Review on modeling and optimization problems about RFID technology and applications

RFID and sensor network are the foundation technologies of internet of things. With the wide applications of RFID, many new modeling and optimization problems have emerged. The research situations on these new problems about two aspects of RFID technology and applications are surveyed in this paper. The main problems include: RFID reader network placement optimization; tag load balancing of readers; data allocation optimization of RFID tag memory; anti-collision algorithms in reading a lot of tags; RFID system ROI analysis and investment decision; Business Process Reengineering problems within RFID applications; inventory control optimization in supply chain with RFID; new problems of item-level management with RFID, dynamic information and quick response with RFID, and so on. The research and solution of these problems will provide the theoretical support to resource optimal allocation and economic efficiency enhancement with RFID applications in practices.