What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two components: tags and readers. RFID belongs to a group of technologies referred to as Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). AIDC methods automatically identify objects, collect data about them, and enter those data directly into computer systems with little or no human intervention. Simply put RFID is a technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels (defined below) are captured by a reader via radio waves.
RFID is similar to barcoding in that data from a tag or label are captured by a device that stores the data in a database. RFID, however, has several advantages over systems that use barcode asset tracking software. The most notable is that RFID tag data can be read outside the line-of-sight, whereas barcodes must be aligned with an optical scanner.
How does RFID work?
Every RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver and a transponder. When the scanning antenna and transceiver are combined, they are referred to as an RFID reader or interrogator. There are two types of RFID readers — fixed readers and mobile readers. The RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be portable or permanently attached. It uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data.
The transponder is in the RFID tag itself. The read range for RFID tags varies based on factors including the type of tag, type of reader, RFID frequency and interference in the surrounding environment or from other RFID tags and readers. Tags that have a stronger power source also have a longer read range.
Where is RFID commonly used?
- Asset Management
- Inventory Management
- Livestock Tracking
- Vehicle Tracking
- Supply Chain Logistics
Use of RFID is prevalent in the following industries:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Retail
RFID is finding acceptability in almost every kind of business and home use too.