RFID Tag – The Technology That Enables Tracking of Items
RFID Tag is a technology that enables tracking of items. They are used to keep track of inventory, for access control, and even in healthcare. They are also popular during pandemics for keeping tabs on patients and equipment.
This technology can perform hundreds of readings per second, reducing the need for manual work by employees. This increases productivity and eliminates unproductive tasks.
Cost-effectiveness
The use of RFID tags reduces the cost of tracking inventory. It allows businesses to avoid the costs associated with performing manual inventory, such as sifting through bins or moving items around a warehouse, which are both expensive and time consuming. Additionally, if a company loses or misplaces an item, it RFID Tag can quickly determine where the item is located using RFID technology. This saves companies money that would be otherwise spent on replacements.
Using RFID tags also saves money on labor costs and the time spent searching for lost equipment. This is especially true for companies that have a large number of high-value assets, such as aircraft parts or specialized tools. Incorporating an RFID system into a business’s inventory management process allows companies to track the location of all the tools and equipment they own, eliminating the need to search for them or pay someone else to do it.
However, RFID systems are not without their drawbacks and a cost function analysis needs to be completed in order to identify significant benefits. Some concerns that may hinder the adoption of this technology include a lack of staff awareness regarding the use of a tracking system, limited IT staff and infrastructure support and inability to afford the required hardware. Additionally, the signal strength and read range of RFID readers and tags need to be considered as these factors could increase or decrease the cost-effectiveness of this system.
Ease of Implementation
A properly implemented RFID system can save significant time and money, especially if it is used in place of manual forms and spreadsheets. RFID systems can automatically upload data to an ERP or financial management system, removing the need for transcription errors and duplicate data entry. The ability to track assets in real-time also helps reduce the need for staff to manually walk inventory around a warehouse or production line.
Unlike barcodes, RFID tags emit a radio frequency field that can be detected by antennas. These antennas can then communicate with a reader, which can transmit data about the tag’s location to your software. These systems are often mounted high up to cover large areas such as warehouses, factories or large rooms in buildings with a very high ceiling. This is because it is much easier to detect granular movement when reading from higher up.
This technology can be applied to a range of retail uses such as buy online, pickup in-store services. These can increase customer satisfaction by providing them with a convenient shopping experience, and they can also help to bridge the gap between online and in-store purchases. RFID can also be used in the manufacturing industry to improve efficiency by providing information about machine health and availability, allowing you to adapt production steps quickly to unique projects.
Increased Productivity
The ability to track and quickly identify a product without the need for human intervention increases productivity and eliminates wasted labor. The time saved by eliminating unnecessary manual data logging or inventory counts can often cover the cost of the RFID system within weeks.
Streamlined processes also increase operational efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction, both of which lead to increased revenue and profits for the business. RFID technology can be used at all stages of the supply chain, from tracking products in a warehouse to shipping and delivery. This end-to-end approach enables businesses to see their entire operation, improving strategic planning and efficiency.
An advantage of using an RFID system is that it works from a distance, which allows for quicker and more accurate cycle count operations than with traditional barcode systems. In addition, the system can automatically detect when safety stock levels are reached and trigger reorders without having to perform a manual inventory count.
Retailers rely on high inventory accuracy rates in order to maximize sales and minimize out-of-stocks. Many retailers, including fashion retailer Zara and department store Macy’s, use RFID to track the movement of merchandise in their stores. RFID is especially useful for tracking perishable goods, as it can monitor the temperature of the product and record this information in the tag. Moreover, it functions even when the product is covered by dust or dirt.
Increased Security
You’ve likely used RFID security tags before without realizing it – they power passports, Metro transport cards, hotel room keys and even pet microchips. The technology is made up of 2 simple components; a circuit and an antenna. When the circuit comes into contact with radio waves at low, high and ultra-high frequencies an electric field is generated which enables the tag to transmit data.
RFID can also be utilized to track equipment and staff in hospitals. This enables managers to find items quickly, which can reduce downtime and increase efficiency. Okoniewska et al. (2012) found that some staff members were concerned about the additional workload that the system required and negative perceptions of RFID in healthcare may be reduced by persistent communication with the workforce and training to highlight the benefits of the data captured by this technology.
Another use case for RFID is to help prevent theft in stores and supply chains. Combined with sales and video data, it allows associates to see what items were stolen, at what time and where they exited the mifare desfire ev1 store. This can help retailers identify shoplifting trends and build cases against perpetrators with authorities. Using RFID to locate items is also useful in reducing the risk of loss during the buy online, pickup in-store process. This is a key part of improving the overall shopping experience, increasing in-store traffic and bridging the gap between online and offline shopping experiences.