What is the name of the technology that uses RFID tags to identify and monitor the movement of each individual product?

What is RFID technology? RFID technology is one of the most revolutionary technologies in recent years. It has changed the way corporations and other establishments do business by making transactions faster and more efficient.

It is a wireless system that uses electromagnetic waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. In other words, RFID technology allows things like computers or pallets of goods to be tracked without requiring the use of barcodes or GPS. It’s been around for decades but has only recently been implemented in commercial settings. This article discusses what RFID is and how it can be used in practical applications today. 

What Is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s the wireless transfer of data that typically includes identification, location, or timestamp. Most RFID tags are passive devices that identify who owns the tag with stored information on an integrated circuit without requiring access to a wireless network or power. Some can also transmit short transmissions, so they aren’t limited to just reading one’s identification.

It is similar in purpose and use as barcodes, but it uses electromagnetic fields to transfer data instead of laser beams as barcodes do. Therefore there is no need for a direct line of sight which makes them very promising for next-generation product labels called smart labels (or NFC (Near Field Communication) labels. The potential advantages of RFID include cost efficiency and greater speed. 

How Does RFID Work?

RFID uses radio waves to read and write data to a tag attached to an object. The tag contains electronically stored information, and with it, the ability to be remotely read. The tags usually come in the form of a microchip, which is embedded in a label or card. When an RFID reader sends out a radio wave, the tag responds by sending back its unique identification code and other data, such as the package’s temperature or the number of times it has been handled.

The distance between the reader and tag can vary, but it’s usually about a foot or so. RFID tags can also be read through various materials, including glass, plastic, metal, and even human skin.

Types Of RFID

There are three types of RFID tags: active, passive, and semi-passive. 

Active

Active tags require extra batteries, so they typically stay in one place. They are often used to track the location of valuable items like laptops. Because active tags broadcast a signal at all times, anyone who has an RFID reader within range can read them.

Passive

Passive tags don’t have their own power supply, so they rely on the reader to provide energy. This makes them smaller and less expensive than active tags. Passive tags are often used for tracking items in a supply chain or library books. 

Semi-Passive

Semi-passive tags have limited internal power but still receive energy from an RFID reader’s waves. This means that semi-passive tags can receive, store, and transmit information at a distance. Semi-passive tags are best for applications that require medium-range but do not need the flexibility of active tags.

What Are RFID Tags And Smart Labels?

RFID tags and smart labels are two types of electronic tags that can be used to identify and track objects. An RFID tag consists of an antenna and a chip, while a smart label also includes a memory chip and a sensor.

RFID tags are used to track items in stores and supply chains and manufacturing processes. Smart labels can be used to track individual items, such as pharmaceuticals or food, as well as the environmental conditions around them, such as temperature or humidity.

Applications Of RFID Technology

RFID technology has a wide range of applications. Some of the most common are:

Access Control

RFID tags can be used to identify authorised personnel and grant them access to restricted areas.

Asset Tracking

RFID tags can be used to monitor the location of assets. This ensures assets are kept in the right place at all times and enables logistics managers to optimise resource usage.

Transportation Management 

These are used for tracking shipments along supply chains. RFID technology is able to automatically monitor the progress of goods through transportation systems which improve management of logistics.

Road Traffic Management

RFID tags can be used on vehicles to improve traffic management. By tracking the speed, location, and direction of vehicles, authorities are able to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Smart Buildings 

RFID technology is an integral part of many intelligent buildings, which allow operators to monitor heating, lighting, elevators, and even window blinds.

Summary

Active, passive, and semi-passive are all the different types of RFID tags, each of them has its specific use. RFID technology is a widespread phenomenon and is being implemented in different areas for better functioning. It has already proved its worth in various fields and will only become more ubiquitous with time. 

For more information about RFID tags,  please visit our website. Our team would be happy to discuss your needs and to help you build new, more efficient workflows that will support the best operation of your warehouse or store.

We have the right tools for companies of all sizes and will work to accommodate your business, supplying you with technologies that are tailored to suit your business to help improve your efficiency and accountability. We are the market leader when it comes to the development of customised and packaged solutions.

