6. Standards and norms

6.1 Introduction

RFID systems are made up of tags, fixed or mobile RFID readers, middleware and business software applications. All these elements interact and communicate with each other. Standards are needed to define the format and content of these exchanges, and to ensure perfect interoperability between the elements. Two organizations have defined standards for RFID middleware. The purpose of the two organizations in defining standards is different. On the one hand, the ISO International Standardization Organization proposes ISO standards for all RFID technologies and applications worldwide. Use of ISO standards is entirely free. GS1 also supplies the Epc Global suite of standards, designed to standardize the use of RFID in the supply chain and in trade. This suite is integrated...