Despite the fact that RFID technology has existed for decades, issues still need to be resolved. Consider, for example, that a growing number of counterfeit, gray market and diverted products are entering the pharmaceutical supply chain and compromising consumer confidence in prescription drugs. While RFID technology can secure the supply chain, doing so requires standards as well as regulatory guidance from the federal government. For information on this and other issues facing the RFID industry, visit the following resources:

RFID Tag Data Security Infrastructure: A Common Ground Approach for Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Safety

This paper defines the deliverables and requirements to achieve agreement between segments of the supply chain concerned with privacy, as well as the ability to use product information to improve operational efficiencies. This paper also lays the foundation for a tag data security infrastructure (TDSI) for these initiatives. The TDSI is a set of rules, specs and common protocols that enable item-level tags and readers to work within and across the industry's information technology ecosystem.

For the full article go to: http://www.ti.com/rfid/shtml/form-wp-TDSI_13_06.shtml

Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

This paper provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions about RFID. Topics are organized into business, technology, financial and industry specific.

For the full article, go to: http://symbol.com/products/whitepapers/rfid_faq.html

ABCs of RFID: Understanding and Using Radio Frequency Identification

This paper provides an overview of RFID technology and capabilities, describes the common frequencies and technologies used in business applications, identifies major standards, and introduces ways to take advantage of RFID to improve convenience, accuracy, safety and security.

For the full article, go to: http://www.intermec.com/eprise/main/Intermec/Content/About/getWhitePapers?ArticleID=109

The Write Stuff: Understanding the Value of Read/Write RFID Functionality

This paper details how RFID users can unlock the value and benefit of the technology by taking advantage of the ability to add and change data on the tag in real time. Read/write RFID creates new applications in the supply chain and helps accommodate changes in business processes, customer requirements or standards.

For the full article, go to: http://www.intermec.com/eprise/main/Intermec/Content/About/getWhitePapers?ArticleID=1025

• A Guide to Radio Frequency Identification, by V. Daniel Hunt, ISBN: 978-0-470-10764-5, Wiley Press (www.wiley.com)

  This book is an introduction to RFID technology. Also to be discussed is the commercial/government use of RFID technology with an emphasis on retail and consumer packaging, product transportation and distribution, industrial and manufacturing operations, security and access control.

• RFID Implementation, by Dennis Brown, ISBN: 0072263245 / 9780072263244, McGraw Hill Professional (www.mhprofessional.com)

  This book offers details for implementing an RFID project from start to finish. It delivers instructions for initiating, installing and managing an RFID rollout.

• RFID Applied, by J. Banks, ISBN: 978-0-471-79365-6, Wiley Press (www.wiley.com)

  This book provides background on the technology and applications of RFID around the world. Coverage is non-technical, however, some sections delve into the technical aspects for more technical readers.

• EPCglobal Inc. (www.epcglobalinc.org)

  EPCglobal is an industry organization leading the development of global, industry-driven standards for the electronic product code (EPC) to support the use of RFID. Go to this site for information on EPC standards, the EPCglobal Network, a list of certified hardware and accredited test centers, EPCglobal brand guidelines and consumer information.

• RFID Business Association (www.rfidba.org)

  The RFID Business Association is a group of RFID hardware, software and services companies, technology users, consultants, public policy makers, consumer advocates, and educators working to eliminate the barriers to adoption of RFID consistent with standards developed by EPCglobal, GSMP, ISO, W3C and other technology and application standards bodies.

• AIM Global (www.aimglobal.org)

  The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) is a global trade association dedicated to accelerating the growth and use of AIDC technologies and services around the world. Its members are manufacturers or service providers of technologies such as RFID, barcode, card technologies, biometrics and electronic article surveillance.