Component Modules and What You Will Learn

Overview of RFID Essentials Course 1, with Dr. Dan Dobkin

• Objectives, features, and expected outcomes of this course.

Module 1: Introduction to RFID

35

• The differences between RFID and other forms of automated identification, such as bar codes
• The benefits of using RFID technology in various applications

Module 2: History of RFID

25

• How RFID technology has changed since its early uses in the 1940’s
• What might be in store for RFID technology in the future

Module 3: Technology Basics, Part 1: Physical Components of RFID System

60+

• The elements of an RFID system
• The differences between low, high, and ultra-high frequency, and the applications they are suited to
• Two different ways in which RFID tags are powered by readers, inductive and radiative coupling, and the applications they are suited to
• The differences between active and passive tags, and the applications they are suited to
• How real-time location systems (RTLS) work and they can be used to track objects over a wide area

Module 4: Technology Basics, Part 2: Reader-Tag Communication

60+

• How to put together a complete RFID system
• How to find the tag read range, and the importance of tag orientation and polarization in reading tags, through "mouse-on" experience in our exclusive YouTag Virtual Workshop.
• Practical considerations in assembling tagged cartons into a readable pallet
• The data protocols most commonly used in tag-reader communications and why

Module 5: Technology Basics, Part 3: Sharing Data Inside and Outside the Enterprise

60+

• How to turn tag data into information leading to a useful action
• The role of middleware in filtering RFID data
• The purpose of databases in RFID systems
• The ways that data is being standardized to allow for use by enterprise systems and sharing with trading partners

Module 6: Materials and RF

15

• How materials being tagged affect the tag’s ability to be read
• What it means to be RF lucent and RF opaque
• Which substances fall into which category
• How different, tagged materials affect the performance of LF, HF, and UHF tags

Module 7: Application Examples

• How to position cartons on pallets to enable tag readability, in our YouTag Virtual Workshop.
• RFID standards associated with RFID technology types, applications, and industries
• How to select the right RFID technology (UHF, HF, LF, passive, semi-passive, and active) for a given application

Module 8: Securing RFID Data and Safeguarding Personal Privacy

60+

• Some of the ways RFID data security and the privacy of individuals can potentially be compromised
• Technical measures to secure tag-reader transmissions
• Measures being taken by industry and government to protect data and protect personal privacy

Module 9: Implementing RFID for ROI

85+

• How to determine whether and where RFID can contribute value in your organization
• Comparing prospective RFID projects
• Common methods used to calculate return on investment (ROI)
• Role of key performance indicators (KPI's)
• The steps in planning an RFID implementation
• How the evolution of the RFID market is likely to impact your expected ROI
• How 23 companies in various industries and geographic regions have applied RFID for ROI: Air Liquide, AstraZeneca, Brigham and Women's Hospital, CHEP, Crown Equipment, CyPak, DHL, Griva, Hampton Products, Jacobi Medical Center, IBM, Information Mediary, Lattice Corporation, Mercy Hospital, Metro Group, NYK Logistics, P&G, pH Europe, Selexys, Sempra Energy, Sernam, Wal-mart

• May be taken up to three times, with each version varying slightly.
• Takes about one hour.
• Tests applied knowledge; not rote memorization. 
• Passing certifies your readiness to plan a pilot project.