What the RFID? FAQ's

 
 

What is RFID?

  • RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a powerful and proven technology that grants businesses the capabilities to wirelessly connect to all manner of things, to provide information on the identity, location, and authenticity of any person or item – securely and accurately, with minimal human intervention. 

  • A system comprises three main components – an RFID tag, a reader, and a computer or software system that co-ordinates and stores captured data. Using radio frequency waves, tags transmit the data to readers, which then send it on to the RFID system where it is recorded and decrypted.

  • A smart and secure technology that is used to enable sophisticated automation, authentication and location capabilities that help reduce costs, mitigate risk and loss, and ensure security and compliance requirements are met. 

What is an RFID Inlay?

  • The RFID chip, tag antenna and substrate on a film face.

  • If the substrate has adhesive it’s a ‘wet inlay’. Without adhesive it’s a ‘dry inlay’.

What are 5 key benefits of RFID?

  • Operational efficiencies

  • Increased person/product visibility

  • Improved traceability

  • Anti-counterfeit/security

  • Mitigate risk & loss

Why is RFID better than a barcode?

  • Does not require line of sight

  • Can record information beyond simply the SKU

  • Greater read range

  • A barcode is easily replicable, whereas an RFID chip can’t be copied

  • Reusable

What is the difference between UHF & HF ?

Ultra High Frequency

  • Read Range: Up to 15m

  • Applications: Inventory Control, Logistics, Labelling, Customer Experience,

  • 4id Solutions Products: Labels, Tags, Wristbands

High Frequency

  • Read Range: Up to 10cm

  • Applications: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Anti-Counterfeit, Patron Identification, Contactless Transactions, Access Control, Livestock Tracking

  • 4id Solutions Products: Labels, Wristbands

What are the 3 main parts of the RFID System?

  • Every RFID system is made up of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver and a transponder. When the scanning antenna and transceiver are combined, they are referred to as an RFID reader.

What are the requirements to get started with RFID?

  • RFID tags/inlays

  • Hardware (readers)

  • Software access system

  • Antennas

  • Cables

What are examples of RFID?

  • Inventory tracking

  • Control access

  • Tracking tools

  • Staff and patient tracking

  • Tracking disposable consumables

  • Laundry tracking

  • Animal tracking

  • Tracking high value/large items

What is the difference between RFID and GPS Tracking?

  • RFID uses a reader that transmits a radio frequency to signal to an RFID tag.

  • GPS uses a signal processor to receive satellite signals and calculate positioning.

What is the difference between RFID and Bluetooth/BLE?

  • RFID systems communicate between an antenna or reader and a tag attached to an object.

  • Bluetooth technology transmits between two bluetooth compatible devices.

What is the set up cost for RFID?

  • The cost to implement RFID will depend on the scope and size of the project and the environmental conditions. For example the cost to outfit a large, complicated warehouse with readers and gateways will be greater than the set up for a smaller operation.

Michael Glenn