WHAT IS AN RFID ?
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields tov automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, the tags contain electronically stored information, passive tags collect energy from a nearby RFID reader’s interrogating radio waves, active tags have a local power source (such as a battery) and may operate hundreds of meters from the RFID reader, unlike a barcode, the tag need not be within the line of sight of the reader, so it may be embedded in the tracked object, RFID is one method of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC).
RFID tags are used in many industries. For example, an RFID tag attached to an automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line; RFID-tagged pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses; and implanting RFID microchips in livestock and pets enables positive identification of anitmals. Since RFID tags can be attached to cash, clothing, and possessions, or implanted in animals and people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns.
HOW DO RFID READERS WORK ?
RFID systems can be classified by the type of tag and reader, a Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) system has a passive reader which only receives radio signals from active tags (battery operated, transmit only). The reception range of a PRAT system reader can be adjusted from 1–2,000 feet (0–600 m), allowing flexibility in applications such as asset protection and supervision. An Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT) system has an active reader, which transmits interrogator signals and also receives authentication replies from passive tags. An Active Reader Active Tag (ARAT) system uses active tags awoken with an interrogator signal from the active reader, a variation of this system could also use a Battery-Assisted Passive (BAP) tag which acts like a passive tag but has a small battery to power the tag’s return reporting signal. Fixed readers are set up to create a specific interrogation zone which can be tightly controlled, this allows a highly defined reading area for when tags go in and out of the interrogation zone, mobile readers may be handheld or mounted on carts or vehicles.
WHY DO YOU NEED RFID SOLUTIONS ?
As global economy slowly mends itself from the recession, supply chain businesses are increasingly concerned with improving the efficiency of their operations in order to – going forward – remain financially stable through the good times and the bad. They’re looking to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to increase the visibility of their inventory and assets and, ultimately, run their business more smoothly. RFID serves a dual purpose: it takes care of both inventory management and asset tracking, while barcode technology only allows supply chain businesses to track their inventory, RFID technology also allows them to track the movement of their forklifts, trucks, returnable transit items or any other valuable assets that come in and out of their facility – in real time, barcodes require a clear line-of-sight to barcode scanners – and you can’t scan an item if you don’t know where it is!
THE CORE BENEFITS OF RFID ASSET TRACKING
IMPROVE EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY
With RFID asset tracking, supply chain facilities can gain quick and easy access to inventory information and location to keep track of when items are stored, distributed or replenished and confirm deliveries – no matter where they are in the supply chain. This kind of visibility leaves little room for error or foul play, by tracking the movement of each asset in your facility, you can ensure that all items and pallets are accounted for to mitigate costly risks – reduce misdistribution and loss; combat counterfeiting and theft; and facilitate recalls, it is extremely important to avoid these mistakes when possible, because not only will they take time and money to fix, they could result in lawsuits, heavy fines or loss of a customer.Supply chain employees should never worry that a necessary tool or piece of equipment has gone missing, or worse, that items were distributed incorrectly or inadequately, with full visibility and real time information about your inventory and assets, your facility will be much more organized and productive – and therefore more profitable.
MITIGATE RISK THEFT AND LOSS
With RFID asset tracking, supply chain facilities can gain quick and easy access to inventory information and location to keep track of when items are stored, distributed or replenished and confirm deliveries – no matter where they are in the supply chain. This kind of visibility leaves little room for error or foul play, by tracking the movement of each asset in your facility, you can ensure that all items and pallets are accounted for to mitigate costly risks – reduce misdistribution and loss; combat counterfeiting and theft; and facilitate recalls, it is extremely important to avoid these mistakes when possible, because not only will they take time and money to fix, they could result in lawsuits, heavy fines or loss of a customer.Supply chain employees should never worry that a necessary tool or piece of equipment has gone missing, or worse, that items were distributed incorrectly or inadequately, with full visibility and real time information about your inventory and assets, your facility will be much more organized and productive – and therefore more profitable.
INCREASE ASSET VISIBILITY
With RFID asset tracking, supply chain facilities can gain quick and easy access to inventory information and location to keep track of when items are stored, distributed or replenished and confirm deliveries – no matter where they are in the supply chain. This kind of visibility leaves little room for error or foul play, by tracking the movement of each asset in your facility, you can ensure that all items and pallets are accounted for to mitigate costly risks – reduce misdistribution and loss; combat counterfeiting and theft; and facilitate recalls, it is extremely important to avoid these mistakes when possible, because not only will they take time and money to fix, they could result in lawsuits, heavy fines or loss of a customer.Supply chain employees should never worry that a necessary tool or piece of equipment has gone missing, or worse, that items were distributed incorrectly or inadequately, with full visibility and real time information about your inventory and assets, your facility will be much more organized and productive – and therefore more profitable.
