Evolution
Auto-ID center pioneered a system called EPC Global Network comprising RFID technology, Electronic Product Code, Software based on EPC Global Standards Support. To commercialize the system, EAN International and Uniform Code Council were chosen to form not-for-profit org called EPCglobal Network.

EPCglobal Network Components
ELECTRONIC PRODUCT CODE (EPC) : Unique number that identifies a specific object in motion in the supply chain.

ID SYSTEM : The ID System consists of EPC tags and EPC readers. EPC tags are RFID devices that consist of a microchip and an antenna attached to a substrate. The EPC is stored on this tag, which is applied to cases, pallets and/or items. EPC tags communicate their EPCs to EPC readers using RFID. EPC readers communicate with EPC tags via radio waves and deliver information to local business information systems using EPC Middleware.

EPC MIDDLEWARE : EPC Middleware manages real-time read events and information, provides alerts, and manages the basic read information for communication to EPC Information Services (EPC IS) and a company’s other existing information systems. EPCglobal is developing a software interface standard for services enabling data exchange between an EPC reader or network of readers and information systems.

DISCOVERY SERVICES : A suite of services that enable users to find data related to a specific EPC and to request access to that data. Object Naming Service (ONS) is one component of Discovery Services.

EPC INFORMATION SERVICES (EPC IS) : Enables users to exchange EPC-related data with trading partners through the EPCglobal Network.

Benefits
1. The creation of a unique number for individual objects in motion in the global supply chain. This advancement enables the communication of object-specific information.
2.The removal of line of sight requirement for reading product identification numbers. An EPC reader instantly detects all EPC tags passing through its radio frequency field. As a result, it is capable of reading in one glance the EPC of every EPC tagged object. In the case of an object identified with a GTIN, the read would include each EPC tagged item in a container, pallet, or case.
3.A network of information that provides real-time object movement data for individual items to authorized and authenticated users.

Industries which will find it useful
Retail: Track and trace, Product recalls, Streamlined shipping and receiving,Automated invoice reconciliation, Shrinkage reduction, Improved demand planning

Healthcare: Red Cross: monitoring blood banks, Hospitals: monitoring medication routes from medicine cabinet to patient, Pharmacy: drug recall (product pedigree), Prescription drugs: identifying counterfeit or falselylabeled medications

_Logistics:_Asset utilization: asset (e.g., containers, trucks, etc.) management, tracking and maintenance, Improving operational efficiencies: volume planning and automated data capture through shipping route , Safety and security: shipment route tracing and positive
identification of package contents Automated customs

_Automotive:_Capital asset management: container and tool management, Part tracking: inventory management; assembly; theft
control; brand authentication; distribution; recall; recycling , Vehicle related: car identification; access control; tire pressure

_Food Industry:_Mad Cow Disease/Bird Flu: cow/bird pedigree, herd/flock history and details about the release into the food chain,
Restaurants: responding to outbreaks of food poisoning

Defense: Supplies and materials management: track and trace;streamlined receiving; etc.,Military assets management: asset utilization, tracking and maintenance

Airlines: Baggage Handling

In conclusion:
The EPCglobal Network will enable the secured collection and communication of real-time, product movement data about individual objects as they travel through the supply chain.Serving as a major advancement in product identification, the EPCglobal Network will provide considerable benefits for commerce, national security, public health and safety, and consumers alike