Understanding Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID)
RFID at a glance
RFID Canada is a leading technology provider with 30-plus years of experience in providing solutions including barcode, passive, and active RFID (radio frequency identification).
RFID Canada warrants its success in identifying and developing comprehensive solutions in partnership with some of the most innovative companies, such as software providers, engineering firms, automation companies, and system integrators that provide solutions to specific vertical markets domestically and globally.
Solutions include applications such as animal identification, document tracking, traceability, asset tracking, work-in-process, stock replenishment, personal identification, and sporting events in a wide range of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, supply chain, and distribution, retail, healthcare, pharmaceutical, libraries, government and many others.
A thorough understanding of RFID is crucial in assessing it as a solution for implementation and its return on investment (ROI). If the accuracy of your current system is nearly perfect and you have complete visibility into all your business processes, you may be questioning the benefit of RFID. If you simply look at the cost of implementing and supporting a new technology, without looking at the benefits that it can bring your operation, you may be asking yourself why RFID? If you do not take the time to learn about RFID and how it can improve your operation, it may seem that the cost is too high and the potential return unclear or not worthwhile.
RFID can maintain or increase your level of accuracy and visibility at a reduced cost. Although implementing an RFID system requires an initial investment, the investment in new technology can improve the efficiency of your operation, reduce errors, and improve on operating costs. With RFID, any movable item or asset can better and more efficiently be identified and tracked.
To be successful and to get the most benefits from implementing RFID, you will need to take the time to understand the technology and how it can work in your environment. You will also need to review your operations and identify all the areas or points where the product is being handled and where data is collected.
RFID may be able to eliminate these manual data collection points by reading tags automatically as they pass through specific points giving you the accuracy that you require at a reduced cost.
This document intends to provide a better understanding of RFID technology; its features, capabilities, and limitations. Throughout we will illustrate the benefits that the technology can deliver through examination of some typical applications.
The discussions in this paper have been organized around the classifications along with the technology architecture and frequency lines. We will also provide some insight into important areas such as standards, regulations, safety, and privacy, which are of concern to the users and providers of the technology alike.