Jewelry stores are known for two things – the exorbitant cost of shopping, and their air-tight security. One of the reasons behind the excellent security systems is the implementation of AIDC systems like radio frequency identification. These businesses utilize RFID Jewelry Tracking Systems to manage their items and aid them in operating daily tasks.
So, let’s discuss this in detail about these systems.
What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification is a class of AIDC technology, that provides advanced asset identification and tracking capabilities. It does that by communicating data wirelessly, through the propagation of radio signals. The RFID Jewelry Tags in these systems are programmed with the identification data like product code, group code, price, etc. The rest of the system can scan and read this information by using radio communication.
Before we jump into the details regarding its workings, let’s check out how it aids in jewelry tracking.
How RFID Can Help You Track Your Jewelry?
As we discussed above, such systems work by transmitting information about items using wireless communication. By setting up an efficient & effective jewelry tracking system, users can get a deeper insight into their day-to-day operations. These systems provide information regarding the movement of every tagged item within the premises of an organization. Users can have real-time oversight over the location of all the items, their removal, and repositioning into different sections of the facility. They also provide a security barrier that alerts whenever an item is about to leave the premises without proper authorization.
A Brief Guide to a Typical RFID Jewelry Tracking System
A normal RFID system consists of a Reader, Database/Computer, Antennas, and Tags. These are the basic components of any RF system. When it comes to a jewelry tracking system, users need to create a custom setup using this equipment.
For example, if your business setup is a jewelry retail store, you would need multiple types of antennas. A good setup would consist of linear polarized shelf antennas to go in the display cabinets, Door Frame Antennas at the exit doors of the store, and shelving antennas on the inventory racks. In addition to that, users can integrate this system with IoT, connecting the readers wirelessly to the database, giving you a larger range of coverage.
With a system like this, users can have a live track of the location and movement of jewelry inside the facility.
Benefits of RFID Over Barcodes for Jewelry Tracking Applications
There are other technologies that provide AIDC solutions, like barcodes. Implementing RFID for tracing jewelry items has loads of benefits, over barcodes. So, let’s discuss them.
Automation
The biggest benefit of a radio frequency identification system is that it does not need an operator to function. This ability provides a level of automation to RFID systems and reads all the tags within its interrogation zone automatically. This helps the business in two major ways. Firstly, there are no chances of errors or missing an item. Secondly, it frees up human resources that can be reallocated to other productive tasks.
Real-Time Oversight
These systems send out signals continuously and look for tags, and with a direct connection to the database, the system provides real-time information on the location and identity of assets. With the help of IoT integration, users can set up multiple antennas throughout the facility and divide the area into different sections. Then, based on the antennas in different sectors identifying the tags that enter their zone, users can get a real-time location & movement of the items.
Avoid Stock Shrinkage
One of the biggest benefits of having real-time monitoring capabilities is that it prevents users from losing track of their items. These systems provide an improved level of asset security, by sending alerts anytime an item is about to leave the facility without permission. Studies show that radio frequency identification
Time Efficient
Unlike other AIDC technologies like barcodes, which take 1-3 seconds to scan and register a single item, RFID readers can register up to 1000 tags in a second. This allows for significant improvement in the speed of asset identification. A single antenna can read and register the items present in an inventory of a retail store in a couple of seconds. This makes daily time-consuming operations like inventory management, supply requisition, etc extremely efficient.
Increased Revenue
There is an initial cost that goes into establishing an RF system due to all the components and installation. However, in the long run, these systems will significantly reduce the cost of operation for your business. In addition, by improving productivity, they will also provide you with increased revenue.
Types of RFID Tags Applicable in a Jewelry Tracking System
Due to the vast applications of RFID in most industries, there are several different types of systems and tags/labels available in the market. Businesses can select from a variety of RFID labels for jewelry tracking applications. There are two big issues when it comes to jewelry, these are – signal to detune if the RFID inlay is in contact with the metal surface. The second problem is that we need to avoid using adhesive on the surface of the jewelry, as it can damage it.
So, let’s check out the most popular RFID tag types that you can choose from.
(A). Passive Tie Tags
These tags are usually made from paper or polyester. They consist of a substrate that houses an RF inlay inside it. These have a limited range of communication, but can easily work inside a retail store. They have a narrow long tail that can be bent and used as a tie to safely hold onto a jewelry item. These tags are perfect for small items like rings and earrings.
(B). Zip-Tie Labels
These are standard radio frequency identification labels that have a zip-tie attached to them. Users can use this to safely mount the tags on jewelry items without damaging their surface. Like the previous tag, these too are passive but can work well enough to operate effectively in a retail environment.
(C). Active Tags
Lastly, the active tags, are slightly more expensive to deploy and thus, we advise you to prefer them for use with highly valuable items. Their benefit is that they provide extremely better communication ranges, up to 100 meters. Making them suitable for any type of industry throughout the supply chain. They also provide excellent real-time location tracking capabilities to your system.
Conclusion
Radio Frequency identification technology has significantly optimized asset tracking and identification across numerous industries, all along the supply chain. These systems provide automation, efficiency, and accuracy at a very affordable cost. The majority of businesses nowadays use RF technology to keep track of their products and items. As for jewelry outfits, this technology allows businesses to flourish and grow successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can RFID be used to track location?
Yes, by antennas to create separate interrogation zones, users can divide their facility into different sections. Then, use the RFID system to track the location of their items between these sections.
Q2. Is RFID better than GPS?
No, in terms of real-time location capabilities, RFID is far behind GPS. In order to track an item, the RF tag must be within the range of an antenna connected to the reader. Also, these systems can only track the movement of an item between different interrogation/antenna signal zones. On the other hand, GPS uses satellites and cell towers to track the position of a device anywhere on the globe and it is far more accurate & precise.
Q3. What can RFID detect?
Any RFID system can detect a tag and read the information on it, like product code, product group, price, etc. However, advanced tags like Class 3 and above RFID tags, can detect other parameters like temperature, motion, and pressure.
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