AIM, an industry association with over five decades of experience in innovation, standards, and solutions within automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the RFID Experts Group (REG).
Formed in 2004, the REG has been instrumental in shaping standards, delivering education, and providing guidance on the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. To mark this milestone, AIM has unveiled a new website dedicated to highlighting the achievements of the REG and offering essential resources to the RFID community.
The new site, rfid.org, presents a range of educational and practical materials aimed at enhancing the understanding and application of RFID technology for users, implementers, and stakeholders. Some of the key resources available include:
- RFID 101: A concise introduction to RFID technology, covering its principles, applications, and advantages
- Glossary of RFID Terms: A comprehensive glossary explaining key terms related to RFID
- RFID implementation guide: A foundational guide outlining the steps and considerations for implementing RFID technology, with scope for further expansion
- Introduction to numbering systems for RAIN RFID tags: This important document addresses the significance of globally unique identifiers, such as the Unique Item Identifier (UII) or Electronic Product Code (EPC), in the effective functioning of RAIN RFID systems
Chris Brown, RFID Programme Director and Subject Matter Expert at TSC, led the content development for RFID.ORG. “Without clear guidance on data content, RFID implementations can not only be delayed, but they can also lead to ‘Tag Clutter,’ aka ‘Tag Pollution’,” said Brown.
The site also features a video chronicling the formation of the RFID Experts Group, its key initiatives over the past 20 years, and its ongoing role in advancing RFID technology. This resource offers both historical insight and a look at the REG’s continued influence on RFID standards and issues.
Established in 2004 as an expert advisory body within AIM Global, the RFID Experts Group (REG) was initially tasked by the U.S. Department of Defense with addressing challenges in the adoption of RFID within supply chains. Since then, the REG has expanded its reach beyond defence and supply chain applications, providing guidance through whitepapers, guidelines, and standards that have shaped the broader RFID industry.
“The REG’s contribution to the growing market adoption of RFID technologies and its ecosystem cannot be understated,” said Mary Lou Bosco, CEO of AIM. “For the past 20 years, the group has not only provided the industry with critical standards, guidelines, and advocacy but also fostered a community of collaboration and innovation that drives RFID implementation across numerous vertical markets and success today.”
Today, the REG includes more than 40 organisations from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders dedicated to advancing RFID technology. The group continues to focus on addressing the standards and issues relevant to RFID and remains a leading authority in the field.
Looking ahead
As the industry moves towards integrating RFID into mobile devices, allowing consumers to interact with products via RFID-enabled smartphones, the REG and rfid.org will continue to grow, offering new resources, updates, and insights. AIM encourages the RFID community and industry stakeholders to join in celebrating the successes of the RFID Experts Group and to explore the wealth of knowledge and expertise provided through the newly launched content.
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