"Now 100 percent of our products are identified with a unique ID number. RFID brings us a lot of new item-level information about our merchandise. For example, when we read the RFID tags at receiving, we have exact visibility into the incoming stock, we can identify any shipping mistakes by the supplier, and we can measure the productivity level of our staff."
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.
Mexico City's Common People uses RFID technology to deliver a premium, interactive shopping experience to retail customers
Nov 24, 2010
UPM Raflatac and Digilogics SA.de CV have announced their partnership withCommon People.
RFID transforms customer service, retailing and consumer goods
Oct 12, 2010
First time round, it ended in tears. Six years ago, some of the leading consumer goods companies and some of the retailers they supplied said that billions of RFID tags would shortly be applied to pallets and cases.
RFID UHF reader for large-scale systems with a minimum of cabling
Jul 27, 2010
Barco has successfully completed the development of RFID reader for UHF band. RFID reader with ultra-thin antennas FlexiRay allow to create large-scale RFID systems with a minimum of cabling.
UPM Raflatac introduces new DogBone UHF RFID tag with groundbreaking performance and security features
Apr 18, 2010
UPM Raflatac is introducing an enhanced new DogBone UHF RFID product.
Gerry Weber chooses Nordic ID as their handheld RFID supplier
Mar 19, 2010
The international, chain-wide RFID project stipulated high mobility requirements, which Nordic IDs PL3000 UHF RFID Cross Dipole computers fulfil.
RFID Wizard for EASYLABEL labelling software
Mar 10, 2010
EASYLABEL's RFID Wizard allows you to easily create EPC (Electronic Product Code) and DoD (Department of Defence) smart labels.
Rica Lewis partners with Tagsys RFID to optimise inventory and supply chain operations at major retailers
Jan 25, 2010
Tagsys, provider of item-level RFID infrastructure, has deployed its complete RFID for Fashion solution by Rica Lewis, supplier of jean products.
Global fashion group Gerry Weber chooses Avery Dennison RFID solution
Nov 30, 2009
Gerry Weber will become the first German retail company to roll out RFID technology combining inventory management and loss prevention.
American Apparel Finds the Right Fit with Motorola RFID
Nov 05, 2009
Inventory counts that used to take 6-8 people 6-8 hours to accomplish now take two people 2.5 hours to accomplish - with better accuracy.
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.
