SMEs can expect shrink-wrapped RFID middleware

Small to mid size manufacturers worrying about RFID technology might expect help from Microsoft early next year. Notwithstanding the costs of the tags and readers, one of the biggest costs for those wanting or needing to implement RFID is the integration between any proposed RFID infrastructure and their existing ERP and supply chain systems. Since they’re unlikely to be SAP, Oracle or similar ERP system users, they’re unlikely to benefit from development there, but analyst AMR’s Nigel Montgomery expects their undoubted basis in Microsoft systems to be saving grace. “Most of these SMBs generally use a Microsoft-based system, sometimes based on Excel and Office, or at best on some of the products out of Microsoft’s partners or subsidiaries,” he says. And given that Microsoft has already shown its hand in, for example, the Dutch KiMs snack foods RFID-enabled supply chain project, implemented last year – and has promised RFID support early next year, it’s looking promising. Montgomery points to the fact that, for that trial, the middleware was hand coded, but its new system will have been built on the lessons learned. Examples of functionality will include rules-based event management, open APIs and .Net-based software tools for inter-operability, and a device management software layer. Montgomery: “Configuration and management of RFID devices is a complex, difficult and often costly area that SMEs find prohibitive. We’ve not seen [Microsoft’s development] yet, so it’s hard to say quite how simple it will be, but at least Microsoft is supporting this area.” AMR expects pricing to be favourable, and notes that, with inclusive functionality for partners to build on, we can look forward to a shrink-wrapped middleware core. “This is a classic Microsoft tactic, but it’s exceedingly good news for SMEs,” says Montgomery.