Glossary

Brief explanation of specialist terminology/abbreviations

AIM - Automatic Identification Manufacturers 
Industry association of RFID system manufacturers.

Aktiver RFID Transponder
An active RFID transponder is often referred to as an active tag. In this type of transponder, the energy required for radio transmission is supplied by a battery. 
This makes it possible, for example, to integrate temperature sensors into the tag.


Aloha method
This method was developed during the construction of radio stations on the Hawaiian Islands. A form of time division multiplexing was used to divide the channel capacity. The reader transmits a query signal at continuous intervals. The transponders respond after a randomly selected waiting time by transmitting their identification number. Since the data transmission time is significantly shorter than the request intervals, transmission collisions rarely occur.


ABC items
Classification of all items in a product range according to specific criteria, e.g. sales volume or access frequency. A items have high sales volumes or access frequencies, C items have low sales volumes or access frequencies. The boundaries between ABC groups are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Planning and Scheduling System (APS)
A system that maps the complex logistical structures of a supply chain or enterprise network in real time.


Agile Reader
Term for RFID readers that can operate on multiple frequencies. See also ‘Reader’.


Antenna
An antenna usually consists of a coil that serves as a transmitting and receiving unit and is part of an RFID transponder. It ensures the transmission of radio signals between the transmitter or receiver and the medium (air).


Anti-collision
If several transponders are addressed simultaneously by a reader, they respond at the same time and can thus lead to a collision of data during reception. Anti-collision procedures are used to prevent this. The transponders are addressed individually using special procedures.


Auto-ID - Automatic identification

Auto-ID systems offer the possibility of providing information about goods and merchandise. Example: barcode.

Automatic small parts warehouse
Automatic system for storing small-volume units, usually containers, with low to medium weight.

Back-End-Systeme
Back-end systems are IT components that support basic business applications, e.g. for merchandise management and warehouse management.


Backscatter        
Method of communication between passive transponders and RFID readers, in which the reader's waves are reflected by the transponder and its information is entered into these waves.


Barcode      
Auto-ID technology, also known as a barcode or EAN code Standardised optoelectronic font consisting of bars of varying widths that contain the item number of a product, which can be read by a scanner and assigned to the price.


Batch - A collection of several orders in a list
All orders listed in a batch are processed without interruption by user input, which means that all data relevant to the orders must be available at the start of the batch run.


BDE -   Production data acquisition
Complete recording and transparent presentation of all data relating to the manufacturing process within the company.

Beacon        
Active tag that becomes active at predefined intervals and sends information


Container       
Special type of load carrier, e.g. mesh box


Container circulation system       
Reusable container system in which containers pass through several stations


Paperless picking     
Paperless transmission of the information required for picking to the employee via a computer system, e.g. via a pick display


BSI        
Federal Office for RFID Data Security and Data Protection

CAS  - Comuter Aided Shipping System     
Paperless shipping processing and addressing of general cargo and pallet orders


Case Study - Clearing- / No-Read-Platz
Work area for identifying goods whose barcodes are unreadable, e.g. through image analysis or weight


Controller        
See also: RFID-Reader


CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Design of customer relationship processes with a consistent focus on maintaining and sustaining long-term relationships between the company and its customers


CRP - Continuous Replenishment Program
Continuous goods supply program (also known as continuous replenishment) along the entire logistics chain from manufacturer to retailer, which determines replenishment based on actual sales

Data Sharing        
Access to shared information from multiple networked workstations


Data Warehouse        
User-oriented, central database that supports management in information gathering, analysis and planning


DESADV        
Despatch Advice EDI message, electronic delivery note


Dimple    
Labels for electronic anti-theft devices that are deactivated before leaving the store


Display-Paletten        
Pallets that enable both the transport and sales presentation of products


Dual Frequency Reader
In an increasingly connected industrial landscape, RFID readers play a central role. Dual frequency readers are particularly versatile, as they can communicate in both the HF range (13.56 MHz) and the UHF range (approximately 860–960 MHz).


DV - Data processing
Handling data volumes to obtain information about these data volumes

E-Logistics    
Holistic logistics management, control, execution and monitoring of information, goods and cash flows in relation to e-business


EAI - Enterprise application integration
Uniform integration of enterprise applications – both internally and across organisations


EAN - European Articel Number
Standardised identification for commercial goods, consisting of 8 or 13 digits, which is usually applied to the goods as a barcode


EAN International - European Article Numbering International
International organisation for the promotion and further development of the EAN standard


EAS - Electronic Article Surveillance
Electronic anti-theft device with small transponders that only distinguish between ‘present’ or ‘not present’


ECR - Efficient Consumer Response
Efficient consumer response, consideration of the manufacturer-supplier-retailer process chain, which serves to better satisfy consumer needs through cooperation between industry and retailers


EDI - Electronic Data Interchange
Electronic data exchange using standardised message types, a necessary prerequisite for the introduction of RFID processes in retail


EECC - European EPC Competence Center
certifies logistics solutions to create a standard


EPC        
Electronic Product Code unique number for each product, developed by EPCglobal Inc.


