The rates of RFID integration into businesses have been rising across different industries. Whether it is manufacturing, warehousing, retailing, etc. One such industry is jewelry, where it is used to keep track of valuable items. Now the question remains, how to set up an RFID jewelry security system?
Not to worry, because that is exactly what we will discuss today.
What is RFID Technology ?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a class of AIDC technology that provides identification and tracking capabilities to businesses. RF systems work by communicating information using radio signals. This data can be item number, model number, group information, telemetry like temperature, pressure, etc.
Components of an RFID System
There are three basic components in an RFID system needed to perform basic functions. These are the tags, the reader, and the antennas. There are two primary classifications of tags – Active, and Passive.
Active tags have an internal battery that allows them to broadcast a signal of their own. Passive tags lack an internal power supply; therefore, they must rely on two different types of communication methods. These are inductive coupling, using near-field radio signals to induce a charge in the tag and broadcast signals using it. The other one is radiative coupling, where the tags use signal backscattering to reflect signals from the antennas with their information carried on them.
Readers are an essential component of these systems. These devices are responsible for receiving and converting signals from the tags into a readable format and sending them to the database.
Lastly, the antennas, are responsible for broadcasting reader signals, and also receiving signals from the tags and sending them to the reader.
How to Set Up an RFID Jewelry Monitoring System
The easiest way to set up an RFID monitoring system for a jewelry outfit is to follow a couple of simple steps.
(A). Site Audit
The first step in implementing any new technology within a facility is to conduct a thorough site audit. An audit allows users to find out the best mounting points and components for their operational needs. It is best to let a professional conduct a site audit to get the best possible configurations.
(B). Getting the Right Components
Once you have the results of the site audit, you need to do your shopping. You can choose to purchase a custom single-branded setup or assemble a custom rig by yourself. If we may give a piece of advice, you can just go with professional consultation as they can get you good quality supplies at affordable rates.
(C). Installation & Implementation
The next part of the process is the actual installation of the system. During the audits, you probably would have identified key mounting points. These are the places where you want RFID coverage inside the premises. In the case of a jewelry outfit, the best places to mount antennas are – Inside the display cabinets, the inventory racks, and the entry/exit points. So, you will need three different types of antennas, cabinet/shelf antennas, fixed-mounted antennas, and RF security gates.
Next, you need to connect the antennas to the reader, using cables users can for a connection with multiple antennas placed in different locations. Then, connect the reader to the database/computer system.
(D). Training & Tagging
After setting up the system, you will need to install RF software on your system, this allows users to interact and use the radio frequency identification monitoring system. Then, tag the items and program the tags using an NFC reader to hold information.
The last step is to train your employees on how to use the system properly.
Benefits of Implementing an RFID Jewelry Security System
There are numerous benefits of integrating RFID into your business, including security, productivity, efficiency, etc. So, let’s discuss the primary benefits of using these systems in a jewelry facility.
(A). Automation
The biggest benefit of implementing this technology in any sector is the introduction of automation. Since, the RF system doesn’t require any human interaction, any tag that is within the interrogation zone will be read automatically and the database will be updated.
(B). Security System
By automatically recording the movement of items inside the premises, an RFID system can also act as a security system. They accomplish this by preventing any unauthorized item from leaving the premises. Even if someone cuts off the tag, the reader will still sound the alarm, as it needs a specific signal coming from the items to allow them exit permission.
(C). Reduction in Loss & Theft
With the integration of security measures as well as tracking operations, RF systems have been shown to decrease instances of theft and item loss by a significant margin. According to studies, this technology has been shown to decrease theft by 85% and stock shrinkage by 77%, within a year.
(D). Data Accuracy & Collection
A distinct advantage that RFID has over other AIDC technologies like barcodes, is the level of accuracy. Other systems are more vulnerable to errors, especially due to damaged labels, environmental factors, reading errors, etc. With the help of RF systems, businesses can reduce the risk of errors to almost zero and collect data in real time, and form marketing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can RFID be used in security systems?
Radio Frequency Identification technology helps with automatic asset identification and tracking. By strategically placing these systems, businesses can not only record and monitor the movement of items within the premises by program alarms to prevent the unauthorized exit of items.
Q2. Which software is used for RFID?
RFID uses custom software that helps users interact with the hardware and perform identification and tracking operations.
Q3. What are the 3 common uses of RFID?
The three primary uses of RF technology are:
(A). Asset Identification & Tracking
(B). Security & Inventory Management
(C). Data Collection
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