Picture walking into a warehouse and knowing exactly where an item is located. Sounds simple and futuristic, right? This convenience is possible through RFID technology. Businesses using RFID tags can scan, track and monitor items from a distance– saving time and effort. Primarily RFID tags are used to collect mass information in a short span of time, making them a popular choice for large businesses.
To delve deeper into how RFID tags can be used, this blog will cover the basics of RFID tags, examples, use cases, and implementation.
What is a RFID tag
An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), also known as an RFID chip, is a tracking technology that identifies objects using intelligent barcodes. It consists of a microchip, and an antenna and transmits the data to an RFID reader using radio waves.
Some of the common uses of RFID tags include inventory tracking and heavy machinery management. These tags can easily store a wide range of data making them a popular choice among high-level organizations. Moreover, RFID tags consist of cryptographic security features that need a high verification and authentication level, making them a secure tracking option for businesses.
Common types of RFID and their use cases
There are quite a few different types of RFID tags designed for unique purposes. Let’s look at a brief description of each tag and its use case:
1. Active RFID tags
When a company needs to track real-time locations of various items they use active RFID tags. These are typically larger than passive RFID tags and can’t easily be torn off. Companies need to train their employees to use complex software programs associated with them. There are two main types of active RFID tags:
- Beacons send out information every few seconds and can be detected hundreds of feet away. Their battery runs out faster since they are transmitting data so regularly. They are preferred to track high-value goods.
- Transponders need a reader to transmit data. A reader initially signals the transponder when they are in close proximity to one another, and the transponder responds by pinging back the necessary data. These are commonly used in vehicle tracking and toll collection.
2. Passive RFID tags
As compared to active RFID tags, these are less expensive and commonly used by companies for inventory management in retail. They are smaller in size and a preferred choice for small-scale items. There are two types of passive RFID tags:
- Inlays are thin and easy to stick on different materials.
- Hard tags are made out of more durable materials like plastic or metal.
One of the downsides of passive RFID tags is that they don’t have a power source of their own and draw power from the RFID reader before data is transmitted.
3. Semi-passive RFID tags
Also known as battery-assisted RFID tags, semi-passive RFID tags contain a battery but they do not transmit a signal like active RFID tags. To enable full reflection of the reader’s signal, the tag is only powered by the battery when a signal is received. A good example of semi-passive RFID tags is cold chain monitoring.
4. Ultra-high frequency (UHF)
These are most commonly considered as the supply chain frequency because of lower prices while still providing a good range, 300 MHz to 3 GHz, for item-level tracking and retail inventory control. Retailers mandate their suppliers provide the UHF RFID tags for every product and pallet. It reduces the need for manual inventory while hundreds of tags can be read at once.
5. High frequency (HF)
High-frequency RFID is most commonly used for ticketing, payments, and data transfer applications. The frequencies vary from 3 to 30 MHz, which is why these tags have a longer read range and higher memory capability. They are also used in tracking bracelets for theme parks.
6. Low frequency (LF)
As the name suggests RFID tags with a lower frequency, 30 KHz to 300 KHz, have slower read rates and shorter read ranges. Liquids and metals interfere with them due to the lack of longer wavelengths. LF RFID tags are commonly used in applications where RFID label is affixed such as on automobiles. They are also typically used for RFID access control systems.
RFID applications for your business
There are countless areas where RFID is useful. Applications can range from general operations like supply chain management and inventory tracking to more specialized ones based on the business sector.
RFID tags can be used across industries to track items, control access and manage warehouses. Here is a list of popular ways businesses can use RFID tags:
1. Inventory management
RFID tags are widely used for inventory management, offering real-time tracking of stock levels. It can be easily used from a distance to manage larger inventories conveniently. With its help, businesses can avoid stock shortages, and streamline their warehouse operations saving time and improving efficiency.
2. Asset tracking
Tracking and monitoring fixed assets such as machinery, vehicles, or equipment is easier with RFID tags. These can be attached to assets to automate location tracking. You can manage maintenance schedules, usage, and reduce the chances of theft or inventory loss.
3. Access control
Businesses looking to manage employee access can also use RFID tags to enhance security. For instance, embedding RFID chips in ID badges can help control access to restricted areas in the company. RFID tags in ID cards automatically identify and authenticate the employees ensuring only authorized personnel have access.
