel industry can lead to a standardization of
IT-systems that is advantageous for the industry and its customers.
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)?
MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems, which are smaller than microscopic dust mites) have been
used for several decades in everything from inkjet printers to accelerometers that deploy air bags in cars.
A MEMS RFID tag contains micromechanical components that are expected to be rugged and easier to
produce, and which could be attached directly to medical devices. Such a tag can withstand exposure to
wide temperature ranges and gamma radiation.
Mems-ID is developing a unique automated medical device tracking system that clearly addresses
critical and immediate unmet needs in the healthcare industry. The patented Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) platform is based on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology which
has sustainable competitive advantages - the ability to survive high temperatures and gamma
irradiation. This allows the Mems-ID™ chips to be placed directly onto individual medical devices, such
as surgical instruments, and withstand high-temperature autoclave and irradiation sterilization
processes, whereas electronic RFID chips are usually destroyed by these processes.

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RFID Printer-Encoders

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ANTENNA TYPES
The Cost of RFID Equipment
The all-important question all companies need to know-is this technology going to show a saving over a
reasonable period of time? Does it justify the purchase price, training expenses and implementation
costs?
Naturally this can only be answered in general terms and is arguable in
Certain cases. In the past companies disregarded RFID because it was costly;
however in recent years this technology has become far less expensive. Whether it has become cost
effective for all companies is a current question.
It is thought that until tag costs drop to below 10 cents (U.S), the benefits to industry will not be seen.
This however; is being addressed by a new generation of RFID tags, which will reduce costs for
manufacturers supplying to current RFID users WAL-Mart and Target. This particular tag, known as Gen
2, will hopefully get everyone to use the same technology standard and therefore increase volumes, thus
decreasing costs.
Bearing this information in mind it is understandable why many companies are hesitant to make the
transition over to RFID. It is in effect a vicious circle because more industries will not use RFID until the
price drops; but prices will
not drop until there is a larger volume of usage.
EPCglobal's goal is to drive adoption of RFID technology to the point where massive numbers of tags are
made each year and the cost for silicon-based tags that can store a unique serial number drops to 5
cents per tag. Costs have fallen steadily over the past few years and will decline further as adoption
ramps up.
Most companies that sell RFID tags do not quote prices because pricing is based on volume, the amount
of memory on the tag and the packaging of the tag (whether it’s encased in plastic or embedded in a

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label, for instance). Generally speaking, a 96-bit EPC inlay (chip and antenna mounted on a substrate)
costs from 7 to 15 U.S. cents. If the tag is embedded in a thermal transfer label on which companies can
print a bar code, the price rises to 15 cents and up. Low- and high-frequency tags tend to cost a little
more.
Most UHF readers cost from $500 to $2,000, depending on the features in the device. Companies may
also have to buy each antenna separately, along with cables. Antennae are about $250 and up. The
price of readers is expected to fall as companies purchase them in large volumes. Low- and high-
frequency readers range in price, depending on different factors. A low-frequency reader model (a circuit
board that can be put into another device) can be under $100, while a fully functional standalone reader
can be $750. High-frequency reader modules are typically $200 to $300. A standalone reader can be
about $500.
A fully functional RFID system cost depends on the application, the size of the installation, the type of
system and many other factors, so it is not possible to give a ballpark figure. In addition to tag and reader
costs, companies need to purchase middleware to filter RFID data. They may need to hire a systems
integrator and upgrade enterprise applications, such as warehouse management systems. They may
also need to upgrade networks within facilities. And they will need to pay for the installation of the
readers. Not only do the readers need to be mounted, they need electrical power and to be connected to
a corporate network.
Cost
The most expensive part of implementing an RFID system is the cost of the tags. The cost of the tags
depends on how many are purchased. In the recent literature the cost of a tag ranges from 0.55 cents to
0.85 cents US. In their 2003 article, which represent a major RFID vendor, cited the cost of a tag at 0.55
cents US for 100,000 chips (24). In 2004 estimated the cost for book tags ranged from 0.40-0.70
cents/tag.
Tags for discs, like CDs, DVDs and CD-ROMs are more expensive and generally cost about $1.20
USD/tag. It is possible for each tag to be printed with the library's logo on it for an additional cost.
In 2003, Vancouver Public Library estimated that it would cost $3.6 million CDN to convert their collection
to RFID. This conservative estimate includes necessary hardware, 2.4 million tags, and staff time to
process the materials. However, the estimate does not include taxes and self-service checkout
machines for the 20 branch libraries.
Boss estimates for a large library with 250,000 items to convert the cost would be $333,500 USD.
However he has costed labor at $8/hour, which is unreasonably low for libraries in Canada.

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RFID Implementation
You need to deploy an RFID system, but don't understand the key risk factors affecting your project.
What should you prioritize? How should you choose a partner? How can you evaluate RFID vendors
effectively? What activities will determine the project's timeline?
You are not alone. The RFID landscape can be confusing. With RFID middleware and hardware vendors
claiming they can do it all and with traditional systems integrators angling to get some experience with
the technology, the claims are often conflicting and difficult to verify. To navigate a successful RFID
implementation you need to understand the key hazards: objectives, physics, process, systems and
interdependencies. End users looking to adopt RFID today have a big advantage over their predecessors
because the technology, software and know-how are improving. Follow these best practices to reduce
project risk and ensure a successful implementation.
Establish clear objectives
First and foremost you should tackle your RFID project based on a clear set of objectives. Whether you
are complying with a retailer mandate or deploying RFID to meet asset-tracking needs you must define
your desired outcomes. This creates a framework for your decision-making. Trade off decisions will
certainly arise in your process design, software selection, and RFID hardware and solution scope. A
clear set of objectives helps keep your team focused on what is most important and separate "must
have" from "nice to have" scope elements.
Get the physics right
The first point of success and therefore the first point of failure in any RFID system is tag and reader
communication. If the reader cannot communicate with the tag, your RFID system will not work properly
no matter how elegant your software and processes. Tags must be able to successfully transmit data to
the readers for the RFID solution to work properly. However, the effectiveness of tag/reader
communication is governed by RF physics. While most implementers will employ trial and error by
waving a tag and asking "can you see it now," this invariably leads to poorly performing systems.
You should employ a scientific approach to tag selection and reader optimization in order to maximize
your read performance over time. Utilize a lab with FCC licensing and extensive RFID testing and field
implementation experience to ensure proper equipment selection and deployment specifications.
Get the process right
If anyone suggests that you can implement an RFID solution without modifying your processes, you can
be sure they are not experienced implementers. If you are not tagging product today, then you surely
need to add processes to apply and verify tags and most likely to track movement of goods or assets.
You should first base your process design on meeting your business objectives. The next step is to
modify the new processes where appropriate to increase your read performance. Yes. Process can help
improve your read performance. It is one of the variables you have at your disposal to ensure your RFID
system can meet your objectives. You may also want to adjust your process to account for constraints of
your RFID middleware to reduce implementation, time, complexity and cost. RFID technology ultimately
should support your business objectives and processes and not the other way around.
Get the systems right
Users need to interoperate with your RFID software. Devices and enterprise systems need to integrate
with your RFID software. The biggest delay in most RFID implementations can be attributed to RFID
software configuration and integration. Once you have determined your hardware needs and

