W H I T E PA P E R

Understanding your Organization’s Options for RFID Enabled Asset Tracking

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+ INTRODUCTION 3+ BACKGROUND 3

+ THE BENEFITS OF RFID ENABLED STRATEGIC

ASSET MANAGEMENT 3

+ OBJECTIVE 4

+ SOLUTION OVERVIEW 6+ ASSISTED-GPS TRACKING SOLUTION 7

+ WI-FI-BASED LOCATION TRACKING SOLUTION 9

+ OUT-OF-BAND REAL-TIME LOCATION SOLUTION 11

+ EPC RFID-BASED ASSET TRACKING SOLUTION 12

+ SAMPLE APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 14

+ LEARN MORE 16

C O N T E N T S

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Introduction

+ Background For the past 10 years, closed loop RFID enabled applications; including assetmanagement, port and access security, and work in process (WIP) tracking, have beencore offerings in the RFID arena. These solutions have been primarily made up ofproprietary RFID systems and infrastructure that were limited to tracking of high valued goods within a facility, campus or wide-area environment. However, with theproliferation of Wi-Fi based communication systems in the enterprise, the emergence of e911 technologies in cellular networks, and the global acceptance of ElectronicProduct Code (EPC) standards; new solution options have emerged that enableorganizations to deploy asset tracking and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in a more scalable, reliable, and cost effective manner.

Although EPC based supply chain solutions have received much of the press over thepast 5 years, many of today’s most successful RFID projects have been deployed within“the four walls” to enable asset tracking solutions. These solutions have been primarilypassive based solutions enabling “chokepoint” visibility for the tracking of reusableand/or high valued assets within a facility or yard. RTLS applications provide a moregranular level of asset visibility in addition to tracking the movement of assets, but havehad a limited number of successful deployments due to higher costs. RTLS solutionshave been used in many verticals, however, the main applications of RTLS solutionsinclude military, healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, port security, retail,transportation/logistics, postal/courier, and government verticals.

The purpose of this document is to outline the RTLS solution options available to yourorganization through VeriSign. VeriSign can provide consulting services to assist yourorganization in their selection and deployment of a real-time location solution to trackyour assets.

+ The Benefits of RFID Enabled Strategic Asset ManagementThe goal of strategic asset management is to know that the right asset is being used inthe right way, by the right operators, at the right time, in the right place, in the mostcost effective and profitable manner possible.

A recent Aberdeen Group survey of more then 230 companies, across a wide variety of industries, found the following1:

• In 50% of companies, logistics asset operations consume at least 5% of revenue

• Theft, damage and misplacement greatly reduce asset productivity, with 25% ofcompanies losing more than 10% of their container fleet each year

• 17% of companies have logistics asset operations that consume more than 10% of revenue

• 50%of companies have manual, labor intensive asset management processes

• 75% believe existing manual processes and systems fail to meet operationalMaintenance requirements

It is now an accepted fact that when determining the cost of an asset to an organization,the total cost of ownership of that asset must be considered. According to IDC, thepurchase price of an asset is only 15% of the total cost of ownership of the asset, with

1 Aberdeen Group, “RFID-Enabled

Logistics Asset Management:

Improving Capital Utilization,

Increasing Availability, and

Lowering Total Operational Costs”

The goal of strategic assetmanagement is to know thatthe right asset is being used inthe right way, by the rightoperators, at the right time, inthe right place, in the most costeffective and profitable mannerpossible.

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roughly 85% of the TCO being accounted for in the maintenance and operationslifecycle of the asset2. Using an RFID enabled asset management solution to reduce theTCO of your assets can have a great impact on your bottom line. RFID enabled assetmanagement solutions have the greatest impact on TCO because of their ability toautomate and enable processes throughout the maintenance and operations lifecycle.Some of the specific RFID enabled asset management systems benefits include:

• Improved organizational productivity through an increase in asset availability and asset utilization

• Maximized equipment uptime through optimized asset turnaround times, cleaning and maintenance cycles, billing cycles, and capacity planning

• Increased control and visibility over assets

• Reduced operational costs through inventory reduction and increased laborefficiencies

• Increased asset visibility resulting in reduced shrinkage, charge-backs and demurrage fees

• Decreased capital expenditures on unneeded assets from more efficient equipment sharing and rental operations

• Minimized legal liabilities

• Increased revenue from new potential services and value added application enablement

+ ObjectiveVeriSign has deployed multiple RTLS and asset tracking solutions and has a broadunderstanding of the key benefits and disadvantages associated with the solution optionsavailable in the market today. This document will provide a high level overview of fourdifferent asset tracking solutions approaches as well as compare and contrast the benefitsand short comings of each.

