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The EPC Network and How it Works

Learn More RFID and Supply Chain EPC FAQ The EPC Network and How it Works

For manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to realize the potential of RFID and EPC technology, they need access to comprehensive, real-time product information. The EPCglobal Network provides the open-loop, standards-based environment required for global exchange of EPC information.

The EPCglobal Network is composed of three key elements:

• EPC Information Services (EPC-IS)
• EPC Discovery Services
• Object Name Service (ONS)

When an RFID tag is manufactured with an EPC, the EPC is registered within the ONS. The RFID tag is attached to a product and the EPC becomes a part of that product as it moves through the supply chain. The particular product information is added to the manufacturer's EPC-IS, and the knowledge that this data exists within the manufacturer's EPC-IS is passed to the EPC Discovery Service.

When the product leaves the manufacturer's facility, its departure is automatically registered with the EPC-IS. Likewise, when the product arrives at the next point in the supply chain (e.g., a distributor site) it is automatically read and registered with the distributor's EPC-IS and with the EPC Discovery Service.

When the distributor needs product information, it asks the ONS for the location of the manufacturer's EPC-IS. The root ONS provides the location of the manufacturer's ONS, which in turn provides the location of the manufacturer's EPC-IS. This query process is transparent to the supply chain member and takes only milliseconds to execute. With the manufacturer's EPC-IS location, the distributor's application can request specific product information.

As products progress through the supply chain, they are in constant communication with the EPC-IS. The result is real-time full visibility of the supply chain.

The ONS is the "glue" that holds the EPCglobal Network together, tracking every EPC-IS and EPC Discovery Service. Authorized users have access to complete, up-to-the minute intelligence about any product.