RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) @ RAVENPOS

WHAT IS RFID?

RFID also known as Radio Frequency Identification refers to a fast developing technology whereby a form of wireless communication uses radio waves to transfer data, identify and find objects.

HOW DOES RFID WORK?

It uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data. The transponder is in the RFID tag itself.

RIFD CAN BE SEGREGATED INTO THREE DIFFERENT TYPES :

LOW-FREQUENCY RFID (LF)

- Low-Frequency RFID (LF) cover frequencies from 30 KHz (Kilohertz) to 300 KHz.
- LF RFID Systems operates around 125 KHz.
- They are suitable for short reading distance.
- They are ideal for access control, identification of animals, stock management.

HIGH-FREQUENCY RFID (HF)

- High-Frequency RFID (HF) range from 3 MHz (Megahertz) to 30 MHz.
- HF RFID Systems operates around 13.56 MHz with read ranges between 10 cm and 1 m.
- They are suitable for comparatively longer reading distance, mostly used for access control, electronic bank cards, ticketing, payment, and data transfer applications.
- Due to their long reading distance hence they are more costly.

ULTRA-FREQUENCY FRID (UHF)

- Ultra-Frequency RFID (UHF) range from 300 MHz to 3 GHz (Gigahertz).
- UHF RFID operates in 2 frequency ranges, 433 MHz and 860–960 MHz.
- UHF is the fastest growing market segment of RFID technology, uses in industry such as oil and gas.

UHF CONSISTS OF ACTIVE TAG AS WELL AS PASSIVE TAG.

ACTIVE TAG :
- Active RFID systems tags transmit their own signal and have their own power (typically a battery).
- Active RFID are mainly use in construction, public works and security as well as in home
automation applications.
- 433 MHz frequency is used for active tags, offer a reading range of more than 100 meters.

PASTIVE TAG :
- Passive tags have no battery. Instead, they draw power from electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader
- 860–960 MHz range is used mostly for passive tags and some semi-passive tags.
- They do not require a direct line of sight to a reader but do have a much shorter read range, and are smaller in size and lightweight.
- They are mainly uses in Logistics, Pharmaceutical and healthcare, Industrial and manufacturing industry.

WHAT IS A BARCODE?

Barcode is a machine-readable form of data, consisting of parallel black lines (bars) and white spaces, both of varying widths, used to identify object.

HOW DOES A BARCODE WORKS?

The combination of the black lines and white spaces encodes certain information about a product.
This information can then be translated into a human readable format that appears on a computer.

TYPES OF BARCODES

1-DIMENSIONAL (1D) BARCODES

1D barcodes also called linear barcodes, are a series of black and white bars that can store information like a product’s type, size and color.

2-DIMENSIONAL (2D) BARCODES

2D barcodes can include more information than just text, like price, inventory levels and even a product image.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RFID AND BARCODE?

Although similar to a barcode but RFID tag does not have to be scanned directly and do not require any line of sight to a reader.

SUMMARY

RFID systems are much more efficient for scanning a large number of items but can be more costly.
It is more resistant or durable than a barcode.
Multiple read is allowed in RFID, whereas only a single barcode can be read once at a time. Hence RFID processed faster than a barcode.

REGULAR SUPPORT HOURS

We strives to respond to phone and email requests within one business day from customers and render assistance in the soonest time possible.
Monday to Friday : 9am to 6pm SGT
Sales Enquiry : (+65) 6100 2628
Support & General Enquiry : (+65) 6900 5566
Email : support@RavenPOS.com
Address : 57, Ubi Avenue 1, #04-13, Singapore 408936 - ( Ubi Centre )

RFID TAGS IN SINGAPORE @ RAVENPOS

WHAT IS RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)?

RFID which stands for Radio-frequency identification, is a technology that uses radio waves to store and transmit data from a distance,  to a compatible reader



WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RFID?

The purpose of RFID is to identify and track tags attached to the object.
RFID serve the same purpose as the barcode, both provide a unique code for that object,  which must be scanned to retrieve the information.