EPC global Inc.        
Joint venture between GS1 and GS US to define standards for the globally uniform use of radio frequency technology

Faraday cage         
Discovered by English physicist Michael Faraday, this term refers to the interior of a closed shell made of electrical conductors (e.g. metal) that is protected from electromagnetic waves. Metal acts as a shield against RFID rays.

Far field        
Ein eine Antenne umgebendes magnetisches Feld wird kontinuierlich zu einem elektromagnetischen Feld, das sich in einer Entfernung von Lambda/2pi von der Antenne ablöst und sich als elektromagnetische Welle weiter ausbreitet. Ab der Entfernung vom Lambda/2pi spricht man von einem Fernfeld


FCC (Frequency Range)
The frequency range of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is of central importance for UHF RFID systems in the United States.


Flat antenna    
Flat antenna consisting of a metal plate or foil


Flagtag        
Tag that can also be used on metal or liquids without reducing the read quality


Flash        
Rewritable memory


Frequenz        
Designation of the sub-ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum RFID readers operate at different frequencies, which has an impact on read and write ranges, among other things:t:
LF (Low Frequency): 20 – 20.000 Hz
HF (High Frequency): 13,56 MHz
UHF (Ultra High Frequency): 850 – 950 MHz


FTS - Automated guided vehicle

Ground-based transport systems with automatically controlled vehicles for transporting materials

Gate        
An RFID system arranged as a gate. A gate is often used for goods recognition in the supply chain or for person recognition at events.


Gateway        
A gateway enables devices that use different protocols to communicate with each other.


GPS - Global Positioning System
Navigation satellite system for global positioning


GS1 - Global Standards One
Global organisation for defining globally valid standards for optimising business processes based on GS1 identification systems; responsible for assigning GTINs GS1 Germany is responsible for Germany


GS1 Germany        
German service and competence centre for cross-company business processes in the consumer goods industry

GTAG        
Global Tag Internationally valid EAN RFID standard


GTIN        
Global Trade Item Number. Identification number for the unique identification of products worldwide, assigned and managed by GS1.

Handheld Reader       
Portable, cordless reader

HF       
High-frequency technology that uses the frequency 13.56 MHz


Host       
Computer system with associated operating system that is integrated into a higher-level computer network

Inlay        
An RFID inlay is a microchip and antenna that are applied to a film. These inlays are processed by manufacturers into labels or stickers.


Integration Server        
Solution for implementing EDI messages and controlling operational processes


IoT - Internet of Things      
Electronic networking of transportable everyday objects

Just in Time        
Delivery of materials in line with demand to avoid unnecessary storage

Kassensysteme         
PC-based solution with enormous computing and storage power for integrating cash registers and scanner cash registers into a merchandise management system


Kill Command        
Process in which all information stored on an RFID chip is deleted


Kontaktlose Chipkarten        
Cards whose data can be read without contact

RFID reader See also: RFID reader
Active unit for reading information from a transponder; often also a writing device that can write data to a transponder via radio signal.


Reading
Decoding and displaying the data content sent by the transponder.

Read rate
Maximum speed when reading a transponder. The read rate is defined in bits or bytes per second.

Read range       
Distance that an RFID reader can bridge to a transponder in order to read its data


LF       
Low frequency technology that uses frequencies of 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz

MDE - Mobile data entry

A process that can collect data away from a computer workstation


MDT - Mobile data terminal

A data terminal that stores offline recorded data and transfers it to a base station


MES - Manufacturing Execution System

A production management system for managing, directing, controlling and monitoring production in real time


Middleware       
Intermediate application, distribution platform for supporting communication between processes; in RFID technology, connection of reader to other enterprise systems such as ERP

Mobile data collection unit
Handheld scanner, handheld device, PDA


Mobile readers
Devices with or without cables that are not permanently integrated into systems and can be carried around. Opposite: stationary readers


Modulation method
Specifically in RFID technology: frequency modulation (FM)
Method for transmitting analogue and digital signals in which the carrier frequency is changed by the signal to be transmitted

Near field        
A magnetic field surrounding an antenna continuously becomes an electromagnetic field that detaches itself at a distance of lambda/2pi from the antenna and continues to propagate as an electromagnetic wave. Up to a distance of lambda/2pi, where inductive coupling between the transponder and the reader is still possible, this is referred to as a near field.

