RFID Exchange is the global source for objective advice on RFID Technology. We cover passive and active tags and readers, Savant and application software, and provide free advice, information on implementation issues and solutions. Click here for details of the free and objective RFID advice and information service.

Radio Frequency Identification (RF-ID or RFID) Technology and Solutions are here to stay. Recent announcements by Wal-Mart, the US Department of Defense, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and other large retailers are mandating the use of RFIDs by their suppliers to simplify the supply chain and make big savings in efficency and removal of waste. A recent report by the FDA has endorsed RFID technology as a realistic way to tackle the international issues of drug counterfeiting and piracy.

Suppliers to these companies can simply react and attach RFID tags to their pallets and crates, or they can re-engineer their own processes to maximise the benefits to be gained from full integration of the technology into their operations - this site is here to assist all users, from CEO to hardware installers, to choose the right solution for the opportunity. A full RFID solution is complex - requiring interconnections into global addressing databases, but the ultimate benefits will be far greater than a simple reaction to "stick on some RFID tags."

The best place to start is the RFID 101 page - a simple explanation of RFID technology, the role of the EPC Global and Auto-ID labs and an indication of some of the issues that need to be taken into account in an implementation project. It covers the role of Savant - the open source middleware software platform that integrates reader information and uses a look-up to an ONS Server - the RFID equivalent of the DNS System in the Internet - to find more detailed information on a product. You can also download some selected white papers and PowerPoint slide packs that give a very good overview of RFIDs.

A rapid way of picking up RFID knowledge and experience is through the RFID Projects Book, recently published by RFID Magazine. This 100 page reference guide to RFID solutions, complete with detailed photographs and illustrations, gives the practical details on 13 RFID success stories ranging from fruit and vegetables to the hospital sector. Please investigate this unique source of real-life data on RFID experiences. We have negotiated a special discount - please enter "rfidexchange" in the discount code for an immediate 10% discount on the normal price!

You can use this site as a unique reference source on RFIDs, tags, readers and associated Savant middleware and software - you will find detailed information and links to all RFID Companies - designers, manufacturers, distributors and consultants - useful white papers and PowerPoint slide packs, and links to key news items. Pricing information is available in the Purchasing section of the site. You can also search our complete database for more information on any of the above topics, including the location of each company. In the applications section of the site, you can search for a company that has a product in a particular application area.

We are also investigating creating an e-book as an easy to use summary of all the information contained in the site - if you are interested, please contact us here.

We are honored to have a unique contribution from Gordon Cook - one of the pioneers of the Internet and an incisive researcher and commentary on the business and political issues surrounding the development of RFID and the EPCGlobal/Verisign partnership. Read about Gordon's thoughts and an extract from his new book on RFIDs here.

Forum - our on-line Forum can be used to share experiences, ask questions and receive up to the minute advice on the many practical implementation issues with RFID technology - you can get email updates of posts and discussions on the Forum! The Forum also provides an opportuntity to explore some of the more philosophical or privacy and public interest issues associated with the technology - please check it out!