BENEFITS OF RFID

• RFID tags provide more information as RFID scanning can be done at a greater distance compare to barcode scanning
• The range to read RFID tags are much further than barcodes and can be read at a higher speed. Barcode can only be read at approximately no more than fifiteen feet whereas for passive rfid tags can be read up to 300 feet away. 
• There is no limits on the data capacity of an RFID tag, unlike a barcode
• RFID tags contains read and/or write option, they are able to read multiple tags at once unlike bar code scanners
• RFID help improve efficiency and enable accuracy, thus reduce errors
• RFID help to reduce man-power cost as well as employees' time. At retail, check-out process are faster with the use of RFID
• RFID tags provide higher levels of security than barcodes
• RFID does not require Line-of-Sight, they can read tags that are not visible, unlike barcodes which must be physically located and viewable to read
• By using RFID tags, retailers can prevent theft in their stores. For example, in the library system, if a book was stolen, the hidden RFID tag will trigger the sensors and the alarm will ring to alert librarians.
• Information can be tracked from the warehouse to the final point of sale
• RFID technology prevents retailers from overstocking or under stocking various goods
• Retailers can anticipate when supply needs to be replenished
• Lifespan of RFID tags can be up to at least 10 years.

DRAWBACKS OF RFID

• RFID costs are higher than barcodes
• RFID tags are usually larger than barcode labels
• Possibility of unauthorized reading and change of data on tags without acknowledge of the owner.
• Difficult to keep information secure from third-parties
• Metal and liquid items do not read easily
• More than one Tag can respond at the same time. Reader collision may occur if signals from two readers interfere with each other and are unable to pick up signals from multiple tags at the same time

TYPES OF RFID TAGS

 There are three types of RFID Tags that are being used today, active, semi-passive, and passive ID-tags.

 ACTIVE RFID TAGS
Active RFID devices have their own transmitter and power source i.e. battery, which run the microchips to broadcast radio waves to a reader
They do not need to depend on the reader signal to generate a response, thus they are able to read at much greater distances


SEMI-PASSIVE TAGS
Semi-passive tags is similar to an active tag. Both has its power source.
Active RFID use its battery to broadcast radio waves to a reader, whereas a semi-passive tags relies on the reader to supply its power for broadcasting.


Passive RFID TAGS
Passive RFID devices do not have their own power supply, i.e. battery.
Passive RFID tags rely entirely on the reader as their power source
They consists only of a microchip and an antenna.
Passive RFID systems are less expensive, but they have lower memory capacities and shorter reading range compare to an active RFID. The reading speed of a passive RFID is much slower.



COMPARISIONS BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF RFID TAGS

	Active	Semi-passive	Passive
Reading   Range	Longer	Medium	Shorter
Power Source	Internal Battery	Battery, relies on reader	No Battery, relies on reader
Cost	Higher	Medium	Lower
Lifespan	Longer	Longer	Shorter

SUMMARY

The popularity of RFID Technology is rising and are widely used in inventory control, as well as credit cards and passports
Will barcodes slowly be replaced with RFID technology? Or will another technology replacing RFID one day? Share your view.
For additional information, visit our website at http://ravenpos.com/product_rfid.php

PROS & CONS OF MOBILE POS

WHAT IS A MOBILE POS?
Mobile POS is a tablet-based point of sale system (POS). As more businesses are moving their infrastructures to mobile technology, many can now look at a point-of-sale system that work on mobile touch-screen device. Mobile POS systems usually include an iPad with a card reader, a cash drawer, and a receipt printer. Staffs are able to take orders from customers remotely and automatically transfer the orders to the kitchen display station. This save the time and hassle for the staff and hence improve productivity and drive profits to the company.
However, before making the switch, it’s important that businesses learn as much as possible about these systems to determine whether they fit their own unique set of needs.

PROS OF MOBILE POS

CONVENIENCE
With an iPad integrated into your retail operations together with a POS software solution will radically allow you to tailor the business efforts into a complete satisfactory shopping experience. Ipad can be carried anywhere, conveniently checkout a customer instantly from any location in the store. It allow the operation to run more smoothly and efficiently.

EASY TO USE
Many retailers have found that mobile POS hardware has an easy, quick setup that they can handle themselves. Also, Mobile POS systems are completely portable solution and ease of use, whereby retailers are able to make use of it to process sales at conferences, trade shows or fairs. With the tablet POS ready in your hands, employees do not have to memorise all the products' pricing.

DEVELOP BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH CUSTOMERS
Customers have a better experience as the shop can serve them much more effectively with the increase of speed together with the attentive staff, hence it helps to build a better customer relationships. This way, you will retain your customers and attract more new customers as well.

COST EFFECTIVE
For small business owners who cannot afford big budget expenses on point-of-sale system, they may consider using mobile POS as it do not require much capital.
For large business owners, an iPad POS can be a great way to boost business and expand sales through integration of multiple points at affordable costs.

