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    Application of RFID in Asset Management

    Introduction

    Within the daily operations of modern enterprises, asset management remains a critical component. Corporate assets encompass office equipment, production machinery, IT hardware, tools and instruments, vehicles, and even office furniture. Given the sheer volume and diverse nature of these assets, manual inventory checks and traditional barcode management prove not only inefficient but also prone to error. With advancements in information technology, the application of RFID in asset management has increasingly become the prevailing trend. Leveraging its capabilities for automatic identification, rapid reading, long-range transmission, and batch recognition, RFID technology delivers intelligent, refined solutions for asset management.

    I. Advantages of RFID in Asset Management

    Rapid Identification and Efficient Inventory
    Compared to barcode technology, RFID eliminates the need for individual label scanning. Instead, readers can batch-read information from multiple asset tags simultaneously. This significantly boosts inventory efficiency, reducing the process from hours or even days to mere minutes.

    Real-Time Monitoring and Tracking
    Assets exhibit high mobility—such as corporate computers, laboratory equipment, or vehicles frequently relocating between usage sites. Through RFID asset management, administrators gain real-time visibility into asset locations, preventing loss or idleness.

    Prevention of Asset Loss and Errors
    RFID tags possess unique encoding, assigning each asset a distinct identity. This effectively mitigates human error and duplicate registration, reducing asset loss and inflated reporting.

    Durability and Data Storage Capacity
    RFID tags typically offer greater resistance to wear, dirt, and water than barcodes, making them suitable for long-term use. Additionally, certain tags can store extensive data—such as asset procurement dates, user details, and maintenance records—providing robust data support for comprehensive lifecycle management.

    II. RFID Applications Across Asset Categories

    Office Asset Management
    Office equipment such as laptops, projectors, and printers is frequently borrowed and reassigned within organisations. By binding asset information to RFID tags, automatic identification occurs during employee borrowing, while swift verification upon return enhances borrowing/return efficiency and prevents asset loss.

    Fixed Asset Management
    For large machinery and critical production line equipment, RFID not only provides unique identification but also integrates with sensors to track usage patterns. This facilitates the implementation of maintenance and servicing schedules.

    IT Asset Management
    In data centres or R&D facilities, IT assets like servers, switches, and storage devices are both high-value and numerous. An RFID asset management system enables effortless inventory checks in server rooms, rapid location of specific equipment, and minimisation of human error.

    Tool and Instrument Management
    In laboratories and construction sites, tools and instruments are frequently shared among multiple staff. RFID technology automatically logs borrowing and return transactions, preventing ‘lost tools’ or discrepancies between recorded and actual inventory.

    Vehicle and Transport Asset Management
    Within logistics operations or large campuses, vehicles constitute critical assets. RFID enables access control, route tracking, and usage statistics, enhancing vehicle utilisation and dispatch efficiency.

    III. The Value of RFID Asset Management Systems

    Simply possessing RFID tags and readers is insufficient for intelligent asset management. The key lies in establishing a comprehensive RFID asset management system. This system integrates RFID-captured data with enterprise ERP, warehouse management, and financial systems, enabling information sharing and unified oversight.

    Automated Asset Inventory
    Through system-linked RFID readers, inventory staff need only scan areas with handheld devices to complete asset counts, with the system automatically generating inventory reports.

    Full Lifecycle Management
    From procurement and warehousing to issuance, maintenance, transfer, and disposal, every asset stage is recorded within the system, enabling true end-to-end lifecycle visibility from inception to retirement.

    Permission Control and Audit Trail
    The system supports tiered permission controls, enabling management to query asset status at any time. Operational records are traceable, ensuring data authenticity and reliability.

    Integration with Other Systems
    The RFID asset management system interfaces with financial systems to automatically generate depreciation reports. Integration with warehouse management systems enables unified asset and inventory management, reducing duplicate investments.

    IV. Application Cases of RFID in Asset Management

    Financial Institutions
    Banking assets encompass computers, currency counters, surveillance equipment, and more. RFID technology enables rapid nationwide inventory of branch equipment, reducing manual effort and enhancing transparency.

