Selecting The Right RFID: Criteria And Step By Step Guide
What Is RFID?
RFID is the wireless use of an electromagnetic field to transmit data for the purpose of automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. Tags contain information stored electronically. RFID systems use radio waves to communicate between readers and tags.
How Does An RFID System Work?
RFID systems consist of tags (microchips with antennas) and questioners or readers (with antennas). RFID tags are so small and use so little power that they don't even need a battery to store information and communicate with readers. Electromagnetic waves are emitted by the reader. These wavy tags are received by antennas, which are tuned to receive them. The passive RFID tag draws power from the reader's field and is used to power the microchip's circuits. The chip then adjusts the waves sent back to the reader by the tag and the reader converts the new waves into digital data.
How To Select RFID Tags?
With so many technologies, standards, and formats available, the options are truly limitless. With thousands of RFID tags configured, choosing the right RFID tags for inventory management is difficult. Since the market is filled with hundreds of different types of tags, there is no easy way to sort them and choose the best tag. However, we have compiled a list of criteria that will help you make your decision.
RFID TAGS Add Value And Accuracy To A Wide Range Of Applications, Including:
- Labeling for compliance in a retail distribution center
- High-speed postal and parcel distribution processes
- Control and confirmation of the manufacturing process
- Tracking of materials
- Systems for identifying and routing airline luggage
- Multiple-item identification in a single pass
RFID Technology Is Divided Into Two Types: Active RFID And Passive RFID.
Active RFID
Active RFID can be used in applications where multiple tagged products need to be monitored over a large area or they need to be quickly scanned as they pass through a facility.
Passive RFID
The reader and reader antenna in passive RFID systems send a radio signal to the tag. The RFID tag then turns on and reflects energy to the reader using the transmitted signal.
We Want To Guide You Through The Process Of Choosing The Best RFID Tag –
Tag Size And Read-Range:
The most common type is passive RFID. It is true that size matters. In general, the size of the tag is proportional to the reading range. RFID tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so there will always be an RFID tag that meets your needs.
Choosing The Right Frequency:
When choosing an RFID tag, keep in mind the frequency. The higher the frequency, the more difficult it will be to work with materials like water and metal. In general, it is best to use the lowest frequency that works in your situation.
Tag Durability:
While these tags are effective in preventing damage, applying them can be costly and time-consuming. The tag can be torn by accident, it becomes useless. Because these tags are only good for one use, you need to keep recycling them for new inventory.
Environmental Materials:
Active tags are less sensitive to the environment, but they are still not resistant. Tags that work well on metal, glass, or liquid products are usually more expensive than standard RFID tags or inlays. UHF tags have a long reading range and the ability to read multiple tags at once.
Environmental Conditions:
Tag reading results can be influenced by environmental factors. Therefore, it is important to assess the environmental conditions in which the tag is used. The environmental factors that a tag has to deal with in its lifetime are important factors when choosing a tag.
The Benefits Of RFID Tags:
RFID Does Not Require Any Human Intervention.
Because RFID technology is automated and does not require human intervention to function properly, the chances of human error are much lower, resulting in more positive results. Your team does not need to manually track the content at each stage of the journey through the supply chain. This skill saves time and requires less effort for asset inventory.
Asset Tracking.
Companies with limited resources often consider asset tracking a risky task. Employees may use RFID technology to determine the availability of assets, monitor maintenance cycles, and analyze stored data to review costs related to the acquisition/maintenance/disposal of assets. High turnover inventory can be easily maintained and located in the event of a disaster using RFID tags. Optimal asset operation improves the ROI factor for the business and helps reduce business downtime.
Logistic And Inventory Management.
Tracking assets in a warehouse is always a difficult task, especially if done by hand. Most lists are now made using RFID tracking, which is fast and efficient. RFID is circular wave access that provides accurate and quick reading. The advantage of using RFID, it improves inventory visibility. Allows counting the weekly inventory of thousands of items to be completed in 30 minutes or less. Increases inventory accuracy to 98%. Out-of-stock inventory is 75% or less.
RFID Provides Real-Time Information On A Data Sheet.
Real-time data enables decision-makers to be more accurate and responsive, especially in emergencies. When products move from one phase of the supply chain to another, the RFID system automatically updates the records. The current location of the product can be determined with a single click. Such information can be used effectively to make important decisions regarding inventory management and cost control.
Has A Positive Effect On Employee Productivity.
Unlike manual tracking, the labor movement can be seen at the tips of fingers. Counting or matching will be obsolete as the data will be updated in real-time, allowing employees to focus on more critical business operations that require their attention.
Conclusion
RFID Asset Tracking Management System offers favorable returns on investment, especially in terms of supply chain visibility. The possibilities of how RFID technology can be used to reduce data and shrinkage, accurately estimate supply/demand, and save time in inventory processing are limitless.
