What is RFID?
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is the use of radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. A tag can be read from up to several feet away and does not need to be within direct line-of-sight of the reader to be tracked.
How does an RFID system work?
An RFID system is made up of two parts, a tag or label and a reader.
RFID tags or labels are embedded with a transmitter and a receiver. The RFID component on the tags is made up of two parts, a microchip that stores and processes information, and an antenna that receives and transmits a signal. There is a one to one relationship between the tag and the item it is attached to or more precisely the tag contains a unique serial number for a specific object.
To read the information encoded on a tag, a two-way radio transmitter receiver called a reader or interrogator sends a signal to the tag using an antenna. The tag responds with the information written on the tiny microchip. The reader will then transmit the read results to an RFID software system such as “TRAFFIC RFID”.
Types of RFID Tags
There are two types of RFID tags: passive and battery powered. A passive RFID tag will use the interrogator’s radio wave energy to relay its stored information back to the interrogator. A batter powered RFID tag is embedded with a small battery that powers the relay of information.
There are two types of RFID tags Active and Passive.
Passive RFID tags do not have transmitters and simply reflect back radio waves that originate at the reader antenna.
Active system RFID tags which include a microchip with an antenna, are placed on products then information is accessed using a reader to pass the information to a computer software system such as TRAFFIC RF. Active RFID tags are typically used for large assets such as cargo containers, rail cars and expensive or sensitive assets that require monitoring. Passive RFID tags lack power sources and transmitters, do not require maintenance and are less expensive than active RFID tags.
RFID across the Supply Chain
When tracking products throughout the supply chain, active and passive RFID systems can be combined to provide more visibility as to where products are in real time. The added option of using GPS technology now allows goods to be tracked while in transit. This can be a useful deterrent to reduce theft.
How does the TRAFFIC RFID System work?
- Allows tagged items to be tracked throughout the facility
- Provides accurate inventory data regardless of the type of inventory being tracked
- Helps to ensure the security of Inventory
- Individual asset, case or pallet tracking
- Entry/exit point portal
- Scanning multiple tags at once
Items or Assets can be tagged at various points throughout its’ lifecycle in the warehouse or manufacturing plant. At the time of Receiving, at time of Manufacture where applicable. These items or assets are tracked using RFID portals or through TRAFFIC mobile RFID
Inventory
- Track and record Inventory movements in and out of the locations within the facility
- Real-time queries of inventory status, quantities and locations
- Automate Inventory data capture requirements to speed up real time processing, tighten controls and eliminate any potential errors.
- Date & time stamp for all inventory movements. (Put away, Inventory transfers etc.)
- Implement Location tracking in warehouse
- Automate various paper based activities.
- Provide ability for warehouse personnel to be able to perform daily duties via RFID Technology.
- Provide management with real time reporting.
- Automate Cycle Count and annual Physical Count activities
Asset Tracking
- Track and record movement of Assets in and out of the various locations within the facility, also leaving the facility
- Real-time queries of asset id, status, quantities and locations
- Unattended in and out tracking of Tool Room or Storage Room
- Track high value items
TRAFFIC Mobile RFID
RFID capabilities are also available with a mobile RFID scanners. These devices have a dual function, scanning barcodes and are also equipped with an RFID reader to read RFID tag or label info.
TRAFFIC RFID can print barcoded information and write to an RFID label. The barcoded label will have the essential elements barcode and human readable info.
TRAFFIC Mobile RFID are useful for cycle counts, year end physical counts and other type of inventory tracking required throughout the supply chain.
TRAFFIC Mobile RFID comes with ready to use RFID mobile workflows. Use TRAFFIC Mobile RFID workflows as is or can be tailored to suit your needs.
Some common uses:
- Cycle count
- Year-end stock take
- Asset audit
- Tool Room Check
- Sports equipment Check
- Read & write info to RFID tag
- Locating and identifying lost or misplaced assets
Benefits of Using RFID
- Reduced inventory errors
- Helps prevent theft
- Reduced labor costs
- Reduced waste
- Helps improve inventory turns
- Increased productivity
- Improve customer satisfaction
Design Studio Label Suite – RFID Labelling
TRAFFIC RFID Labelling allows for design of the RFID label as well as the capability to write the required information onto the RFID Label. The system will be configured to allow authorized users to produce the RFID labels on demand
A printed label can have human readable and encoded information on the RFID microchip. Barcodes can also be incorporated on the same label if desired.
