RFID Middleware : traceability and connected objects

In computing, middleware is a software gateway that models the exchange of information between heterogeneous computer applications. Computer networks provide the communication medium between systems and remote applications, while middleware provides the methods for formalizing exchanges. This can take the form of formatted message exchanges, calls to remote procedures, or access to the properties and methods of distributed objects.

In a traceability system, middleware uses these techniques to interface information capture tools and enterprise software. It manages Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) equipment, receives traceability events and transfers formatted data to the information system. As the term AIDC indicates, current digital technologies such as 1D (1-dimensional) or 2D (matrix code) barcodes enable automatic acquisition of traceability events for objects.

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a new automatic identification technology that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation to identify tagged objects as they pass close to a reader (to understand how RFID systems and techniques work, see the Techniques de l'Ingénieur article [ E1470 ]). By associating a unique identifier and an evolving memory with objects, RFID technology enhances the capabilities of AIDC technologies in that it not only captures but also automatically modifies the information associated with objects. RFID is also the only technology that enables non-contact, non-visual remote identification and automatic, simultaneous identification of a large number of objects. What's more, the continuing miniaturization of electronics means that it is increasingly possible to associate measurement sensors with it, using the RFID infrastructure as a communication medium.

Whatever the RFID project, it is necessary to use a specific software interface called RFID Middleware, which will interface RFID equipment with enterprise software. The first deployments, mainly in traceability projects, enabled us to get to grips with this technology without impacting the company's entire information system. Now, the full potential of RFID technology is naturally leading to its increasingly intensive use in traceability automation projects, and in all industrial projects involving digital technologies to improve business productivity. With this in mind, the ISO International Standardization Organization/Organisation internationale de normalisation and GS1 (ex Gencod) Global...