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configuration specifications your RFID infrastructure should not be a bottleneck as long as you employ
and experienced implementation team. However, from a systems standpoint, every RFID implementation
is somewhat unique. RFID middleware also happens to be the least mature component of any RFID
solution stack.
End users should take great care designing their RFID systems architecture and selecting RFID
middleware. No one RFID middleware vendor can meet all client needs well, so trade offs are an
inevitable part of finding a good fit for your needs. As a testament to the variability of end user
requirements, ODIN technologies has worked on RFID implementations with six different RFID
middleware solutions, none of which could have worked well across all of the solutions. It is worth extra
time to make sure that the RFID middleware you choose can meet your platform, workflow, rules, user
interface, device support, data management and integration requirements.
Get the interdependencies right
For an RFID solution to work properly, the physics, process and systems need to work in concert. As
mentioned above, process can be adjusted to improve read rates and systems should be selected with a
clear understanding of process and device support requirements. These are just a few of the
interdependencies.
Another area to pay close attention to is the coordination of the physical installation. RFID systems tend
to have complex bills of material for installation and requirements for power and network drops in
addition to the software installation and training. You need to tightly coordinate the procurement and
component delivery process with the site preparation work in order to ensure a smooth implementation
and testing experience.
Many end users have struggled through the actual deployment and testing process because a single
item is missing which causes a delay in the implementation timeline. A best practice is to have a single
organization oversee the entire implementation process so the installation and testing can go smoothly.
For someone to understand all of the variables that can impact your deployment process you also need
to work with someone experienced in multiple RFID designs and deployments and knowledgeable in RF
physics, RFID middleware and processes.
E.g. Costs of doing a "simple" Slap and Ship RFID implementation
You can expect to spend $100,000 on external costs:
Some of the common external costs a company can expect with a very simple slap and ship solution
such as this one, look like this:
Description Total
One Thermal RFID Printer/encoder $5,000
Two Dock Door Read Points, includes
3 x EPC compliant, multi-protocol reader
8 x Bi-static 915MHz Antennas
4 x Industrial Strength Enclosure for Dock Doors
Cables, UPS, Lights, Mounting Hardware, Ballards
$15,000

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Hardware Total: $20,000
RFID Middleware (varies by vendor): $30,000
External Services: $50,000
Total: $100,000
As for consumables, the 4 inch by 6 inch RFID Labels tend to cost around $0.40 a piece for quantities of
100,000 or less. Thermal printer ribbons are most likely part of the current budget.
when you factor in the internal costs -- primarily labor -- the price tag rises to $500,000 - $750,000.
Remember also that a slap and ship implementation probably is not nearly as complex or expensive as a
full-integrated implementation of RFID into a company's supply chain. "Slap and ship" means affixing
tags to cases or pallets in order to meet a mandate from Wal-Mart or some other organization. Costs for
a broader solution would be significantly higher.
N-Metal Technology and RFID
N-Metal, a newly developed and innovative technology that gives commercially available and standards-
compliant low-frequency Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and readers the ability to
communicate through metal-encapsulated environments.
Metallic environments disturb all RFID systems, thus impeding effective communication between
read/write modules and tags. The N-Metal technology overcomes this problem by the interposition of an
inexpensive micro-adapter that enhances a metal-embedded RFID tag's ability to emit to and receive
electromagnetic signals from a standard RFID reader device.
Within a diversity of medical fields of use, standard read/write RFID tags can now be combined with a N-
Metal adapter in such a way as to be hermetically encapsulated within medical devices - such as surgical
instruments, sterilization cases, endoscopes, arthroscopes, and medical power tools, and will withstand
aggressive and repeated autoclaving and cleaning. In this manner, specific sets of item-tagged
instruments can themselves contain all the required information to trace the history of manufacture,
inspection and revisions, data related to specific assembly, disassembly and cleaning instructions, as
well as the relevant last surgery information that aids hospitals, sterilization departments and medical
equipment providers to reduce costs, increase efficiency, while improving the control and distribution of
their medical devices.
The market for RFID in hospitals is predicted to increase to $8.8 billion by 2010, according to industry
research, and as such the N-Metal technology offers substantial cost-savings to medical device
manufacturers, OEM's and health care providers who are no longer restricted to the use of exclusive,
proprietary through-metal RFID read/write tags for their medical device track-and-trace implementations,
and can now use standards-compliant RFID tags and readers from a choice of multiple, competitive, and
cost-efficient sources of supply.

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RFID SYSTEM APPLICATION / USES
Potential applications for RFID may be identified in virtually every section of industry, commerce, and
services where data is to be collected. Principal areas of applications for RFID that can be currently
identified include:
• Transportation and logistics
• Manufacturing and processing
• Security
A range of miscellaneous applications may also be distinguished, some of which are steadily growing in
terms of numbers. They include:
• Animal tagging
• Waste management
• Time and attendance
• Postal tracking
• Airline baggage reconciliation
• Road toll management
Some of the prominent specific applications include:
• Electronic article surveillance - clothing retail outlets being typical.
• Protection of valuable equipments against theft, unauthorized removal, or asset management.
• Controlled access to vehicles, parking areas, and fuel facilities - depot facilities being typical.
• Automated toll collection for roads and bridges - since the 1980s, Electronic Road-Pricing (ERP)
systems have been used in Hong Kong.
• Controlled access of personnel to secure or hazardous locations.
• Time and attendance - to replace conventional "slot card" time keeping systems.
• Animal husbandry - for identification in support of individualized feeding programmes.
• Automatic identification of tools in numerically controlled machines - to facilitate conditional
monitoring of tools, for use in managing tool usage, and minimizing waste due to excessive
machine tool wear.
• Identification of product variants and process control in flexible manufacturing systems.
• Sport time recording.
• Electronic monitoring of offenders at home.
• Vehicle anti-theft systems and car immobilizers.
Brand Authentication
RFID provides powerful and unique brand protection both at item level and at pallet level. Specific
applications are apparel verification, pharmaceutical verification, and mass ticketing. RFID is ideal for
brand and royalty driven industries, providing brand protection down to individual items. RFID verification
systems help reduce counterfeit merchandise across all industries.
Cold Chain
Cold chain describes packaged and processed products taht must remain cold. Anything that is
temperature sensitive or has to stay within certain temperature requirements. RFID provides greater
insight into conditions, temperature, and amount of time that products are in transit. Cold chain is