VeriSign will work with you to architect and implement a custom RTLS solutiondesigned to meet your specific requirements while providing the most cost effective andscalable solution capable of growing with your future needs. Upon a full review of yourrequirements, infrastructure and location, VeriSign will recommend the best solutionoption (one of the four solution listed) to deploy for your organization. Some of theadvantages of our solutions include:

• Experienced RTLS and Asset Tracking Integrator – The Verisign team has designedand deployed asset tracking systems using active and passive RFID, Wi-Fi, andAssisted GPS technologies for government and private organizations worldwide. Ourasset tracking clients include retailers, manufacturers, hospitals, the US Government,and large transportation and logistics companies, to name a few. In addition to this,our team also has considerable experience in asset management and ERP integration,customization and configuration experience. VeriSign offers our clients unsurpassedexperience to get the job done right, in the most cost effective, accurate and efficientway. The key benefits of our expertise include:

• Project Risk Mitigation – Our experienced team will deliver a cost effective,innovative, and accurate solution that meets or exceeds your requirements—all while staying on time and on budget.

2 Federal Electronics

Challenge, “CE Total Cost

of Ownership Guidance”,

www.federalelectronicschallenge.net

/resources/docs/costofown.pdf

RFID enabled assetmanagement solutions have thegreatest impact on TCObecause of their ability toautomate and enable processesthroughout the maintenanceand operations lifecycle.

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• Solution Scalability – VeriSign will work with you to choose a solution that providesyou the greatest flexibility, expandability, and processing capability. Our solutions areeasily scalable to accommodate functional, geographic, and inventory/asset volumeexpansion.

• Tailored Solutions – We do not use a “one size fits all” approach to asset trackingsolutions. We utilize an extensive methodology that is designed to developcustomized solutions to meet your needs.

• Solution Future Proofing – Utilizing adaptable software solutions, we will meet all of your current requirements, while providing the capabilities to expand this solutionin the future.

As discussed above, the chosen solution will utilize VeriSign’s proven RFID adoptionmethodology which has been used with several government, port, and aerospace facilitiesin the deployment of their inventory and asset management solution systems. A highlevel overview of our project methodology is given below in Figure 1.

Figure 1: VeriSign’s RFID Adoption Methodology

Vision, Planning, & Solution Definition

Phase 1

- Formulate strategic vision for RFID

implementation

- Create business case to

demonstrate solution viability and

identify potential solution

components

- Identify business application

opportunities / compliance

requirements

- Obtain high-level mgmt buy-in

- Determine which existing and

new processes will benefit from

RFID enablement

- Perform organizational and IT

readiness assessment

- Create critical success criteria

Business Case, Vision & Design

Detailed Solution Definition

Feasibility StudyClosed Loop &

Production PilotDeployment &

Support

Phase 2

Pilot Implementation & Support

Solution definition is intended to:

- Detail how the to-be process will

look like based on the feasibility

study

- Capture the key functional

requirements for the solution

- Derive use cases based on

requirements gathering exercise

- Finalize RFID Architecture that

identifies the key hardware and

software components, including

integration points

- Create a go forward plan for

RFID initiatives based on the

solution

- Finalize KPIs & CSFs for Pilot

- A Feasibility Study is designed to

answer the following questions:

- Can RFID work effectively within

my facilities given the current level

of wireless/broadcast activity?

- Will RFID be compatible with the

various product categories and

environmental characteristics?

- Will RFID continue to be effective

under the various material

handling techniques applied during

normal course of business?

- Generate detailed technical

requirements to internal and

external component providers

Create and implement alpha, beta

testing plans

- Provide pilot project management

- Build and deploy closed loop pilot,

based on signed-off documents.

