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RFID: Passive Scan-In Set Up
TIMELINE:Â THIS SHOULD BE COMPLETED 5-6 WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR LAUNCH DATE.
Action items:Â After reading this page, here are the action items that need to be completed:
Decide where the readers will be placed
Decide on a power and network type
Fill out this RFID FORM
Schedule Installation (post RFID form submission)
Complete pre-installation checklist at least one day prior to install tech’s arrival
Scheduling considerations:
Topanga requires at least 4 weeks notice for RFID installations and dates/times are subject to availability.
Minimum one week’s notice is required for date changes or cancellations.
Topanga can install 1-2 read zones per day.
Flight Machine Read Zone installs require 2-4 hours of downtime for installation.
*Checkpoint Systems is Topanga’s partner for RFID hardware procurement and installation. Checkpoint install tech’s arrive with hardware in hand on the day of install.
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RFID OVERVIEW
RFID, which stands for Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. It consists of two main components: RFID tags and RFID readers.
RFID tags - Topanga labels that are programmed and applied to containers.
RFID readers - Hardware that emits radio waves and receives information from the RFID tags. These readers will be installed either above a dish machine or in a doorway. When an RFID tag comes within range of an RFID reader it is passively scanned back into inventory.
RFID Antennas - The essential element between the tag and the reader that transmits the power and captures the return signal from the tag with its unique code.
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READ ZONE LOCATIONS
Topanga requires installing read zones at a central chokepoint for inbound containers. There are two options:
OPTION 1: FLIGHT MACHINE READ ZONE (Most Common)
The Flight Machine Read Zone has one antenna that is installed over the conveyor of a flight machine (entrance or exit). The antenna is wired to a reader unit, which can be installed above a drop ceiling as in Example 1 below. Alternatively the reader unit can be wall mounted with a longer cable to the antenna as can be seen in Example 2 below. While some of the photos do not display this, all wires will be protected by a conduit.
OPTION 2: HALLWAY READ ZONE
The Hallway Read Zone uses one or more antennas to capture all tagged containers as they move through the hallway. This approach works well when bins full of returned containers are rolled through a common hallway. See Example 3 below. All wires will be protected by a conduit.
(Note: bins carrying containers should not be made of metal).

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READ ZONE REQUIREMENTS
Each RFID antenna will require power and network availability close to the install point. There are a few different kinds of power options we recommend for RFID read zones:

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Cellular & AC: Our providers are AT&T and T-Mobile. Prior to choosing cellular connectivity, test the location cell reception by downloading the OpenSignal app on a device that operates on one of these two network providers. The download speed needs to be higher than 40 mbps.
PoE+ or Ethernet & AC: The ethernet cable should have the RJ45 connector (standard ethernet connector) on the end and there should be an extra 10 feet of slack so that the installation tech can pull it into the protective box when the reader is installed. If PoE jacks are not located inside a drop ceiling, we recommend installing a WEATHER PROOF COVER to help protect the jack.

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NETWORK REQUIREMENTS
Each RFID reader must have the ability to get data out of the network to the Topanga Cloud. This data includes the EPC contents of the RFID memory bank(s) and status events that provide Topanga with an understanding of reader health. Additionally, Topanga requires the ability to access reader specific hostnames in order to troubleshoot and configure readers remotely.
The following table defines the required network configurations for Topanga RFID Readers.

VPN USERS
We suggest that the hostname is exposed within an appropriate VPN and VPN access is granted to team members specified below in VPN Users. If this is not possible, Topanga can be flexible on how access is provided.
If Support Access requires VPN access, the following individuals should have access configured. Topanga maintains a list of these individuals and the VPN access that have been granted to them. In the event of a change of role or departure from the company, Topanga will notify the customer’s main POC within 24 hours to revoke access.

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RFID PRE-INSTALL CHECKLISTS
Below are pre-install checklist by connectivity type. All steps must be complete prior to the install team’s arrival.
POE+ switch
Confirm PoE+ is installed
Coil the ethernet cable above the ceiling where the reader will be installed
Connect and test all network cables to PoE+ switch
Configure network PoE+ switch so RFID reader can reach the internet
The RFID reader requires a network with outbound data on port 8883 to mqtt-iseus1.checkpointsystems.com
If VPN connection is allowed - Customer will need to provide a VPN client w/ username / PW and allow access to port 80 on the reader host remotely
POE & AC –
An AC duplex outlet (110vac) 24 hr circuit is needed in area where the RFID reader is going to be located and CKP will provide power injector for RFID reader.
Coil the ethernet cable above the ceiling where the reader will be installed
Connect and test all network cables to network switch
Configure network switch so RFID reader can reach the internet
The RFID reader requires a network with outbound data on port 8883 to mqtt-iseus1.checkpointsystems.com
If VPN connection is allowed – Customer will need to provide a VPN client w/ username / PW and allow access to port 80 on the reader host remotely
Locations requesting cellular –
CKP requires AC duplex outlet (110vac) 24 hr circuit for the cellular router to be plugged in.
No ethernet cable needed from network switch
CKP can VPN into RFID reader remotely through cellular router. CKP does not need a VPN client from customer
Locations requesting to use WiFi –
CKP will require the SSID, WiFi security mode, and WiFi password of the customer network. This information can be set on site or during the pre-configuration prior to shipping the equipment.
CKP will quote for additional WiFi adapter for RFID reader
Customer access point in proximity to RFID reader so WiFi signal is strong
No ethernet cable needed from network switch
Configure network switch so RFID reader can reach the internet
VPN access remotely is not compatible if WiFi is used.
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The PDF below provides a functional overview, mechanical characteristics, and electrical specifications of the RFID readers.
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