RFID tag for location tracking is not a new technology, and it is true that Mario invented this technology for the first time to monitor railway carriages. With modern modification, these tags contribute a lot to location tracking, checking the movement of your inventory flow, etc.
When you can check the real-time location of all your products, you no longer need a human inspection team. This tool can automate the system of the location to boost productivity. Its power and potential doesn’t end here. Let’s check how it can be helpful for our industry.
What Are RFID Tags?
RFID Tags are tiny yet powerful wireless technology that can be attached to any product to track its movement and real-time location. It can’t perform the task solely as it is only responsible for sending or transmitting digital information; another (Interrogator) device is required to receive and analyze this information.
RFID tags attached to the products remain inactive until it is signed by radio waves transmitted by the RFID reader. Once the RFID is activated under the signal zone of readers, an effective data transfer is executed.
The setup of an RFID tag is integrated into a small surface, generally on sticky paper. It works as a sticker used to attach to a product. The body of a tag may seem to have golden or thin silvery wiring.
It has two core units- An integrated antenna and a microchip. The antenna is built with aluminum, copper, or aluminum ink. Plus, the microchip has an entire body of silicon, as silicon is a perfect element as a semiconductor. This microchip is mainly responsible for the radio frequency required for the data communication required for location tracking.
Types of RFID Tags and Their Core Utility in Different Industries
Picking an RFID tracking system is no doubt an impressive option for your supply chain management, but it requires precise selection of tags. Basically, there are two types of RFID tags used for location tracking. Let’s explore them.
1. Active RFID Tags
In simple terms, active RFID tags are battery-powered devices used for transmission of signals and data in real time. The heart of an Active RFID tag is the battery present in it. The battery is the power source of these tags and generally has a better range of communication. It comes with two different variants called Beacon and Transponder, but most industries use Transponders.
The reason is the durability of the battery; Transponder transmits only when there is a prompt or command generated by the reader. Unlike the Beacon, it uses its energy source when required, so it manages to save energy.
Active RFID tags are usually costlier and mostly used in Automobile tracking, and equipment monitoring.
2. Passive RFID Tags
Passive RFID tags are devices which aren’t battery powered but require an external RFID reader to power them up and read their data.
These tags are often used to deter theft and inventory tracking. And the best part of these tags, they last incredibly long as it requires no self-energy source.
There are two mostly used varieties of passive RFID tags – hard tags and inlays tags. Research well before going for the best one for you!
How Do RFID Tags Work in Location Tracking?
The system of location tracking can be understood in two sets. First, sending location data of the product as radio waves, and the second is receiving those data to interpret the coordinates to identify the location.
When we zoom into the RFID tags section, the first step is to attach the tag. The position and nature of the product is crucial as it can both positively and negatively affect the tracking. The tag is generally pasted on the body of the product, and sometimes, it is embedded or attached with screws.
The Tag is attached on a mostly open surface or a place where it is easy to read. The material of the product is also a factor, so the right tag is required for specific products. In case you have a metal body product, then it can cause disturbance in transmitting the information. Most companies use metal-mount RFID tags, which are specially designed for metal body products.
A perfectly placed RFID tag can contribute to effortless information transmission. All the work moves simultaneously. Once the information is received by the reader, it is now the turn to interpret the data. The signal received is used to compare the exact location and later present the real-time location on a map. The visual map is possible due to the unique ID and transmitted information by the Tags, which help to plot the location change.
However, there will always be a pinch of error in the tracking. This is not very certain, but it happens if the radio waves transmitted and received from multiple tags and RFID readers create chaos. This interference can affect the accuracy of the data synthesis.
Generally, the read accuracy of an active RFID tag is as high as 100%, and this is a bit less in the case of passive RFID tags. Even an RFID tag has a different reading zone, so it also varies from 3 – 300 feet depending upon the type of RFID tag.
The Role of RFID Tags in Automating the Entry and Exit Process
If we specifically discuss the entry and exit of products, it requires security, checking, monitoring, and tracking. Using manual mode or human intervention can slow down the process. The accuracy will be comparatively lower than automation using RFID tags for location tracking.
RFID tags can track the location along with monitoring the flow of inventory. It no longer needs any manual counting or screening the import and export of products in the warehouse. The security level gets upgraded, when you can monitor the route of your products. The initial and final destination of the product can be traced and recorded.
This automation can improve the logistics of the industry plus reduce the unwanted delays. As the location can be used to track real-time information, it helps to take quick action. Overall an industry can save money and increase accuracy, which leads to improved productivity and efficiency.
Hey! Are you looking for a reliable vehicle tracking solution? Don’t forget to check out this comprehensive truck management solution by QodeNEXT, TITO . Using RFID, BLE, and IoT technologies, TITO provides enhanced visibility and control of truck movements, improving the functionality and reducing operational costs.
With TITO, you can expect improved turnaround time by up to 30% and many more benefits. What more are you waiting for? Check out TITO by QodeNEXT now!
FAQ: RFID Tags For Location Tracking
What are RFID tags used for?
RFID tags are wireless technology that can be attached to any product to track its location. They are commonly used in inventory, supply chain, and asset tracking.
What is the structure of an RFID tag?
An RFID tag consists of two core units – an integrated antenna and a microchip. The antenna is built with aluminum, copper, or aluminum ink and is responsible for receiving and transmitting radio waves. The microchip, made of silicon, is responsible for the data communication required for location tracking.
What are the two types of RFID tags?
There are two types of RFID tags: active and passive. Active tags have a battery that powers them, while passive tags rely on the radio waves generated by the RFID reader to operate.
Are RFID tags expensive?
The cost of RFID tags depends on the type, size, and quantity. Active RFID tags are usually more expensive than passive RFID tags due to the presence of a battery. However, the cost of RFID tags has decreased over time, making them more affordable for businesses of all sizes.
Why is it essential to automate the entry and exit processes?
Automation of these processes provides improved security, accuracy, tracking, and real-time information to enable quicker response times. Additionally, it can lead to cost savings and improved productivity.
Conclusion
RFID tags are a powerful technology that can be used to automate the entry and exit processes and provide real-time tracking of products. They offer improved accuracy and security while reducing delays and saving money in the process. Additionally, they can help companies track their inventory, supply chain, and assets more efficiently. With RFID tags, businesses can significantly improve their efficiency and productivity.
If you’re looking to automate your entry and exit processes, RFID tags are the perfect solution. Check out Qodenext today to take the first step to automate your business !