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intimately tied to consumer safety, business liability and, frequently, the difference between profit and
loss, cold chain management is a broadly deployable application requiring specialized technology and
expertise.
Cold chain RFID tags usually contain sensors interfaced to tags to record temperatures and real time
stats, tracking the product at a more granular level.
Asset Management
Asset management is about tracking assets either in a retail environment, a supply chain, or in a service
setting. Retail items can be automatically scanned when leaving the store to protect against stolen items.
Casinos can actively track chips in real time while they are still on the table, preventing losses.
Cashless Payments
Cashless payments are transactions that occur remotely without cash with amounts being debited from
an on card database. Each tag acts as a portable wallet to allow consumers to pay for goods and
services. Blink technology from Chase is an example of this use. Mastercard Paypass is another
example of this technology. Terminals are outfitted with RFID readers allowing consumers to pay for
items without scanning magnetic stripes which wear out and provide little security.
Passports
RFID tags are being used in passports issued by many countries. The first RFID passports ("E-
passport") were issued by Malaysia in 1998. In addition to information also contained on the visual data
page of the passport, Malaysian e-passports record the travel history (time, date, and place) of entries
and exits from the country.
Standards for RFID passports are determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),
and are contained in ICAO Document 9303, Part 1, Volumes 1 and 2 (6th edition, 2006). ICAO refers to
the ISO 14443 RFID chips in e-passports as "contactless integrated circuits". ICAO standards provide for
e-passports to be identifiable by a standard e-passport logo on the front cover.

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RFID tags are included in new passports, beginning in 2006. The US produced 10 million passports in
2005, and it has been estimated that 13 million will be produced in 2006. The chips will store the same
information that is printed within the passport and will also include a digital picture of the owner. The
passports will incorporate a thin metal lining to make it more difficult for unauthorized readers to "skim"
information when the passport is closed.
Transportation payments
Throughout Europe, and in particular in Paris in France (system started in 1995 by the RATP), Lyon and
Marseille in France, Porto and Lisbon in Portugal, Milan and Torino in Italy, Brussels in Belgium, RFID
passes conforming to the Calypso (RFID) international standard are used for public transport systems.
They are also used now in Canada (Montreal), Mexico, Israel, Bogotá and Pereira in Colombia,
Stavanger in Norway, etc.
In Singapore, public transportation buses and trains employ passive RFID cards known as EZ-Link
cards. Traffic into crowded downtown areas is regulated by variable tolls imposed using an active tagging
system combined with the use of stored-value cards.
RFID is used in Malaysia Expressways payment system. The name for the system is Touch 'n Go. Due
to the name and design, one must touch the card for usage.
Product tracking
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency began using RFID tags as a replacement for barcode tags.
The tags are required to identify a bovine's herd of origin and this is used for tracing when a packing
plant condemns a carcass. Currently CCIA tags are used in Wisconsin and by US farmers on a voluntary
basis. The USDA is currently developing its own program.
High-frequency RFID tags are used in library book or bookstore tracking, pallet tracking, building access
control, airline baggage tracking, and apparel and pharmaceutical items tracking. High-frequency tags
are widely used in identification badges, replacing earlier magnetic stripe cards. These badges need only

17. Confidential
be held within a certain distance of the reader to authenticate the holder. The American Express Blue
credit card now includes a high-frequency RFID tag.
BGN has launched two fully automated Smartstores that combine item-level RFID tagging and SOA to
deliver an integrated supply chain, from warehouse to consumer.
UHF RFID tags are commonly used commercially in case, pallet, and shipping container tracking, and
truck and trailer tracking in shipping yards.
Wal-Mart and the United States Department of Defense have published requirements that their vendors
place RFID tags on all shipments to improve supply chain management. Due to the size of these two
organizations, their RFID mandates impact thousands of companies worldwide. The deadlines have
been extended several times because many vendors face significant difficulties implementing RFID
systems. In practice, the successful read rates currently run only 80%, due to radio wave attenuation
caused by the products and packaging. In time it is expected that even small companies will be able to
place RFID tags on their outbound shipments.
Since January, 2005, Wal-Mart has required its top 100 suppliers to apply RFID labels to all shipments.
To meet this requirement, vendors use RFID printer/encoders to label cases and pallets that require EPC
tags for Wal-Mart. These smart labels are produced by embedding RFID inlays inside the label material,
and then printing bar code and other visible information on the surface of the label.
Automotive
Microwave RFID tags are used in long range access control for vehicles.
Since the 1990s RFID tags have been used in car keys. Without the correct RFID, the car will not start.
In January 2003, Michelin began testing RFID transponders embedded into tires with the intention that
after an 18 month testing period, the manufacturer would offer RFID-enabled tires to car makers. Their
primary purpose is tire tracking in compliance with the United States Transportation, Recall,
Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD Act). As at August 2007 the progress has
only extended to truck tires where rubber patches are affixed to the truck tire. An advanced version, the
eTire includes a batteryless pressure sensor, is marketed by Michelin for truck tires. Interestingly

