RFID technology has been gaining ground in various industries and applications, from retail to warehousing, supply chain and logistics to manufacturing, govt. In education, the use of RFID has skyrocketed due to the need for automation in these sectors and RFID technology is the perfect mix of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A great application of RFID is security and access control. The integration of RFID with security systems has been on the rise & slowly taking over traditional forms of security systems. RFID security systems and access control systems have created a niche in corporate as well as industrial settings for obvious reasons.
Understanding Radio Frequency Identification
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a type of AIDC (Automatic Identification & Data Collection) technology that is used to identify, capture, and store encrypted/hidden data using RFID tags and readers.
Radio Frequency Identification systems use radio wave propagation (RF Communication) as a means of communicating information. These systems consist of three basic components namely – Reader, Tags, and Antennas. The RFID tag stores information like identification, product group, telemetry information (temperature, pressure, movement), etc. The RFID reader converts signals from the tag into a readable format and uses the RFID antenna for broadcasting and receiving signals.
RFID Security System
RFID security system refers to the use of RFID technology to prevent unauthorized movement of assets and personnel at business premises. It combines access control systems, asset management systems, ticketing systems, etc. to ensure security at the place of deployment.
RFID technology has a host of applications in almost every industry around the globe. You can find the RFID ID of the tagged assets being used in applications in industries like healthcare to manufacturing. When it comes to security, there are numerous ways RFID security systems can be used.
(a). RFID Security Checkpoints
One of the primary uses of RFID technology in security applications is checkpoints at the entry and exits of a facility. You may have seen RFID security gates in retail stores that leverage RFID technology. The RFID security gate system prevents any tagged item from leaving the store without an invoice or gate out challan. If that happens, alerts and alarms are triggered.
(b). Access Control Systems
Another very useful application of RFID security systems is in controlling access to a facility or areas within a facility. These systems are also easy to set up and run. An access control system requires short-range NFC readers, connected to a centralized system. For granting access, users can employ NFC/HF smart cards with integrated inlays.
These cards can be encoded with the identification information of the card holders and their authorized security clearance allowing an organization to automate the entry and exit gates. It also allows businesses to divide the facility areas based on clearance levels for employees as well as visitors.
For example, at airports, every person who is not a passenger, from the janitor to the pilot is required to carry an AEP. An AEP (Airport Entry Pass), is a custom access control smart card that stores the identity of the user and their clearance level. It allows the users to enter the areas they have clearance for, and record their movements. Meaning a commercial pilot will not be able to enter the cargo hold, and a cargo pilot will not be able to enter the commercial travel areas of an airport.
In addition, these systems also record the movement of personnel through their access passes throughout the facility, thus providing the security teams with increased transparency and monitoring capabilities. And in security violation scenarios, it makes it easier to find the perpetrator.
(c). Tracking & Retrieval
In sectors like construction and healthcare, we use a lot of specialized tools and equipment to conduct operations. As these equipment are often expensive, organizations do not have the luxury to employ them in large numbers. For example, a defibrillator at minimum would cost around ₹1,12,000 per unit and portable X-ray machines can cost more than ₹2,00,000 per unit, etc., and these are some of the cheapest equipment in a hospital. Therefore, these organizations must be able to keep accurate track of these equipment, allowing them to be retrieved for use as quickly as possible in case of emergencies. RFID security systems keep track of assets being moved from one zone to another and it also ensure quick retrieval of the asset when necessary.
Benefits of RFID Security Systems
Now you know the uses of radio frequency identification technology for security applications. However, there are other systems like Biometric Security or just plain old manual security, so why even bother with RFID?
The answer is that there are several advantages of RFID technology-based security systems over other types of systems including cost-effectiveness, accuracy efficiency, and easy deployment.
(a). Cost of Implementation
Implementing an RFID security system has a larger initial cost than hiring security personnel. However, in the long run, the cost of human security will severely outmatch RF systems due to monthly salaries and other costs that go with employees. RFID security systems can be integrated with asset management and access control systems, thus requiring only a small capital.
With decreasing cost of RFID tags and readers due to innovations in design and fabrication of the RFID tags and readers, uniform RF standards and protocols, etc. RFID security systems have a low cost of implementation.
(b). Accuracy & Data Collection
RFID readers are quite efficient and accurate when it comes to automatic data capture and identification. These readers, as part of an RFID security system, can be used as handheld or fixed RFID readers and many of these readers offer excellent read rates of 1200+ tags per second. RFID technology doesn’t require a clear line of sight, offers long read range, and ensures accurate data collection without a miss, unlike barcode.
(c). Compatible with Integration
Unlike other types of systems, RFID security systems are very dynamic and are often custom-built, making them compatible with other types of solutions. For example, users can connect a reader to work in tandem with electronic locks, online databases, cameras, etc. This is not possible with other technologies like biometric security.
(d). Automation & Resource Allocation
Another benefit of using an RFID security system is its ability to provide automation. Unlike traditional security measures, say using security guards, the RFID security system provides complete automation in security operations. Automation in operations has several benefits efficiency, resource allocation, reduction in long-term cost, accuracy, etc.
(e). Streamlined Operations
Lastly, these systems improve the productivity of an organization. This occurs due to the ability of RFID to induce automation, improve efficiency & accuracy, etc. The combination of all these things reduces any disruptions in operations and the time employees have to spend creating manual records, allowing the workers to give their optimal performance during work hours.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID Security System
Q1. What are the three main types of RFID systems?
The primary method of classifying radio frequency identification systems is on the basis of their operational frequency. On this basis, we can divide these systems into three classes – Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF).
Q2. What is an RFID security system?
These are a type of security system that utilizes RFID technology to provide access, track items, and monitor asset movement. It prevents theft, reduces shrinkage in retail and warehouses and offers security at offices.
Q3. Which software is used for RFID?
There are many different types of software that you can use with RFID. Some RFID solution providers offer custom software for specific applications, say access and security, ticketing, etc. In other cases, users can develop their software to interact with their RF systems or purchase 3rd party software that is compatible with the RFID hardware by certain brands as required.
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