- Launch closed loop pilot

- Launch production RFID solution

- Monitor key performance metrics

and validate key user

requirements; Revisit

organizational and IT

assessment to determine

compliance and acceptability of

solution within organization;

modify as required

- Provide initial project status

report documenting initial

business case assumptions

- Production Deployment Plan

- Identify future features

- Functional requirements

- Use cases

- High-level software and hardware

RFID architecture

- Detailed Key Performance

Indicators and Critical Success

Factors

- Spectrum Clearing of all key RFID

operating environments, including

selected lab locations,

- Recommended Tag placements

and product compatibility analysis

- Recommended Process

Modifications

- Detailed pilot plan

- Final Solution Architecture

- Process and Technical

Requirements sign-off

- Alpha and Beta testing plan

- Internal Pilot Plan and Launch

- Deployment Rollout plan

- Updated Organizational

assessment

- Updated solution requirements

document

- Deployment training plan

- End user document generation

- Support training

- Future feature list

- Comprehensive, Corporate-Wide

Business Case, including validated

costs and benefits, and NPV

- RFID System and Solution

Requirements and Design

- High level project plan

Ke

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vit

ies

D

eli

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Verisign will work with you toarchitect and implement acustom asset tracking solutiondesigned to meet your specificrequirements while providingthe most cost effective andscalable solution capable ofgrowing with your future needs.

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Solution Overview

When determining the best solution for a particular customer, VeriSign works directlywith the customer and partner organizations to determine their exact requirements andthen designs the most cost effective, scalable, and extensible solution capable of meetingtheir needs.

Part of our methodology includes mapping your requirements against our solutionmatrices to determine which of the four technologies would best fit the needs of yourorganization while providing the most economical and scalable solution. Each of thesealternative solutions accomplishes the task of tracking and monitoring the location ofassets within your compound, facility, or supply chain, but each provides a different cost-benefit case based on your organization’s specific environment, assets, andrequirements. Consideration of each solution can be weighted against the solutionfunctionality and capabilities, existing infrastructure “leverage-ability”, required processtransformation, and total cost of ownership. Also, if the application requires the specificadvantages that span multiple solution types, it is possible to combine technologies intohybrids to achieve the appropriate solution for your exact scenario (e.g. a hybrid A-GPSand passive RFID positioning tag for specific kinds of high-risk or high-visibility assets).

This section outlines four solution options and contrasts the “pros” and “cons” of each of these solutions. The four solutions options include:

• Assisted-GPS Real-Time Location tracking

• Wi-Fi-based Real-Time Location Tracking

• Out-of-Band Real-Time Location Tracking

• EPC based Passive RFID Tracking Solution

VeriSign is prepared to work with you to determine which of these solution options bestmeets your asset tracking solution requirements. Our four solutions span asset trackingfrom within the four walls to full real-time location tracking across North America. Weare confident that our knowledge of all the available solutions will enable us to deliveryou the most cost effective and scalable solution capable of meeting and exceeding yourrequirements.

Detailed on the next page in Figure 2 is a high level summary of the key advantages anddisadvantages of each solution option. A more comprehensive overview of each solutionis included in the following sections.

Each of our RFID enabled assettracking solutions provides adifferent cost benefit casebased on your organization'sspecific environment, assets,and requirements.

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Figure 2: Solution Overview and Contrast

+ Assisted-GPS Tracking Solution

Solution OverviewAn Assisted GPS (A-GPS) Tracking Solution provides real-time location trackinganywhere the device goes, even if the item or asset leaves your compound. An A-GPSsolution will continue to report location information, even where the tag is obstructedfrom line-of-sight view to the sky (this can include underground locations as well asother traditionally non-GPS capable areas). This feature is extremely valuable, as itprovides increased safety and security knowing that if an asset is moved or removed in an unauthorized fashion, it can be tracked wherever it goes. Also, since the tag (device) is not removed from asset as it exits the facility, it will continue to report location dataand the tag can be retrieved. An additional benefit to this solution is the minimalinfrastructure requirements, because it utilizes GPS satellites and cell tower triangulationfor location determination. However, depending on the total tag quantities required foryour assets, this can become an expensive option. The effectiveness of this solution also is dependent on cellular coverage in and around your compound, which can be quicklyand easily evaluated.

The solution consists of a stand-alone Assisted-GPS device, which is attached to eachasset. This device provides LAT/LONG information for each asset, which is thenmapped to the exact layout of the facility. Certain versions of our device have

Overview Key Advantages Key Disadvantages

A-GPS TrackingSolution

Out of Band Real-TimeLocation Solutions(UWB, TDOA, etc)

Wi-Fi-based Real-TimeLocation Solution

EPC RFID-based Tracking

- A tag leveraging cellular and GPS triangulation is placed on each Asset.