18. Confidential
Michelin are required under the terms of their licence to offer this eTire system to all other tire
manufacturers in November 2008. Car tires still present technical problems for embedding tags as the
low cost of the tire means the cost of fixing the tags should be very cheap to be commercially viable.
Starting with the 2004 model year, a Smart Key/Smart Start option became available to the Toyota Prius.
Since then, Toyota has been introducing the feature on various models globally under both the Toyota
and Lexus brands, including the Toyota Avalon (2005 model year), Toyota Camry (2007 model year),
and the Lexus GS (2006 model year). The key uses an active RFID circuit allowing the car to detect the
key approximately 3 feet from the sensor. The driver can open the doors and start the car with the key in
a purse or pocket.
Ford, Honda, and several other manufacturers use RFID-equipped ignition keys as anti-theft measures.
Auto manufactures are among the leading users of RFID technology today. Most cars have an RFID
reader in the steering column and a transponder in the key. If the ID in the key doesn't match the number
the reader is looking for, the car won't stop. This system has greatly reduced auto theft. Auto companies
also use RFID to track work-in-process, perfect just-in-time manufacturing, improve shipping accuracy,
and manage inventory and warrantee information.
Animal identification
Implantable RFID tags or transponders can be used for animal identification. The transponders are more
well-known as passive RFID technology on Microchip implant (animal).
Keeping track of what fish is which can be difficult when there's only a few of them, and when you've got
a whole aquarium featuring hundreds of identical swimmers it can be close to an idiot savant talent.
Underwater world Singapore has streamlined the process by using Hitachi RFID dust to tag individual
fish with a lightweight payload that lets aquarium visitors easily tell an arapaima fish from a pacu fish.
When the fish swims past a sensor, the name of the fish is displayed. The system cost a little under
£10,000 to set in place and will be extended soon to include their shark population.
RFID in inventory systems
An advanced automatic identification technology such as the Auto-ID system based on the Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has two values for inventory systems. First, the visibility
provided by this technology allows an accurate knowledge on the inventory level by eliminating the
discrepancy between inventory record and physical inventory. In an academic study performed at Wal-
Mart, RFID reduced Out of Stocks by 30 percent for products selling between 0.1 and 15 units a day.
Second, the RFID technology can prevent or reduce the sources of errors. Benefits of using RFID

19. Confidential
include the reduction of labour costs, the simplification of business processes and the reduction of
inventory inaccuracies.
RFID as Human implants
Implantable RFID chips designed for animal tagging are now being used in humans. Night clubs in
Barcelona, Spain and in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, use an implantable chip to identify their VIP
customers, who in turn use it to pay for drinks.
In 2004, the Mexican Attorney General's office implanted 18 of its staff members with the Verichip to
control access to a secure data room. (This number has been variously mis-reported as 160 or 180 staff
members.)
Security experts are warned against using RFID for authenticating people due to the risk of identity theft.
For instance a man-in-the-middle attack would make it possible for an attacker to steal the identity of a
person in real-time. Due to the resource-constraints of RFIDs it is virtually impossible to protect against
such attack models as this would require complex distance-binding protocols
RFID in libraries
Among the many uses of RFID technologies is its deployment in libraries. This technology has slowly
begun to replace the traditional barcodes on library items (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.). However, the RFID
tag can contain identifying information, such as a book’s title or material type, without having to be
pointed to a separate database (but this is rare in North America). The information is read by an RFID
reader, which replaces the standard barcode reader commonly found at a library’s circulation desk. The
RFID tag found on library materials typically measures 50 mm X 50 mm in North America and 50 mm x
75 mm in Europe, and can also act as a security device, taking the place of the more traditional
electromagnetic security strip.
RFID has many applications in libraries that can be highly beneficial, particularly for circulation staff.
Since RFID tags can be read through an item, there is no need to open a book cover or DVD case to
scan an item. This would help alleviate injuries such as repetitive strain injury that can occur over many
years. Since RFID tags can also be read while an item is in motion, using RFID readers to check-in
returned items while on a conveyor belt reduces staff time. Furthermore, inventories could be done on a
whole shelf of materials within seconds, without a book ever having to be taken off the shelf. In Umeå,
Sweden, it is being used to assist visually impaired people in borrowing audiobooks. Malaysia, Smart
Shelves are used to pinpoint the exact location of books in Multimedia University Library, Cyberjaya.
A concern surrounding RFID in libraries that has received considerable publicity is the issue of privacy.
Because RFID tags can in theory be scanned and read from over 350 feet in distance, and because
RFID utilizes an assortment of frequencies, there is a legitimate concern over whether sensitive
information could be collected from an unwilling source. However, advocates of RFID’s use in libraries
will point out that library RFID tags do not contain any patron information,and that the tags used in the
majority of libraries use a frequency only readable from approximately ten feet.There is much yet to be
written and discussed on the issue of privacy and RFID, but it is clear that vendors need to be aware of
this issue and develop improved technologies for secure RFID transactions.

20. Confidential
Telemetry
Active RFID tags also have the potential to function as low-cost remote sensors that broadcast telemetry
back to a base station. Applications of tagometry data could include sensing of road conditions by
implanted beacons, weather reports, and noise level monitoring.
Supply Chain effectiveness with RFID
The main benefit which RFID has to offer when it comes to the supply chain is in the area of security.
Manufacturers know exactly where their products are at any stage in the internal and external supply
chain. This has immense ramifications with regard to inventory management, product handling, and
traceability. Not only that; but the read/write capability can also enable manufacturers to update
information at various stages of process. Couple this technology with Best Practice Manufacturing and
Logistics and the possibilities seem infinite. The Kearney report, which was focused on over-the-counter
drug makers, estimated that RFID could reduce manufacturers’ distribution labor requirements by
nine percent and inventory holding costs by six percent. RFID appears to be an
invaluable development where supply chain optimization is concerned.
Supply chain is vital for many businesses, both retail and manufacturing. Supply chain allows
manufacturers to track raw materials, progress, and finished goods while collecting data to improve
business processes and efficiency. RFID has the following advantages over other Auto ID technology:
• Improved Visibility and Intelligence Into the Supply Chain
• Reduce out-of-stocks
• Proof of Delivery
• Reduced Liability
Distribution and logistics companies are looking at RFID technologies for both internal operational
improvements and external benefits. Companies are tracking assets, such as containers, axles and
chassis, to improve asset utilization and schedule routine maintenance. Many are also looking to use
RFID to provide information to their customers on the location of products in transit. Eventually, logistics
providers envision linking passive RFID tags on cases and pallets with active RFID tags on containers,
and having that data communicated to GPS or satellite communication systems, enabling shippers to
view the locations of their products as they move on land, on sea or in the air.

