Radio Frequency identification has become an essential part of any logistic operation within most industries. These systems allow us to create a more efficient and accurate operation throughout the supply chain. However, there are some common mistakes that a first-time user/business might make while implementing RFID technology into their operations.
So, let’s check them out.
Brief About the Applications of RFID Technology
RFID is quite popular in a variety of different industries around the market. These systems provide a host of services and capabilities that assist businesses in a variety of applications. So, let’s discuss popular applications of RFID technology, across different industries.
(A). Asset Identification & Tracking
In any business, assets serve as the foundation of operations; from a small desk to a large manufacturing machine, a business and the people in it rely on these assets to perform their daily tasks. That is why, having the ability to accurately identify and track these assets is an essential part of any successful business operation. With the help of RF technology, users can automate these operations and make them far more accurate.
(B). Access Control
A business organization contains within itself very valuable items and information in the form of documents & digital data. The security of these items is essential for the success of any business. Therefore, most companies integrate robust security and access control solutions onto their premises.
RFID access control systems use an NFC reader connected to the door locks and the attendance & surveillance system. These readers require an encoded RF card or FOB with the authorization code inside it to activate the doors.
(C). Inventory Management
Controlling and managing the inflow and outflow of goods/products within a facility can be a scrumptious task, especially in a retail business. This is known as inventory management, and as the scale of a business increases, this task becomes exponentially difficult. With RF integration, businesses can not only automate inventory management but also keep an eye on any change in the physical inventory in real time.
(D). Supply Chain Management
A supply chain consists of the entire journey of a good/product from the time of requisitioning raw materials to its purchase by a consumer at the retail outfit. In order to maintain optimal operations throughout the supply chain, businesses need to have an accurate monitoring capability over the entire supply chain, known as Supply Chain Management (SCM).
Many businesses use RFID technology to successfully track and manage the supply chain. Due to its tracking and real-time capabilities, this technology allows users to make immediate changes and modifications to the operations to cope with any obstacle.
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes Regarding RFID Integration
As simple and amazing as RFID technology seems, it can be a bit difficult to implement without technical knowledge & field experience. There are some common mistakes that users/businesses tend to make while integrating RF technology into their operations.
(A). Purchasing the Incorrect Hardware
The most common problem arises due to a lack of technical expertise when it comes to RF systems. This problem presents itself by users purchasing incorrect & incompatible components for their operations. For example, a business with a lot of metal obstacles or products with metal surfaces investing in RF inlays for tagging. This can create a huge problem by introducing issues like signal degradation and detuning; preventing the system from working altogether.
Another example can be getting tags & readers that operate on different frequencies or lack the range to communicate properly in the required area of the facility. This is why, we always recommend conducting a thorough site survey before investing in a system.
(B). Overhaul the Integration
Introducing any new technology into an existing operation will lead to some problems like downtime, reduced efficiency, etc., this happens due to the fact that any new system will have a period of a learning curve and ROI. When it comes to RFID, many first-time users think that investing in an operations-wide system could be beneficial due to a reduction in the overall cost. However, this is not true because of the above-mentioned issues.
In practice, completely overhauling your tracking system with RFID can lead to a disaster, as it may lead to a reduction in productivity throughout your entire operation. It will also cost a fortune. And your whole operation may not need RFID integration.
But, in order to know this, users should first implement this technology in a particular area/operation & analyze its functioning & its effect on their operations. Then decide which areas need RF systems.
(C). RFID Software
Tags, Readers, and Antennas are just the hardware side of the system; the other side is the RFID software. These applications allow users to interact with and operate the RF system and the data it collects.
It’s always a good idea to contact a software development service provider (like EnCStore.com), to design and develop custom software that can work with your RF system and help you optimize your operations. The greatest benefit of custom software is that it is tailor-made to fit your organization, and you can get it updated and back-end support on it, anytime you wish.
(D). Fear of Past Failures
Like any investment & new technology, even RF systems are not guaranteed to work to your expectations initially. However, this can leave a bad taste in the mouths of many users and may prevent them from going for RFID integration in the future.
However, that is not a good attitude to have. The truth is RF technology has been shown to repeatedly help businesses grow and automate a lot of time-consuming operations. It has been shown to reduce stock shrinkage & theft by a significant margin.
So, if you fail the first time, try, try again.
Conclusion
Radio Frequency Identification technology may come across as a panacea to most users, however, like every technology it has its downfalls. And an inexperienced and first-time user can become prey to these weaknesses and may not be able to enjoy the best of this technology in their business.
That is why, it is always a good idea to research such topics thoroughly and always get the help of a professional to guide you through the process and save you lots of money and headache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the major problem with RFID?
There are two major problems that can occur with an RF system, namely – Reader Collision, and Detuning from Metal. The term reader collision refers to the phenomenon where signals from a reader can interfere with the broadcast of another reader. This can lead to a failure in communication between the tags and the readers.
Metal surfaces on the other hand are a great pain to deal with too. Due to their ability to absorb and backscatter radio signals, these surfaces can cause the tags to detune and reflect signals in a different frequency.
Q2. What are the 2 disadvantages of RFID?
RFID technology does not have a lot of weaknesses, but the two major limitations of this form of tracking system are:
(A). Cost – When it comes to AIDC technology, RF isn’t the only competitor; there are other technologies like barcodes. RFID systems on average cost up to 10 times more than barcodes.
(B). Liquids – These are another problem-causing substance for RF systems. Due to the ability of liquids to conduct electricity, they can severely dampen the movement of EM waves like radio signals. Making it difficult for tags to communicate near them.
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