Types of RFID and Their Role in Automating Asset Tracking

Almost all modern-day entrepreneurs find locating and managing assets difficult. The hours spent in searching for critical devices can after all cause expensive delays, missed deadlines, and wasted labor.

Most of the companies have tried addressing this problem by using spreadsheets and serial numbers or by tracking through barcode scanners. But both of the approaches take a substantial amount of time. So, is there any way to quickly enhance asset management? Inventory RFID system seems like the viable answer here.

Radio Frequency Identification utilizes electromagnetic waves to transmit the data from a tag to a reader. It assures real-time tracking for all mobile and fixed assets – starting from IV pumps and wheelchairs in a hospital to pumping equipment in oil fields, and computers in a multi-story building.

Types of RFID Tags

Passive and Active are the two major categories. The type you invest in will rely on what you wish to accomplish and the type of capacities you are looking out for.

Passive

Passive RFIDs are known for being smaller and less pricey. That being said, they do not assure reading of the products lying at a great distance.

How Passive RFID Works?

The experts offering the best RFID solutions for retailers said passive RFIDs have zero power. They are supported by the energy generated from the RFID antennas or readers. The signal sent is used for powering the tag and reflecting the energy back.

What is the Use of Passive RFID?

Owing to the cost-efficiency and flexibility, passive RFIDs can embed or attach themselves to a wide range of objects. The passive RFIDs with ultra-high frequency can track consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.

Active

Active RFIDs are large and expensive but they assure long reading ranges that in certain cases extend to 100m.  They do although have a shorter lifespan.

How Active RFID Works?

Active RFIDs have an internal power source such as a battery or a transmitter. They use ultra-high frequencies for pinpointing the location of the items and their movement through the supply chain.

What is the Use of Active RFID?

Active RFIDs support the sensors that gauge conditions such as light, temperature, humidity, and light. This makes them ideal for harsher environments. Active RFIDs track larger assets such as cargo containers and vehicles.

RFID and Asset Tracking

The professionals offering RFID for warehouse inventory said RFID when built in the mobile phone or computer can scan more than one asset simultaneously. It can accurately read products that are several feet away.

When it comes to automating asset tracking, this has proven advantageous than all other software. Some of the benefits include:

• No need of line-of-sight.
• Stores critical information.
• Can be integrated with GPS and other sensors.
• Reduces inventory management times.
• Enhances productivity.

While the earlier versions of the this technology were limited in multiple settings, the tags manufactured currently can be installed in wet environments or on metal items. They can easily endure exposure to caustic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and other harsher contaminants.

You must choose an RFID tag only after considering the ambiance you are working in, your data requirements, and the dimension of the items you are planning on tagging. Also select an authentic provider who assures quality along with affordability.