21. Confidential
The EPCglobal Network mentioned previously will make organizations more effective by enabling true
visibility of information about items in the supply chain. This will in turn enable companies to be more
responsive to customer needs and increase agility of supply chain operation. Communication will be
improved by use of web interfaces and fewer errors will occur. In this manner the flows of information
along the supply chain will be improved by use of RFID which
can only mean better efficiencies.
Having more accurate, immediate information about the location of items, the history of items, and the
number of items in the supply chain will enable organizations to be more responsive to customers and
consumer needs through more efficient, customer-driven operations.
Application in other sectors
Today, CPG and retail companies are using RFID to track promotional displays, reduce out-of-stocks
and improve shipping and receiving accuracy.
RFID is also being used in the manufacturing industry by the Manufactures are using RFID to track work-
in-process, perfect just-in-time manufacturing, improve shipping accuracy, and manage inventory and
warrantee information.
Pharmaceutical companies are exploring RFIDs potential in many areas, including improving supply-
chain efficiencies, complying with government information-collection requirements, reducing
counterfeiting, creating electronic pedigrees and ensuring public safety by making sure only legitimate
drugs enter the supply chain.
With RFID, new applications seem limited only by our collective imagination. New enabled and
embedded applications continue to emerge. Examples of other applications are automotive assembly
and tracking work in progress, employee monitoring, and package tracking.

22. Confidential
Drawbacks Of RFID Technology
Drawbacks of RFID technology often depend on what is being scanned/read. Because of the conductivity
of metals, objects/products containing them may be hard to read. The tag itself may be comprised of an
aluminum or copper foil antenna or silver ink. Other obstacles that may need overcoming are orientation
of RFID tags and contents of scanned item:
Contents of packages can dramatically reduce the read rate. Only 25% of the tags on shipping
containers containing water filled bottles could be read. Rice filled jars had a higher reading rate (80.6%)
Even empty boxes did not have a 100% read rate...The orientation of the tag does make a difference,
especially when coupled with a filled package between it and the reader antenna. Tags facing outwards,
towards the reader antenna, had the highest likelihood of a successful read. When tags for the boxes of
water filled bottles were all facing downward, no tags were read.
The three major drawbacks to implementing RFID are the expense, issues about patron privacy and the
lack of standards.
Privacy
It is argued that current RFID systems are incompatible with patron privacy and should not be
implemented and also concludes that libraries should not yet implement RFID systems until there are
adequate government and industry standards.
The current RFID tags used in libraries contain static information that can be read by unauthorized tag
readers. This weakness can be exploited in two different ways that violate patron privacy: tracking and
hotlisting. Tracking refers to the ability of an adversary to track an item by "correlating multiple
observations of the book's RFID tag" .For example, "this personal checked out the same books as a
known terrorist" (ibid). It is stated that the adversary is likely a government agent and that "if the bad
guys are intent on screening you, the library is largely irrelevant".
It is stated that the perceived privacy threat is a misconception based on the belief that “(1) that the tags
contain patron information and (2) that they can be read after someone has taken the materials to home
or office” (3). They do not address hotlisting, tracking or the use of unauthorized readers, which are
legitimate concerns
Lack of standards
There are two International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards that are relevant to RFID in
libraries. ISO 15693 was the standard, however it was developed for supply chain systems, not library
applications where each item is tagged. ISO 15693 set out various parameters including: physical
characteristics, radio frequency power and signal interface, initialization and anti-collision and
transmission protocol for RFID.
ISO 18000-3 became the standard in September 2004. This standard set out parameters for the
physical layer, anti collision and communication protocol at a 13.56 MHz, the frequency used for tags in
libraries. Within this standard there are two modes that address different applications. These modes are
not interoperable and not interfacing. Mode 1 is equivalent to ISO 15693. Mode 2 operates at a higher
speed and has more memory available. For a more in depth discussion of the technical specifications
and how they are still inadequate in protecting patron information see Molnar and Wagner's article.

23. Confidential
RFID In Steel Industry
Automatic identification, or Auto-ID, technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) are
increasingly important for streamlining production and logistics operations in almost every industry.
Radio-frequency identification enables process automation, reducing the need for manual labor,
speeding the completion of critical business processes and simultaneously increasing process security.
Background
After conducting several successful pilot projects using RFID for slab and coil logistics, ThyssenKrupp
Steel is collaborating with steel customers from the automotive and industrial construction segments,
other global steel producers, industry bodies and standardization organizations to leverage their
knowledge and experience and to create standards of benefit to the entire industry.
Implementing RFID in slab and coil logistics results in several benefits in the following key areas:
Areas that could be improved by RFID
• Better life cycle management
• Reduced labor and time costs
• Better exchange of resources
• Quicker communication overall
• Customs adherence
• End to end planning
• Reverse logistics
• Inventory management
• client inventory
• Slash inventory write-offs
• Shorten cash cycle
• Asset utilization
• Operational efficiency
• Safety and security
• Customer service
• Reduce time to account for and track consigned inventory at multiple distributor location and
• Traceability when launching in emerging markets
• Communication in the area of expedition /delivery/due dates
• Green logistics packaging recycling

24. Confidential
Why standardization matters to the steel industry Standardization will be key to success and to
the realization of the many benefits. It is paramount for the following reasons:
Customer acceptance: Most steel companies sell their products (largely coils) and intermediary
products (slabs and coils) to a uniform customer base in the automotive and industrial segments. If steel
producers adopt diverging RFID solutions to identify slabs and coils, this places the onus on customers
to work with multiple systems. Conversely, as has already occurred in the retail, military and
pharmaceutical sectors, if the steel industry proposes anything other than a standardized approach,
customers may simply mandate solutions, leading to unnecessary complexity, redundancy and cost for
steel companies.
Flexibility: By implementing a standard for solutions, the integration of new customer systems will be far
easier than if a customized solution for every unique customer scenario were necessary. Standards also
allow customers to choose among different suppliers and reduce their dependency on a single one. In
other words, the necessarily tight integration of customer and supplier systems will not become an
artificial trade barrier.
Availability and cost: Using RFID for slab and coil logistics requires specialized solutions, which either
do not yet exist in a production-ready form or which are at least more expensive than products used by
other industries. While designing RFID products appropriate for handling steel is technically feasible,
many vendors will only do so given sufficient sales volumes. As a result, the steel industry should focus
on adopting a limited number of standardized solutions.
No duplication of effort: There is no point in duplicating efforts and individually repeating technical
mistakes. While the RFID applications described in this paper would provide benefit even if only used in
one company, far greater benefits would be realized by standardizing systems across the entire supply
chain, from producers to endues manufacturers. The steel industry must proactively develop standards
for RFID-enabled slab and coil identification. A wait-and see attitude is strongly discourage because
implementation times would increase—as would the costs and risks associated with responding to
diverging customer requirements. It is for these reasons that we invite steel companies as well as steel
industry customers to join and participate in this standardization effort. Opportunities for steel company
participation may be found in the next article to be published specifically on RFID Technology for Steel
Industry, by the author Mr.Unnikrishnan.
What strategy should Steel Manufacturers adopt with regard to RFID
Companies should educate themselves fully on all aspects of this technology and emerging trends.
1. Steel Mills and its entities interaction-A proactive cohesive strategy has to be adopted with
mills as to the use of the technology.
2. Existing Business Software-A complete review of existing systems being used and what needs to be
integrated.
3. Communication-This should be across all levels.
4. Supply Chain Review- A review of the existing supply chain and how it operates.
RFID works best from an economical perspective in a closed system type of arrangement. It is also more
applicable where there is multiple use of the tag throughout the supply chain. As with anything this
technology is not going to turn a business around if there are already inherent flaws in the system. In fact
the potential results could be disastrous. For this reason it is very important that the company wishing to
implement RFID knows their own business supply chain and software capabilities well.