- Asset continues to be tracked outside of the facility/yard and regardless of transport mechanism.

- Unlike traditional GPS, A-GPS provides location data even when obstructed.

- Simplified deployment schema and little onsite infrastructure requirements.

- Typically greater accuracy in outdoor systems then standard Wi-Fi based tracking packages.

- Some systems can leverage wi-fi infrastructure with an overlay of proprietary HW for increased accuracy.

- Infrastructure & deployment cost savings and lower total cost of ownership due to ability to leverage existing WLAN infrastructure.

- Lower-cost tag option- No batteries in the tag to

replace - rugged EPC tags will last for years.

- Cost may be prohibitive for large volumes of tagged assets.

- Ongoing operational costs in the form of airtime charges.

- Battery Life may be an issue.

- Non-Standards based solution results in a proprietary deployment, locking you into one vendor.

- Existing WLAN infrastructure can not be utilized leading to a higher cost of ownership.

- Visibility is lost outside of the facility/yard.

- Additional WLAN deployment may be necessary to provide required accuracy.

- Outdoor or open space accuracy can be an issue.

- Visibility is lost outside of the yard.

- Asset location visibility is provided by RFID enabled choke-points. (Assets must pass through a series of RFID-enabled chokepoints for visibility).

- Asset visibility is lost outside of the yard. No real-time visibility capabilities.

- A tag leveraging proprietary based location solution is placed on each asset within the facility/yard.

- A tag leveraging Wi-Fi-based location services is placed on each asset within the facility/yard.

- A reusable, rugged passive RFID tag is used to identify assets as they pass through RFID enabled choke-points.

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a motion sensor which allows the device to go into sleep mode and be awoken wheneverthe device and associated asset is moved. This motion detection occurs in real-time anddoes not require any infrastructure on the asset handling equipment.

In addition to tracking standard assets, these solutions are used to track people, packages,and shipments; to enable value added services and features for service basedorganizations; or to secure the shipment of high valued goods in transit.

The key advantages of this solution, as outlined on the previous page in figure 2, include a simplified infrastructure and the ability to track items if moved outside of your organization’s facility or compound. This solution should only be considered if yourassets can or will leave your facility, if real-time tracking is required but it is not possibleto deploy the infrastructure across the entire tracking area, or if it is essential to yourorganization to have knowledge of assets “en-route”. The disadvantages of this type ofsolution include the high cost of the tags and the recurring air-time costs.

See figure 3 below for the architecture of a typical WiFi Based Location Tracking System.

Figure 3: Assisted GPS Tracking Solution

1. Cell phone uses GPS satellite positioning

2. Cellular tower signals are used to also fix position using Location Based Services

3. An assistance server is used to assist with position location determination

Physical Solution Components• A-GPS tracking tag/device - This solution uses a small battery powered device

with a GPS transceiver and embedded cellular modem. Optionally a motion sensorcan also be embedded into the device to maximize battery life and auto update thesystem with location information only when an asset has been moved. The system’s

The key advantage of the A-GPS solution is its ability totrack, in real-time, themovements of tagged assetsanywhere they go, either insideyour facility and anywhere inyour North America.

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real-time communications capabilities provide tracking and movement informationto a backend software system. The A-GPS’s standard battery life is approximately 20-30 days depending on frequency of locates. However, alternate power sources areavailable that can extend tag life. GPS accuracy varies based on whether the device isobstructed or has line-of-sight to the sky, but a conservative estimate is 20-50 meters.

• Ruggedized enclosure - A small plastic sleeve that fits the GPS tag/device can be used to attach the device onto the asset; we typically use a box with adust/sand/water-proof casing and a magnetic mount for easy attachment and removalto metal assets. For tracking people, a small enclosure has been designed with an armstrap to enable easy “attachment” to the person.

• Cellular network service - A 1xRTT or GPRS/EDGE network plan is required to transmit data from each device. Coverage of the various wireless carriers will be studied and the optimal wireless carrier will be selected.

• Backend software system - Each device is setup in the system and a hostedapplication receives the data in real-time from the wireless network. The layout ofyour compound is overlaid on the mapping screens of the application to provideeffective location information for employees. An interface will be created betweenthis system and your backend systems to exchange device & asset associations andlocation information. Robust geo-fencing capabilities exist within the software todemark the areas which the components are approved for specific asset and assetstorage. Alerts may be setup in the software based on pre-determined business rules,such as violations of geo-fences, low battery status, etc. Extensive reportingcapabilities exist within the software.