    Manufacturing Enterprises
    Manufacturing involves extensive machinery and tools. RFID application allows enterprises to swiftly monitor equipment usage, minimise downtime, and optimise production processes through data analysis.

    Higher Education and Research Institutions
    University laboratories and libraries possess complex assets. RFID not only manages experimental equipment but also integrates with borrowing systems for efficient book and laboratory apparatus management.

    Healthcare Institutions
    Hospital assets encompass medical devices, diagnostic instruments, beds, and wheelchairs. RFID enables real-time asset location tracking, ensuring timely equipment allocation and optimal utilisation.

    V. Future Development Trends

    With advancements in the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, RFID’s role in asset management will further expand. Future trends include:

    Cloud-based Data Management: Real-time uploading of asset data to the cloud enables remote management and large-scale collaboration.

    Integration with Sensor Technology: Embedding sensors for temperature, humidity, and other parameters within RFID tags facilitates real-time environmental monitoring of assets.

    Intelligent Analysis and Prediction: Combining RFID data with big data analytics enables enterprises to forecast asset lifespans, facilitating proactive maintenance or replacement decisions.

    Blockchain Integration: Recording asset data on blockchain ensures tamper-proof integrity, enhancing transparency and credibility.

    Conclusion

    The application of RFID in asset management is evolving from simple identification towards intelligent, systematic, and data-driven solutions. It not only resolves the inefficiencies and inaccuracies inherent in traditional manual management but also achieves deep integration with enterprise business systems through RFID asset management systems, rendering asset management transparent, efficient, and secure. Looking ahead, as technology continues to advance, RFID will become a key driver in the digital transformation of enterprise asset management.
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    RFID Warehouse Management: Eliminating Inventory Chaos and Elevating Efficiency to New Height

    In business operations, warehouses serve as the pivotal link between production and sales. The efficiency and accuracy of warehouse management directly determine the smoothness of the supply chain. However, traditional manual inventory counting and barcode scanning methods are inefficient and prone to errors, failing to meet modern enterprises’ demands for real-time data and refined management.

    With the rapid advancement of smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things, RFID warehouse management is emerging as the preferred solution for digital transformation among an increasing number of enterprises.

    I. Pain Points of Traditional Warehousing: Information Gaps, Manual Complexity, and Low Efficiency

    Before the adoption of RFID technology, warehouse management typically relied on manual operations:

    – Individual scanning or manual entry during goods receipt;

    – Manual item-by-item searches and verification during inventory counts;

    Outbound processes were prone to missed scans, incorrect shipments, and delays.

    These procedures not only wasted time but also risked creating discrepancies between recorded information and actual inventory. This “information silo” management model became a significant efficiency bottleneck, particularly in large warehouses or industries like apparel, manufacturing, and logistics.

    II. Core Advantages of RFID Warehouse Management

    By attaching RFID tags to items, pallets, or shelves and utilizing RFID readers/writers (such as fixed readers or handheld RFID devices), enterprises can achieve automated tracking and real-time monitoring throughout the entire warehouse process.

    1. Rapid Identification for Enhanced Operational Efficiency

    RFID technology enables batch reading, eliminating the need for individual tag scanning. Staff can automatically identify hundreds of tags by simply walking through the warehouse with an RFID handheld device, completing inventory tasks in minutes that previously took hours.

    2. Real-Time Inventory Visibility for Precise Material Control

    Each item possesses a unique RFID electronic identity. The system displays its quantity, location, and status in real time, enabling automatic inventory updates and making “inventory visibility” a reality.

    3. Automated Inbound/Outbound Management, Reduced Manual Intervention

    RFID gates automatically identify and record items as they pass through, eliminating manual intervention. This effectively prevents missed entries and misdeliveries, improving inbound/outbound accuracy.

    4. Error prevention and leak detection, enhancing data accuracy

    The system automatically generates inbound, outbound, and inventory reports, eliminating manual entry errors and enabling one-click data tracking and statistics.

