For RFID Implementation, Who You Gonna Call?

01/13/2005

By Bert Moore, Director of Communications and Media Relations, AIM Global

To borrow the catch-phrase from the "Ghostbusters" theme song, who are you going to call to find experienced professionals for RFID implementation? The files of your usual personnel agencies and headhunters won't exactly be overflowing with resumes and references for RFID experts. And, if you believe the headlines in some of the media, there's a huge shortage of these professionals already.

So, who you gonna call?

What Shortage?

First, let's back up and look at the "shortage."

It's true that there isn't a large pool of people with experience implementing EPC RFID systems – but that's mostly because there haven't been that many EPC system implementations. And for Gen2 EPC, there are currently zero candidates with experience in implementing it – because it hasn't yet been issued.

Looks bad, huh?

The truth is far from being that bleak. There are a number of RFID vendors and system integrators with more than enough experience implementing proprietary UHF systems (the only ones available until recently) who can very easily step into EPC implementation. There are also more than a few companies that thoroughly understand other types of RFID systems that should be able to step up to the plate fairly quickly.

So, while there are actually not many RFID professionals experienced in EPC implementation, the demand simply hasn't been all that high, so the shortage is more conceptual than actual. And, as Gen2 gets ready to come online, RFID companies are quickly ramping up to be ready for when demand increases.

Training and Certification

However, the RFID industry recognizes that, unless action is taken now, the demand for RFID systems professionals will eventually outstrip the supply. To that end, AIM Global (www.rfid.org), the world-wide trade association for manufacturers and suppliers of RFID and other types of automatic identification and mobility products and services, has teamed up with CompTIA (www.comptia.com), the leading independent certification agency in the computer industry.

AIM and CompTIA have agreed to jointly develop a certification program, likely several different certifications, to ensure an adequate supply of well qualified RFID professionals in the coming years.

AIM's RFID Experts Group (REG) will develop recommendations for the core competencies required for various aspects of RFID certification. The REG is made up of vendors and users from the RFID community. AIM's Education Committee will work with both CompTIA and the REG to develop suitable training materials.

That Was Then, This Is Now

Where are you going to look for these RFID experts – particularly if you need someone now? Again, AIM offers solutions.

The AIM Buyer's Guide lists RFID companies ready to help you with your implementation plans – as well as qualified consultants to help you understand and evaluate RFID capabilities and limitations.

And finally, for those who wish to develop their own RFID expertise, AIM's dedicated RFID web site (www.rfid.org) offers a wealth of information on the technology. You can also subscribe to AIM's free "RFID Connections" e-newsletter on the site.

Of course, Track & Trace Insider will continue to bring you the relevant information on RFID for pharmaceutical manufacturing.