The cost of replacing misplaced or stolen assets is a significant drain on many businesses. For example, lost reusable packaging costs the American Auto industry $750 million yearly, while job site theft costs Construction companies $1 billion annually.
Fortunately, there’s a solution: RFID. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology uses a small microchip, called an RFID tag, to store and transmit data wirelessly. Its reliability, accuracy and efficiency make it an excellent choice for tracking warehouse inventory. For more information about the RFID tracking system, click here.
Reliability
RFID technology is a critical component of supply chain automation, and its reliability can save organizations time and money. Using RFID tags to track inventory can reduce the need for manual data input, eliminate human error and improve inventory accuracy. However, the system must be able to read the signals from a tag to be effective. It is measured by the ability of the tag to return a call to the reader after absorbing energy from the reader’s RF (radio frequency) waves.
Environmental factors, such as metals and liquids, also influence the reliability of RFID tags. In a free-space environment, RFID signals can be transmitted at a range of up to 25 ft. However, the readability of RFID tags in semi-closed metal environments is much lower. That is because metal interferes with the radio waves that transmit information to and from the RFID tag. It can lead to errors, including misidentification of the RFID tags.
Accuracy
Accuracy is an essential measurement in an RFID tracking system. The accuracy of an RFID system depends on many factors, such as the number of RFID tags and the type of RFID reader used. It also depends on the configuration of the hardware items and the position of the antennas. For more information about the RFID tracking system, click here.
The accuracy of an RFID tracking system can be measured using a GPS device or an RFID reader. A GPS device can pinpoint the location of an object by comparing RSSI signals with its own RSSI signal. This process eliminates errors caused by interference and dead zones.
An RFID system can improve inventory accuracy by reducing the time spent scanning barcodes and checking inbound products. In addition, RFID can improve inventory management and reduce costs by automating the receiving process. For example, an RFID warehouse can audit every carton without slowing down the receiving line. It allows them to confirm that every carton contains precisely what was ordered.
Efficiency
A typical RFID tracking system consists of an antenna, an RFID tag, and an RFID reader. The tag sends signals that are picked up by the reader, which can be connected to a WiFi network to access its location on a computerized map. This technology automates manual monitoring processes and reduces labour costs.
The efficiency of an RFID tracking system is measured in terms of how much time it saves compared to other monitoring methods. For instance, it can track an asset’s location within a facility and record its movements second-by-second. It is particularly useful for industrial workflows that involve high volumes of activity. It also helps to improve product authentication, allowing businesses to speed up their production and logistics processes.
Cost
The cost of an RFID tracking system is determined by several factors, including the type and quantity of tags, scanners, antennas, and cabling needed to get started. The recurring costs of maintaining the system and paying for tag licenses must also be considered, as well as the fixed costs of implementing the new technology.
The most expensive component of an RFID tracking system is the reader, which typically ranges from around $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the type of reader and its features. RFID tags can vary in price, as well – passive tags are less expensive than active ones but have shorter read ranges.
RFID tracking systems can be used in a variety of applications, including storing and monitoring inventory, locating educational assets in schools, and transit temperature monitoring for logistics quality control. In addition, they can help prevent employee fatigue by reducing the need to grasp and manipulate items.
