RFID tags are embedded in objects to give them a unique identification. They’re widely used in inventory and supply chain management to monitor merchandise from manufacturers or retailers to consumers.
Security can also be enhanced using proximity cards to allow people to access a door or block them from an area. They can be printed on ID badges as identification verification and sound an alarm when people attempt to enter restricted zones.
They are affixed to objects
RFID tags are commonly applied as labels or stickers on objects or encased in plastic or metal containers. They’re employed for tracking tools, equipment, inventory, assets, people and more – and can even be sewn into garments for extra security.
RFID tags come in two varieties: passive (battery-less) and active (powered by a battery). Passive tags use radio waves to transmit stored data to an RFID reader; on the other hand, active tags have batteries and can transmit information over longer distances than their passive counterparts.
RFID tags are widely used in manufacturing, distribution and retail industries to track goods from factory to shelf and prevent theft or loss. Waste management applications also benefit from these tags; they link garbage carts to customer accounts and measure how many carts arrive each week.
A reader can read them
RFID tags work through radio waves, enabling readers to read them from a distance without coming close to the object being read. This automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) type is widely used for inventory management, supply chain tracking and security applications.
Tags contain a sensor attached to an antenna that transmits and receives radio signals when activated. This data is then sent back to the reader, who uses its antenna to interpret it.
Depending on the application, an RFID reader can be either portable or fixed. Furthermore, multiple readers can be connected to a single network for high-volume operations where many items must be scanned simultaneously.
RFID technology offers organisations numerous benefits, such as saving them money and time. For example, waste collection companies use RFID tags to track and measure the amount of garbage collected by each truck, which helps determine service rates.
Technology is also employed in marathon races to monitor tens of thousands of runners, helping organisers know when each runner starts and finishes. This data is then forwarded to the race director for analysis.
RFID systems come in two varieties: transponders and beacons. Transponders wait for the reader to send a signal before responding, while beacons use batteries that send their signal at regular intervals. In either case, the reader must have a clear line of sight to the tag and correct orientation.
They can be programmed
RFID tags can be programmed with various data types, such as barcodes, text and other details. Usually sent over the air but also downloaded onto smart labels for storage purposes.
Several factors must be considered when programming an RFID tag: its memory type, operating frequency and a power source. Doing this will enable you to select the optimal tag for your application.
RFID tags come with two main types of memory: read-only and read/write. The former is pre-programmed with a unique identification number during production, while the latter features an empty chip that allows data rewriting.
The memory type of an RFID tag determines how much data it can store and how quickly the tag can be read. The chip, the minor component of an RFID tag, contains a small amount of memory that holds a unique identifier called a Time Stamp ID (TID).
They are a security feature
RFID tags are a security measure designed to protect businesses’ goods and assets. They can be attached to items like inventory, tools, equipment and even people to monitor their movement or location.
RFID tags are widely used in retail to track inventory levels. They help distinguish when a product has been taken from or returned to a warehouse and provide faster stock checks of goods as they move through warehouses or shelving racks.
RFID tags effectively guard against theft, but specific attacks can compromise an RFID system. These include skimming, eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
It’s essential to remember that this method of tamper protection only works on a smaller scale, such as personal property. Larger applications, such as warehouses, would present more challenges.
RFID tags can store various information, such as serial numbers, short descriptions and data pages. This data is valuable to businesses and may even fall under the GDPR definition of personal data. Thus, it’s wise to protect your information by locking memory banks and middleware.