What is RFID?
RFID (radio frequency identification) is a form of non-contact radio frequency wave to transfer data, and communication that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic chain in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to uniquely identify an object, animal, or person.
How it works
Every RFID system contains three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver, and a transponder. When the scanning antenna and transceiver are attached, they are referred to as an RFID reader or interrogator. The RFID reader provider is a network-connected device that is movable or permanently attached. It operates radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where the wave is translated into data. An active RFID tag has its own power source, it is often run by a battery. Most tags used for inventory tracking are passive RFID tags, they run without a battery and are powered by the waves from the readers.
Inventory management by RFID reader
Like other sectors, RFID for inventory management also requires a scanner that uses radio waves to communicate with an RFID tag. The tag itself is included with a microchip that allows the reader to read data and also write data to the tag for real-time updating in place. Each tag is covered in a material like plastic or paper for protection and can be attached to a variety of surfaces for tracking. Most tags used for inventory tracking are passive RFID tags, without a battery. Active tags are powered, come at a bigger cost, and are used for long-range tracking of machineries such as trucks and railway cars.
Benefits of the RFID reader in inventory management
Scanning in a short time
RFID tags do not require a straight line scan like barcodes, it is possible to read them at a distance for fast inventory processing. They can also be read in any direction and give enhanced visibility into the inventory with the capacity for more frequent updates and scanning locations.
Tracking of returnable assets
For those companies that manage returnable assets, there is often a significant capital investment to retain them. An RFID tag allows you to track these assets through the entire supply chain loop and provide heightened visibility of inventory locations. This has the expanded benefit of improving recoveries and reducing theft or neglect or loss due to the packing, shipping, and receiving process.
Collects more Information
Utilizing an RFID tracker provides more information. Also have additional benefits for tracking and tracing products and keeping consumers, retail partners, and other supply chain partners in the loop.
Curtailed Labor Costs
Since the tags automatically generate and report information when scanned by a computer-generated system, it eliminates labor costs.
Maintains stockings
Since everything is tracked, RFID tags can eliminate stocking issues too. Overstocking and under stocking problems are eliminated and it improves security in the client's facility.
RFID reader providers in inventory management offer some significant and hardened benefits; there is a great deal of work to be done to simplify these systems. Much of the challenge involves cost-effective solutions. But an updated infrastructure is enough to be able to capitalize on its incredible benefits. Malaysia-based company Afantage deals with the RFID reader provider. Please visit the company's official website for more details.