ELIMINATE WAITING TIME
It reduce customer waiting time with line busting. During peak hours, customers are subjected to long queues and wait time. With longer waiting time, customers may have a negative impact on the overall customer experience. With the tablet POS solutions, the process can be cut short by collecting customer's informations while they stand in line so that when they reach the register, they will have an ultra fast check-out. This save almost half the time compare to waiting for his/her turn and place the orders on the counter, especially during peak hours

INCREASE SALES
With less waiting time, service is faster, therefore enable more table turns. While serving more customers, this in turn increase your sales. Also, by upselling & cross selling will helps to increase the average ticket size of retail transactions .

CATCH UP WITH COMPETITORS & TECHNOLOGY
Competition is escalating in the business of point of sales industry. Catching up and keeping up with technology is necessary to compete with competitors in order to survive in this business.


CONS OF MOBILE POS

SECURITY ISSUE
The top concern for retailers is security. With the increase in cyber crimes & identity theives on the rise, credit card data may be hijacked.

UNRELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIONS
One of the drawbacks of Mobile POS is connection failures. If your internet service provider goes down and you are unable to access your data, it could means a loss in revenue. Although some internet service provider allows you to make transaction offline by syncing your data when your internet are up again but it may be cost reluctant. Hence, you may want to have a backup plan for the unreliable Internet connections.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Seek the advice of an experienced professional before making your final decision. Any bad choice could result in loss of sales or negative customer service.

If you are having trouble in making your decision, RavenPOS will be more than happy to advise you on the best solution for you.
RavenPOS specilalise in offering point-of-sale solutions for a wide range of businesses including f&b, hotels, restaurants, spa, beauty & salon, courier services and all other general retails...
Visit us at www.ravenpos.com for more information
Contact : +65 61002628
Email : jim@nspire.com.sg / ravenpos@gmail.com

WHY INVEST IN A POINT OF SALES (POS) SOFTWARE SYSTEM

GENERATE MORE ACCURATE REPORTING
Advanced report for business with an organized and detailed data that can provide a merchant with a more complete and clearer picture of their operation.

BETTER INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
A Point of sale software are able to tracks inventory, which saves time and expenses in the back room. Although initial investment may be pricy, but in the long run it definitely save you more capital. POS systems make it easy to track monthly sales history and purchase order for each product to make sure you're ordering the right amount.

EFFICIENT COMMUNICATIONS TOOL
Orders key by the staff from the front counter go through the computer, directly link to the kitchen printer.
The POS system can include the ability to record and track customer orders, process credit and debit cards, connect to other systems in a network, and manage inventory.

PAYROLL FUNCTION
POS system acts as a time clock, it can also help prepare payroll. This can save you a lot of money in your bookkeeping department.

INCREASE SALES
Built-in loyalty programs encourage higher ticket averages and repeat business from your customers. Integrated ecommerce services generate additional revenue from Internet sales.

CONSISTENT PRICE UPDATE FROM ONE LOCATION TO ANOTHER
If your business operates at more than one location, a point of sale system ensures pricing consistency.

MONITOR EMPLOYEE ACCESS 
Point of Sale (POS) System allows owner to set up the system with password protection to restict individual employee access to the system depending on their job level and position.

We are a professional Point Of Sales specialist from Singapore, offering the most affordable rate and services.
We are able to design and customize the Point of sales software to suit your business needs.
Do visit us at http://www.ravenpos.com
Contact : +6561002628
Email : advert@ravenpos.com

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARCODE SCANNERS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

WHAT IS A BARCODE SCANNER / BARCODE READER
A barcode reader, also known as barcode scanner or Point-of-sale (POS), is an electronic device used for capturing and reading information contained in barcodes. A barcode reader works by directing a beam of light across the bar code and measuring the amount of light that is reflected back.

TYPES OF BARCODE SCANNERS

PEN/WAND SCANNERS
Pen wand barcode scanners look very much like ordinary pens, and have a light source and a photo diode placed next to each other in the tip of a pen or wand. To read a barcode, you drag the tip of the pen across all the bars, in a steady even motion. The user must be able to get close to the code so that they can easily "swipe" it with the wand.

IMAGE SCANNER
Image Scanner, also known as a camera reader, is a device that scans pictures, text, or objects and converts them to digital images. It can read a bar code from about 3 to 9 inches away and generally costs less than a laser scanner.

