This book provides an introduction to RFID technology. It describes and addresses the following: How RFID works, how it is and can be used in current and future applications. The History of RFID technology, the current state of practice and where RFID is expected to be taken in the future. The role of middleware software to route data between the RFID network and the information technology systems within an organization. Commercial and government use of RFID technology with an emphasis on a wide range of applications including retail and consumer packaging, transportation and distribution of products, industrial and manufacturing operations, security and access control. Industry standards and the regulatory compliance environment and finally, the privacy issues faced by the public and industry regarding the deployment of RFID technology.

PREFACE.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.STAFF ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.ABOUT THE AUTHORS.1 INTRODUCTION.1.1 What Is RFID?1.2 What Explains the Current Interest in RFID Technology?1.3 Goals of This Book.2 AN OVERVIEW OF RFID TECHNOLOGY.2.1 The Three Core Components of an RFID System.2.2 RFID Tags.2.3 RFID Interrogators.2.4 RFID Controllers.2.5 Frequency.2.6 Automatic Identifi cation and Data Capture (AIDC)Systems.2.7 "Smart" Tags vs. Bar Codes.2.8 RFID Technology in Supply Chain Management.3 HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF RFID TECHNOLOGY.3.1 The Convergence of Three Technologies.3.2 Milestones in RFID and the Speed of Adoption.3.3 RFID in the Future.4 RFID MIDDLEWARE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYINTEGRATION.4.1 What Is RFID Middleware?4.2 The Recent Focus on Middleware.4.3 Core Functions of RFID Middleware.4.4 Middleware as Part of an RFID System--The EPCArchitecture.4.5 The Present State of Middleware Development.4.6 Middleware Vendors.5 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT RFID TECHNOLOGYAPPLICATIONS.5.1 Introduction.5.2 Effect of the Wal-Mart and Department of DefenseMandates.5.3 Strategic Dimensions of the Wal-Mart and DoD Mandates.5.4 RFID Technology for Business Applications.5.5 RFID and Supply Chain Management.5.6 The Business Case for RFID.5.7 Government Use of RFID Technology.5.8 RFID and the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.5.9 RFID Implanted in Humans.6 RFID TECHNOLOGY IN HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, ANDCORRECTIONS.6.1 Introduction.6.2 RFID Technology in Homeland Security.6.3 RFID in Law Enforcement.6.4 RFID Use in Law Enforcement--Looking to the Future.6.5 RFID Technology in Corrections.7 RFID REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS.7.1 Governmental RFID Regulation.7.2 World Regulatory Bodies.7.3 Industrial-Scientifi c-Medical (ISM) Bands.7.4 Spectrum Allocations for RFID.7.5 Industrial RFID Standards.7.6 International Standards Organization (ISO).7.7 EPCglobal.7.8 The Wal-Mart and DoD Mandates and EPC.8 ISSUES SURROUNDING THE DEPLOYMENT OF RFIDTECHNOLOGY.8.1 Introduction.8.2 Privacy Issues in Applying RFID Technology.8.3 The Costs of Developing and Deploying RFID Technology.8.4 The Growth of Global Standards and Regulations.8.5 Technological Immaturity and Integration with LegacySystems.8.6 Lack of Robustness.8.7 Lack of Knowledge and Experience, End-User Confusion, andSkepticism.8.8 Ethical Issues.8.9 Data Management.9 THE FUTURE PREDICTIONS FOR RFID.APPENDIX A WAL-MART RFID INITIATIVE.APPENDIX B DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE RFID POLICYOVERVIEW.LIST OF ACRONYMS.GLOSSARY.RFID VENDOR LIST.POINTS OF CONTACT.INDEX.