CompTIA launches RFID initiative
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) announced today it is launching a new initiative to advance the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology throughout the computer, electronics and information technology (IT) industries.
"With more than 19,000 members worldwide representing virtually every segment of the IT industry, CompTIA is uniquely positioned to help them minimize the challenges and maximize the benefits of RFID," said David Sommer, vice president, e-Commerce, CompTIA. "The breadth and diversity of our membership presents us with a broad mandate to develop business best practices tools, road maps, metrics, and application software requirements that will ease their move to RFID."
RFID uses chips that carry detailed inventory data and radio frequency to track them. This enables a device to read the data stored on the chip at a distance without line-of-sight scanning or physical contact. With RFID, businesses and other organizations can track items they would otherwise have difficulty tracking, and track them more accurately. The potential cost-savings and operational improvements from RFID are huge, derived from benefits such as processing efficiencies; collaborative planning and execution processes; better inventory management; and reduced product tampering, theft and counterfeiting.
As with any new technology, however, businesses face real challenges if they are to benefit from RFID. Much will depend on collaboration between trading partners, suppliers and customers. Standards for RFID are still being developed. Significant investments in hardware, software and human resources are required. In addition, the computer, electronics and IT industries must address RFID issues separate from other industries. For example, there are problems with placing RFID tags in electronic goods.
"Companies that take a wait-and-see approach to this technology as the standards evolve could end up at a competitive disadvantage," said Richard Morrissey, director, e-business development, American Power Conversion Corp. and president of the CompTIA Electronics Industry Data Exchange (EIDX) Leadership Group. "EIDX encourages those companies interested in RFID to participate in the standards setting process."
CompTIA currently has a task force in place to define potential applications for RFID technology within the information and communication technology (ICT) services and support realm. This effort includes work on a standard for data either directly residing on RFID tags or tied into the RFID that will be most effective in the provisioning of ICT services and support.
Other issues CompTIA intends to address include:
- How RFID will impact the computer/electronics/IT supply chain
- Interaction with adjacent supply chains such as automotive, aerospace and government
- Ongoing RFID education and training for resellers, solutions providers and other audiences.
RFID is the featured topic at the upcoming CompTIA Spring EIDX Conference May 18 through 20 in Durham, N.C. The program, "RFID - Preparing Your Channel for What the Future Holds," will feature representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense, DHL, IBM Global Services, Insync, Paxar, RedPrairie, Sun Microsystems, and Texas Instruments. For more information on the conference, please visit: http://www.comptia.org/events/get_event.asp?eventid=EIDX200405