    5. Seamless integration with enterprise systems, unifying information flow

    The RFID warehouse management system interfaces with ERP, WMS, and MES systems, achieving real-time information synchronization across procurement, production, and sales. This empowers enterprises to truly make “data-driven decisions.”

    III. Typical Application Scenarios

    1. Manufacturing Warehouses

    When production lines require raw materials, the RFID warehouse management system rapidly locates needed items, enabling precise material feeding and automatic replenishment alerts to prevent line stoppages caused by inaccurate inventory.

    2. E-commerce and Retail Warehouses

    RFID enables efficient sorting, rapid order fulfillment, and real-time inventory monitoring, ensuring accurate and high-efficiency shipping even during major sales events.

    3. Apparel Industry Warehouses

    RFID tags on each garment enable rapid inventory counts of tens of thousands of items via handheld devices. Integrated with smart access gates, they synchronize theft prevention with inbound/outbound tracking, enhancing store-warehouse coordination efficiency.

    4. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

    RFID warehouse management allows logistics companies to track cargo status in real time, reducing transfer errors and boosting customer satisfaction.

    IV. Data Empowerment: From Warehouse Management to Supply Chain Optimization

    RFID warehouse management transcends operational efficiency by unlocking data-driven value. Through systematic data analysis, managers can:

    – Forecast inventory trends;

    – Optimize replenishment cycles;

    – Identify slow-moving stock;

    – Refine shelf layout and workforce scheduling.

    This visualized, real-time data enables enterprises to shift from “reactive management” to “proactive decision-making,” making supply chains smarter and more efficient.

    V. Economic Value of RFID Warehouse Management

    – Labor Cost Savings: Reduce manual inventory time by over 70%;

    – Lower Inventory Error Rate: Accuracy improves from 90% to 99.9%;

    – Enhanced Inbound/Outbound Efficiency: Shipment speed increases 2-3 times;

    Improved warehouse utilization: Precise goods location enables more rational space allocation.

    In today’s fiercely competitive market environment, the return on investment (ROI) of RFID warehouse management has become a key metric for enterprise digital transformation.

    VI. Future Trends: The Core Engine of Smart Warehousing

    Future warehouses will transcend mere “goods storage” to become intelligent systems capable of sensing, analyzing, and decision-making. As a foundational technology for smart warehousing, RFID will deeply integrate with the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud platforms to build a fully visualized management system across the entire supply chain.

    At that point, warehouse managers will be able to track the location and status of every item with a simple click on a screen, achieving “unmanned management” from warehousing to logistics.

    VII. Conclusion

    RFID warehouse management represents a crucial step for enterprises toward intelligence and digitalization. It enables businesses to stand out in the information-driven competition, making management more precise, operations more efficient, and decision-making more scientific.

    In modern supply chains, those who achieve data transparency first can respond faster to market demands, reduce costs, and win customers.

    RFID warehouse management is the core driving force behind this transformation.
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    What Are We Benefits from RFID in Logistics?

    The benefits of RFID in intralogistics – some simple examples of the use cases.

    I’m often asked, what is RFID,how does it work and what is the benefit of RFID?

    Basically RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a simplething. The applications, however are almost unlimited. Thereforethe easiest way to describe the benefit of RFID is to concentrateon the specific use case. In this case, the field of logistics. Andto be more focused I’m concentrating on the area ofintralogistics.

    RFID supports the delivery and collection of information relatedto an object. An object could be e.g. a product, a package or apallet. But also a fork lift, a truck, an order picking trolley oreven a person.

    In intralogistics RFID is mainly about:

    > Identification: What kind of an object it is and is this objectknown or not? And what variant of an object is in question.
    > Inventory: What do we have in stock?
    > Locating: Where is the object at the moment?
    > Tracking: To where is the object moving to at the moment orwhere was it moveing in the past?
    Condition of the object: What environmental influences affectedthe object (e.g. temperature, pressure)
    RFID gives us the opportunity to get above information from adistance without having visual contact to the object and store itin a centralized database to support Industry 4.0. What is thebenefit of that?

