RFIDTracking

RFID Reader

Real Time Location

Real Time Location uses RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader. This number can be used to track inventory goods.

RFID tags are used in many industries. For example, an RFID tag attached to an automobile during production can be used to track its progress through the assembly line, RFID-tagged pharmaceuticals can be tracked through warehouses, and implanting RFID microchips in livestock and pets enables positive identification of animals. Tags can also be used in shops to expedite checkout, and to prevent theft by customers and employees.

Why use RFID?

Unlike bar coding RFID does not require line of sight. To use a bar code you must be able to see it to scan it.
RFID uses radio to scan its tags which means you don't have to be able to see the item to scan it and record its location.

Imagine a store full of CD's, each with a bar code on them. In order to stock take all of the cd's you would have to take each one individually and scan the bar code with a reader. If each of these had an RFID tag instead of a bar code you could scan all of them as a group without having to scan each one individually.

Imagine a stack of boxes on a palette, how do you scan to make sure you have the right boxes? If the boxes were bar coded you would have to breakdown the palette to then find the bar code and read it. With RFID you don't need to do this, you can scan the whole palette and record exactly what is on it without having to see it.

Reduce time and effort

As you can see in the two example above if RFID is implemented instead of or along side Bar Coding you can reduce both time and effort, allowing you to improve productivity and increase accuracy!