What is RFID and how does RFID tags, RFID readers work
Ever stood in a grocery store queue waiting for your turn before you could pay and get out? Most of us did, and it is a tiresome, irritating task. But soon, these queues could disappear when the bar codes are replaced by smart tags, also known as RFID tags. If you are unfamiliar with Radio Frequency Identification, RFID stands for radio frequency identification. Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is a technology consisting of radio frequency or waves to transfer data and identify objects. In technical terms, RFID employs electromagnetic fields to identify tags attached to objects automatically. An RFID system includes a minute radio transmitter and receiver. An RFID tag, which contains information such as the item’s price or name, can be tracked and stored for future reference. What is RFID Radiofrequency identification uses electromagnetic fields to automatically recognize tags connected to tags. The object, in this case, can range from books in a library to items purchased from the shopping mall or inventory in the warehouse. The application of RFID is not limited to inanimate objects but also living beings such as birds and humans. A radio transmitter and receiver operate together to identify an object and read a tag’s information. Image courtesy – Zina Yonten, Fabacademy How does RFID work The technology behind RFID is based on radio waves and computer chips to transmit information. When you think about RFID, it’s easy to understand its advantages. Like barcodes, RFID uses radio waves to identify items. An RFID system has three main components: an RFID reader, an RFID tag, and a transceiver. The reader, or transceiver, transmits radio waves to activate the tag. The tag, also called a transponder, responds to the radio signals whenever this object is in the reader’s range and transmits information to the reader. If the reader is within range of an RFID tag, it will detect and read the information contained within. RFID technology is quite similar to the one used in a barcode. Although barcode requires the object and the scanner to be in the line of sight, RFID has no such requirements. As long as the object falls in the reader’s range, it can recognize and send the feedback signal back to the reader. What is inside the RFID system The RFID system contains two components, the RFID tags and the RFID reader. Now, these RFID tags come in three formats which are: Active RFID: Active tags come with their antenna coil and power source, namely a battery. High- frequency tags are more sensitive to interference. It can be read from up to several hundred meters away. While active tags are the most common type of tag, they can also be implanted in people. Passive RFID: Passive tags get power from a reader antenna that sends electromagnetic waves to induce a current in the tag antenna. Low-frequency tags use special antennas to enhance signal strength. Passive RFID tags are usually passive because they don’t have their own power source. As passive tags lack power supply, their range is less than the active and semi-passive tags. Passive RFID tags are small, thin, and can be attached to a physical object, such as a piece of clothing. The reader sends the energy to the tag, which then modulates the energy with the information it needs to identify it. Semi-Passive RFID: Semi-Passive tags involve battery-run circuitry and an RFID reader-powered communication channel. Image courtesy – Zina Yonten, Fabacademy The RFID tag could be an active tech, it could be a passive tech, or it could be a semi-passive tech. They come in many sizes and shapes, from as big as a handheld reader to as large as the shopping mall doors. The RFID reader is composed of three components, which are: RF signal generator: It generates a radio wave transmitted using an antenna.RF signal detector: It receives the feedback signal from the tag.RF Microcontroller: It is used to process the information the RFID tag has sent. Image courtesy – Zina Yonten, Fabacademy RFID Tags RFID tags are devices that transmit information to a central database of data. They can be used in various applications, from inventory tracking to data collection to asset tracking. Let us see the basic components inside the RFID tag. The first component inside the RFID tag is the transponder, which receives the radio waves from the reader and sends the feedback signal back to the reader. Since the passive tags lack their own power supply, they depend on the radio waves emitted by the reader. The capacitor stores the energy from radio waves using this rectifier circuit. This energy is used as a supply for the controller and the memory element inside the RFID tag. The RF signal can be tracked as far as the reader has a line of sight. But most systems are designed to have a limited range. Most of the tags being used today are passive tags because they are cheaper than active ones, as they do not require any power source, so they are pretty compact. In the global marketplace, shipments move fast, and port operations must run at maximum efficiency. Manual tracking cannot keep up with the business pace and can become a hassle if disruptions arise. Tags can help inventory management and reduce theft and counting errors. As a result, RFID tags have become an indispensable asset and facility management tool. Working principle in an RFID system RFID Tags The RFID tags operate in three different frequencies – the low-frequency range, the high-frequency range, and the ultra-high frequency range. The low-frequency signals travel a very short distance, so the low-frequency RFID tag range is up to 10 CM. The high-frequency radio waves can travel up to 1 meter, while the ultra-high frequency radio waves can travel much longer, like 10 to 15 meters. The working principle of the RFID tag is based on inductive coupling for low frequency and high- frequency operation. In contrast, in the case of an ultra-high frequency, the working principle is based on electromagnetic coupling. Image courtesy –
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What is Asset Tracking and What are its Benefits
