RFID Tag Applications and Concepts
RFID is a well-known technology. It is omnipresent in our daily lives, particularly for tracking and access control (tickets, passports, cars, etc). Its inherent advantages (unitary identification and wireless communication) provide decisive practical benefits that drive new developments both in terms of concepts and applications.
Easily read at long distances without line of sight or requiring contact. Functions despite dust or dirt.
Asset Tracking
With RFID asset tracking, a company can monitor the location and activity of their tools, equipment and other physical goods. It can also automate the process of logging these items into a database and delivering precise updates in real-time. This eliminates the need for spreadsheets or other manual tracking methods and enables businesses to save time and resources.
These systems use RFID tags that contain a microchip, which can transmit data via RF signals. The chip has a memory and can be activated in order to broadcast its own signal. When a reader detects its RF signal, the tag will send a new code to the reading device and thereby identify the asset’s location. Active tags can retain more data and have a much longer read range than passive trackers, which is why they’re typically used in higher-value assets.
When it comes to selecting an RFID system, the specifics of each application will determine which components are used and how the technology will be utilized. Component materials, antenna designs, microchip specifications and adhesives can all be optimized based on the specific needs of each use case. For instance, a surface’s material and texture will determine which tag is best for the job, as it may impact an RFID tag’s performance. Johnson Controls, which produces car seats and dashboards for automakers, uses an RFID system to guarantee 99.9 percent production accuracy and reduce assembly times to 46 minutes per golf cart.
Goods Receipt
A Goods Receipt is a business transaction that registers in Openbravo the specifics of items physically received into your warehouse. The goods receipt process enables warehouse teams to quickly receive orders into stock, minimizing unproductive work and speeding up the inventory control process.
To automate the goods receipt process, you can use RFID Tags to track and label items as they arrive in your warehouse. You can print visual data, such as a product code or name, on the labels using an RFID printer, such as the popular ZEBRA RFID model, and save more RFID Tag data in the label chip: the date of receipt, container number, serial numbers on the pallet, and more.
You can also use RFID tags to improve the accuracy of your product counts in stores and warehouses, making it easier for your employees to locate items that need restocking. This reduces time spent looking for products and makes it more effective to serve customers through omnichannel channels.
RFID is particularly useful in a manufacturing setting, where it can help you improve inventory management. For example, RFID tags can be printed on packaging to identify the type of box it should fit into, and they can be used with automated machinery to select and assemble components for assembly into consumer-ready goods. They can also be used to track the location of manufacturing machines, potentially reducing downtime and reducing costs from lost or misplaced equipment.
Service Kit Tracking
For facilities that rely on outside technicians to perform service on equipment, it is easy for tools and testing kits to get misplaced. RFID technology helps facilities track and find these assets.
An RFID tag contains a microchip and antenna to receive and transmit data. The system’s reader is like its brain, sending a signal to the antenna that triggers the chip to activate and send information back to the reader. The reader mifare desfire ev1 then transforms the data into an electronic form that can be used by other systems or a database.
RFID’s long-distance data reading capabilities can help companies automate processes such as inventory tracking and reducing goods reception to just minutes. RFID can also improve security in stores, by identifying the specific product and time of theft to assist with catching shoplifters and putting them behind bars.
When choosing an RFID solution, consider the memory and microchip size of the tags. Some RFID solutions require a tag with a higher on-board memory capacity to hold critical maintenance information or sensor data. Another consideration is the environmental conditions to which the tag will be exposed. There are many options for specialized tags, including those suitable for wet environments and on metal assets, and those that can survive exposure to extreme temperatures or chemical contaminants. These specialized tags can be very cost effective for specific use cases.
Product Traceability
Tracking and gaining visibility into each stage of the supply chain process is challenging, especially when it comes to products that have multiple components. Adding RFID to the mix helps to create a transparent view of the entire product journey from raw materials, through production and storage, to final delivery to a consumer.
The software that runs on RFID systems enables companies to identify the specific location of each product. It also allows for immediate communication of any changes in status from one point to another, eliminating lag and creating a seamless workflow throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
For perishable food, a system that is able to accurately read temperature and keep track of the data can reduce spoiled or wasted products on store shelves. This helps retailers to find the optimal inventory level for each item, reducing costs of storage and warehousing.
Depending on your needs, you can choose from passive or active tags that rely on interrogating radio waves to work or have their own power source. When selecting an RFID tag for your application, consider its environmental considerations such as the sensitivity to metal and water, which can affect the read range. You should also think about mounting method and orientation to help achieve the best read range. The durability and abrasion resistance of the tags is also important for the specific environment where they will be used.