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