    For a better understanding below there are some examples:

    The possibility to get the information which products do I haveon the pallet or which products I’m currently packing to thepallet, speeds up the process of goods-in/goods-out and reducessources of errors – even if the products are in cartons and inouter packings. I’m also able to get information about the productvariant and the condition up to the level of a serial numberwithout needing to touch the products.
    It’s easy to locate a product, a package or object and also toget information about the location very quickly.

    The movement of products or objects is documentedelectronically so it’s easy to monitor to which way the productsand objects are moving. For instance I’m able to prevent that thegoods will not be dropped off at a wrong storage area.

    I’ll get the information about the environmental influencesthat affected my products.

    I can make sure that all the right products are packed for thedelivery.

    The accurate stock inventory is easily done.

    Easy and fast identification at the gates of subarea. Forinstance a truck is clearly identified with RFID and the accesswill be either permitted or denied. And there is no need to stepout of the truck or to show a keycard in front of a terminal. RFIDis more secure than a visual license plate recognition.
    These are only some examples and the list can be endless.

    RFID is using a radio technology. Basically every object isequipped with a transponder or tag. A transponder or tag is a smallcomputer chip connected to an antenna. This transponder containsthe information of an object and transmit this information to anRFID reader on demand.

    As with any kind of technology there are some technicalrestrictions involved. Therefore the implementation of RFID isalways a project, where you have to analyse your processes and toevaluate the technical possibilities.By rooney
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    The application of RFID anti-metal tags in manufacturing

    Management Challenges Facing the Manufacturing Industry

    The manufacturing industry is a highly equipment-intensive, automated, and process-intensive sector. Faced with a large number of metal equipment and components, companies commonly encounter the following challenges:

    Difficulty in tracking equipment assets

    Disorganised tool management, prone to loss

    Invisible production processes, unable to be monitored in real time

    Traditional barcodes or standard RFID tags cannot reliably read signals on metal surfaces, making it difficult to address these issues. The emergence of RFID long-range anti-metal tags has provided the manufacturing industry with an efficient, stable, and scalable solution.

    Introduction to RFID Long-Range Anti-Metal Tags

    RFID long-range anti-metal tags are electronic tags specifically designed for metal environments. By using magnetic absorption materials, foam, ceramics, PCBs, and other structures, they can shield metal interference with radio frequency signals, maintain stable operation on metal surfaces or in internal environments, and achieve long-range reading distances of 3 to 10 metres.

    Key features include:

    Strong anti-interference capability: suitable for metal components, metal surfaces, and even when enclosed within metal

    Long reading distance: up to 5–10 metres in standard scenarios

    Long lifespan and robust packaging: meets the demands of harsh manufacturing environments

    Compatible with standard protocols: supports industrial standards such as EPC C1G2 and ISO 18000-6C

    Application 1: Production Equipment Asset Management

    In manufacturing enterprises, a large number of metal-based production equipment, robots, and conveyor systems are distributed across different production lines, making management complex.

    By affixing RFID long-range anti-metal tags to each piece of equipment, the following can be achieved:

    Equipment identification and archival management

    Regular maintenance reminders and automatic data collection

    Remote inventory and status synchronisation

    Application 2: Metal tool and mould tracking

    In industries such as mould manufacturing and stamping processing, moulds and tools are high-value, numerous, and have high turnover rates.

    Traditional manual record-keeping is prone to errors, but by affixing RFID long-range anti-metal tags to each mould and linking them with on-site reading/writing devices, the following can be achieved:

    Automatic registration of moulds entering and exiting the warehouse

    Real-time location tracking and status updates

    Prevention of tool loss or misuse, extending equipment lifespan

    Many precision manufacturing companies also integrate with MES systems to achieve full-process digital management of the mould lifecycle.

    Application 3: Work-in-Progress (WIP) Process Monitoring

    In manufacturing processes, each semi-finished product or component moves between production stages. Traditional methods struggle to accurately track the status of each product.

