What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a subset of automatic identification (auto ID) technologies and is used to identify objects using radio waves. An RFID system consists of three components including an RFID tag, a reader and a computer system.

The use of RFID technology has several advantages over barcode-based identification including the following:

1. No line of sight required to read tag preventing a long search for barcodes
2. Uniquely identifies items preventing double counting
3. Reading distance of several metres enables automated processes and saves time
4. Simultaneous identification
5. Read/write capability enabling the exchange of data along the process chain
6. Can be used in harsh environments
7. Higher read accuracy
8. Higher data storage capacity
9. High reading speed (hundreds of tags per second)
10. Scans through various non-metallic materials such as clothing, cardboard, plastic, wood, gases, mud, paint, etc.
11. Can be combined with sensors to detect properties such as pressure and temperature

An RFID system usually consists of three components: an RFID tag, a reader and a computer system. The tag stores a unique identification number (and perhaps other information) on a microchip and can be attached to an object. An RFID reader is a device to communicate with the RFID tag. The reader sends out a radio signal to the tag and converts the radio waves returned from the RFID tag into a digital signal that it transmits to a host computer for interpretation, storage and action.