This includes Inventory Management, Portable Barcode Readers, Supply Chain Management, Time and Attendance and Asset Tracking to name but a few.

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What is RFID

Radio-frequency identification technology, known as RFID, is a way for retailers to identify items using radio waves. it provides reliable, real-time inventory monitoring data by transmitting data from an RFID tag to a reader. 

Drawing insights from a piece by Michael Keenan, using an RFID system can help retailers to improve inventory accuracy and supply chain visibility, and create better shopping experiences for today’s omnichannel shoppers.

Benefits of RFID technology

• Accelerate inventory management

RFID improves inventory accuracy and stock reliability for retail companies, which boosts revenue and customer satisfaction. Additionally, it offers precise, real-time information on stock data, including quantity, models, colours, and sizes, as well as inventory levels.

With RFID, you can know which goods were taken, when they were taken, and even a video of the shoplifter, which can help lessen staff fraud and stealing in their establishments

Long lines will hurt sales. Using a combination of technologies including cameras, RFID, and sensors, stores like Amazon GO simply allow consumers to pick up stuff and leave.

• Increase efficiency for buy online, pick-up in store(BOPIS)

 RFID enables retailers to regularly provide BOPIS as a service as it improves inventory accuracy. Retailers run the risk of selling a pickup item that isn't truly in stock if they don't have accurate, real-time inventory counts.

Current applications and examples of RFID

• Inventory process improvements

RFID is used by retailers to increase store stock accuracy. Instead of relying on individual package scanning and blind receipts, RFID enables quick and precise check-in of whole shipments. Additionally, it is utilised to locate objects, shorten cycle counts, and automatically place orders for goods at safety stock levels. 

RFID can be used by retailers to monitor the movement of goods inside a space. With this knowledge, you can identify the high-traffic end caps, choke areas, and various employee and product paths during the course of the day throughout your store.

• Analyze in-store traffic patterns

RFID can be used by retailers to monitor the movement of goods inside a space. With this information, retailers can identify the high-traffic end caps, pinch points, and various employee and product paths during the course of the day throughout your store.

Retailers are experimenting with "magic mirrors", which is expected to be welcomed by Gen Z(e.g.Ralph Lauren). The fitting room can track the item, display various colours and styles, suggest complementing clothing, and provide pertinent product information by employing a geo-locating RFID tag.

The conventional checkout process can be accelerated via RFID self-checkout. Customers can still shop, however, all goods have RFID tags already attached. As a result, there is no longer a requirement for point-of-sale(POS) barcode scanning.

Potential future uses:

If combined with other technologies, such as electronic printing, retailers may be able to print their own RFID tags in the near future, driving down costs further. 

With technology advanced, retailers can store goods vertically, rather than horizontally. RFly, for example, created a drone that scans RFID tags and locates products inside a warehouse. If the item is on a high shelf, the drone will collect it in case of safety risk for workers.

• Tracking temperature of goods

RFID is evolving to include smart-sensing capabilities, which will be able to monitor temperature and keep certain products from spoiling in transit or storage.

Several examples of RFID in retail

The beverage company Dirty Lemon opened its first physical unmanned store in New York. Customers enter the store and pay for their purchases via SMS, all without speaking to a store employee. Amazon GO is also a famous example of unmanned stores.

Advanced Apparel, a clothing distributor, is one of the companies that uses RFID technology to help keep track of their stock from the warehouse shelves to the sales floor.

In 2016, an organization for stray dogs and cats in the U.K. called Battersea Dogs and Cats launched a campaign called #LookingForYou. Representatives from the animal shelter distributed leaflets, which had RFID tags and can activate digital billboards when prospective pet owners went by.

The UK Launchpad is running a Retail Market Access Initiative with Retail-Week (a leading voice in the retail space) in October. Retailers on the Innovation Panel include Asda, and Boots amongst others. Focused on scale-ups globally with tech solutions for retailers, selected participants get a number of benefits such as access to 5 leading retailers on our panel (such as Asda and Boots) and a chance to pitch to and mingle with 60+ retailers at the Retail innovation summit in November. Drop a comment if of interest and we will connect you. Applications close on 30th September.

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