The Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) is the next generation of product identification. The EPC is a simple, compact “license plate” that can uniquely identify objects (items, cases, pallets, locations, etc.) for improved visibility. The EPC is defined to express a wide variety of different, existing numbering systems like the GS1 System identification numbers, UID, VIN, and others.

The EPC is a number designed to uniquely identify every single instance of an object, e.g. every jar of coffee produced will have its own unique identity. Ideally, the EPC is the only information stored on a RFID tag including an EPC Manager Number (could be a GS1 Company Prefix), an Object Class, and a Serial Number. It's important to understand that you must be an EPCglobal subscriber to register EPC Manager Numbers for use in encoding EPCs on RFID tags.

I had the honor of being invited to France for a behind-the-scenes look into some of the largest RFID deployments in the world, including DHL Exel Supply Chain / Metro Group and the world’s second largest retailer.  My invitation actually came from Neopost ID, the solution provider responsible for designing and implementing these solutions.  In Europe, Neopost ID is considered one of the leading RFID system integrators with an extremely impressive client list, including the aforementioned companies.

Written By Louis Sirico and Carl Brown

Do you supply products to the US Department of Defense (DoD)?

If so, then according to DFARS 252.211-7006 you will have to affix RFID / EPC tags to those products. If you are not aware of this, then we suggest you read this article . All of the essential websites and documents regarding DoD RFID compliance are listed here: DoD RFID Compliance for Supply Chain.

United States Department of Defense RFID Compliance for Supply Chain The essential website links you need to have for information related to RFID compliance with the United States Department of Defense supply chain operations.

   The RFID Homepage hosted by the Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness)
This is DoD?s official website to share the latest updates to the DoD RFID Policy and to provide a status report for RFID implementation in the DoD supply chain.

   Defense Suppliers? Passive RFID Information Guide
United States Department of Defense Suppliers? Passive RFID Information Guide Version 9.0. This official document serves as a summary of the DoD?s requirements and guidelines related to passive RFID implementation for their supplier community.

   DFARS 252.211-7006 Radio Frequency Identification
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.211-7006 Radio Frequency Identification.

   MIL-STD-129 Revision P
This official document explains the standard minimum requirements for uniform military marking on shipment and storage.

   EPCglobal Standards
The official EPC Tag Data standard and other standards documents related to RFID compliance sited for use by contractors shipping products to the US DoD.

   Wide Area Workflow (WAWF)
Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) is a secure Web-based system for electronic invoicing, receipt, and acceptance for government contractors and authorized personnel working with the Department of Defense (DoD).