CCD BARCODE SCANNERS
CCD barcode scanners, also known as LED scanners, measure emitted ambient light from the barcode whereas pen or laser barcode scanners measure reflected light of a specific frequency originating from the scanner itself. They performs a better read-range than the pen wands, are easier to use and more flexible and are often used in retail sales. A disadvantage of the CCD scanner is that it cannot read a bar code that is wider than its input face.

LASER SCANNERS
Laser barcode scanners are the most expensive type of barcode scanner. They work like pens scanner but are slightly more advanced. They scan automatically when a barcode is placed in front of them, so there is no need to press a trigger. Laser Scanners use reciprocating mirrors or rotating prisms to scan the laser beam back and forth across the bar code, to enable the scanner to read the barcode. It enable accurate performance and can read barcodes from a greater distance. It is the best choice for high volume applications since the operator can quickly and automatically scan items

WHICH TYPE OF SCANNERS TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Wand barcode scanners are the cheapest choice, but they are more difficult to use than other types of scanners. One of the main advantages of a pen scanner is its portability. However they must be moved over the barcode at a specific speed. Another drawback is that they are limited to scanning barcodes with a larger resolution. Wands are a very popular choice for low volume or close proximity type applications. For high volume users, wands might not be suitable. 
CCD scanners are inexpensive and have a longer life span when compared to laser barcode scanners. They have a higher scanning rate than that of laser scanners and are consider a good and practical choice then laser scanners.
However, Laser scanners have the ability to read barcodes at a wider range of distances, whereas the CCD can only read barcodes which area few inches away from it. Both laser and CCD scanners are efficient and reduce errors associated with manual checking.
You may consider choosing the type of scanners based on the type of barcode and the environment in which you intend to use. You also need to consider the portability factor and average scanning range needed for your business. Selecting a right barcode scanner helps you to maximize business productivity.


RavenPOS is a professional Point Of Sales specialist from Singapore, offering the most affordable rate and services.
URL : www.ravenpos.com
Contact number : +6561002628
Email : advert@ravenpos.com

POS SYSTEM SINGAPORE

Please visit our website www.ravenpos.com. Do feel free to contact us at 65 61002628 or email us at advert@ravenpos.com for further details. We will be glad to provide you with a non-obligated demonstration of our system.

HOW TO PREVENT EMPLOYEES FROM STEALING WITH POINT OF SALE (POS)

HOW TO PREVENT EMPLOYEES FROM STEALING WITH POINT OF SALE (POS)
One of the cause of inventory loss in business may be from employee theft. Loss of business as a resulr of theft is frustrating. No matter how well you think you know your employees, you need to be aware of how prevalent employee theft is in Restaurants, F&B and other Retail Stores. Recognizing the signs is important; having tools in place to prevent theft is even better.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
Having a reliable point of sale system synchronized with your security camera in your business can help pinpoint possible theft times. You can monitor the moment of your employees while they are handling the cash.

STUDY CLOSELY TO YOUR POINT OF SALE (POS) REPORT
POS System generate report to owners which can show all or selected daily tansaction, such as discount, sales return and refund. Other reports to review regularly include employee timeclock reports and their payouts, allowance and staff discounts.

MONITOR EMPLOYEES ACCESS 
Point of Sale (POS) System allows owner to set up the system with password protection.It allows and resticts individual employee access to the sytem depending on their job level and position.
For example, cashiers would be able to login into the POS with a secure login card or username and password, however he or she would be restricted from having access to the management function. Supervisor would be able to access for supervisory functions but having limited access to system management functions such as viewing warehouse inventory or purchasing order. With this security, you are also able to have a record of every transaction processed by every employee, but ensuring that passwords are not shared will help to prevent users from logging on using another person’s details.
The key is that the POS system software allows you to control who can do what with the POS software.

LIMIT ACCESS TO SAFE AND CASH DRAWERS
Consider restricting who can open cash drawers, so you can make employees accountable for the money in their till. Granting access only to the restaurant owner, manager or head server during their shift can further help limit opportunities for theft. In some instances only the owner knows the combination to the safe. The less hands that touch the cash, the less chance of it being stolen.

Please visit our website www.ravenpos.com.
Do feel free to contact us at +65 61002628 or email us at advert@ravenpos.com for further enquiries.
We will be glad to provide you with a non-obligated demonstration of our system.