By using RFID tags, the specifics (such as location, condition, expiration of validity, etc.) of an object can be identified. Objects can be tracked from the vendor to the manufacturer, warehouse building, merchant and to the buyer.
As the first step of RFID identification, individual objects are equipped with an RFID tag, which contains a memory chip, an antenna and an inlay. Tags can be of different types. Passive tags are induced by the tag reader device, while active tags have their own internal power source. Tags transmit radio waves to the tag readers. Given that each tag has an EPC code, it becomes identifiable. The fixed or handheld portable RFID tag readers read the RF signals and converts them into data.
RFID softwares that receive and primarily process data, are located at the end-points, close to the RFID tools. Their task is manifold. WebLogic Server manages RFID tools and their operation. It monitors the configuration and operating capability of tag readers and checks the quality of radio frequency transmission. The other important role of RFID software is to process the retrieved data. WebLogic RFID Edge Server also performs filtering of data and events. After having configured properly, it transmits only the data relevant to the given enterprise, thus reducing large volumes of data transmission. For instance we can select those products, of which some specifics have changed, or we can request a by-the-minute enquiry. WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server, the other tool located at the end-point, stores all event-related information. The servers provide for the transmission of data. WebLogic RFID Edge Server makes sure that the data are delivered to the enterprises’ data centres, while WebLogic RFID Enterprise Server selects the data that need to be forwarded to the IT systems of partner companies (vendors, manufacturers, merchants, ...) and transfers these via a standard interface.
Next, the data reach the enterprise' IT systems via the appropriate network. AquaLogic Service Bus controls this process. It creates a platform that provides the solution for transmitting the different types of data received from different heterogeneous end-points. By using its soft switches, it makes sure that information is delivered to the enterprises’ applications in an appropriate, formerly defined order and structure.
Information is first delivered to a middleware from the RFID level. With the help of AquaLogic Data Services Platform data retrieved from different sources and in different format can be displayed via a unified platform. Easily developable services can be attached to these, which display the information in a well-arranged layout. The output generated by AquaLogic Data Services Platform is displayed as usable control in WebLogic Workshop development environment, thus can be used as data source with a single click on the integration and portal platform.
The deployment of RFID technology is really useful if the information retrieved is utilized in as many processes of the enterprise as possible. Therefore it is important that the data are connected, built into the integrated and the still existing island applications. This is facilitated by WebLogic Integration. Finally, information collected and processed by the application can be retrieved by the users in a transparent format and practical manner via the portal accessible from several locations.
It is practical to establish an easily deployable, time-and cost-saving solution for the implementation of RFID systems. Therefore it is essential that RFID-related work processes are made transparent and organized. This is the effort for which WebLogic RFID Compliance Express can provide support.
