PDC will showcase its RFID solutions and consultation services at the Pollstar Live! 2014 trade show and conference in Booth #108-109 from 19-21 February at the Omni Hotel in Nashville, TN.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of two main components: tags and readers. Tags are small devices that contain a chip and an antenna. When a reader is in range of a tag, it sends out a radio wave that activates the tag. The tag then sends back a signal containing its unique identification number. Unlike a bar code, the tag does not necessarily need to be within line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object. It can also be read only or read-write enabling information to be either permanently stored in the tag or it can be read-write where information can be continually updated and over-written on the tag.
Intersport JB uses RFKeeper's RFID retail system supported by Cross Point
Feb 05, 2014
Cross Point and RFKeeper have announced Intersport Jan Bols in the Netherlands, has deployed RFKeeper's Plug & Play RFID Solution for automated inventory counts and stock replenishment.
Tageos apparel label 'delivers high performance at lower price'
Oct 29, 2013
RFID label maker Tageos has announced the launch of a new item level apparel label set to cut retailers' RFID budget while delivering improved tag performance.
SML Group and Nordic ID join forces
Mar 27, 2013
Implementing RFID just became a lot easier for businesses worldwide. SML Group Ltd., a global supplier of brand identification labels and RFID data solutions, and Nordic ID, an RFID technology specialist, have joined forces to bring a new range of cost effective and easy to use RFID applications designed for the apparel retail and brand owner supply chain markets.
Launch of a brand new Nordic ID UHF RFID reader at CeBit
Mar 13, 2013
This year at CeBit Nordic ID will be represented by its partner Warok. At the event a new small and compact UHF RFID reader will be introduced.
Barcoding, Inc. announces Agenda for 2nd Annual Executive Forum
Aug 07, 2012
Barcoding, Inc. has announced the agenda for the 2nd Annual Executive Forum: Accelerating the Supply Chain with Barcoding and RFID, presented in conjunction with Motorola Solutions, Zebra Technologies, and Verizon.
Smartrac launches high-temperature hard tag
Jul 10, 2012
Smartrac N.V., the developer, manufacturer and supplier of RFID transponders and inlays, has broadened its product range of hard tags for industrial applications by another high-temperature RFID tag.
Tyco Retail Solutions wins Annual VICS Collaborative Commerce Achievement Award for Best VILRI Solution Provider
Jun 19, 2012
Tyco Retail Solutions, the provider of retail performance and security solutions sold through ADT and authorised business partners worldwide, has been awarded a 2012 VICS Collaborative Commerce Achievement Award for 'Best VILRI Solution Provider'.
Tego simplifies RFID with drag-and-drop interface
Apr 04, 2012
Tego, Inc., the provider of RFID solutions for smart assets, has unveiled its TegoDrive software at RFID Journal LIVE! in Orlando.
RFID technology 'allows retailers to harness social media like never before'
Mar 13, 2012
New social networking solution uses RFID technology to connect businesses at physical locations with social media - to be exclusively previewed at next week's Retail Business Technology Expo.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is relatively a new AIDC technology which was first developed in 1980’s.
An RFID system consists of two main components: tags and readers.
- Tags are small devices that contain a microchip and an antenna. They are attached to the objects that need to be tracked.
- Readers are devices that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the tags. They are used to read the data stored on the tags.
When a reader sends out a radio wave, it activates the tag. The tag then sends back a signal that contains its unique identification number. The reader can then use this information to track the tag or object. The technology acts as a base in automated data collection, identification and analysis systems worldwide. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is the wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data.
Unlike a bar code, the tag does not necessarily need to be within line of sight of the reader, and may be embedded in the tracked object. It can also be read only or read-write enabling information to be either permanently stored in the tag or it can be read-write where information can be continually updated and over-written on the tag.
Benefits of RFID in Retail
Inventory Shrinkage (Shrink) Reduction
• Ability to track items in real-time between manufacturer and point of sale.
• Real-time notification of any breaches in security for non-payment.
• Reduces shrinkage of stock caused by theft.
Monitor unattended inventory• Automatic item identification on mixed pallets
• "Smart Shelf" systems – designed to provide real time tracking and lovating of tagged items on shelves
• Shipping and Receiving applications
Shelf stocking
• Real-time notification of out-of -stock items
• Improvement of product replenishment
• Improved product forecasting from product stock tracking
Check-out Process
• Reduce labour/time cost of employees
• Reduce time in queue
RFID Smart Labels - extremely flat configured transponder under a conventional print-coded label, which includes chip,antenna and bonding wires as a so-called inlay. The labels—made of paper, fabric or plastic.
Types of RFID Tag
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Tags, Labels and Cards operate at a frequency of 915 MHz. These types of tags are considered “Passive” –with no on-board power source. Commonly specified by retailers within the supply chain, these tags must comply with the international recognized standard set by EPCglobal.
HF (High Frequency) Tags, Labels and Cards operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. These types of tags are also “Passive” with no onboard power source. RFID applications that use HF RFID tags are typically the applications that require read distances of less than three feet. HF tags work better on objects made of metal (RFID Metal Tag) and can work around goods with high water content.
LF (Low Frequency) Tags, Labels and Cards are low-frequency tags (125khz) use less power and are better able to penetrate non-metallic substances. These types of tags are also “Passive” –with no on-board power source. They are ideal for scanning objects with high-water content, such as fruit, but their read range is limited to less than a foot.
RFID applications: RFID can be used in a variety of supply chain applications, including:
- Inventory tracking: RFID tags can be used to track the movement of products throughout the supply chain, from the factory to the retail store. This can help to improve inventory accuracy and reduce stockouts.
- Asset tracking: RFID tags can be used to track high-value assets, such as pallets, containers, and vehicles. This can help to prevent theft and loss, and improve the efficiency of asset management.
- Process optimization: RFID can be used to optimize supply chain processes, such as picking and packing, loading and unloading, and shipping. This can help to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Fraud prevention: RFID can be used to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. For example, RFID tags can be used to track the movement of pharmaceuticals to ensure that they are not diverted or counterfeited.
RFID has a number of advantages over traditional barcoding technology, including:
- Increased accuracy: RFID tags can be read from a greater distance than bar codes, which can improve inventory accuracy.
- Real-time tracking: RFID tags can be read in real time, which can help to improve visibility into the supply chain.
- Enhanced security: RFID tags can be encrypted, which can help to prevent unauthorized access.
However, RFID also has some disadvantages, including:
- Cost: RFID tags and readers can be more expensive than bar code scanners.
- Complexity: RFID systems can be more complex to implement than bar code systems.
- Privacy concerns: Some people have privacy concerns about the use of RFID tags.
Overall, RFID is a powerful technology that can be used to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply chains. However, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits of RFID before implementing a system.