NFC - Near Field Communication

Wireless transmission technology for contactless data exchange between devices held close to each other. Areas of application: cashless payment transactions, ticketing


No-Read
Item whose RFID tag or barcode is not readable

Nominal Range        
Distance that allows reliable reading of the transponder


NVE        
Shipping unit number

OOS        
Out-of-stocks


Order Picking        
Term for picking


Orders        
EDI message, electronic order

Passiver Transponder   
also: passive Tag RFID transponder without its own power supply, which obtains its power from the electromagnetic field of the reader

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant portable

small computer equipped with extensive functions, which can be upgraded to a reader with an RFID card via standardised plug-in card slots


Peer-to-Peer       
Communication between computers with equal rights; each participant can use and offer services equally. Opposite: client-server model

PIA Framework       
Technical Guidelines RFID at Templates for the PIA Framework – joint basic element of AIM and BSI for RFID data security and data protection


PLU - Price look-up code
Price reference code, identification number for products Polarisation     
Alignment of an electromagnetic wave

POS       
Point of sale Sales locations that function interactively through the connection of RFID hardware


Bulk detection   

Simultaneous detection of multiple transponders by a single reader (not possible at all frequencies). See also: Anti-collision

QA - Quality Assurance See

also: QS, Quality Assurance


QCB - Quality Control Box
Product for RFID reading/capturing, e.g. mixed pallet formation during order picking


QCG - Quality Control Gate
Product for RFID reading/capturing, e.g. goods issue in shipping


QCP - Quality Control Point

Product for RFID reading/capturing, e.g. checking tags for remote readability in the case of critical media (beverages, meat, metal, etc.)

QCP smart        
Light version of the QCP


QS - Quality assurance

collective term for all measures to ensure consistent product quality

RFID Hardware       
Generic term for RFID components such as readers, antennas and accessoriesehör


RFID-Blocker       
Tag for preventing transponders from being read


RFID-Reader
Controls the RFID antennas and transfers the information to higher-level systems


RFID-Tag  
Small transponders that contain RFID labels as stored data and send them to RFID readers via radio waves


RFID-Terminal       
Devices for reading and writing RFID transponders, including mobile devices


RFID-Transponder        
RFID labels or tags Passive transponders: use energy from the terminal's field; active transponders: have their own power supply

Scanner        
Mobile data collection device, also known as an RFID reader (similar to a barcode scanner)

Read/write device         
Device for reading information from tags or describing information on tags Stationary read/write units: Gate, mobile read/write units: MDE, handheld


Write speed 
Speed at which data can be transferred to a transponder, expressed as the average number of bits and bytes per second


Write range 
Distance that an RFID reader can bridge to a transponder in order to write data to it


SCM - Supply chain management
Coordination and management of all processes within the supply chain from supplier to consumer with the aim of minimising costs and delivery times


SEDAS - Standard regulations for uniform data exchange systems
Standard developed in 1977 by GS1 Germany for electronic data exchange; specifically for the exchange of invoice and order data between trade and industry in the consumer goods sector


Sensor        
Electronic component that can convert physical properties, e.g. from the environment, into an electronic signal


Serial number          
Unique number for identifying all elements of a series


SGTIN        
Serial Global Trade Item Number Number stored on an RFID tag that enables each end product to be uniquely identified; standardised by EPCglobal


SKU        
Stock Keeping Unit Identification number in warehouse management

Smart Card        
Plastic card with a built-in chip that can contain memory or processor chips; in RFID technology: contactless chip cards


Smart Label        
Combination of passive RFID tag and barcode label


Smart Shelfs        
Intelligent shelves equipped with RFID readers that are able to automatically detect incorrectly placed goods and recognise the number of items on the shelf. This helps to avoid out-of-stock situations.


Smart Tag        
RFID transponder, transponder


SSCC - Serial Shipping Container Code Globally
Unique number for identifying a shipping unit (e.g. pallet, container, box, etc.), also known as NVE

Master data  
Part of the data managed in the warehouse system that is not changed by other processes and is therefore static


Stationary readers     
RFID readers that are permanently installed in the existing infrastructure - Opposite: mobile readers

Tagging        
Describing RFID labels and affixing them to the pallet


Tracking & Tracing        
Provides information about where goods are located at a specific point in time. Tracking refers to determining the location of a specific object at a defined point in time.

Tracing

shows what has happened to raw materials, semi-finished products and end products as they move through the chain.


Transponder        
is composed of the words transmitter and responder.

UCC - Uniform Code Council
Organisation responsible for overseeing the UPC, predecessor organisation of GS 1


UHF        
Ultra-high frequency technology that uses frequencies from 850 MHz to 950 MHz, depending on the continent


Unit Tagging        
Application of RFID transponders at load carrier levels, e.g. pallets


UPC        
 Universal Product Code North American barcode standard

Encryption    
Encrypted data transmission via RFID transponders

WLAN        
Wireless Local Area Network Wireless local network in which data is transmitted ‘wirelessly’ according to specific standards.

Payment systems         
A payment system is a system that enables money transactions between different parties (e.g. consumers, companies, organisations) to be carried out.