PORTAL REALITY CHECK TM

SURVEY REPORT 2009

Scope of survey

 

While at the RFID convention in Orlando Florida, people were asked if they were involved in implementation of RFID systems. Within this report are surveys filled out only by integrators who have a deep understanding and hands on experience in the planning and implementation of RFID systems. This will give a true outlook of what goes on at the site of implementation.

 

The scope of questions were regarding the number of systems installed, individual and multi portal installations, amount of time spent and cost.

It also includes comments and suggestions regarding the tool.

 

A list of the companies that the people worked for at time of the survey are.

 

• Alien Technology
• Atlas RFID Solutions
• AWID
• CDO Technologies
• Network Systems
• North Dakota State University
• Ohio University
• RF Advantage
• Ship 2 Save
• Skyetek Technology
• Unisys
• US Military

 

The total number of installations that the group implemented is 4,700

 

Amount of time spent on portal implementations

Individual 6 hours

Multi        10 hours

 

Out of the total number of portals installed by the group, 90% of the time they experiences problems in frequency interference and read accuracy perspective. Spending more time for proper portal installations.

 

 

 

 

 

They were asked what methods they used for field contouring.

Here are some of the methods in use.

 

 

• Spectrum analyzer
• Field deployment
• No formal method, fields are diagnosed using repeated attempts to read tagged assets at different points in the field.
• Trial and error
• External manual-field test
• Automated equipment for 90% and 10% manual
• Handled by engineering field team
• Reduction of RF energy radiated from antenna
• Standard trouble shooting technologies

 

They were also asked how many hours were spent on field contouring.

The average was 10 hours.

 

Asking similar questions regarding how often problems occur during installation process procedure, the response was that 90% of the time they incurred problems during the process.

 

When given an explanation of what the “Portal Reality Check Tool” was used for and how it could help in installation and implementation of RFID systems, these were some of the comments.

 

• Use it for testing and real-time assessment.
• It would work for us in real time.
• Would use as tool in each installation and also use as baseline.
• To verify full coverage in field to maximize read rate zone.
• Use in every lane installation and use it to tune the read zone.
• Use as a RSA tool.
• Would present to resellers as installation tool.
• Use tool for system integration.

 

We asked the group how much time they felt would be saved by using and incorporating the “Portal Reality Check Tool”. The responses varied. Half of the people on the spur of the moment could not give a number. The other half of the group said anywhere between 2 to 72 hours. A small amount said substantial.

 

The last questions was how much is there fee per hour. The average was  $150 to $250 per hour.

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

The group as a whole was very knowledgeable in the installation and process of RFID portals. They had a working knowledge of the problems that occur while implementing RFID systems. They very clearly understood what a tool of this nature could do for them in the field. The caliber of the people and the companies they work for shows that they represent a midsection of the RFID industry. The question will be how to market and price the product. Will we set up the company as a service company or just sell the product out right.

 

Benson Chanowitz  August 17, 2009