Guide to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Small Business

Look for vendors who work with smaller businesses

To date, RFID systems have been associated with large-scale manufacturers and retailers. However, some vendors have been promoting RFID by working with smaller companies to ensure that they have a positive return on investment.

I recommend: Check out Oat Systems, which will work with firms that want to deploy RFID in a single location.

Implement an RFID system in steps

Determine which areas of your business can benefit from RFID and which business processes must be changed. Create a plan that includes your equipment needs. Do a test drive with your equipment before launching a full-scale deployment. Make sure your provider will be with you every step of the way.

I recommend: Intel provides RFID solutions and offers help at every stage of the deployment process.

Choose RFID frequency

RFID tags and readers must be tuned to the same frequency to communicate. The most common frequencies used are low-frequency, high-frequency, ultra-high frequency and microwave. Note that low- and high-frequency tags are generally recommended for products made of metal or water.

I recommend: A knowledgeable vendor, such as HP or Intermec, can help you choose the right frequency for your RFID system.

Choose RFID tags

RFID tags come in three varieties: read-only, read-write and write-once read many (WORM). The information stored on read-only tags can't be changed. Read-write tags allow you to add or overwrite data. WORM tags have a serial number written to them once and can't be overwritten.

I recommend: Avery Dennison has an RFID division that offers a number of RFID tags and related hardware.

Choose RFID readers

Readers can be "dumb", "intelligent" or "agile". Dumb readers are the simplest, capable of reading a single type of tag, using a single communication method and using a single frequency. Intelligent readers are essentially computers that can use a number of communication methods and can filter data and run applications. Agile readers can use several frequencies and a number of communication methods.

I recommend: Intermec.com offers one of the widest ranges of readers and other RFID products. RFID.com offers a host of readers and other hardware, including a "starter's kit" that allows users to become familiar with the technology.

Choose RFID encoders

Special encoders or printers are used to write to RFID chips.

I recommend: Find RFID encoders and printers at PrisymIDInc.com or at Paxar.com, which will also do the encoding for you if you aren't ready to invest in an encoder.

Choose RFID software

To get the most out of the data stored in RFID tags, computers must be outfitted with special software.

I recommend: InLogic, TagsWare and Sun Microsystems offer a number of RFID software solutions.