Overview
The acronym of RFID is Radio Frequency
Identification is an innovative technology that is similar to bar code
identification. Radio Frequency Identification is a short-range
communication technology and is used in several applications. RFID
system comes with an antenna and a transceiver unit that uses
electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling in the RF portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum. This reads the radio frequenct and then
transfers the signal to an integrated circuit. This circuit is
integrated with an information processing device and a transponder that
recognizes people or objects. Active RFID tags, passive RFID tags, and
battery assisted passive tags are the three types of RFID tags
available. These systems can be used in a wide range of applications,
where a distinctive identification system is needed. Radio Frequency
Identification systems are manufactured by several companies like Infor
SCM and other supply chain management companies like BlueStar, SATO
America, and Acsis.
How it Works
Radio Frequency Identification uses radio signals for its function.
They operate using a system that contains an antenna and a transceiver
to read the radio frequency and transfer the information to the reader
and a RF tag. The antenna offers the means for the integrated circuit to
broadcast the information to the reader that converts the radio waves,
which is reflected reversed from the RFID tag. This digital information
is passed on to computers that will evaluate the data sent. Active RFID
tags come with a battery that can transmit signals in parallel, whereas
passive RFID tags does not have battery, which need an external source
to trigger the radio signal communication. Battery assisted passive tags
have a higher range and they also require an outer source for
triggering the signal.
Benefits
RFID systems are capable of reading from a greater distance, even in
less than optimum environments. RFID can be beneficial for a wide range
of industries like clothing industries, supermarkets, and many more. The
information printed on a barcode is fixed and they cannot be changed
unless you affix another label over it. RFID tags, on the other hand,
come with a unique identification electronic number that are store
inventory and price information which can be updated. Radio Frequency
Identification systems are used in hospitals in order to track patient's
location and to offer real-time tracking of the location nurses and
doctors in the hospital. RFID chips are small devices that are injected
via syringe under skin of the animal for tracking rabies control. In
retail stores, the RFID helps in monitoring and control inventory supply
of products.
Costs
RFID systems are very expensive. These systems cost anywhere from
$1,000 to several thousand dollars for advanced functioning models. Tags
printers, software, and set up can cost several thousand dollars. Apart
from this, consulting services to instruct your staff may also cost
some more dollars. The overall cost around will reach somewhere around
$50,000. On the whole, RFID is Radio Frequency Identification systems
are quite expensive product, but the advantages may outweigh the costs
for large businesses.
Timing
To contend with your competitors, you definitely need to be well
advanced in terms of equipment, labors, and more. In order to succeed
and to track your business, RFID systems are the key solution.
