RFID ? Better solution than optical technology

Posted by Cameron Schwab on March 24th, 2019

What is RFID?

Radio-Frequency Identification or RFID are related to small electronic devices that are comprises of an antenna and a tiny chip which in a combined form are known as RFID tag or RFID transponder. RFID devises perform the same action as performed by a magnetic strip or a bar code on the back of debit or credit cards. The small chip offers specific identifier for the object. Similar to bar code and magnetic strips, RFID cards are also scanned for identification purpose and retrieving information.

How RFID devices works?

RFID devices uses radio waves signals to recognize objects and people. For identification purpose the microchip has a serial number that recognize objects and people. The antenna supports the chip to transfer the identification codes to a proximity reader. After that the proximity reader further transform the radio waves which were reflected back from the RFID transponder into digital codes that are then transformed to the system which finally use them. Generally proximity cards and proximity key fobs are embedded with RFID tag which enables them to be read by the proximity reader to gain access control.

Advantages of RFID

Use of RFID technology has multiple advantages. It is prominently used in tracking inventory where use of optical system fail. As compared to bar codes, RFID technology is better as the RFID tag can be read from a greater distance, whereas in bar codes labels are mandatory to be read by the laser lights and this optical technology seems to be cumbersome for heavy industries and equipment. Other advantage of using RFID tags are that they can be both read and write whereas on the other hand bar codes are only in readable form and data printed on the label cannot be changed. RFID tags are designed to work in harsh conditions and are reusable whereas bar codes are easily damaged as they are written on printed labels. RFID tags are designed to store more information as the data get stored in a non-volatile memory and maximum storage can be up to 8 kilobytes. RFID technology is stable, increasingly available, and continuously updating with the changing technological environment. Moreover in real time the RFID technology can keep a track of objects, people, equipment and items.

Disadvantages of RFID

With the increasing pros, RFID tags are also subjected to few cons. As RFID is an automated technology, thus an increase use of RFID technology will lead to reduction in staff count. And as this technology works with the use of radio waves and so any reason for blockage in transmission of radio waves will lead to a halt in the work. As compared to optical technology or bar code readers, RFID technology is more expensive. Moreover with its increase usage day by day, few nations or places requires legal advice to use RFID technology as the transmission of radio waves can be harmful for few premises and thus precautions have to be taken for the use of this technology to make sure it does not breach any federal laws.