+ Wi-Fi-based Location Tracking Solution

Solution OverviewThe Wi-Fi based RTLS solution tracks the unique locations of assets within the fourwalls of your compound while leveraging the existing WLAN infrastructure deployedwithin the yard.

The Wi-Fi based RTLS solution can provide the following information:

• The location of any given asset within the yard at anytime

• A complete history of asset movement within the yard

• Exception-based reporting by creating geo-fences around assets within the Wi-Fibased RTLS—if the asset leaves the designated area or yard the Wi-Fi based RTLScan notify key personnel using various communication methods (i.e. audible alarms,IM popups, emails, text messages, etc.)

• Motion based alarms indicating the asset has been physically moved or if the tag has been removed from an asset. The Wi-Fi based RTLS tags have motion sensors

• Personnel can locate a specific asset by paging the asset tag (flashing LEDs)

• Operations can play back history (bread crumbing functionality) to see where and when assets or other tagged resources have moved within the yard

• Resources and contractors in the facility can be tagged as well using the Wi-Fi basedresource tag. This tag allows for increased safety and security functions including twoway voice and 9-1-1 or emergency call capabilities

• Management can play back history of the security guard and/or 3rd party workermovements during a shift in case malicious incidents arise

Key advantage the Wi-Fi basedRTLS solution is the loweredtotal cost of ownershipresulting from the ability toleverage your organization'scurrent Wi-Fi infrastructure.

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Other advantages of the Wi-Fi based RTLS based asset tracking include specific trackingand security functionality that allows for application customization based on the yourneeds:

• The customizable tag functions combined with the powerful application softwareresult in a high performing tracking solution capable of proving asset and personnelnegligence

• The Wi-Fi infrastructure required can be used for data and voice communication in addition to the tracking solution

• The Wi-Fi based RTLS tags have battery alarms to avoid potential loss of assetvisibility (the Wi-Fi based RTLS tags are rechargeable and have long battery lives)

• The Wi-Fi based RTLS solution can leverage any existing WLAN coverage(additional Wi-Fi maybe necessary to improve data, voice, and tracking capabilities)

• Magnetic mount capability can be offered as part of a weatherproof plastic case,making the tags easy for facility/yard personnel to attach, assign, and remove, ifrequired

• The Wi-Fi based RTLS tag is easy for facility & yard personnel to mount andremove onto any asset. Since it has a motion detector it cannot be transferredmaliciously or accidentally without the Wi-Fi based RTLS providing a notificationalarm

Key advantages of this solution include a lowered total cost of ownership resulting fromthe ability to leverage your current Wi-Fi infrastructure. This converged data and RTLSinfrastructure reduce the development and deployment costs and eliminate the supportcosts associated with internal training and maintenance of a new infrastructure.

A typical short coming of Wi-Fi based RTLS solutions is the reduced accuracy of thesystem in outdoor deployments. See figure 4 below for the architecture of a typical WiFi Based Location Tracking System.

Figure 4: Wi-Fi Based Location Tracking System

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Physical Solution Components• Asset-mounted Wi-Fi based RTLS Tags - High-performance, re-usable ruggedized

tags have been deployed by VeriSign in yard management projects. The Wi-Fi basedRTLS tags operate via the WLAN network, allowing the RTLS solution to determinetheir respective location while leveraging the client’s exiting infrastructure. The tagscan also serve a dual purpose in that they can be worn by staff, security guards,gatehouse attendants, 3rd party workers, etc allowing for a more feature richsolution.

• Ruggedized Enclosure - Similar to the A-GPS solution, a plastic sleeve that fits theWi-Fi enabled RTLS tag is used to attach those items onto the asset; a magneticmount can be used for easy attachment and removal.

• Mobile handheld RFID reader (or Mobile Data Terminal) - As tags are placedonto the arriving assets, a mobile handheld is used to scan the tag and associate thetag ID with the asset ID.

• RTLS Software - The RTLS software is capable of being overlaid on any Wi-Finetwork, independent of the equipment vendor. The software is an enterprise classapplication, which includes mapping and geo-fencing capabilities, a web-basedgraphical user interface, and fully featured API and XML interfaces allowing forseamless and easy integration into your back end system. In addition to the physicaltag options, our Wi-Fi based solution also has a soft client “tag”, or software that canbe loaded on any Microsoft based Wi-Fi enabled to device to track them. Thesedevices include laptops, tablets, handheld devices and smart phones.