In a world where accountability and safety are essential, tracking and tagging assets are necessary for organizations. Assets are important for your business; tangible assets like computers, servers, generators, and electronic or mechanical equipment or intangible assets like essential documents, software, contracts, and patents are a liability because your business needs them. In such cases, asset tracking becomes crucial. Asset tracking is the act of tagging and tracking physical assets to keep them informed of their whereabouts. Asset tracking is a valuable tool to help businesses monitor and manage their physical assets. It helps to reduce the risk of loss or theft of assets by ensuring that each item is appropriately documented. It also helps companies avoid discrepancies in maintenance fees and taxes. It also cuts down on downtime, which is crucial for companies that rely on timely support. Why companies need Asset Tracking When a company wants to use its assets effectively, they need to implement asset tracking. It can help optimize workflows and improve inventory control. It can also improve overall performance. Most companies can implement an asset tracking system easily using barcodes and tagging solutions. An asset tracking system will allow managers to see when an asset will become obsolete. While some assets will remain in good condition for years with proper maintenance, others will become outdated and inoperable within a year or two. Some may even become obsolete and no longer be used as often. In addition to tangible assets, companies have a wide variety of digital assets. These assets include company computers, laptops, cell phones, and any other type of device with a SIM card. These assets are part of the Internet of Things and require careful management to ensure they are fully utilized. A sound asset tracking system can help you keep track of these assets, manage them, and update licenses when necessary. It can even help you to keep track of maintenance activities. iNetra’s powerful AI-based tracking solution can help you take security of your organization a notch above. Contact iNetra today. IoT-based Asset Tracking IoT-based asset tracking means using IoT-enabled devices to track the location of assets. With IoT- based asset tracking, businesses can receive real-time location monitoring of investments. This technology uses GPS tracking and advanced sensor-based functionality to provide actionable insights. For example, the solution can predict if certain assets will likely spoil while in transit. It also quickly filters multiple assets and records all data on a secure cloud platform. IoT asset tracking can generate data to help improve the utilization and maintenance of assets. The main advantages of IoT-based asset tracking are: The real-time data from IoT-based asset tracking systems also allow manufacturers to maximize their return on investment and ensure that they comply with the regulatory framework. Advantages of IoT-based Asset Tracking One of the areas in which IoT-based asset tracking has the most potential is logistics. Companies can prevent theft and improve fleet management by tracking real-time assets. Additionally, if a vehicle has perishable goods, it is vital to be able to track it to avoid spoilage. Another significant advantage of IoT-enabled asset tracking is increased visibility. This technology allows employees to see information about the location of any asset. It also allows businesses to manage inventory and sensitive assets more efficiently. It translates into increased productivity, improved profits, and lower operational costs. IoT-based asset tracking solutions allow companies to improve the quality of their equipment and increase their performance capabilities. They also help businesses measure the uptime of assets and minimize downtime. In addition, they allow organizations to measure overuse and evenly distribute equipment inventory to avoid excessive wear and tear. This information can help process managers improve their maintenance schedules and minimize downtime. IoT-enabled Asset Management IoT-powered asset management solutions can automate asset tracking and real-time location systems. It is especially beneficial for more extensive, complex medical networks where hundreds of thousands of assets are shared among multiple users. IoT-powered asset management solutions can also help you track scheduled maintenance and give you alerts when necessary. Automated medical equipment tracking can also maintain tool records and maintenance histories for each instrument. It will ensure that your medical equipment has the maximum lifespan. When you implement IoT-enabled asset management, your business will experience several benefits. For one, monitoring your assets and preventing underutilized ones from malfunctioning will be easier. Another, you’ll be able to save money by not having to hire additional staff members to maintain your assets. With IoT-enabled asset management, you’ll be able to collect real-time data on your assets from multiple locations. This information can be updated on the fly and accessed through your mobile device. It is a significant shift from traditional asset management. Utilizing this technology can reduce operational costs and optimize your inventory. The system will also allow you to meet compliance requirements. With IoT-enabled asset management, your business will have better control over your assets and increase productivity. With real-time data, you can quickly pinpoint problems before they escalate. You can also take proactive action and make informed decisions based on that data. You can also use IoT data to troubleshoot technical issues. In addition to enhancing business operational efficiency, IoT-enabled asset management can help healthcare organizations keep track of medical tools, equipment, and supplies. IoT-based asset management can also improve hospital staff productivity by allowing them to provide better care to more patients. By implementing IoT-enabled asset management, you can ensure that your medical tools are working correctly and are always within reach. Benefits of Asset Tracking Asset tracking comes with lots of benefits which are elaborated as follows: When used correctly, asset tracking can increase efficiency and organization. It also helps companies ensure that resources are not wasted and helps businesses better anticipate customers’ needs. Using asset tracking can also help improve customer service and satisfaction, which ultimately leads to increased profits. Here are a few reasons why you should start tracking your assets. Asset tracking can help a company increase and future-proof its assets. It will also
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