RFID makers submit standards plan to ISO

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 5/1/2000

Two radio-frequency identification tag makers-Checkpoint Systems Inc. and Gemplus-have submitted a joint proposal to the International Standards Organization (ISO) for the standardization of radio-frequency identification (RFID) smart labels operating at 13.56 Mhz. Having an industry standard in place would mean that RFID smart labels could be read by different manufacturers' readers.

The two companies say their proposal provides for interoperability among different technologies by providing a common set of rules for smart-label makers to follow. "For years we have been listening to customers' requests for a standard for RFID smart labels," says Doug Karp, Checkpoint's senior director of RFID product development.

RFID technology combines a computer chip with a radio-frequency antenna to transmit data stored on a smart label. Unlike bar-code labels, smart labels do not require line-of-sight reading.

Gemplus, based in Gemonos, France, makes smart cards through its Gemplus Tag division, while Checkpoint Systems of Thorofare, N.J., makes smart cards and labeling systems. The ISO, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, is expected to take up their proposal sometime this year.