By James Daniels, freelance writer.
Data comes in many different forms and is something we encounter every day, even though we might not be aware of it. Most of us are also generating tremendous volumes of data without ever realising it.
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.
RFID: Beyond retail and passive use
Aug 23, 2017
RFID market to reach $11.2 billion in 2017
Aug 08, 2017
Based on the new report 'RFID Forecasts, Players and Opportunities 2017-2027', IDTechEx Research finds that in 2017, the total RFID market will be worth $11.2bn, up from $10.52bn in 2016 and $9.95bn in 2015.
New pocket size scanner with RFID by DENSO
Jul 04, 2017
In the retail industry today, customers have high expectations. To build a profitable and engaging in-store experience, companies need full control not only at the point of sale (POS) but also from storage to inventory, to staff enablement, to personal shopping solutions – and in many other areas. DENSO, part of the Toyota group, offers mobile data solutions and reliable devices for the retail industry.
Why omnichannel could be the high street's saviour
Jun 07, 2017
By Dean Frew, CTO & SVP RFID Solutions at SML Group.
Within the past decade, retailers have shifted their focus from physical stores to an "online only" strategy. This is in part due to rising costs of owning and operating physical stores, the higher profit margins for online retailers and also the technological advances that have led to consumers being able to purchase goods from any device.
How fast are Retailers adopting RFID?
May 16, 2017
By Dean Frew, CTO and SVP RFID Solutions, SML RFID.
According to recent news, statistics and insight from industry experts about the apparel business and omnichannel retailing, universal RFID adoption is a done deal within the industry. Or is it?
PervasID announces Space Ranger 9200 flat ceiling tile antenna reader system
May 16, 2017
PervasID has announced its next generation flat ceiling tile antenna reader system, Space Ranger 9200.
Global shop solutions improves shop floor security and efficiency with RFID technology
Apr 18, 2017
In today's cost-competitive manufacturing environment, shaving minutes or even seconds from processes performed hundreds or thousands of times a day can make a real difference in shop floor productivity.
Harting Integrated Industry solutions featuring RFID systems and smart digital retrofit systems
Mar 21, 2017
At the Industry 4.0 summit, Manchester Central Convention Complex, 4-5 April 2017, Harting (stand V25) will show its range of Industry 4.0 solutions, incorporating Modular Integrated Computer Architecture for industrial networking, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems.
RFID: Fact or Fiction?
Mar 14, 2017
By Andrew Blatherwick, Chairman, RELEX Solutions.
The industry may have been talking about RFID for 20 years, but it still has not come into common use or delivered significant value to retailers.
New innovations by DENSO – UR20 scanner series with RFID technology
Feb 22, 2017
The DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit, part of the Toyota group, is launching the new UR20 scanner series in spring 2017. These new readers, UR21 and UR22, are both equipped with the most modern RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification).
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.