    By attaching RFID long-range anti-metal tags to metal components and using automatic read/write devices at workstations, the following can be achieved:

    Real-time understanding of the current process stage and completion status of each product

    Automatic collection of workstation production data

    Prevention of production process omissions or incorrect assembly

    This is of significant importance for manufacturing companies pursuing lean production.

    Deployment Recommendations for RFID Anti-Metal Tags

    Selection and matching: Choose appropriate tag sizes and packaging forms (e.g., ceramic, PCB, flexible) based on equipment size, material, and usage environment

    Installation location planning: Avoid solder joints and sharp edges to ensure the tag is flat and securely attached

    Optimal placement of read/write devices: Set antenna placement based on reading distance to ensure 100% recognition rate

    System integration: Integrate with MES, ERP, and other systems to streamline data flow

    Future Development Trends

    As the manufacturing industry’s demand for industrial IoT continues to grow, RFID long-range anti-metal tags will continue to be optimised in the following areas:

    Smaller size to accommodate more structurally complex metal objects

    High-temperature resistance to withstand extreme conditions such as welding and casting

    Enhanced data security to enable tamper-proof and anti-counterfeiting tracking

    Integration with 5G, edge computing, and AI to enhance industrial intelligence levels

    Conclusion

    RFID long-range anti-metal tags are becoming an essential tool for manufacturing enterprises to achieve intelligent and digital asset management. They resolve metal interference issues, break down information silos between equipment, tools, materials, and processes, and significantly improve operational efficiency.

    For enterprises seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve smart manufacturing, RFID long-range anti-metal tags are not merely identification tools but the beginning of transformation.
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    How to Improve the RFID UHF Labels Multi Read Rate?

    Multi Read Rate is key important to RFID UHF Labels. In the actual RFID application, we often require to read a large number of UHF labels at the same time. Such as goods quantity inventory in the warehouse. Books number inventory in the library scene, and also include dozens or even hundreds on conveyor belts or pallets. Not to mention cargo labels Reading. In reading most goods cases, we call the successfully read probability “the reading rate”.

    In the hope that the reading distance is longer and the radio wave scanning range is wider. We generally use UHF RFID. Therefore, in logistics and supply chain field, technicians chose UHF RFID technology worldwide. Hence, the author will further elaborate on UHF RFID reading rate issue.
    What are the factors that affect the UHF RFID read rate?
     

    In addition to the reading distance and scanning direction, still many other factors affect the reading rate. For example, firstly, the goods movement speed at the entrance and exit. Secondly, the communication speed between the label and the reader. Thirdly, past goods and outer packaging material. Fourthly, the goods place way. Fifthly, the environment temperature and humidity. Sixthly, the ceiling height. Seventhly, the reader and read influence between the devices and so on.

    I believe that after reading the above description, you must realize that in the actual application of RFID. External environment is actually very easy to affect the reading rate. And these different environmental factors intertwines with each other. Which together constitute the key needs overcome difficulty in RFID projects implementation.
     

    How to improve the RFID multi-tags read rate?

    If you want to increase the reading rate of multiple tags, you have to start from the reading principle.

    In multi-tag reading, the reader first queries, and the tags respond to the reader’s query successively. If multiple tags respond at the same time during the reading process, the reader will query again. And the reader will mark the queried tag to make it “sleep”. That is, to prevent reader to read it again. In this way, the reader and the tag carried out high-speed data exchange processing. We always call this process as congestion control and anti-collision.
     

    If you want to increase the reading rate of multiple tags. You can expand the reading range and extend the reading time. And you can also increase the number of information exchanges between the tag and the reader. In addition, the high-speed communication method between the reader and the tag can also increase the reading rate.

