Kimberly-Clark Tests Generation 2 RFID Hardware
June 16, 2005
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Kimberly-Clark Corp. will begin formal testing of next-generation radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware this summer. The move to Generation 2 hardware will provide a universal solution to
RFID technology, replacing numerous, incompatible systems with one system used worldwide, said Kimberly-Clark.
According to EPCglobal Inc., Class 1 Generation 2 UHF Air Interface Protocol Standard Version 1.0.9 defines the physical and logical requirements for a "passive-backscatter," interrogator-talks-first (ITF), RFID system operating in the 860 MHz to 960 MHz frequency range. The system comprises interrogators, also known as readers and tags or labels. The standard was ratified in December 2004.
"This test will ensure we identify the most effective Generation 2 RFID hardware that, when employed, will increase our productivity through the streamlining of our supply chain management on a worldwide basis," said Cheryl Perkins, Kimberly-Clark's senior vice president and chief technical officer.
The Generation 2 RFID hardware to be tested includes tags, readers, printers and applicators. The tests, scheduled to begin July 6 at Kimberly-Clark's RFID research lab in Neenah, Wis., will allow the company to determine which hardware is the most compatible with its conveyor, packing, logistics and shipping systems.
"Generation 2 RFID hardware has advanced greatly over the past few months, providing increased ranges in reading product tags, as well as a more consistent read rate of pallets and cases," said Mike O'Shea, director of Kimberly-Clark's Auto-ID Sensing Technologies.
Separately, Kimberly-Clark announced that together with SAP and OATSystems Inc. it has initially deployed the first standardized interfaces between SAP AII (Auto-ID Infrastructure) and the OAT Foundation Suite. The standardized interfaces are supported by both SAP and OATSystems to minimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) and optimize RFID integration for joint customers, said Kimberly-Clark.
Sources: Kimberly-Clark Corp., EPCglobal Inc.