RFID, Radio Frequency Identification is a technology, which includes wireless data capture and transaction processing. Proximity (short range) and Vicinity (long range) are two major application areas where RFID technology is used. Track and trace applications are long range or vicinity applications. This technology provides additional functionality and benefits for product authentication. Access control applications are Short range or proximity type of application
The many benefits of RFID technology make it possible to build a solid business case for its use in different industries and for different applications.
Data collection can be a by-product of other activities, eliminating the need for effort in form filling. Identifying products using RFID is quicker than barcode scanning or manual entry of product details.
Using an RFID approach means data can be captured rapidly and accurately. Electronic data collection with RFID avoids data transcription errors and avoids missed items when used to collect data on large numbers of items at once.
Reduced Capital Costs
RFID technologies help to lower costs by providing better control of stocks or assets. They can help keep track of business assets such as test equipment, transport packing, computing technology and other portable devices.
Access control systems using RFID contribute to improved security of business premises. RFID tagging of stock and assets makes it easier to track inventory shrinkage and tags can be used to fight against product counterfeiting.
By offering improved information on product movements to customers using RFID can provide a service that creates competitive differentiation and promotes increased customer satisfaction with the opportunities for higher sales.
Because RFID technologies can be integrated with other manufacturing or supply chain technologies (automated pallet handling, stock picking systems, etc) the time from order to despatch and delivery can be reduced.
Using RFID to control when devices have been inspected or to restrict their movement can form part of a strategy to address health and safety issues or to satisfy insurers or regulatory bodies that processes are being followed.
Because RFID allows data to be captured in real-time as stock or assets are moved detailed, up-to-date, management
information is available for planning and operational management purposes.
Logistics & Supply Chain Visibility :
Winning in the supply chain means increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and improving quality. In chaotic manufacturing,
shipping, and distribution environments, real-time data on the status of individual items provides insights that
turn into actionable measures. With the visibility provided by RFID, you'll be on your way to Six Sigma Master
Black Belt status in no time.
Item level inventory tracking : Tracking assets on the item level is beneficial across a broad cross-section of industries, but the retail sector has one of the highest ceilings in terms of opportunity from the use of RFID. As mentioned above, tracking items through the supply chain is wonderful, but now think about tracking items through the supply chain all the way to the point of sale. With a well designed inventory system sharing data across all business units, you have a treasure trove of actionable data. One last added benefit” store employees can count inventory in a matter of minutes with a handheld RFID reader.
Attendee Tracking : If you've ever managed a large conference before, you know that it's key to keep the flow of traffic moving at a steady pace, especially in and out of seminars. With an RFID attendee solution, eliminate the need for registration lines at entrances
IT Asset Tracking : IT assets such as server blades, laptops, tablets, and other peripherals are costly investments for any company, not to mention that information stored on those items could prove detrimental in the wrong hands. IT asset tags give your IT team the ability to quickly do an inventory count and make sure everything is in place.
Laundry Management : Large companies like casinos often manage thousands of employee uniforms. With an RFID laundry management system, operations can track which uniforms were assigned to specific employees, the age of uniforms, the number of times washed, and identify missing uniforms. RFID laundry tags provide a new level of visibility for laundry management.
Access Control : Certain areas require an expected level of security and access. From doors to parking lots, RFID access control tags restrict access to only those pre-approved.