An RFID system may consist of several components including tags, tag readers, edge servers, middleware, and application software. The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a mobile device, called a Tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of a particular application. The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about the product tagged, such as price, color, date of purchase, etc. In a typical RFID system, individual objects are equipped with a small, inexpensive tag. The tag contains a transponder with a digital memory chip that is given a unique electronic product code. The interrogator, an antenna packaged with a transceiver and decoder, emits a signa activating the RFID tag so it can read and write data to it. When an RFID tag passes through the electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader’s activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag’s microchips and the data is passed to the host computer. The application software on the host processes the data, often employing Physical Markup Language (PML).

Radio frequency identification technology is not necessarily better than bar codes. It can work in conjunction with bar codes to help manage inventory. The main difference is the fact that bar codes have to be in the line of site for the scanner to read it, whereas RFID tags can be read in multiple quantities as long as they’re in close proximity of the reader (usually 2-5 ft). Another benefit of using RFID technology is where barcodes can only identify a type of good; Radio Frequency Identification technology can narrow the information down to the single product itself. RFID technology furthermore allows for data to be encoded onto the tag allowing multiple reads to occur at the same time. For example, in one application inventories could be counted in seconds rather than hours, thus utilizing employees at hand more efficiently and productively. Each application is looked at individually to determine the best solution. An RFID and barcode solution is often seen working together.

Probably not in the near future. This is not very likely since bar codes are inexpensive and are effective for certain tasks. RFID will grow and work with the information on the bar code to help inventory management and tracking costs low. The use of RFID will outpace the barcode over the next few years as more manufacturers and companies utilize the benefits of the technology. The cost of the RFID tags are also expected to go lower.

RFID has been around since the 1970’s, but has been too expensive to operate. Today, companies are finding cheaper ways to produce the RFID tags now making the whole RFID system more affordable than ever. Many products built today are using RFID. Airplane and car manufacturers are huge users of RFID.

The main problem has been the standards for RFID. Most companies request frequency ranges to be Ultra High Frequency (UHF), which offers a longer read range. UHF is a relatively new technology, and has only started to become affordable recently. Also, a conversion to RFID is a major step that just one company in the supply chain might not want to do until other companies in the supply chain are ready for RFID. EPC (Electronic Product Code – RFID) is a worldwide standard that most all manufacturers participate in. EPC is the equivalent of the UPC (Universal Product Code u2013 barcode)

Yes, there are many companies around the world using this new technology. Companies such as Wal-Mart have started the trend by requiring all suppliers to use RFID technology. Many manufacturers are now producing most of their products with an RFID tag. When the product is made (born) an EPC number is attached to that particular item. It is uniquely identified and is used throughout the entire supply chain process.

RFID can be used to track inventory in retail businesses from cereal to toothpaste, can even be used to locate parts needed for equipment repair, as well as collect payments at tolls. RFID is also being used today at local hospitals in multiple applications. These are just a few applications; the use of RFID is limitless in its possibilities.

RFID can be used to track work in progress and can speed up the flow of goods in a warehouse. The main objective of RFID technology is to reduce the cost of labor used in tracking goods, reduce errors in shipping and overall inventory levels, and to increase the overall efficiency in any field.

The basic parts of an RFID system include an RFID tag that consists of a microchip with a small antenna. That antenna enables the microchip to receive and respond to Radio-Frequency (RF) queries from an RFID reader or interrogator. The reader sends out waves to the Tag, after that the Tag responds back to the reader with the information given. These again are just the basics of an RFID system.

RFID equipment can be broken into 3 main categories: there are RFID readers, RFID tags, and RFID antennas which are the essentials of RFID equipment and are vital in running an RFID supply chain. There are other RFID products being used that can add more efficiency to the supply chain, such as RFID printers and RFID smart labels.

Manyu00a0end retailers and companies are using RFID technology in today’s market and are requiring suppliers to do the same. This technology helps any supply chain or business flow much more efficiently with less time spent on tracking.

With growing inventory costs and the down time of lost products, RFID technology can help decrease the extra costs caused by leaks in the supply chain. RFID technology has been around for many years now, and the use of this technology in supply chains around the world has shown tremendous success in the efficiency and overall flow of the business.

Active tags have a power source linked to them similar to a battery; the power is used to broadcast a signal to the reader. Passive tags draw their power from the reader using electromagnetic waves to induce the antenna on the tag to send out the information. The key difference between the two is Active tags can be read at longer distances than Passive tags, which subsequently leads to a higher cost.

There is no simple answer for this question. Low frequency tags have a range of about 1-2 ft. Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tags have a range of 20-30ft, and active tags can boost the signal to 300 ft.

A UPC only identifies object classes or generic categories of product — such as a pack of Wrigley’s Spearmint gum. An EPC uses a unique serial number to identify each individual pack of gum and makes it possible to automatically track products from manufacturer to store shelf.

The most obvious benefit is that RFID does not have to be seen to be read. Bar codes must be placed on the outside of the product and the product must be orientated so the bar code is inline with the scanner. On the other hand, with RFID, you could have (multiple) products inside a sealed carton (for example) and each product can still be identified. Another important difference is that RFID is a read/write technology. So if desired the data can be written (or programmed) after it has been attached to the product. This offers a higher level of flexibility to track and update the data as the product goes through the supply chain, into the end use application or beyond.