Solution Overview
SkyeTek’s RFID Smart-Container solution retrofits existing cabinets, shelves, and totes with a network-connected RFID reader sub-system automating item-level tracking and tracing so that the inventory process can occur with greater frequency, accuracy, and cost-efficiency than barcode-based processes.
The Smart-Container solution is comprised of the following:
- Embedded inside of cabinets, shelves, and totes per a specified design are the following:
- SkyeModules, RFID reader modules
- SkyePlus accessories (antennas and multiplexers) to accommodate multiple read zones and specific antenna topologies
- Off-the-shelf network interface device
- RFID labels placed on items
- RFID tag / badge provisioning provided through SkyeTek Provisioning Services or SkyeAPI (ie, for product manufacturers that source their own tags and own RFID printer-encoders)
- SkyeAPI for integration with back-end applications
- Optional:
- SkyeTek Professional Services for integration and regulatory testing support
- RFID badges carried by users
How the Solution Works
Once a cabinet, shelf, or tote has become outfitted with embedded readers, antennas, and network connectivity, the following automated inventory management processes can occur in real-time:
- Item-Level Tracking & Tracing: At specified intervals and event occurrences (eg, cabinet door open), the embedded SkyeModules and antennas read tagged items carried by the cabinet, shelf, or tote. IDs of present and removed tagged inventory are cached and/or sent to the network. Optionally, tagged items are audited / authenticated (ie, based on age, origin, recall status, etc) to determine whether they should remain in active inventory or be removed.
- Automated Billing & Replenishment: Back-end billing and inventory management applications receive the RFID-generated inventory data from SkyeAPI and invoice for removed items and prepare orders to replenish stock before it runs out.
- Secure User Access (Optional): A user presents an RFID badge in front of a specified read point. The SkyeModule reads the badge and applies an authorization policy (previously defined as part of the provisioning process) to authorize user access to the inventory.
Solution Elements
The Smart-Container RFID solution is comprised of SkyeTek hardware, software, and services as well as best of breed third-party RFID tags / printers and network interfaces. SkyeTek brings them all together into one seamless solution that maximizes return on investment (ROI) and minimizes integration time, cost, and complexity.
Software
SkyeAPI – SkyeTek’s application programming interface (API) offering seamless integration between host-side applications and SkyeModules. Supported languages / frameworks are ANSI C and .NET.
SkyeSecurity – Standards-based symmetric and asymmetric encryption / signing where anti-counterfeiting, anti-tampering and privacy are required.
SkyeOS – SkyeTek’s embedded RFID reader operating system providing every SkyeModule with superior functionality, reliability, and upgradeability. Made available on a software license basis for customers that use ReaderDNA reference designs.
Hardware
SkyeModules – Embeddable RFID reader modules that lead the industry in cost, space, and power efficiency. Available in three form factors and operation in HF (13.56 MHz) and UHF (860 – 960 MHz).
ReaderDNA – Reference designs of SkyeModules allowing OEMs to integrate the entire module design, or just the analog sub-section, directly onto the main circuit board.
SkyePlus – Accessories such as antennas, multiplexers, and interface boards required for unique geometries and multiple read points.
Developer Kits – Tool kits that contain all the RFID hardware and software required to build a proof of concept.
RFID Tags – SkyeTek works with the industry’s leading RFID tag manufacturers such as UPM Raflatac and Avery-Dennison in order to best meet the tagging needs of customer applications.
RFID Printer-Encoders – SkyeTek works with the industry’s leading RFID printer-encoder manufacturers, such as Zebra, Avery-Dennison, and Intermec to meet the printing needs of its applications.
Network Interfaces – SkyeTek works with off-the-shelf network connectivity hardware to provide seamless, cost-effective wired and wireless connectivity to the enterprise and internet.
Services
SkyeTek Professional Services – SkyeTek can turn-key the entire integration effort or provide assistance in specific areas. Either way, customers benefit from SkyeTek’s industry-leading experience resulting in reduced project cost, risk, and time-to-market. Services include project management, requirements gathering, specification development, hardware selection / integration / customization, regulatory testing / certification, and training.
SkyeTek Provisioning Services – SkyeTek can provision tags / badges on behalf of its customers so that the only task remaining is to affix labels or assign badges. Mapping of SKU numbers to RFID tags or identities / roles to RFID badges and the subsequent printing / encoding process is managed by SkyeTek. SkyeTek Support – SkyeTek’s support technicians have years of experience helping customers troubleshoot problems when the need arises.