RFID Tracking Glossary

Electromagnetic interference is the unwanted influence of technical sources in the surrounding area on radio or electronic signals. It can disrupt the signal transmission of an RFID system and cause read errors, unstable detection, or a reduced read range. Common causes include motors, converters, welding equipment, cables, or other transmitters. These influences must be taken into account when planning the RFID antenna, installation location, and transmit power so that the system operates reliably under real conditions. To identify potential problems and sources of interference, we carry out technical pre-qualifications in the real environment in which identification will later take place. In this process, RFID hardware is set up temporarily and tested under actual conditions. This allows critical influences to be identified and reduced before final implementation.

The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a standardised identifier used for the unique identification of individual objects in RFID systems. It extends simple item identification by enabling an individual assignment at the level of single items, containers or pallets and is closely linked to the GS1 standard and the serial number. The EPC is usually stored on an RFID tag and captured automatically by reading systems without requiring line of sight. This supports transparent processes, precise traceability and the reliable assignment of goods movements along the supply chain. The use of the EPC on an RFID tag improves the automatic identification and traceability of objects in production and logistics.

EPCglobal refers to the standards environment for the Electronic Product Code and RFID-based data exchange in global supply chains. It creates a common basis for uniquely identifying objects and making information usable across company boundaries. In the RFID context, EPCglobal is closely linked to the Electronic Product Code, the GS1 standard and data stored on an RFID tag. EPCglobal supports the seamless identification and traceability of goods along the supply chain.

An ERP system is a central business software solution used to plan, control and document operational resources and processes in purchasing, warehousing, production and shipping. In the RFID context, it receives already filtered and qualified data via interfaces from middleware such as GRAIDWARE®. This data is linked in the ERP system with business processes, inventory records and postings. As a result, information from data capture is transferred into operational workflows in a targeted way without processing every read event directly. The linking of RFID and ERP systems  supports consistent and controllable material flows in production and logistics.

Error capture refers to the structured recording and documentation of deviations, disruptions or quality defects within a process. Events are clearly assigned to an object, a point in time or a process step so that root causes can be identified and understood more quickly. When errors are recorded directly on site and on each individual part, quality improvements can be implemented more effectively because additional process relationships become visible. The captured information also provides an important basis for process reliability in digital workflows. Systematic error capture shortens response times and stabilises processes in production and logistics.