Electronic Product Code
|
|
The Electronic Product Code, (EPC), is an electronically coded tag that is intended as an improvement on the UPC barcode system. The EPC is a 96-bit tag which contains a number called the Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN). Unlike a UPC number, which only provides information specific to a group of products, the GTIN gives each product its own specific identifying number, giving greater accuracy in tracking. The EPC was the creation of the MIT AutoID Center, a consortium of over 120 global corporations and university labs. The EPC system is currently managed by EPCGlobal Inc., a subsidiary of the Electronic Article Numbering International group and the Uniform Code Council (UCC), creators of the UPC barcode.
The EPC is used in the RFID-system.
External link
- EPCglobal Homepage (http://www.epcglobalinc.org/)
- EPC Network Presentation (http://www.smartcodecorp.com/solutions/EPC_step1.asp)
- ManningRF Info Center (http://www.manningrf.com/newnews.html) -- Contains reviews and information concerning EPC-compatible RFID devices and software. Also contains a list of primers and FAQs concerning EPC compatibility issues.