Radio-frequency identification abbreviated as RFID can be described as a system transfers the identity of an object or a person in the form of a unique serial number wirelessly; radio waves are used in this transmission. RFID is categorized under the automatic identification technologies. Technically Radio-Frequency Identification is that form of technology which uses communication via radio in order to detect an object applied to a person, animal or an object. The purpose of this technology is identifying and tracking the objects. It involves two this; Interrogators also known as readers and Tags that are also known as labels.
Furthermore, Most of the tags have two sub parts, Integrated Circuit and the other is an antenna. The former performs the task of storing and processing information as well as modulating and demodulating a radio frequency also called RF signal along with other particular functions whereas the latter is for receiving and transferring the signal.
The object which is under the purpose of identification is usually referred to as RFID tags and they are generally of three following types:
- Passive RFID tags: These tags have no battery and they need an external source for signal transmission purpose.
- Active RFID tags: Opposite to the Passive RFID tags, these tags consist of a battery and signals are transmitted one an external source which is an interrogator in our study has been identified.
- Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID tags: These tags, requiring an external source, are capable of substantial higher forward link and provides greater range.
In a nutshell, you will see that RFID technology is being used all around us and is gradually used with biometric technologies for security purpose.
Uses of RFID technology
There are number of applications where RFID is in use but following are some of the areas where RFID is being potentially and currently used.
- Asset Tracking:
Companies are being benefited by this technology in the form of asset tracking which uses RFID. Whether it’s a stolen good or to find some dislocated one, assets with RFID tags can be easily found.
- Manufacturing:
RFID is used in this sector for over a long time with the purpose of reducing defects, increase the quantity and the production of the same product.
- Supply Chain Management:
This technology is also employed by companies in their supply chain management in order to mechanize them.
- Retailing:
Retailers like Metro, Target, Tesco and Wal-Mart are focused on making supply chains efficient and they also adopt RFID. - Security:
This technology is also used in controlling access to office buildings or any other particular area and it is much convenient as there is no contact between the card and the reader.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The advantages of RFID technology includes it simplification in installing tags in the object under consideration, provides much security of the product because it cannot be duplicated with ease, supply chain management becomes efficient and RFID tags has greater capacity to store data than the bar code. On the other hand when RFID tags are installed in liquids or metal products, it becomes difficult for RFID reader to access the information and it is considered as the disadvantage, as well as presence of mobile phone towers do interfere with its radio waves and create disturbance. Last but not the least, people personal information can be tracked if the products they possess are being installed with RFID tags.
Future of RFID
RFID technology is very useful especially in business, retail, transport and various other sectors and with more comprehensive research, limitations can be removed in no time and it can be presented as a successful instrument for various business sectors.