Simplify Your Supply Chain: A Guide to RFID Technology Implementation

Simplify Your Supply Chain: A Guide to RFID Technology

RFID uses radio waves sent via an RFID antenna to RFID tags in the surrounding area. RFID readers amplify energy, modulate it with data, and send the energy at a certain frequency out to an RFID antenna cable to the connected RFID antenna.

Although each RFID system may differ depending on the use of a passive or active tag, the required equipment remains the same: a tag, an antenna, a scanner/reader, and Asset Management Software – eP360.

Benefits of using RFID to track assets:

Efficiency – automates inventory tracking and other processes, reducing manual labor and improving efficiency.
Accuracy – provides more accurate inventory tracking and asset management than traditional methods.
Security – provides secure access control and track assets in real-time, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Cost-Savings – reduces labor costs and improve inventory management, leading to cost savings over time.
Real-Time Data – provides real-time data on inventory levels, asset locations, and other important information, enabling businesses to make informed decisions quickly.

The process of implementing an RFID system extends beyond simply obtaining a reader and attaching a tag to the item you intend to track. RTI specializes in creating tailor-made solutions that are customized to meet the specific requirements of your application. Our comprehensive approach involves considering a wide range of factors including the type of RFID tags, readers, antennas, and printers, all supported by our cutting-edge eP360 asset management software.

By evaluating all these elements, we can suggest the most effective combination for your unique application. Our experienced team at RTI can help you design and configure an ideal RFID solution system that will enhance the efficiency of your supply chain.

TAGS ANTENNAS READERS PRINTERS SOFTWARE

RFID TAGS

Utilizing RFID tags enables effortless and exclusive identification and monitoring of inventory and assets. RFID tags have become an indispensable part of various industries as they provide live tracking and inventory management functionalities. Through appropriate selection and successful implementation of RFID tags, businesses can boost productivity, minimize expenses, and elevate customer satisfaction.

Passive vs Active Tags

Passive RFID tags are battery-free and only transmit signals when they are within range of an RFID reader.
Active RFID tags have their own power source and can transmit signals continuously.

RFID tags are classified into three categories depending on the range of frequencies used to communicate data. The RFID system’s frequency determines the read range and data read rate, with lower frequencies having shorter read ranges and slower data read rates. The choice of frequency for an application is based on the unique advantages and disadvantages of each frequency.

Low Frequency (LF)
High Frequency (HF)
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF)

Our team ensures the expert configuration of your RFID solution system, unlocking its full potential and enabling optimal operational benefits.

RFID ANTENNAS

RFID antennas have a crucial function in detecting RFID tags. The RFID system typically consists of two different antennas – one located within the tag and the other in the reader. The RFID tags incorporate a tag chip and memory that work in tandem with the antenna to transmit exclusive identification or data. This facilitates tracking or reading of the related product information.

Frequency Standards: RFID systems function through wireless communication utilizing radio waves, requiring consistent frequency ranges across the tags, antenna, and readers for effective operation.
Polarity: There are different types of RFID antennas such as linear, circular, patch, and near-field antennas. Choose an antenna that is compatible with your application and the shape and size of your tags.
Read Range: When considering the appropriate antenna for your facility, it’s important to keep in mind the size of the area that needs coverage. Various factors such as operational frequency, type of polarization, and input power can affect the broadcast and read ranges of different antennas. For larger facilities, deploying multiple antennas per reader may be necessary.
Antenna Size: Antenna come in all shapes and sizes, with different specifications. An antenna can be as small as a couple of centimeters in dimensions to a couple of feet. They can be circular, cylindrical, rectangular, etc.
Beam Width: Antennas exhibit varying beam widths that determine their effective broadcast range, with narrower beams corresponding to higher gain and greater distance. Consequently, selecting an appropriate antenna requires consideration of the tags’ proximity and positioning, as well as the desired beam width. It is possible to cover a larger area without needing additional antennas by using antennas with wider beamwidths. However, the range at which the tags can be read may be shorter, which is often desirable in order to avoid reading tags outside the designated portal or door.

Ensuring that the appropriate readers are chosen for optimal communication with your RFID tags holds significant importance. Enlist the support of your team to initiate the process.

RFID READERS

The RFID reader is a network-connected device that can be portable or permanently attached. It uses radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag. Once activated, the tag sends a wave back to the antenna, where it is translated into data. The transponder is in the RFID tag itself.

RFID readers are used in various applications such as supply chain management, inventory tracking, asset tracking, and access control. They are available in various frequencies such as low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF).

Fixed Readers: installed in a single location and are used for long-term data collection. They are typically used in industrial settings, such as warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities, where RFID tags are mounted on equipment, products, or other assets.
Mobile Readers: used to collect data in the field, such as during inventory counts or asset tracking. They are typically used in retail, logistics, and supply chain applications where RFID tags are attached to products or items and then moved around.
USB Readers: small and portable devices that can be connected directly to a computer via a USB port. They are commonly used in applications where RFID tags need to be read frequently, such as in laboratories, research facilities, or during quality control checks.

With the assistance of RTI, you can identify the most suitable reader options and locations tailored to your specific application.

RFID PRINTERS

RAIN RFID printers are versatile machines that can be utilized with a variety of RFID tags, from passive to active and semi-passive. They also have the capability to print on an array of materials, ranging from paper to plastic to metal. RFID printers are built for industrial usage, accommodating high-volume printing and encoding, while others are better suited for small-scale purposes. These specialized printers have the unique ability to print and encode RFID tags simultaneously, proving to be a crucial asset for numerous industries that demand the organization and monitoring of significant quantities of items.

By partnering with top-of-the-line hardware providers, RTI is able to equip your facility with the latest and greatest tools for optimal data collection and performance.

eP360: Enterprise Supply Chain SaaS

RFID Technology has a critical function in the monitoring and tracing of goods. However, the optimal use of this technology is in combination with a secure cloud-based asset management software, providing businesses with actionable insights that can transform their operations. This is where eP360 comes in, serving as an essential cloud-based SaaS tool that guarantees the safety and security of your business’s assets. By enabling real-time monitoring of location, status, and environmental conditions, eP360’s asset tracking software allows for seamless integration and automation throughout the supply chain, resulting in valuable global insights that can have a significant impact on your bottom line. Our software seamlessly integrates incoming and outgoing data flows, and as long as external systems can effectively leverage RESTful web services, they will remain compatible with eP360, without any limitation imposed by specific operating systems.

eP360 Key Features

Deploying is made quick and easy.
The interface is user-friendly and simple to navigate.
Customizable Power BI Dashboards and Reports
Not limited to specific Operating Systems
Mobile application for easy monitoring
Conforms to FSMA 204, GS1 and EPCIS Standards