    However, in reality, the situation is too complicated. For example, sometimes the cats may load metal goods, which may cause the tags unreadable at some angles. Therefore, the antenna direction and the goods placement are very important factors. In that case, technicians need to make reasonable design. So that to make the reader read the tag from all angles as much as possible.
    Last but not least, a batch of high-quality labels are key factors in reducing the missed reading rate. When choosing labels and card machines, you must choose certified products and experienced hardware suppliers.
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    Points to Consider When Selecting RFID Tags

    The type of surface of the items being identified. Will the tags be applied to metal, paper, plastic, wood, etc.?
    What range will be needed? Some applications require a long read range, and in some applications it is necessary to have a very short range. We need to determine what read range you desire?
    Size of the tag. In some cases the RFID tags cannot exceed a certain size. The size of the RFID tags is not really the issue. The tags are usually minute, but the aerial is usually much larger than the chip.
    How will the tags be attached? We have to ensure that the tags do not come off under normal handling conditions. In many cases we need to ensure that the tags cannot be tampered with or removed.
    Working environment. There are some environments that may affect the operation of normal RFID identification tags. Environmental conditions to consider are – excessive moisture, heat and cold. There are also conditions that can damage the chips like impact and excessive movement and vibration.By rooney
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    Why do you need RFID? How does it affect your business?

    The many benefits of RFID technology make it possible to build a solid business case for its use in different industries and for different applications.

    RFID is used across construction, engineering, the chemical industries,  manufacturing, retail, logistics, and the public sector as well as many others. However, the value of the various benefits of RFID is often different in different sectors.

    Here are some of the benefits of RFID:
    Lower Cost & Higher Productivity

    RFID applications can automate the collection of information about the movement and location of assets, components, stock or other items; doing this more quickly, whilst reducing costs and with greater accuracy and reliability than is possible with manual methods and with more detail than can be obtained from techniques such as bar-coding. Data collection can be a by-product of other activities, eliminating the need for effort in form filling. Identifying products using RFID is quicker than barcode scanning or manual entry of product details.

    Improved Quality for Data Capture

    Using an RFID approach means data can be captured rapidly and accurately. Electronic data collection with RFID avoids data transcription errors and avoids “missed items” when used to collect data on large numbers of items at once.

    Reduced Capital Costs

    RFID technologies help to lower costs by providing better control of stocks or assets. They can help keep track of business assets such as test equipment, transport packing, computing technology and other portable devices.

    Better Security

    Access control systems using RFID contribute to improved security of business premises. RFID tagging of stock and assets makes it easier to track inventory “shrinkage” and tags can be used to fight against product counterfeiting.

    Increased Revenues

    By reducing stock-outs, by avoiding the credibility gap between notional stock available for orders and actual stock present in the warehouse, and by offering improved information on product movements to customers, organisations using RFID can provide a service that creates competitive differentiation and promotes increased customer satisfaction with the opportunities for higher sales and better margins.

    Shorter Processes

    Because RFID technologies can be integrated with other manufacturing or supply chain technologies (automated pallet handling, stock picking systems, etc) the time from order to despatch and delivery can be reduced.

    Improved Regulatory Compliance

    Using RFID to control when devices have been inspected or to restrict their movement can form part of a strategy to address health and safety issues or to satisfy insurers or regulatory bodies that processes are being followed.

    More Acurate, Relevant, Current Management Info

    Because RFID allows data to be captured in real-time as stock or assets are moved detailed, up-to-date, management information is available for planning and operational management purposes.By rooney
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    Why QR-code are more widely used than RFID in Express logistics?

    1. Cost issues. The cost of RFID electronic tags is much higher than that of two-dimensional codes. The cost of a two-dimensional code is basically a piece of label paper, and RFID is a chip.

    Specifically, the logistics field needs to be subdivided. After subdividing, the RFID tags are placed in the corresponding environment and scenarios to see whether the problem is the best, the most cost-effective, and the most efficient (these must be based on specific scenarios. Let’s talk), this may find other reasons that hinder widespread use.

    2. Although RFID technology is relatively mature, there are still high technical thresholds for landing in specific application scenarios.

    From the perspective of RFID tags and their readers, there are still certain technical limitations in various scenarios. Of course, the technology is continuously improving and progressing. For example, ETC should be widely used now, and it is becoming more and more convenient. This is a good example of RFID tag application based on the 915M frequency band, but when it is first applied, it will often see high-speed in rain The ETC truck didn’t respond in the past, and sometimes it can’t be turned on after going back and forth several times. Is it better now?

