RFID Basics

What is RFID?

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a generic term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity (in the form of a unique serial number) of an object using radio waves.

RFID is designed to enable readers to capture data and transmit it to a computer system without needing a person to be involved.

A typical RFID tag consists of a microchip attached to a radio antenna mounted on a substrate. The chip can store as much as 2 kilobytes of data.

To retrieve the data stored on an RFID tag, you need a reader. A typical reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the tag. The reader then passes the information in digital form to a computer system.

Further information on RFID

An RFID tag is effectively an "intelligent barcode" - the major differences between the two being:

• RFID tags have the ability to carry or access more information about an unique object to which it is attached (item level tagging), whereas barcodes provide generic information about an entire product line.
• RFID tags do not require line of site to be read. Depending on the application and the frequency and antenna design,  RFID tags can be read in cases from considerable distances, through packaging, glass, liquid and in bulk whilst in an RF field, in specific classes or subsets and through opaque cartons, packaging and seamlessly and automatically.
• Barcodes can become damaged and illegible for scanners to read. This is not the case for RFID.
• Barcodes are read only. RFID can be read / write and can be read at item level.
• RFID tags can be interfaced with computer systems that collect and maintain data.

RAMP has spent extensive time researching and understanding all applications of RFID. We have consequently  partnered with “best of breed” manufacturers, software and hardware providers of RFID systems to provide the highest quality and most cost effective RFID solutions available to our customers.

RAMP will assist you to redefine your current business strategies to integrate the latest RFID technology. We will provide on-going support to communicate latest RFID developments so you will always be up to date with the latest RFID offerings.

Benefits of RFID technology

• Business intelligence leading to increase in quality, quantity and availability of information
• Providing competitive advantage with streamlined business practices and efficiencies
• Operational and point of purchase efficiencies leading to lower “transaction friction” whilst increasing customer attention and service.
• Business synergy growing with technology and positive organizational change.
• Significant labor savings. RFID tagging eliminates the need to manually count and handle inventory in shipping and receiving, physical inventory, markdown counting, transfers whilst eliminating human error with less physical human interaction.
• Reading RFID tags at item level enables businesses to identify prior to out-of-stock and place replenishment orders. Thus leading to increased shelve stocking and product turnover.

Whatever business you are in, RAMP RFID Consultant will work with you to identify your specific requirements and develop a solution to suit.