4. Healthcare counterfeit protection
In the healthcare industry, RFID tags are commonly used to counterfeit medications. Pharmaceutical products are tagged so that suppliers track medication to eliminate the risk of counterfeit drugs in the supply chain. Plus, RFID tags also help hospitals track and manage inventory to ensure the timely availability of important supplies.
5. Electronic Wireless payments
Contactless payments are widely popular because of their speed and convenience. RFID technology forms the key component of wireless payments such as credit cards enabling consumers to make secure transactions without needing to swipe their cards.
6. Consumer purchasing kiosks
Self-service kiosks powered by RFID technology allow consumers to place goods on a counter and automatically generate the total bill. This not only improves the shopping experience but also speeds up the checkout process minimizing the need of any assistance.
7. Logistics
The RFID system is used in the supply chain to automate processes. This ultimately leads to a decrease in manual errors and an increase in efficiency and quality. Can you picture the consequences if large food corporations were unable to instantly and continuously manage the inventory they carry? When you shop at the supermarket you are not aware of how much the product has traveled, but thanks to RFID technology there is a trace of its movements.
By labeling products and pallets, you can quickly ascertain what products you have, how many of them you have, and how much room they take up in your back store or warehouse as they are brought in.
How to use RFID technology
In order to derive maximum benefits from RFID, it is important to implement it in the right manner. There are 3 main stages that can help you to plan, use and analyze RFID for your business:
Planning
In this planning phase, you can identify the use case, select a suitable RFID type and decide positioning.
Identifying the need: Shortlist where RFID will be used. There can be various contenders such as asset management, inventory tracking or access control.
RFID selection: Pick a suitable RFID tag for the task you have shortlisted. In case you want to manage assets, then a durable RFID tag will be an appropriate choice.
Decide reader positions: An important step is setting up RFID is to locate the readers at an optimal position. For inventory tracking, RFID readers can be placed at the entrance and exit of the warehouse.
Integrate with a software: RFID is a tagging mechanism that needs to be integrated with a software to convey all stored data. This can be done by integrating the RFID technology with a relevant software such as an asset tracking system, or ERP.
Tagging
While tagging items, ensure that tags are placed in such a way that they won’t be damaged or destroyed by external conditions. Next, scan the unique identifiers into the software you will be using. This way all your tagged items will be accounted for in the system.
Using RFID
RFID tags can be used in three main ways. First one is automatic reading and it scans items as they pass through the zone. Second is manual reading, which requires the items to be in close vicinity of the reader. The third option is to set up a read distance according to the tag type. Items within the reading range will be identified by the RFID scanner.
Benefits of using RFID tags
RFID technologies and systems offer benefits for all businesses helping them to:
1. Increased efficiency
The RFID technology helps businesses to stay productive and efficient, reducing manual labor. Mass inventory and assets can be easily scanned and updated in the system without much physical effort.
2. Improved customer experience
Customers can receive accurate information about product availability and estimated delivery times using RFID tags. In addition, customers do not need to spend time in long queues behind the counter especially at the time of sales, leading to a better experience. Positive customer experience shapes the revenue of businesses that rely heavily on sales.
3. Better security
Security is crucial for businesses especially when they invest in a new technology. RFID tags enhance the security protocol by tracking valuable assets and preventing thefts. The access control system also enables companies to give restricted access to sensitive information and areas for user-authenticated control.
4. Real-time tracking
The majority of businesses find it challenging to track inventory and risk losing critical items due to a lack of management. RFID tags enable real-time tracking of assets allowing you to monitor exact movements.
5. Durability and automation
RFID applications can automatically track the movement of items and submit data to the financial management system, or ERP. As a result, they can replace obsolete spreadsheets and eliminate manual form filling. Using stationary readers at strategic locations saves time and eliminates the need for manual intervention on a production line, for instance.
Manage your inventory better using RFID tags
RFID technology is a powerful tool for supply chain management, manufacturing, and retail industry. The technology may be complex in comparison to barcodes or QR codes, but the advantages are worth it. RFID tags allow organizations to track asset locations at all times, thereby improving visibility with real-time data. They also enable you to drastically speed up equipment processing with the ability of an RFID system for mass data collection.
Using RFID asset tracking software enables you to track, maintain, and report the necessary details whenever you need, anytime, anywhere.