25. Confidential
But embedded tags used in the production stage would also allow manufacturers to go beyond
compliance. “RFID allows for individual product pedigree—companies can trace each product, not just
batches of product,”. We also identify several aspects of the manufacturing process that can be improved
by RFID.
For successfully using RFID will need a very specific business plan. Increasing profits with the
technology may require manufacturers to adopt a strong digital infrastructure using the following
strategies:
• Adopting a cohesive strategy for interacting with business units.
• Defining an accountability chain and allowing for external and internal communication.
• Having a complete hardware solution—quality management must be integrated with enterprise
systems, and those need to integrate with products at an individual level.
• Creating a service support structure for steel mills.
Future of RFID
Assessing RFID's Future
Many regard RFID as a technology in its infancy with as yet untapped potential. This assessment seems
true. The technology has many benefits to offer. Its stumbling point seems only to be a variety of issues
outside the technology itself: marketing problems, false promises, questions over intellectual property
and a lack of standards. Industry members, however, have become painfully aware of these problems
and are trying to do something to remedy the mistakes of the past. If they are able to successfully unify
the industry with standards, deliver on future promises, and convince end users of the technology's
benefits, then RFID's future looks favorable. With the adoption of the EPC Class 1 Gen 2 standard,
RFID is poised for worldwide growth with large players driving adoption and standards.
With more and more companies adopting the technology, RFID is poised to grow at a torrid pace both
domestically and worldwide. EE Times reports that the production of RFID tags is expected to grow 25
fold by 2010 reaching 33 billion tags from the current 1.6 billion. Currently, most individuals experience
2-3 daily contact points for the technology with the number expected to grow to 5-6 contact points.
Currently, these contact points are mostly through cashless payment credit cards, vehicle identification
and access control.
Moving forward, RFID technology is being adopted in non-traditional embedded and enabled solutions
such as counterfeit protection, asset verification, and customer loyalty. RFID technology will be
embedded in passports, servers, printers, and consumer products. Item level tracking will become more
and more prevalent. Casino chips will include RFID tags that can quickly identify the amount and
number of chips on the table. Printers will automatically verify that ink cartridges are not counterfeits.
New and exciting applications will continue to surface while RFID becomes seemlessly integrated with
our lives.

26. Confidential
Is RFID Technology Future Proof?
This is another important consideration. The last thing any manufacturer wants to do is implement a
system that becomes obsolete in a short space of time. The fact that RFID has actually been around for
quite a long period but has only become economically viable recently, lends it some longevity.
Imagine a world where your pantry reminds you that you have forgotten to take your medication and your
refrigerator tells you it is running low on milk and the butter is past the use-by date. Imagine you are
about to leave home and your handbag announces “you forgot your keys” and that you have very little
cash.
Fantasy? No! Each of these is just part of the world of RFID and many of these have gone beyond the
drawing board and are already in testing and production.
When, with mass production, their price eventually reduces to perhaps a cent, all products are likely to
have an RFID instead of a barcode and retailers will be able to electronically "poll the shelf" to keep track
of everything from cans of Coke to packets of Pringles. You too will be able to “poll” your pantry and
indeed your entire house. You will know exactly what you own, where everything is, and be reminded if
anything is getting low. Imagine being able to locate your car-keys, spectacles, and remote control.
Another important point to note is standards, which are emerging based around RFID technology; this
also implies that it will not be outdated in a hurry. With regard to the healthcare sector the FDA (Food
and Drug Authority) has proposed an industry timeline calling for full implementation of RFID in the
pharmaceutical supply chain, including pallet and case labeling by 2007. EPCglobal Inc. is an
organization, which establishes and promotes technology standards and it finalized the UHF Generation
2 standard in December 2004.
One method of installation, which is relatively future-safe, is a platform independent RFID system, which
accepts data from any application and uses a variety of data collection means. This could prove to be the
best option for those beginning to use RFID in the interim.
Conclusion
RFID is a Technology which has finally come of age. Early implementation in the organization is the key
to success where RFID is concerned. It may take a few years to go live but any company, which has
done its groundwork, should reap the benefits. RFID projects are complex. A typical enterprise software
implementation must coordinate processes, applications and people. A typical RFID implementation
includes those elements and adds a physical device layer, a sophisticated wireless communication
network governed by RF physics, and impacts to physical facilities and material flows.
As you see now, it is not limited to Wal-Mart or the Department Of Defence (although it is precisely due
to the mandates issued by these venerable Organization that RFID Technology has received a boost
today). RFID has myraid possibilities and use and can be applied in more & more places today.
However, by leveraging experienced partners and understanding the key elements of a successful RFID
program, you can establish a sound foundation for a successful RFID implementation.But effective
implementation of RFID requires a good understanding of the Technology, what it can do & what it
cannot do. This can be achieved only by suitable training.

