RFID Technology Solutions
Employees can take a complete inventory in just hours, making the daily inventory an easy and cost-effective reality. And the real-time inventory information provides the data needed to improve buying or manufacturing decisions, increase the velocity of the replenishment cycle
and reduce stocking levels.
Overview
Uncontrollable rising costs?
A
Government and other mandates?
Fierce international competition?
 Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an auto ID technology that uses transponders, or “tags,” to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals encoded with identification information. An RFID tag consists of a microchip connected to an antenna and mounted on a substrate. The chip can hold many types of data, including product information, configuration instructions, sensor data, and activity history. An RFID reader receives the signal, using one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive radio signals back from the tag.
RFID technology solutions include tags, readers, antennas, printers, media, and software that together enable automatic data collection. RFID technology does not require line-of-sight scanning, as do bar code systems, so tags can be read from a considerable distance without the need for careful alignment of readers and tags. Typical RFID tags use HF technology, which has a range of up to 3 meters. Newer UHF tags extend the read range to 20 meters or more.
The data collection process starts with an RFID antenna emitting an RF signal as a “request” to a tag. When the tag receives the signal, it emits a radio signal in response, transmitting the information encoded in the tag. The RFID reader receives the signal via an antenna, converts it into data, and then transfers the data through an interface to a computer system.
Business Benefits
RFID is an enabling technology. When used with well-designed applications and integrated into business processes, it can provide a wealth of benefits. It can detect many types of information with no line-of-sight requirement. The “always on” nature of RFID readers means that data collection can occur without human intervention, which greatly reduces time and labor, while expanding the opportunities for data collection.
RFID systems can detect intruders or out-of-place objects, communicate sensor and motion detection information, and expedite payment processing and ticket or identification checking. Hands-free RFID reduces the manual labor involved in inventory and asset management.
Since RFID systems can operate in places unsafe or inconvenient for people, RFID can enable data collection and monitoring of processes previously considered unfeasible.
Markets and Applications
RFID has been in use for over a decade by companies in manufacturing and in toll collection systems. Only recently, however, have the prices for RFID tags fallen below $1 per tag, making the technology much more affordable for broader applications. Wal-Mart, Target, BestBuy and the U.S. Department of Defense require suppliers to tag pallets and cases in order to streamline operations. Several industries (logistics, airlines, healthcare) use RFID to track expensive or easily lost assets, including shipping containers, airline food carts, medical equipment, and computers. The manufacturing industry uses RFID to track works in progress and parts in order to reduce defects and increase throughput. Public transportation providers are experimenting with RFID payments cards to decrease congestion as passengers proceed through turnstiles. RFID payment systems are also emerging at ski resorts in Europe, movie theaters in Japan, and gasoline stations in the U.S. Another common use of RFID is as an electronic key in access control systems.
As RFID standards emerge, so do more advanced applications. Companies are beginning to use RFID to track shipments among supply chain partners, developing software applications that notify third parties when a shipment is sent or received. Food manufacturers are considering RFID temperature sensors to monitor the condition of food in transit. As prices come down and installation techniques are refined, item-level processing and other advanced RFID applications are expected to grow.
ScanOnline RFID Solutions
ScanOnline is a full-service provider of RFID solutions, offering industry-leading hardware, software, and media products, and professional services. We provide a broad range of RFID readers, printers, and media designed for closed-loop or compliance-driven RFID systems.
Our RFID solutions include multi-protocol readers, multi-functional printers that verify tag data, handheld computers with built-in RFID reader capabilities, turn-key solutions, and more.
We specialize in RFID solutions targeted for the warehousing, distribution, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries. Our Professional Services Group can help make the integration and management of business data easy, through planning, development, implementation, and support services.
At ScanOnline, our focus is to serve our customers with the highest quality, most complete solution available.
What ScanOnline clients are saying...“We purchase all our RF equipment and warehouse supplies from ScanOnline. We could purchase from random low cost resellers via the internet but with ScanOnline we get a value added service. Doing business with ScanOnline has proven to be more cost effective than the small savings we would get elsewhere. They help with technical questions, setup, RMA, and general inquiries. The want or need to go anywhere else for our RF and warehouse supply needs is simply not there ”
Zenith Companies
Business Systems Manager
|
|
|