+ Out-of-Band Real-Time Location Solution

Solution OverviewSimilar to the Wi-Fi based tracking solution, the Out-of-Band (OoB) Real-TimeLocation solution provides real-time location information through the use of signaltriangulation. The main difference between the two solutions is that the Out-of-BandRTLS utilizes a proprietary infrastructure to track the movements of the tagged assets.

The solution consists of a stand-alone OoB tag, which is attached to each asset. This tagprovides location information for each asset, which is then viewed on a map of the exactlayout of the facility. Certain versions of our device have a motion sensor integrated intothe device, allowing the device to go into sleep mode and wake whenever the device andassociated asset are moved.

The OoB tag communicates with a proprietary RF/sensor network that is deployedaround the yard and would track the movements of all tagged assets in the yard. Thereare several core technologies are that are typically used in these OoB solutions; Angle of Arrival (AoA) systems, Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) systems, Time of Arrival(ToA) systems, Time of Flight (ToF) systems, Round Trip Time (RTT) systems andSymmetrical Double Sided Two Way Ranging (SDS-TWR) systems.

The two most common of these OoB systems include the AOA and TDOA basedtechnologies. AoA based systems utilize an algorithm that calculates the exact location of an item by cross referencing the angle of the arriving message from the tag. Most AoAsystems operate in the 5 GHz frequency band. Depending on the sensor/reader density,this can result in a solution capable of providing extremely fine accuracy within a 3-dimensional space. TDOA systems operate on a similar principle to AoA, and utilize amechanism that calculates location via a time based algorithm. These systems tend tooperate in the 2.4 GHz range and are not as accurate as the AoA systems nor are theycapable of 3-D positioning. Today, only TDOA solutions have been designed to work

The key advantage of an OoBRTLS solution is its increasedaccuracy, specifically in anoutdoor environment that isotherwise not possible with aWi-Fi solution.

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in conjunction with traditional Wi-Fi–based tracking systems to enhance the accuracy ofthose systems in an outdoor environment, however, this still requires the deployment ofan additional sensor network, “overlaid” on the Wi-Fi network.

The key advantage of the OoB RTLS solution is the increased accuracy, specifically in anoutdoor environment that is otherwise not possible with a Wi-Fi solution. In addition,some OoB solutions include the ability to deploy activators or exciters, which give chokepoint visibility to RTLS tagged assets. AoA RTLS based systems also have the addedadvantages of extreme accuracy and 3-D location capabilities.

The key disadvantage of this set of solutions is the requirement to incorporate anadditional proprietary reader/sensor network throughout the compound. This results in a higher total cost of ownership and vendor dependency due to the proprietary nature of the solution.

Physical Solution Components• An OoB Ruggedized Tag and Sensor Network - A proprietary rugged tag,

operating at either 2.4GHz or 5Ghz, communicates with the proprietaryinfrastructure deployed across the compound to enable the tracking of the taggedassets.

• NEMA and Ruggedized box enclosure - Similar to the other solutions, a protectiveplastic sleeve can be used to shield the OoB tag from the elements. The TDOA or AoA sensor network readers would be housed in NEMA enclosures.

• Backend software system - Similar to the Wi-Fi based solution, the Out-of-Bandsolutions offer geo-fencing, mapping, alerts, and open APIs to allow for integrationinto your backend systems.

+ EPC RFID-based Asset tracking solution

Solution ObjectiveThis solution tracks the unique locations of all assets within your compound using achokepoint enabled passive RFID solution. The application that utilizes this trackinginformation includes geo-fencing assets, which issues a warning when certain assets leavea designated area of the yard or the yard itself. The solution also allows you to have fullvisibility of the movement of tagged assets through these enabled chokepoints.

Like many asset-tracking solutions, a passive RFID enabled asset management solutioncan provide the following information:

• The movements of all tagged assets within the yard or facility, based on the lastchoke-point read. This is not a real-time location system, but a last known locationbased on the movement of the asset through a regulated “entrance/exit/location”

• Exception-based reporting based on the geo-fenced movements of all assets

• Integration into backend asset management, yard management, or ERP systems

The key advantage of an EPC RFID-based asset tracking solution (over an active tag or RTLS solution) is the lower cost of the solution, including:

• Low-cost tagging of assets and relatively low cost of choke-point infrastructure

• Absence of batteries in the tag to replace rugged EPC tags will last for years withoutrequiring replacement

The key advantage of an EPCbased RFID asset trackingsolution is its low deploymentcosts, specifically when tagginga large number of assets.

