For asset tracking here there are several asset tracking technologies such as Barcode, QR Code (Quick Response code), NFC (Near field communication), IoT (Internet of Things), GPS (Global Positioning System), BLE (Bluetooth low energy), etc.

However, in this blog, you will know What exactly is RFID? What components are included in the RFID solution? So, without wasting any time let us begin!

What Is RFID Technology?

The full form of RFID is radio frequency identification. RFID solution is one of the best technologies used for asset tracking. It is used in several applications and industries as well such as security, airlines, asset monitoring, military, healthcare, etc.

This technology provides wireless communication and includes electrostatic coupling. It stores data in the database. Unlike barcode technology, the RFID tag solution is not required to be scanned in a straight line.

Another advantage is that you do not have to scan items one by one, RFID scanner can scan multiple tags at once.

History of RFID

Around the 1940s RFID was invented. For commercial use, it was developed in the 1970s. After a few years, it was used in business often for tracking. Later, it was developed & now it is one of the technologies for tracking assets and supplies real-time information.

RFID is one of the most frequently used technologies. The market for RFID is growing at a great speed.

According to Grand View Research,  “The global radio frequency identification technology market size is estimated to reach USD 40.5 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 14.7%”.

What Are the Use Cases Examples of RFID Solutions?

An example of an RFID solution is given below:

RFID contains a microchip & this microchip has crucial information. For example, RFID is used in hospitals, RFID comes in the form of a wristband it holds significant data of patients such as name, real-time heart rate, blood pressure, medical record, etc.

This type of information comes in handy while handling an Alzheimer's patient or patient who is brought in an emergency. It is also a smart choice for those patients who want to treat themselves at home and help can arrive in case of urgency.

RFID Used in Making Sports Industry - We know that the sports industry is huge, and fans like to see their favorite game in the stadium and the huge crowd comes to see sports games. RFID is provided to visitors so that fast entries can be made & save a lot of time.

Similarly, it is used in shopping malls RFID is scanned and transactions are made in no time. Otherwise, time is wasted just standing in the queue. An RFID scanner can scan multiple wristbands in a single go.

What Are the Components of RFID Solution?

Antenna, RFID Tag, RFID Reader, RFID tag tracking solution are the components of RFID solution are discussed below in detail.

1. RFID Tag

There are several types of tags available in the market. Each tag has a microchip that has information about the asset. It helps in identifying assets. Some advance tags have more memory for adding more information.

Also Read: RFID Technology: How RFID System Is Used on Roads

Which type of RFID tag is most suitable for the business that you must choose as per the business analysis & requirement. As some types of RFID tags are expensive. Moreover, RFID tag efficiency decreases when water or metal interferes.

2. RFID Reader

Read data and write into tags. The RFID reader reads data & information from the tag. Readers come in the mobile form, or they are fixed in location.

For instance, RFID tag readers are used in tollbooth stations. This is an example of a fixed reader. Whereas mobile reader is used by an employee in the mall they are handheld scanners.

Readers don't have to read or scanned from a straight line or directly it can be scanned behind plastic or wood.

3. Antenna

Labels and readers both have radio wires that permit them to speak with one another. How far separated they can be and still convey is known as the read range.

An advanced RFID system has an antenna that comes in two shapes linear and circular. In linear, single planes propagated vertically. They provide better control & tags are readable consistently.

Whereas in a circular shape antenna there is a double plane in a spiral shape. It gives a wider range for linear antenna therefore it helps in optimizing performance.

4. RFID Software

The RFID tag is not enough to compete with the competitors. You must use RFID solutions such as RFID asset tracking software. This makes you more competitive and optimizes the performance of employees and the organization as well.

Conclusion

RFID solution is an innovative technique to keep track of assets and equipment. You can use this RFID technology in a different scenario and in a unique way. It can be beneficial for a lot of businesses who want to know their asset location all the time.

However, in business, you must use it with asset management software for the best result. It can provide data that will be helpful in business growth. It can provide real-time information that assists in making informed & strategic decisions.

Also Read: What Are the Major Techniques for Effective Asset Management?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the various types of RFID tags?

‍RFID tags are active, semi-passive, and passive tags where active RFID tag has its power because it has its inbuilt battery. Passive tags get power from the antenna & they do not have a battery. Whereas semi-passive tags have a battery, but it is only for circuitry for communication antenna is used.

2. What are the other purposes of using RFID tags?‍

Asset tracking, inventory visibility, and control, location tracking, patient tracking & monitoring, providing valuable data, Fast transaction in payment, avoiding distributing counterfeit medicines. These are a few of the purposes of using RFID tags.

3. What are the types of RFID Systems?‍

Mainly the RFID System can be divided into three categories:
Low Frequency - It has a range of 30 kHz to 500 kHz which means to scan the tag, one needs to be close to the item. It has a maximum range of 3-feet.
High Frequency - High frequency has a range of 3 MHz to 30 MHz, it has a better range than low frequency around 5-6 feet.
Ultra-high Frequency - It has a huge range of 300 MHz to 960 MHz it means that it can read tags 20 to 25-feet away.