RFID

Partly because of large retailers who want to manage the supply chain more efficient, the requirements for Auto-ID solutions have altered recently. As a result there is more awareness on the technical limitations of barcoding, which RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) doesn't have.

With RFID technology, goods can be tracked through the whole supply chain, because they are equiped with little transponders or tags that communicate with RFID readers. Those RFID readers can identify the product with a transponder/tag and also read the product information. The most important advantage of RFID tracking compared to barcoding is no need for a line of sight between barcode and scanner/reader. This makes it possible to scan pallets and boxes simultaneously. With barcoding it is necessary to scan each item individually, which requires more time and a specific positioning of labels. RFID tracking has a big impact on the whole supply chain because tracking of pallets and boxes can happen on product level: All the information you need on your stock is real time available at justifiable costs.

PHI DATA implements RFID solutions based on 5 frequency ranges: 125KHz, 134KHz, 13,56MHz, 868MHz and 2,4GHz. Every radio frequency has it's own characteristics. In general a low frequency has a short reading range and with higher frequencies data is still readable over larger distances: With 125KHz , reading in "open air" is possible over just a decimeter. 2,4GHz is needed to read in "open air" over hundreds over meters.

A wide range of RFID applications is possible: access control, tracking & tracing of containers, identification of persons and animals, file management, sorting of luggage and localising material on large terrains. RFID can help the end user with applications that are not, or just to a certain extent possible with barcodes.

Choosing the type of RFID tag depends on the application. An active RFID tag has a battery which gives more energy and greater distances can be reached.  Therefore they are often being used to track the location of a person or good in a RTLS (Real Time Location System) solution. Passive RFID tags have no battery and get the  energy they need from the reader, when the tag is in within range. Semi-passive RFID tags have a battery that can only be used if the tag comes within proximity of the RFID reader. These tags are often used for tracking - with large read ranges - of goods with a relatively high value.

Every RFID solution needs a thorough assesment to start with, resulting in a sound advice, implementation and servicing of the live application. Because of our experience with Auto-ID and RFID, we have the knowledge to support RFID trajects from start to finish.