RFID tags have become one of the most commonly utilized forms of identifying assets and personnel to provide security for property, facilities, and employees. Logistics and inventory also make use of radio frequency identification for better management of resources. Should you also consider this to enhance monitoring and tracking in your company?
In this article, you will learn about RFID tags – how they work, their components, types, and materials, the ways to choose them, their applications, and their advantages. Also listed below are some of the frequently asked questions about RFID tags.
what are RFID Tags?
An RFID tag is a component of a whole RFID system that stores the information of an asset, an employee, or any product. It can be placed on different kinds of goods for tracking and inventory, and on personnel for security. RFID stands for radio frequency identification. The radio waves are transmitted between the tag and the RFID reader so that data is exchanged and assessed based on needs.
What are RFID tags? They are simply transponders that carry the details of the asset or person and are analyzed within the scope of the area based on the range of frequency.
How do you use RFID Tags?
This is how to use RFID tag. First, the information on any item or personnel has to be collected. Once inputted to a computer, it is assigned an RFID tag. This tag contains all the data of the asset or employee.
The RFID tag can have its battery or not, depending on the type of use and frequency. Once the tag is activated, it sends a signal to the reader which then transfers it to software that examines it. The software program then prompts a command to another machine as a response. It can also make adjustments to the inventory or supply chain.
How do you pick the right RFID Tag?
Determine frequency
The frequency of the RFID tag controls the range in which the RFID operates. How does RFID tag work? Through the low, high, and ultra-high frequencies. The low range is for livestock and animal tracking as well as in-vehicle access and healthcare inventory.
High-frequency tags are made for airline baggage tracking and smart cards. Ultra-high frequency tags, on the other hand, can be utilized for logistics and inventory management.
Check the material of the item tagged
Assets that contain water like solvent or any medium will require a specific kind of RFID tag. Metals that need RFID tagging need a gap between the asset and the tag for the RFID to work effectively.
Know the environmental conditions
Environmental conditions dictate the kind of RFID tag to be used. Some tags may be exposed to excessive heat. Others may have liquid or chemicals in the environment.
The question of “What are RFID tags made of” becomes a crucial inquiry that must be considered in various conditions. The RFID tag should be heat or liquid resistant depending on the condition.
List company requirements
Companies also set their requirements when they choose an RFID system to manage people and assets. Both the existing hardware and software should be maximized when adapting RFID in the facility.
Where to Use RFID Tags?
This is a common question to ask – what are RFID tags used for? Here are some of the industries where RFID tags are put into use:
Ticketing
Ticketing is now enhanced with RFID smart tickets instead of the usual paper and mobile ticketing.
Rentals
Equipment rentals can be tracked using RFID tags.
Safety Items
Personal protective equipment, medical equipment, and other safety tools are laid with RFID chips and tracked using easy-to-understand software.
Clothes and Wardrobe
RFID textile tags are now available for a better inventory during production, warehousing, and sales.
Cars
Gated facilities can be protected through the use of RFID tags on vehicles.
What materials are RFID Tags made of?
The tag is composed of the chip, antenna, and substrate. What are RFID tags made of? The microchip is usually made of silicon. Its internal antenna may be aluminum or copper. When it comes to the substrate, here are the possible materials that can be selected:
PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride
The PVC laminate 148KHz RFID tags are commonly used in employee IDs and asset identification.
PET or Polyethylenetherephtalate
Minimal waste is created when PET is utilized in RFID tags.
Paper
Using paper means low cost and effortless installation on labels.
Why Use RFID tags?
Several companies are now turning to RFID tags because of real-time data access and quick return on investment. Some applications of the RFID system include:
Inventory
Warehouse stock management
Retail monitoring
Tracking
Physical asset visibility through location tracking
Monitoring of distribution
Minimal loss of assets
Logistics
Beneficial to the supply chain operation
Shipment and order management
Access
Enhanced facility security
Personnel monitoring
Protection of assets
Error Removal
Accurate method of identification
What are the Types of RFID Tags?
According to Frequency
Low Frequency
The LF band has a 30KHz to 300KHz range. It is around 10 centimeters in terms of distance. It has less interference compared to high and ultra-high frequencies.
High Frequency
Its range is from 3MHz to 30MHz. Companies often work with 13.56MHz frequency for high-frequency RFID tags.
Ultra High Frequency
This RFID tag functions in the 300MHz to 3GHz range. It operates at a distance of 12 meters.
According to Power Supply
Passive
Passive RFID tags are not equipped with batteries. They only start to give information when they are within the electromagnetic field produced by the RFID reader. They are cheaper and more cost-effective compared to semi-passive and active.
Semi-passive
These tags have batteries to enable them to work in longer ranges. They do not have a transmitter. They are also called battery-assisted RFID tags.
Active
Active RFID tags have a battery and a transmitter. The information of the asset can be detected even on longer distances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it track stolen goods?
Yes, RFID can track stolen goods. Manufacturers and retailers use RFID systems to check inventory of assets, including products and raw materials.
Can it be breached?
Newer RFID technology has more robust security features to keep hackers from accessing company data.
What conditions affect RFID?
Extreme environmental conditions may affect RFID tags. Interference and lack of power supply may also cause RFID tags to malfunction.
What are the ways to put RFID tags?
Heat-sealing method is one way to apply RFID tags on fabrics. Surface preparation is crucial for RFID tag stickers. Magnets and rivets may also be used if the asset is made of metal. Hanging the tag may also be an option.
How do you tag different assets?
Assets are differentiated through the assignment of identification codes. Details are recorded on the tag, including specifications, schedules, and conditions.
What is the RFID tag price?
Prices of RFID tags are based on the kind that the company wants to use. Active tags may go as high as $20 or more. A passive RFID tag may cost as low as 10 cents. Variations in prices may also depend on the frequency range and the type of material used.
How long until you get your investment back on RFID tags?
Assessing the return on investment entails several factors, including, an increase in customer service, a reduction in labor cost, and enhancement of control and monitoring, to name a few.
What are the overhead costs of RFID systems?
RFID system costs are based on the expenses incurred because of the purchase of RFID tags, scanners, and software. Installation and licensing fees should also be considered.
What are the operational costs of RFID systems?
Maintenance and material replacement costs must be factored in when computing the operational costs of RFID systems.
Conclusion
Installing RFID tags will greatly enhance any tracking and monitoring systems existing in companies. Manufacturing and retail industries have used RFID technology to keep track of their assets, reduce labor costs, and minimize human error.
Consideration of the operational and overhead costs should be a top priority for those who are going to migrate from an old system to this new one.
RFID tags offer a quick return on investment because of the upgrade in terms of quality of service, monitoring of assets, and tracking of inventory.
