People and vehicle access control specialist Nortech is now offering a robust long-range reader based on semi active RFID technology, which enables automatic vehicle identification at distances of up to 10 metres and speeds of up to 125 mph.
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.
The key to RFID and barcoding: Knowing when to use each one
Mar 28, 2018
According to the Smithsonian, the first barcode was written in sand in Miami by inventor Joe Woodland – decades before technology could bring his vision to life.
Checkpoint announces its first in-store underfloor RFID solution
Feb 27, 2018
As physical stores look to push the boundaries of retail design, demand for non-intrusive security systems at the store entrance/exit is growing.
SML Group unveils small form factor retail RFID inlays powered by NXP’s UCODE 8 chip
Jan 16, 2018
Retail RFID solutions provider SML Group introduced what it describes as the first production ready small form factor RFID inlay for the retail industry using the super high sensitive RFID chip, UCODE 8, from NXP.
Cost-effective complete ‘one-stop-shop’ passive RFID solution from PervasID
Nov 21, 2017
PervasID, the RFID technology company, has introduced a complete single source solution that can detect, read and monitor RFID tags with the highest levels of accuracy (99%+).
PervasID, provider of RFID reader technology announces addition of Ian Sugarbroad to its advisory board
Sep 26, 2017
Following the company’s recent launch of what is claimed to be its near 100% accurate wide-area passive RFID detection Space Ranger 9200 technology, PervasID is expanding its advisory board with the appointment of Ian Sugarbroad.
RFID is on the rise – and DENSO joins in: Experts for mobile data capture at the 'RFID & Wireless iOT tomorrow 2017'
Sep 20, 2017
Companies are willing to invest in the digital transformation of their business. This was recently shown in the results of the 'Digital Change Study' done by business software provider IFS.
Murata’s RAIN RFID tag works perfectly on metal surfaces
Sep 12, 2017
Murata has announced the LXFLANMXMG-003, a RAIN RFID tag designed for use on metal components and surfaces.
Engineering careers in retail: Yes, they do exist
Aug 29, 2017
Engineers play a very important role in business, but one area that many people don’t consider when they think about engineering is retail. Surprisingly, there are a few career options for engineers who want to work in the retail industry.
Increased requirements in retail – DENSO scores with innovative scanners and handheld terminals
Aug 29, 2017
Customers have high expectations of retail businesses nowadays. In order to make shopping in a retail store an experience, retail companies must have full control not only at the point of sale (POS), but also in the warehouse for the inventory processes.....
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.
