The Electronic Product Code (EPC) is a GS1 standardized format for uniquely identifying objects, transport units, locations and other important items for business operations using RFID technology.
EPCs can be used in different contexts, for example in binary format for encoding in RFID tags, and text format for data sharing between companies and organizations’ business systems.
Who uses RFID?
RFID solutions are used in retail to tag clothes and shoes, streamlining inventory and other store-specific processes. In transportation and logistics, the technology enables the tagging of, for example, train cars, making it possible to identify train sets even at high speeds. In healthcare, GS1 RFID is used to ensure traceability of medical devices.
The benefits of EPC/RFID
When an EPC is encoded and stored on an RFID tag, RFID readers can quickly and remotely read unique tags, even without direct line of sight. RFID technology makes it possible to:
- Uniquely identify individual items using serial numbers, beyond just their product type.
- Locate objects without them having to be visible.
- Identify up to 1,000 objects per second.
- Reading objects within a distance from a few centimeters to over 10 meters.
These features increase transparency in the supply chain and improve inventory accuracy.
In retail, GS1 RFID offers great benefits along the entire supply chain, for example:
- Increased sales
- Improved stock accuracy (stock balance result will be more accurate)
- Fast and frequent inventory, possible several times a week.
- Fewer out-of-stock situations on the shop floor.
- Possibility of electronic proof of delivery.
- Reduced costs thanks to more efficient processes, from receiving to selling.
- Reduced fraud.
How is EPC/RFID used?
RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects without physical contact. The technology is based on small electronic devices called RFID tags, which transmit information via radio frequency to an RFID reader. RFID is an effective technology for a variety of applications where fast and contactless data transmission is desired.
An RFID tag usually consists of two main components:
- Microchip: This stores information that can be a simple ID code or other data.
- Antenna: The antenna allows the tag to transmit and receive radio waves to and from an RFID reader.
An RFID reader emits radio waves to communicate with RFID tags. When a tag enters the electromagnetic field of the reader, it is activated and transmits its information back to the reader. The reader then captures the information and passes it on to a computer system for processing and storage.
The GS1 EPC Tag Data Standard (TDS ) specifies the data format for EPCs, and includes an encoding for the numbering system including GS1 standard identification in an EPC.