Market Research Plan

This two year research project installed, operated and tested multiple commercially available Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader technologies in multiple test sites across Canada. The broad cross-section of markets enabled CCIA to implement numerous systems from multiple vendors taking into consideration different size markets and physical layouts that will support and validate the data collected.

Traceability requires the capture and transfer of RFID tag data from cattle to the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency’s (CCIA) database through the use of electronic readers at each movement site. The technology and processes must meet the needs of auction markets by not impeding commerce or causing additional stress for the livestock.

Research Parameters for Phase One

There were 10 auction markets in Phase One of the project. This phase was a proof of concept, evaluating the ability of existing technology to collect and disseminate RFID tag data to the CCIA database, the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) at a high level of accuracy and reliability. Further, the research will evaluated the impact on speed of commerce, business process efficiency and effectiveness and read accuracy.

Research Parameters for Phase Two

In addition to the 10 auction markets that participated in Phase One, Phase Two added three buying stations/assembly yards. The RFID hardware was updated in some of the markets to evaluate new technology for wide alley systems and pen scanning. The older existing systems were replaced with new technology intended to increase read accuracy. Phase Two installed and integrated software modules that were linked to the enterprise software in order to test fully integrated RFID systems.

The Project Outcomes:

	Evaluated the issues, performance and benefits for integrated RFID systems
	Evaluated the capital and operating costs
	Make recommendations on installation of RFID systems in buying stations and auction markets.

Six auction markets agreed to continue the study using hardware from Phase One and Two.  Phase Two-B furthered the evaluation of software to collect and report tag numbers from the RFID hardware.  In this phase, software was installed that by-passed the enterprise/management systems and stood alone on office computers or laptops.  This study was to determine if by-pass software that did not require scanning by individual lots, would increase read accuracy, reduce labor requirements and be efficient in the collection and reporting of RFID tags.