    3. The wide application of electronic tags in the express logistics field does not only depend on the RFID electronic tags themselves, but also requires a combination of readers, antennas, middleware, etc. To successfully land, a complete set of RFID solutions and RFID technology integration capabilities are required. But there are only a handful of providers in the market that can meet this requirement.

    There are many other reasons. For example, RFID tags have the characteristics of batch reading, but their batch reading hit rate is not acceptable in many scenarios. But this year, like other chip technologies, the development of RFID technology conforms to Moore’s Law. With the reduction of tag costs and the geometric multiple of chip performance, the application of RFID in storage is increasing exponentially.By rooney
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    RFID Technology: The Future for Retail

    It has a multitude of applications that bring many benefits to businesses and their customers.

    In this post, we’re going to focus on how RFID is playing an important role in modernising the retail sector. We’ll explain what it is, how it works and how RFID can benefit those in the retail industry.

    What is RFID?

    In some ways, RFID can be seen as similar to a bar code system. However, instead of using an optical scanner to read the bars, it uses radio waves to read data from small chips, known as tags. This more advanced technology enables it to have far more applications and offer many more benefits than a bar code system is capable of.

    How does RFID work?

    RFID works by sending radio signals between a reader and a tag. The reader transmits a radio signal and when a tag comes within range, it receives the signal and sends feedback that enables the reader to identify it and receive other data that it contains. As each tag has its own unique code, readers can track and communicate with multiple tags at the same time.

    Readers come in a variety of forms including hand-held scanners, access control door scanners and even mobile phones. Tags are small chips that can be embedded into objects such as smart cards, key fobs and sticky labels. They come in two versions: a passive tag which is powered by the radio waves sent by a reader and active tags, which have their own battery and can, therefore, operate over a longer distance.

    The data collected from tags can be passed via cable or wireless (including Bluetooth) to computer systems where it can be processed, actioned and stored.

    The benefits of RFID in retail

    Here are some of the main advantages that RFID technology brings to the retail sector.

    Asset Tracking

    Asset tracking is one of the major ways that businesses use RFID. It can be used to prevent theft and track assets that are frequently moved and often misplaced. In retail stores that use trolleys, for example, it can be used to track when they leave and enter the store. This not only helps with finding out where trolleys have been left but can also help with their management. RFID can tell if too few trolleys are available for customers so that someone can go and collect them from the car park.

    Supply Chain Management

    RFID supply chain applications can use item-level tagging to help improve product visibility. These applications can let retailers know exactly where goods are in individual pallets and containers, giving increased control over the supply chain process.

    Retailers can also use readers installed at the entrance and exit of their warehouse to read tags on shipped items and delivery vehicles. This can help make many warehousing processes much quicker and easier to undertake.

    Stock Management

    RFID enables retailers to have real-time stock information at their fingertips. It can do this through automated scanning of items in the warehouse and logging those which pass through checkout. Not only does this enable retailers to have better control of stock and offer improved customer service, it also reduces labour costs as there is no need for employees to physically check items.

    Interactive Advertising

    Retailers can use RFID for both external and in-store advertising. Tags can be placed on external advertising or in-store POS materials which interested persons can access by swiping their mobile phones above them. This can send the person information about the product they have seen advertised or open up a web page on their browser. It can be used to send detailed product specs, stock availability info, or give them a discount voucher to use in store.

    Cashless Payments

    By utilising payment wallets on mobile phones, retailers can use RFID to shorten queues and speed up the checkout process. At the same time, you can eradicate losses which arise because of handling cash and dispense with tallying up cash payments.

    Automated Checkouts

    One of the most exciting applications of RFID is the automated checkout process. By tagging products with NFC stickers, customers can log their purchase by swiping the item using an app on their mobile phone. Instead of needing to pay at the checkout, they can pay automatically on their phone via their payment wallet (e.g. Google Wallet or Apple Pay).

