Advances in RFID Technology

What is RFID or Radio Frequency Identification?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a complex technology used chiefly for specialist applications in the logistics, supply chain, security and traceability.

It is a system that uses radio waves to identify objects and transmit the identification wirelessly to users. They are in the form of small electronic devices with a minute RFID chip and an antenna. RFID devices provide a unique identification of objects and must be scanned by a ‘reader’ to retrieve the information identifying the particular object, usually a serial number. The chip on an RFID device is capable of carrying up to 2,000 bytes of data.

RFID Tags vs. Bar Codes

Bar codes and magnetic strips as they appear on credit cards, books and packaged consumer goods were the first generation identification systems. Though they seemed a boon at that time, bar codes have several inherent shortcomings. First, bar codes have to be placed precisely on the scanner to allow it to be read. This is clearly evident in the effort that a store checkout clerk takes to get the bar code of your entire grocery shopping read. Likewise credit cards and ATM cards need to be swiped correctly through special readers. Bar codes are also low on storage capacity and cannot be reprogrammed.

RFID Tags more sophisticated identification systems and need not be placed in a position precisely relative to the scanner. In fact they can be read within a few feet of the RFID reader or scanner, with readability up to 20 feet for high-frequency RFID tags and devices. This means that, if your entire grocery shopping is put into a bag and the bag is set on the scanner, all the RFID tags be read separately and your composite bill generated immediately.

RFID Technology: The Next Big Thing for IT vendors

Today more and more industries are looking at Radio Frequency Identification technology as an alternative identification system for challenging and complex environments. Leading software companies have joined in the research efforts in RFID technology and in the development of unique RFID solutions that have enhanced usability and powerful identification features.

Leading technology companies and software vendors have developed and deployed cutting edge RFID solutions that are being used across many verticals where identification of inventory, raw material, finished products etc is critical to the success of operations.

Some innovative RFID solutions are:

• RFID deployment kits used in remote military stations to track incoming supply of goods
• RFID tags government postal services for efficient tracking and delivery of packages
• Smart chips using RFID technology enhances identification and security at international airports
• Efficient and quick check out, billing and payment at large department stores and libraries with RFID tags on goods
• Authentication systems currently deployed at border crossings, airports and embassies all over the world using advanced RFID solutions
• Advanced credit card systems that allow customers to pay up by simply tapping or waving their credit cards in front of the cash register terminal - Such cards use wireless RFID technology that does not require you to swipe cards in the traditional manner in order to transmit data.

Benefits of RFID Implementation

According to analysts IDTechEx, sales of active RFID systems will grow rapidly, from $2.7bn this year to $6.78bn in 2016. This year 1.3 billion RFID tags will be sold, and next year it will be 2.4 billion. The potential of RFID implementation in business, government and military is enormous and is already visible.

Some of the more significant benefits of RFID implementation are:

• Efficient material handling
• Faster checkout at department stores with one scan of the reader
• Reduce inventory
• Better security and authentication at airports, border crossings
• Reduce out-of-stock situations
• Better customer service
• Improve forecasting and planning for trading and inventory specific companies

Partner with Flatworld for RFID Implementation

Flatworld is a leading software provider with proven skills in developing advanced RFID solutions and middleware (software systems that collect and manage the massive amounts of data generated by RFID systems). Outsource your RFID requirements to Flatworld and achieve RFID integration.

Contact us here to ride the RFID technology wave with our competent and highly skilled team of experts.