RFID

Beyond Barcodes - Tracking Your Products In Real Time With RFID

RFID can be thought of as ADC (Automatic Data Capture) scanning technology that does not need to see the product directly, but enables the collection of product, place, time or transaction data automatically within computer systems. The application of RFID technology is expanding rapidly as the costs reduce and it is combined with other technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and other sensor based technologies.

The RFID topic introduces a concept of a "Smart Label" which is basically a normal barcode or conventional label, which has an embedded ultra-thin RFID tag inside it. It combines human readable text with fast machine-readable capabilities.

An RFID system comprises of individual 3 parts: the RFID tag, the RF Antenna and the RF Reader. Systems can be applied in almost any operation, but Retail and Supply Chain appear to be main areas where significant benefits can be achieved. Smart labels, racks and shelves have been talked about for many years in the Retail Industry and only now are they making progress as equipment and consumables costs are reducing.

RFID can be applied in most operations where physical counting or checking is required. Manual operations could be eliminated and the speed of data capture increased using this technology. We are currently seeing trials within many retail organisations, especially Walmart in the US, who is pioneering the implementation of this type of product identification method with its Suppliers. They are looking to produce cost saving in many operational functions, increased Supply Chain visibility and enable enhanced services to its customers. If successful, they will be able to automatically judge when shelves need to be re-stocked, ensure that products are not available for sale out side of their sell-by-dates and have real-time order tracking capabilities. The application of this technology is revolutionising information availability in Supply Chain.

Imagine, this technology being applied at Sea ports, Airports and even Road tolls. Well it actual is, soon we will be able to track items within trailers and indeed moving across country boarders. There actually still a long way to go before this can be achieved, due to a lack of standards and co-operation within the Industry. Many manufacturers have created their own unique technologies, which are not compatible, however work is progressing in this area but it will be years before a common standard is adopted.

Smart label RFID technology enables a business to overcome many limitations of more traditional ADC methods: Batch read capabilities (multiple & simultaneous identification) Smart labels do not need to be in line-of-sight (unlike barcodes) Rewrite functionality Error free, wireless data transmission Tags & labels often have better durability

RFID systems mainly operate at low, high and ultra high frequencies. The choice of which to implement is dependant on the read range or distance. The approximate read range in centimetres is shown below.

RFID tags and smart labels can be read through packaging, shipping containers and most materials except metals. They can also be read simultaneously, so a whole pallet of mixed products could be identified in one go. Imagine the application of this technology on the inbound receiving operation at a Warehouse facility. The products could be checked and booked into the WMS in one pallet movement which often produces significant cost saving. Annual stock counting could be completed instantaneously without any disruption to the physical warehouse operations. There are many benefits for applying this technology with Supply Chain.

RFID is emerging technology and will enable substantial improvements to physical business processes.