27. Confidential
About the Author
Mr. Unnikrishnan completed Post Graduation Degree Program ,with MBA & E- Business from
an Asian Business School. He assumed senior responsibility with ENETEK, for the Asia Pacific
& Middle East Region, and is heading Operations & Business Development in the Supply Chain
& Analytics Division and based out of Pune, India. The Organization is HQ in France with Branch
offices in Turkey & India and deals in the Management & Supply Chain Consultancy & Financial
Investments Consultancy. He is also a part of the Management Team of Orcades Commodities SA,
Geneva, Switzerland based firm which is into Financial Investments & Energy Pricing Consultancy.
Unnikrishnan, is an expert energizing professional, who has lead several MNC Organizations to
higher levels of performance & Customer Satisfaction in the Logistics & SCM Sector, by using his
extensive Global Exposure & Qualifications in International Business, and other Corporate functions
for developing & implementing the right IT- driven Supply Chain Breakthrough Strategies.
He has worked in various projects related to Corporate Strategy, International Business, Supply Chain & Logistics,
Operational Excellence, Cost Optimization, Investment Plan Re-engineering, Business Process Modelling, Network Design &
Optimization, Simulation etc., and has evolved & establish SCM & Logistics systems leading to better Customer experience &
Operational excellence. Moreover, he was brought up and lived in Middle East and worked in Europe and Turkey and worked
with several Cross-functional Teams from Europe, North America and Asia and is aware of the cultures, tradition and way of
life. He is also a regular contributor to several magazines and author of several articles.
He has a passion for driving to the Next Generation of Virtual, Intelligence-based, Customer Driven Supply Chain. You can
contact him on: uk.apac@enetek.eu, Cell:+919960626888
About ENETEK
ENETEK S.A.R.L is a well established, Supply Chain Operations & Consultancy firm, based out from France. It
has been successfully providing Supply Chain Analytics, Designing & Modeling Consultation in the areas of
Current & Future Distribution Networks, Inventory Mgt. & Optimization, Demand Mgt. & Forecasting,
Warehousing/DC Mgt., and Strategic Planning & Operations Excellence etc. since its inception in 2004, and
located at Guérard, France.
Being an Global Supply Chain & Logistics - Analytics & Consultancy firm, Enetek is primarily dedicated to leading
its Clients to Next level of Supply Chain effectiveness, by using the State – Of – The - Art- Technology in Supply
Chain Optimization, Simulation, Forecasting Tools & Methodologies. Our proven Track record, expertise &
excellent Service offers the tools you need for Supply Chain competency, looking at the current Scenario of
shrinking Product Life Cycles, Ongoing Cost pressures, Customer Demand Variability, Supply Chain Complexities
& Visibility, With huge impact on Service Level, Revenues & Market Shares.
ENETEK has a Strong presence & a broad experience in the Europe, and willingness to grow in the fast
Developing Countries. It has strong partnership in Turkey, Brazil, US and India.
Its Team comprises of Experts with vast experience in Various Industry and respective Supply Chain fields, and
also Academic Experts & Research Professors from renowned Universities.
ENETEK’s cliental includes, Hewlett-Packard, Proctor & Gamble, Dell, Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, Safran
Aeronautical, Arcelor-Mittal, Conocco Philips, Orange, Idom. We have worked on several Projects on Distribution
Reengineering, Spare Parts Mgt., Supply Chain Design, Planning Optimization, Investment Plan reengineering,
and Network Design & Optimization. For more Information about our Company, Please visit us at www.enetek.eu

