RFID Field Guide: Deploying Radio Frequency Identification Systems

It's a book, it showed up

all these books are vey good and very helpful

As Sun gropes around for a next Big Thing in technology, this book tries to suggest that RFID might be it. The text is written at a management level of discussion. You do not need to be in IT hardware or software to benefit from the book's explanations.The authors discuss the business implications of RFID deployment. Not just in the background of a supply chain, but also at a mass consumer level. To wit, there is a careful airing of the privacy issues that might arise if RFID tags can be used for tracking people and their purchases. And different countries have different policies towards these issues.The conclusion is broadly positive for an eventual ubiquitous deployment. Prudently, the authors desist from suggesting when that might be.

RFID Field Guide provides a focused analysis and resources for those who seek to capitalize on RFID-derived business opportunities. It is not an RFID primer nor a theoretical treatise as much as a guide for those who must act today on RFID. Of the 3 sections (I: What is; II: How to Deploy; III: Path Ahead), this book is focused on the latter two issues. Having worked with both authors, I can hear their Java & Jini market development experience throughout this book. These are not techies who are fascinated by technology. Rather, Moradpour and Bhuptani believe that RFID will benefit the business processes of some companies more than others. This book stems from their significant experience with platforms, technology innovation cycles and managing ecosystems. In this respect, I found the book unique from other books answering the "big" RFID questions.Two criticisms of the book include the surprisingly non-quantitative nature of Chapter 7: Cost-Benefit Analysis. I expected the financial analysis behind some RFID deployments or even some good projections on the Wal-Mart mandate (although the case studies in the appendix are good). And, second, the authors frequently plug a URL for more information ([...] I found the site disappointingly bare of updated data or even links to other good sources. Perhaps they will add to this site in the near future.As for this coming from a Sun-Prentice Hall Press, the analysis has almost nothing to do with Sun's technology. That said, at Sun we often say that RFID will fill more databases and storage than any human-keyed application (think Web URL strings and navigation data for everything connected to the Net).In sum, Bhuptani and Moradpour have provided a seasoned structural analysis that can be used to drive real-world RFID deployments as well as challenge practitioners to envision and prepare for an "RFID-enabled world."

"RFID Field Guide" is an excellent book for an organization thinking about or starting a Radio Frequency Identification initiative. Unlike most books aimed at both business and technical readers, this one really is good for both. The authors don't assume a background of either, yet don't bore you with basics. The book provides a common language for business analysts and techies on a RFID project.The authors clearly explain the components and relevant history of RFID. Real life examples and lessons learned are highlighted throughout. The Wal-Mart and DoD mandates are frequently referred to for suppliers. Diverse examples and case studies are also included. Security, privacy and trends are discussed. The book does not attempt to evaluate the constantly changing vendors and instead stores a comprehensive and up to date version online.The only purely technical part of the book is an appendix, which describes the EPCglobal standard. Sun endorsed the book so it shoes the ties to XML and Java. I highly recommend this book to get business users an IT on the same page at the beginning of an RFID project.

Having already begun to be a cutting edge technology that has proved itself effective in streamlining a broad and diverse array of supply-side resources in the private sector -- RFID will, no doubt, continue to expand and integrate itself into other sectors: How and when this occurs is a question of understanding the merits and true potential of this incredible technology.This is a must-read for anyone who not only wants to understand RFID for what it is and what it could be in terms of application, but also for anyone who wants to see how effective the confluence of information age technology can be utilized to advance and improve pre-existing systems, services, and production mechanisms.Bhuptani and Moradpour present RFID in a very accessible and easily-understood manner that appeals to a broad range of readers. From us laypersons who, quite frankly, might view RFID as a new opportunity for investment; to the many technophiles who are already tearing through this book to understand the many different nuances and future potential of this new technology; as well as any manager who is constantly looking to streamline the systems that he or she operates.Believe the hype: RFID is the future and the RFID FIELD GUIDE not only provides a picture of it, it IS the map that can get you there.

Very useful for my postgraduate thesis about RFID implementation framework in supply chain management