Firms considering radio frequency identity (RFID) deployments got a boost when Toshiba Tec Europe announced its RFID@Toshiba strategy, which aims to provide firms with all the advice and technology they need to create end-to-end systems, while BT launched a new version of its Auto-ID offering.

RFID@Toshiba comprises consultancy and project management advice, RFID software and hardware, plus implementation and after-sales services, according to the firm’s business development manager, Rob McGregor.
“This is the first time that we’ve had an integrated launch where we could provide advice and technology to clients thinking of integrating RFID technology into their business processes,” McGregor added.

Although Toshiba does not produce all the tools needed to carry out projects, RFID product manager Steve Bird said that the firm has strong vendor and reseller partnerships in place, and would benchmark every solution before offering them to customers.

McGregor said many of the previous obstacles to RFID uptake have now been dealt with. “There are now multiple Gen2 silicon suppliers, which has driven hardware prices down, and with large retailers mandating that their suppliers move to RFID, the further down the supply chain RFID goes the better it is,” he explained.

Although many of the technical issues have been removed, McGregor said that there are still challenges. He cited Toshiba’s problems trying to tag its own laptops and read the tags over distances of just three to five metres.

Another of the problems that could stand in the way of RFID deployments is a lack of standards. But global business development manager for standards group EPC Global, Mark Gillet, said that this is becoming less of an issue.

“You can build an RFID system with the standards available now [Gen2 being the main standard], and although there are more standards being developed, these are the ‘nice to have’ features, which would deliver the next level of benefits,” Gillet argued.

Bloor Research’s senior analyst for RFID and manufacturing, Simon Holloway, said that firms considering RFID projects should first question whether there is actually a cogent business case. He advised that the first step should be a thorough analysis of the benefits of the technology to the organisation, and how much of a return on investment it would provide. After this stage, companies should consider a proof-of-concept system or a trial before rolling out a full system, he said.

McGregor agreed with this approach, adding, “It would be suicide not to pilot first.”
BT also added to its RFID portfolio last week with the launch of BT Auto-ID Lite, which it said would offer businesses a “stepping stone” to RFID deployment. The system uses a mobile reader and self-powered “active” RFID tags that are tracked using GPRS, and link through to back-office systems.

BT will also provide consultancy services to ensure the solution works first time. Auto-ID Lite is available on a six-month contract costing £449 per month for one reader and 30 tags, which could be ideal for proof-of-concept deployments; or a three-year contract priced at £119 per month.