BizTalk RFID Architecture

BizTalk radio frequency ID (RFID) enables developers to connect RFID tag readers, printers, and other devices to business applications. Shown here is a simplified, hypothetical BizTalk RFID solution for tracking prescription drugs from a supplier (top left) to a distributor (bottom left), which might be used to prevent theft of expensive or frequently abused drugs. The supplier prints container labels that include RFID tags, each uniquely identifying its container and supplying drug ID, manufacturer lot number, and other information. The labels then transmit this information to RFID readers at key points in the supply chain, such as at the supplier’s and customer’s loading docks.

The central component is the BizTalk RFID server application, which connects RFID devices such as printers and readers to business applications, such as the supplier’s enterprise resource planning system or a specialized “pedigree” application for maintaining a drug audit trail. BizTalk RFID provides a device-independent API to read RFID tags, write data to tags, upgrade reader firmware, and do other tasks.