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Physical ComponentsThis solution focuses on the deployment of a RFID enabled asset tracking solutionwithin your compound. This solution is comprised of multiple components including:

• Re-usable ruggedized asset-mounted EPC Passive RFID Tags for all assets

• Ruggedized mobile RFID readers and/or barcode handheld units for data entry and tracking

• An integrated, scalable, and robust RFID middleware to track all assets and managethe information flow back to other systems, including any of your existing systems

Below is a brief summary of the key components of a passive solution:

• Ruggedized asset-mounted passive EPC RFID Tags - A variety of High-performance, re-usable, ruggedized EPC RFID tags are available, and one will beselected which best meets your specific requirements.. These tags operate passively,drawing their power from the mounted readers or “choke points”. Tags can beinterrogated using reader antennas mounted well over twenty feet away.

• Ruggedized RFID readers and barcode handheld units - As tags are placed ontonew assets, a mobile handheld can be used to scan the tag and associate the tag IDwith the asset ID. There are multiple ways in which this can be done and thedifferent techniques are investigated with the client during the requirementsgathering phase. Readers will be mounted at choke points to enable visibility as theasset passes by that point. Choke points can also be mobile, where they are mountedon a vehicle or carried by a person to enable “point of activity” tracking.

The key advantage of this solution is the low tag cost. This solution is typically deployedin environments where there are a very large number of tagged assets, an opportunity fortags to go missing, and/or a limited number of choke points.

The key shortcoming of the passive enabled asset tracking solution is it’s non-real-timenature. If real-time asset visibility is requirement, then a passive enabled choke pointsolution can not be utilized.

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Sample Approach and Methodology

In order to address the overall solution for your organization, several different aspectsneed to be thoroughly examined, both on the technology side, as well as on the processengineering side. To ensure that necessary portions of the projects assemble correctly,VeriSign has developed a project methodology, which would be followed in a phasedapproach to this project. A description of these phases is located below.

+ Phase 1 - Design• Kick-off meeting and an understanding of the critical success factors

• Finalize requirements to refine focus area and scope of work

• Generate overall Project Plans

• Define the following

• application business rules

• overall project success criteria

• Tag tracking formats

• Integration points

• Required middleware

• Generate interview lists

• Document and gather data, including, but not limited to

• Document Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Gain an understanding of the current processing and forms utilized

• Study the existing software and how the solution will modify

• Current infrastructure (hardware and software)

• Identify existing wireless devices and other RFID technologies in use

• Create a list of key assets for testing and their representative environmental conditions

• Floor plans of the facilities to be visited

+ Phase 2 – Feasibility Study• Perform RF environmental spectrum clearing

• Test hardware asset mounting

• Perform tag testing for the following

• Tag type testing and selection

• Outdoor Tag testing

• Generate a feasibility study report that documents the aforementioned tests, results,and recommendations

• A part of the feasibility study can also include a “bake-off ” between two solutions, if there is no clear winner on paper

VeriSign's proven RFID adoptionmethodology provides ourcustomers with a low risk, costeffective, and phased approachto the adoption of RFID enabledasset tracking solutions.

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+ Phase 3 – Development• Analyze existing hardware and software infrastructure, as well as existing

port asset processes

• Finalize overall solution architecture and design

• Identify Bill of Materials

• Develop and document an overall architecture taking into account

• Integration to any necessary back-end systems

• Required hardware/software components

• Usability and process integration

• Perform application testing and modification to properly operate with backend systems

+ Phase 4 - Deployment• Procure necessary Hardware and software infrastructure components

• Order and procure the necessary hardware as found on the Bill of Materials

• Install and Integrate hardware and software solution components at the site location

• Develop and perform test cases to validate overall solution and process completeness

• Install and configure infrastructure hardware

• Install and configure infrastructure software

• Optimize overall hardware/software architecture

• Revise design document to reflect as-built configuration

+ Phase 5 – Evaluation• Validate key process indicators

• Document project pilot results

• Project closeout

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To learn more about how Verisign RFID Consulting can help your company customizean RTLS solution, please reach out to your VeriSign account representative or call us at650-426-5310.

Visit www.verisign.com/rfid for more information.

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