Chapter 1 Hardware/Infrastructure Considerations
16
Hardware/Infrastructure Considerations
Once your smart labels have been applied to their target contain er
or pallet you will need external readers to track them through y our
supply chain. Such readers are typically networked device s that are
deployed at key points in the warehouse or distributio n center to
track incoming and outgoing packages. The readers are manag ed
through a server for gathering and filtering all the RFID i nformation.
Readers may have multiple antennas to maximize read range and
reliability.
The readers you purchase must be compatible with the sm art
labels programmed by the printer. Specifically, they should be EPC
Class 1 compliant. Fixed position readers and their anten nas can
be purchased from Alien Technology (www.alientechnology.com ).
Handheld readers with integrated antennas can be purchased from
AWID (www.awid.com).
The data that are gathered by the reader servers must be m anaged
for tracking and archiving purposes. Software applications that
perform these tasks are available from companies such as
Manhattan Associates® (www.manh.com).