    Another alternative is to use tunnel readers. Using this method, when the shopper gets to the checkout, all the items in the basket are scanned instantly when the basket passes through the checkout tunnel. To pay, they simply need to swipe their card or mobile phone on the checkout reader.

    What’s more, customers who are part of a loyalty programme can still pick up points as they purchase and redeem vouchers or discount codes.

    Security

    RFID can be used for two security purposes: access control and protection against theft. For access control, RFID devices such as smart cards, fobs and wristbands can be used as electronic keys. As each individual can be given access to different areas, it means that you can control not only who can enter but also where different employees may and may not go. In cases of emergency, these tags can also be used to locate members of staff who are in the building so that emergency services know where to find them.

    With regards to theft, both stock and company equipment can be tagged. This means that if anyone takes an item out of the building without permission or which is not paid for, scanners on the exits can set off an alarm.

    Wrapping up

    RFID systems have a lot to offer retailers. They can identify every product in-store with a unique identifying number; they reduce the need for human resources and eradicate human error by automating processes; they enable simultaneous product scanning; offer real-time stock information; provide new ways of advertising; and increase security for staff, equipment and stock.

    In addition, RFID works with modern technologies, such as smartphones, apps and computer systems; it’s inexpensive to implement; and new ways of using it are being introduced all the time. With all these benefits, it’s understandable why this technology is being widely adopted across the retail sectorBy rooney
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    What is RFID tagging?

    RFID tagging is an ID system that uses small radio frequency identification devices for identification and tracking purposes. An RFID tagging system includes the tag itself, a read/write device, and a host system application for data collection, processing, and transmission. An RFID tag (sometimes called an RFID transponder ) consists of a chip , some memory and an antenna .

    RFID tags that contain their own power source are known as active tags. Those without a power source are known as passive tags. A passive tag is briefly activated by the radio frequency ( RF ) scan of the reader. The electrical current is small — generally just enough for transmission of an ID number. Active tags have more memory and can be read at greater ranges.

    Increasingly, RFID tagging is used in supply chain management as an alternative to bar code technology. Although more expensive to use than the bar code stickers, RFID tags don’t get dirty or fall off or require an unobstructed line-of-sight between the tag and the reader.

    There are almost endless possible uses for RFID tagging. Injectable ID chips have been used to track wildlife and livestock for over a decade. By rooney
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    Why Use RFID Tag ?

    RFID technology has the capability to both greatly enhance and protect the lives of consumers, and also revolutionize the way companies do business. As the most flexible auto-identification technology, RFID Tag can be used to track and monitor the physical world automatically and with accuracy.

    RFID can tell you what an object is, where it is, and even its condition, which is why it is integral to the development of the Internet of Things—a globally interconnected web of objects allowing the physical world itself to become an information system, automatically sensing what is happening, sharing related data, and responding.

    RFID use is increasing rapidly with the capability to “tag” any item with an inexpensive communications chip and then read that tag with a reader. Endless applications range from supply chain management to asset tracking to authentication of frequently counterfeited pharmaceuticals. Applications are limited, in fact, only by the imagination of the user.By rooney
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    What is the Difference Between Active and Passive Technology?

    The main difference between RFID active technology and RFID passive technology is the presence of a battery inside active transponders. This battery allows to increase the transmission power and consequently also the reading distance. Instead, passive technology, in order to propagate the electromagnetic field uses a condenser that, once load, generates the electromagnetic field which moves the information present in the chip.

    Passive RFID systems use tags with no internal power source and instead are powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader. Passive RFID tags are used for applications such as access control, file tracking, race timing, supply chain management,smart labels, and more. The lower price point per tag makes employing passive RFID systems economical for many industries.

    Active RFID systems use battery-powered RFID tags that continuously broadcast their own signal. Active RFID tags are commonly used as “beacons” to accurately track the real-time location of assets or in high-speed environments such as tolling. Active tags provide a much longer read range than passive tags, but they are also much more expensive.By rooney
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