RFID supplier D-Tech has publicly expressed their frustration at having received a communication from a source proposing an excessive fee for accrediting software to the new data standard model.

Speaking at the RFID Conference Marvin Crisp, Managing Director, D-Tech said:   “We question any form of levy placed on the new data standard model.  An open ISO, in our view, should be free.  If it’s not free then it’s not open.  If it’s restricted to one company and one supplier then we come up against a lot of issues that can be very counter productive to suppliers and customers.

He added:  “I can’t speak on behalf of all RFID suppliers but I gather the general consensus is that no-one is happy about this.  I feel strongly that it is D-Tech’s duty as a supplier to speak out.   We’ve all fully supported the adoption of the new model, as it quite rightly offers the best opportunities to vendors and libraries to scope RFID to its full potential.   Now we are being asked to support something that goes against best practice and the open access principles we have all been pursuing.”

D-Tech’s Tim Pond has also been vocal about these recent developments:  “All RFID suppliers will have to develop their own data model structures anyway so that they can convert existing customers’ labels ‘on the fly’.   It doesn’t help to have approaches like this where we will have to bespoke design elements for different data models.  In fact, our new Self Check V4 software has LabelConvert software as standard, allowing the conversion of datamodels through self service, circulation, conversion and the RFID wand on the fly. This will give customers an open and up to date data model.

He added: “There has been talk that the final structure ratified list will be available in early January 2010.  We would propose that the document is released to ensure that all models are created and based upon this structure and not a derivative or misinterpreted version. “

D-Tech is asking for the support of BIC and CILIP in ensuring that a mechanism is in place to accredit and have test data model facilities accessible, without costs into the thousands.  

It was noted that Bob McKee did state at the end of the RFID conference that a more suitable and less costly mechanism for testing be considered, with costs born by the RFID vendors.

D-Tech asks what shape and form this might take and when where and how this is going to be ready.

Marvin Crisp summed up his feelings:  “We’re facing Government cuts in public spending and the impact this may have on libraries and, in the same breath, talking about committing to tens of thousands of pounds for an accreditation that should be freely available.  It just doesn’t make sound commercial sense for any supplier to be forced into this situation”. 

Tim Pond:  “We will have to wait for the detailed document to ensure the new Data Model is structured and modelled for all. Time is looming and shall need to have evidenced based systems in place for this.”