|
|
|
|
Home / Technology / Gadgets and Gizmos
Radio Frequency Identification Basics
By:James Hunt
Radio Frequency Identification or RFID is the use of radio waves to identify objects. This means, unlike a barcode, one can track an item without actually having to come in contact with it. The way it works is that an identifying serial number is stored in a microchip which is then attached to an antenna. (Together these are called the transponder or tag.) The chip is now able to transmit any identifying information to the receiver. The reader will convert the information to a digital format to be read by computers.
Radio Frequency Identification isn’t new. It’s been around since the 80’s and is already being used in toll booths, automotive ignitions, and security access badges. Businesses that use this system will be able to track products throughout the whole manufacturing process, from the beginning of the conveyor belt to the packaging and beyond. These items can also be tracked while being shipped, received, and even sitting on the store shelves.
Benefits of RFID include:
- The ability to eliminate time consuming bar-coding or other tracking processes. Instead, all data can be collected along the production line. This also helps to lower production costs.
- Prevention of the distribution of counterfeit products.
- Elimination or reduction of theft and loss.
- Reduction of supply chain cost.
- Elimination of data entry and other tedious manual business process transactions.
- Increase in order fulfillment time
- Less time spent in check out lines, as consumers will only have to push their shopping carts in front of the readers.
On the downside is the high cost of the RFID hardware. Tags alone can cost twenty five cents each or more which means many retailers won’t get much of a return, if any, on their investment. Is this the wave of the future? Many think so. The real test will be in 2005 when Wal-Mart begins to implement an RFID system. It’s hoped that with Wal-Mart as well as the Department on Defense using RFID, the prices of the tags will drop to five cents each will making it a more affordable solution for many.
Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com
James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest.
Read more at www.rfid-guide.info
More Articles from Gadgets and Gizmos Category:
Digital Cameras - Experimenting with Digital Photography
What You Should Know Before Purchasing The Best Digital Camera In The Market
How Do You Know Which Is The Best Digital Camera For You?
10 Ways To Use A Hidden Camera
How to Find the Best Digital Cameras
Zone Out With a New Gaming Headset
iPod Video The Way To Go
Smaller Stun Guns Offer Just As Much Power
Different Aspects Of A Compact Digital Camera
Discover Why People Buy A Digital Camera
Digital Cameras Available In Many Varieties
Are You At Risk of Losing All Your Data?
Choosing A Chair Lift For Life
Don’t Throw Those “Extra” Cables Away!
Radio Frequency Identification Basics
|
|