28. Confidential
© Copyright ENETEK 2006 | 8, rue de Prémol, Montbrieux, 77580 Guérard
Tél : 01 60 70 22 53 – info@enetek.eu | www.enetek.eu
ENETEKENETEK
ENETEKENETEK
BUSINESS CONSULTING
Analytics to Simplify the World
Business Process Modelling (BPM)
Management Planning
Supply Chain Analytics
Operations Excellence
Distribution Reengineering
Cost Reduction
Spare Parts Mgt.
Supply Chain Design
Planning Optimization
Investment Plan Reengineering
Network Design & Optimization
Inventory/Stock Optimization
Flash Diagnostics
Book1–Main presentation
• Introduction
• Basicbeliefs
• Casestudies
• Potential approaches
Book3–Sampleend products
• 4-week diagnostic
• 8-week diagnostic
• Supplychainblueprint
• Pilot planningandexecution
Book4–Additional information
• References, experts, andcase
studies
• Best practiceoverview
• SCMITapplications
Book2 –Detailed processapproachmodules
0. Supplychainmanagement
diagnostic
1. Service-level management
2. Demand management
3. Productionmanagement
4. Supplymanagement
5. Distributionmanagement
6. Integratedplanning
7. ITArchitecture, selection,
andintegration
7. 1eSCMandmSCM
8. Workingcapital
management
9. Changeandproject
management
10. Organizationand
performance
management
11. DC/Plant quick scan
12. SKUrationalization
ENETEKSUPPLY CHAINTOOLKIT
Tableof contents
Book1–Main presentation
• Introduction
• Basicbeliefs
• Casestudies
• Potential approaches
Book3–Sampleend products
• 4-week diagnostic
• 8-week diagnostic
• Supplychainblueprint
• Pilot planningandexecution
Book4–Additional information
• References, experts, andcase
studies
• Best practiceoverview
• SCMITapplications
Book2 –Detailed processapproachmodules
0. Supplychainmanagement
diagnostic
1. Service-level management
2. Demand management
3. Productionmanagement
4. Supplymanagement
5. Distributionmanagement
6. Integratedplanning
7. ITArchitecture, selection,
andintegration
7. 1eSCMandmSCM
8. Workingcapital
management
9. Changeandproject
management
10. Organizationand
performance
management
11. DC/Plant quick scan
12. SKUrationalization
ENETEKSUPPLY CHAINTOOLKIT
Tableof contents
Book1–Main presentation
• Introduction
• Basicbeliefs
• Casestudies
• Potential approaches
Book3–Sampleend products
• 4-week diagnostic
• 8-week diagnostic
• Supplychainblueprint
• Pilot planningandexecution
Book4–Additional information
• References, experts, andcase
studies
• Best practiceoverview
• SCMITapplications
Book2 –Detailed processapproachmodules
0. Supplychainmanagement
diagnostic
1. Service-level management
2. Demand management
3. Productionmanagement
4. Supplymanagement
5. Distributionmanagement
6. Integratedplanning
7. ITArchitecture, selection,
andintegration
7. 1eSCMandmSCM
8. Workingcapital
management
9. Changeandproject
management
10. Organizationand
performance
management
11. DC/Plant quick scan
12. SKUrationalization
ENETEKSUPPLY CHAINTOOLKIT
Tableof contents
1. CUSTOMERSERVICEMANAGEMENT– INDICATORSOFPERFORMANCE)
Performance
Processes Poor Average Good/Leading-edge
Order Penetration Point Not set tomatchsupplyand
demand characteristics,
leadingto high complexity
costs
Some assemblyand
geographical postponement
tominimizecosts and
complexity
Tailoredbyproduct/
customer segmentand
make-to-stockvs. make-to-
order policies
TacticalOrder Management Mainlymanual dataentry
Mainlypush-based
deliveries
Inflexible order lead times
and sizes, and delivery
timing
MainlyFIFOorder
processing
Some customer integration;
minimal clericalorder
handling
Mostlyfixed order lead
times
Order sizes and delivery
timingdrivenmainlyby
production capabilities
Mixedresponse to “flash”
orders
Fullcustomer integration; no
clericalorder handling
Order lead times andsizes,
and deliverytiming tailored
to minimizeTCOfor both
producer and customer
FlexibleFGsupplychainfor
efficientresponse to “flash”
orders
Order Processing
Infrastructure
Mainlypaper and phone
based
Nosupplychain
transparency(i.e., order
visibility in producer’s
supplychain)
Some EDI penetration
Minimal/no supplychain
transparency
PrimarilyEDI- or on-line-
basedinterface for order
processing,problem
resolution, andpayment
processing
Keycustomershave full
visibilityinto producer’s
supplychain
1. CUSTOMERSERVICEMANAGEMENT– INDICATORSOFPERFORMANCE)
Performance
Processes Poor Average Good/Leading-edge
Order Penetration Point Not set tomatchsupplyand
demand characteristics,
leadingto high complexity
costs
Some assemblyand
geographical postponement
tominimizecosts and
complexity
Tailoredbyproduct/
customer segmentand
make-to-stockvs. make-to-
order policies
TacticalOrder Management Mainlymanual dataentry
Mainlypush-based
deliveries
Inflexible order lead times
and sizes, and delivery
timing
MainlyFIFOorder
processing
Some customer integration;
minimal clericalorder
handling
Mostlyfixed order lead
times
Order sizes and delivery
timingdrivenmainlyby
production capabilities
Mixedresponse to “flash”
orders
Fullcustomer integration; no
clericalorder handling
Order lead times andsizes,
and deliverytiming tailored
to minimizeTCOfor both
producer and customer
FlexibleFGsupplychainfor
efficientresponse to “flash”
orders
Order Processing
Infrastructure
Mainlypaper and phone
based
Nosupplychain
transparency(i.e., order
visibility in producer’s
supplychain)
Some EDI penetration
Minimal/no supplychain
transparency
PrimarilyEDI- or on-line-
basedinterface for order
processing,problem
resolution, andpayment
processing
Keycustomershave full
visibilityinto producer’s
supplychain
LEVERAGEPOINTS, ANALYSESANDTOOLS: PLANNINGANDORDERING
Leveragepoint Analysis Tools
•Decrease order
leadtimes
•Increase flexibility
of safety stocks
•Order lead timevs. total timeof
order todelivery
•Contribution of thedifferent lead
time elements
–Net demand planning
–Production planning and MRP
breakdown
–Call-off of supplies
–Production time
•Decouple andreduce theminimum
leadtimes thesupply chaincan offer
(e.g., increaseflexibilityof production
workforce)
•Introducea two-step production
planning fully exploiting the reduced
anddecoupledleadtimes:
–Order on demand: fixed quantity,
variableproduction schedule
–Order with fixedproductionplan:
variablequantity, fixedproduction
windows
•Amount of identical SKUs are
storedin different warehouses
(product, packaging, country
version)
•Amount of SKUs, partially made
up of identical rawandpackaging
materials/semifinished products?
•Concentrate identical SKUs inone
warehouse
•Allowfreeflowof information and
products betweendifferent
warehouses to have only onesafety
stock perSKU
•Designproduct insucha way that
differentiationbetweendifferent
products takes place inthe last
process step only (lateidentification)
LEVERAGEPOINTS, ANALYSESANDTOOLS: PLANNINGANDORDERING
Leveragepoint Analysis Tools
•Decrease order
leadtimes
•Increase flexibility
of safety stocks
•Order lead timevs. total timeof
order todelivery
•Contribution of thedifferent lead
time elements
–Net demand planning
–Production planning and MRP
breakdown
–Call-off of supplies
–Production time
•Decouple andreduce theminimum
leadtimes thesupply chaincan offer
(e.g., increaseflexibilityof production
workforce)
•Introducea two-step production
planning fully exploiting the reduced
anddecoupledleadtimes:
–Order on demand: fixed quantity,
variableproduction schedule
–Order with fixedproductionplan:
variablequantity, fixedproduction
windows
•Amount of identical SKUs are
storedin different warehouses
(product, packaging, country
version)
•Amount of SKUs, partially made
up of identical rawandpackaging
materials/semifinished products?
•Concentrate identical SKUs inone
warehouse
•Allowfreeflowof information and
products betweendifferent
warehouses to have only onesafety
stock perSKU
•Designproduct insucha way that
differentiationbetweendifferent
products takes place inthe last
process step only (lateidentification)
LEVERAGEPOINTS, ANALYSESANDTOOLS: PLANNINGANDORDERING
Leveragepoint Analysis Tools
•Decrease order
leadtimes
•Increase flexibility
of safety stocks
•Order lead timevs. total timeof
order todelivery
•Contribution of thedifferent lead
time elements
–Net demand planning
–Production planning and MRP
breakdown
–Call-off of supplies
–Production time
•Decouple andreduce theminimum
leadtimes thesupply chaincan offer
(e.g., increaseflexibilityof production
workforce)
•Introducea two-step production
planning fully exploiting the reduced
anddecoupledleadtimes:
–Order on demand: fixed quantity,
variableproduction schedule
–Order with fixedproductionplan:
variablequantity, fixedproduction
windows
•Amount of identical SKUs are
storedin different warehouses
(product, packaging, country
version)
•Amount of SKUs, partially made
up of identical rawandpackaging
materials/semifinished products?
•Concentrate identical SKUs inone
warehouse
•Allowfreeflowof information and
products betweendifferent
warehouses to have only onesafety
stock perSKU
•Designproduct insucha way that
differentiationbetweendifferent
products takes place inthe last
process step only (lateidentification)

29. Confidential
References
The whitepaper has been published with references from certain websites like RFID,
- Thyssenkrupp,
- EPC Global
Disclaimer
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guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.
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