EPCglobal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RFID the same as the Electronic Product Code (EPC)?

No. The EPC is what maximizes RFID’s potential. The ElectronicProduct Code (EPC) is a unique number that is used to identify a specific item in the supply chain. The EPC is stored on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Once the EPC is retrieved from the tag, it can be associated with data held in a secured database such as where an item originated or the date of its production.

Where does the EPCglobal Network reside?

The EPCglobal Network is not a physical network. Instead it is a set of technologies that enables automatic identification of items in the supply chain. By using the technologies, trading partners can exchange information about the goods they ship among themselves. The EPCglobal Network makes organizations more effective by uncovering inefficiencies and helping combat counterfeiting, internal theft.

Is the EPCglobal Network susceptible to security breaches?

The EPCglobal Network uses a federated approach and functions like an extranet, pointing trading partners to secure data which resides behind a subscriber company's firewall. Security components of the network are still being developed, but the end result will be a system as secure as existing online banking applications.

What about privacy concerns?

EPCglobal US subscribers are committed to abiding by the guidelines that protect consumer privacy. Privacy is as important as anything else we are doing, EPCglobal has taken a leadership role in this initiative by establishing public policy guidelines that guide companies that implement the technology. These guidelines maintain that the company should provide customer notice, choice and education about the technology. Details of the policy can be found on the EPCglobal Web site http://www.epcglobalinc.org/.

This sounds technical, and it seems like EPCglobal affects only businesses’ back-office operations. Why should a legislator care?

The EPCglobal Network benefits businesses, but also consumers as they shop for food, ingest prescription drugs, and even search for that special toy on empty store shelves Christmas Eve. It enables businesses to better “see” where items are as they make their way from farm or factory to the end-user. This visibility allows consumers to be sure products are intact and safe when they arrive on retail shelves and ultimately enter our homes.

How will EPCglobal standards coexist with those of the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO)?

They will be complementary standards to ISO’s 18000 RFID standard. EPCglobal submitted to ISO its UHF Generation 2 standard for ratification this year, and expects to hear soon fromISO on its status. Manufacturers and retailers who operate internationally cannot afford to ignore either standard as they seek to compete in the expanding 21^st century marketplace.