The Benefits of an RFID Tag
RFID tags are used to identify items, track inventory and provide data for business applications. They are often low-cost and have a low recurring cost.
Avis Rent a Car uses RFID to keep track of vehicle returns, making the process more efficient for customers. Vaccines at hospitals can be tracked, helping ensure they are stored at the right temperature and arrive on time.
1. Identification
RFID uses radio waves to transmit data. A RFID tag contains an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC). When it comes within range of an RFID reader, the IC receives electromagnetic energy from the reader’s radio transmissions. The electromagnetic energy powers the IC and sends out a signal with its stored data that can be interpreted by the reader.
This allows for the identification of items, tracking their location and obtaining data about them without direct line of sight. It can also work at longer distances than a barcode scanner, depending on the type of RFID tag and reader used.
Passive RFID tags are generally smaller, have a long lifespan (20+ years) and can be cheap, while Active tags require their own transmitter and power source to broadcast a signal and can be more expensive. In retail stores, RFID is used to track inventory and provide electronic article surveillance to prevent theft by customers (shoplifting) or employees (shrinkage), as well as providing an automatic self checkout process for consumers. The same technology can also be used to monitor health care worker’s hand-washing habits.
2. Traceability
Traceability is all about being able to identify the source of a problem so it can be nipped in the bud quickly. This is especially important for global production processes since manufacturing and distribution can span thousands of miles.
RFID tags communicate information through electromagnetic waves from a reader, with each tag having its own unique identifier coded in a particular format that the reader understands. When a tag comes within range of a reader, the IC inside is powered on and it begins broadcasting its data.
An example is tracking tools or service kits for technicians in facilities—this allows managers to see who has the kit and when it’s being RFID Tag used, helping prevent misplacing equipment. Using the same technology, trackers can follow tens of thousands of marathon runners to see who crosses the finish line at what time.
This type of traceability is also used to track warehouse and retail store inventory, automatically reducing cycle count time and sending reorder alerts when stocks reach safety stock levels. It can even help find lost items and automate replenishment to avoid costly out-of-stocks.
3. Security
RFID tags are more vulnerable to data theft than barcodes because they can be scanned from a distance, and a hacker can intercept a signal. This is a significant privacy concern for individuals, and can be a life-or-death issue in military or medical applications.
Passive RFID tags require no power source of their own, so they “turn on” when they come within range of a reader. The reader emits electromagnetic waves that strike the mifare desfire ev1 tag’s antenna, which in turn induces an electric current to power its integrated circuit (IC). The IC then broadcasts the tag’s information to the reader.
Security can be further enhanced by deploying systems that use cryptographic protocols. For example, the global specifications that define how RAIN RFID readers and tags communicate support features like tag authentication and mutual authentication. This will allow you to verify that a reader knows a secret key stored on a specific tag, or that the tag is a genuine and authorized copy of a given one. It also allows for tamper detection.
4. Efficiency
Using RFID tags to automatically track inventory and reduce human error can save businesses money. For example, a study by Ohasi et al found that medication administration time was reduced by 61.5% when nurses used an RFID-equipped medication cart, and blood sample times were reduced by 67%.
In addition, RFID allows businesses to reduce warehousing costs by optimizing inventory levels and avoiding overstocking or understocking products. Additionally, RFID can be used to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to ensure that products are stored in optimal conditions.
One challenge with RFID is the tag collision issue – when multiple tags are in close proximity, they can interfere and confuse an RFID reader by transmitting their information simultaneously. To prevent this, it is important to choose an RFID reader that collects tag data one at a time. Additionally, mounting method and orientation can have a significant impact on RFID read ranges, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing an RFID system. Specialized antennas can help maximize read ranges in challenging environments.
5. Sustainability
Sustainability is a wide concept that encompasses many different aspects of our lives and environment. It includes economic development, environmental conservation, and social justice. For example, a company’s operations can be sustainable by using green technology or by switching to renewable energy sources. They can also be sustainable by giving back to the community and reducing their consumption of fossil fuels.
Ecologically speaking, sustainability involves preserving the Earth’s natural resources like water and air. This is important because it will help reduce pollution and preserve habitats for animals and plants. It also involves ensuring that the world’s geology and ecosystems remain intact for generations to come.
Another aspect of sustainability is limiting the amount of waste produced. This can be done by avoiding excess inventory, reusing materials, or recycling products. By doing so, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and overall production of garbage. The best way to do this is by utilizing RFID technology to track product movements throughout the warehouse and supply chain. Using an RFID system will ensure that products are only being shipped when necessary, and it will minimize the number of products that end up in landfills.