Introduction

After selecting a system design, as discussed in Chapter 6, and performing a site analysis, as discussed in Chapter 7, you are now ready to install your RFID system. Think of installation as a process and not as an isolated task. The results from system design and site analysis are the input to the installation process. Installing hardware components and testing them are essential parts of deploying an RFID system. Before you actually install the hardware components, you should consider different installation scenarios and choose the one that best suits the given environment.

So, the core question in this chapter is: How can we successfully install an RFID system? In search of an answer, we will explore three avenues: planning installation, installing and testing hardware components, and considering various installation scenarios.

Preparing for Installation

Given the cost and the importance of an RFID system, its installation must be performed in a planned way to achieve the optimal results. An RFID installation is a process that begins when you start selecting the system design, which involves understanding various RFID solutions available in the context of application requirements. Equipped with that understanding, you perform the site analysis, which involves determining how the RFID system will fit into the existing site infrastructure. As Figure 8.1 depicts, the system design is not complete until the site analysis is performed. You use the information collected during system design and site analysis to install the system.

Figure 8.1: The Information Flow Among System Design Selection,...