RFID - Is Now the Time?

Not yet. There has been a lot of buzz (no pun intended) about RFID in the last four years. RFID - Radio Frequency Identification is an automatic identification method, relying on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders. An RFID tag is an object that can be attached to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. There are both "active" transponders that generate their own signal, and "passive" transponders that only emit a signal when polled by a reader. An emerging technology called chipless RFID allows for discrete identification of tags without an internal integrated circuit, thereby allowing tags to be printed directly onto assets at lower cost than traditional tags.

The RFID tag can automatically be read from several meters away and does not have to be in the line of sight of the reader. The current thrust in RFID use is in supply chain management for large enterprises. RFID increases the speed and accuracy with which inventory can be tracked and managed thereby saving money for the business.

RFID technology got a big push when Wal-Mart (and later other big box stores) stated their intentions to require suppliers to incorporate RFID technology in their shipments. RFID is one of those "next big things" that has been coming for almost ten years. Whilst promising, the technology is hindered by multiple technologies and standards. Working with one vendor may prevent the use of transponders from other suppliers using different protocols. I believe chipless RFID will need to become common place, after all you can print a bar code on a label with a laser label printer for about $0.00

Synchronous experts can help you solve your warehousing and inventory tracking problems. Give us a call or send us an information request at www.SynchronousLLC.com