An RFID tag is a form of tracking technology that recognizes items through smart barcodes. RFID is the abbreviation of ‘radio frequency identification’, and by using radio frequency technology, RFID tags get the data. By radio waves, data that is connected to the tag is further moved to a reader, and later the data is forwarded to RFID computer software. Primarily used for monitoring products, RFID tags may also track vehicles and other things such as pets and individuals with Alzheimer’s. Another term for RFID tag is an RFID chip.

How RFID Tags Work?

An antenna and a microchip, which is commonly referred to as an integrated circuit or IC, are used by an RFID tag to send and receive data. People may instead apply to the microchip on an RFID reader any material they like.

RFID Tag Description

There are two main types of RFID tags: Passive and battery-enabled.

RFID tags that use batteries have a built-in battery that provides the energy. For battery-powered RFID tags, active RFID tags are another term.

Electromagnetic energy delivered from an RFID reader is used by RFID tags that are passive, not batteries.

Three main frequencies are used to transmit data by passive RFID tags:

When the reader scans the passive RFID tag, the reader transmits energy to the tag, allowing the chip and antenna to return the information back to the reader. Following that, the information is transmitted back to an RFID computer software by the reader for analysis.

  • Inlays and hard tags are the two primary categories of passive RFID tags.
  • Nodes are usually very thin and can be adhered to a variety of surfaces.
  • Hard tags are composed of a sturdy, hard substance like metal or plastic.
  • The two primary frequencies active RFID tags use to send data are 433 MHz and 915 MHz. The three main sections of them are as follows:
    • An identifier
    • Antenna
    • The questioner
  • An operational RFID tag should have a battery that lasts three to five years. Since the batteries are not currently removable, the complete machine will need to be replaced when it dies. 

What applications do RFID tags serve?

RFID tags are used in different applications, among them the following ones.

  • Inventory management: RFID tag can be attached to products and packaging for exploration of location and distances of movements throughout the whole chain of supply.
  • Accessing: RFID tags serve as electronic keys and lock-openers, thus helping a firm to control movement of employees or even restrict entering certain closed premises.
  • Asset tracking: RFID tags and barcode scanners may necessary in the cases of battles against thefts or losses of, for example, machinery, cars, or tools. Finally, they are widely used in animal tracking for agricultural needs and researches, as well as at wildlife reserves.
  • Payment systems: RFID tags can be employed in contactless payment systems, like electronic toll collection, transit fare payment cards, etc. Healthcare: RFID tags may enhance the delivery of the right medication, monitoring of medical equipment, and tracking of patients’ vital signs. As such, RFID technology benefits all industries with its ability to collect data automatically. This, in turn, may help improve productivity, accuracy, and safety across a variety of uses within different sectors.

Pros: Why Firms Should Consider Using RFID Tags

  • Enhanced efficiency – RFID tags can be swiftly and accurately scanned, allowing shipments to be tracked faster and more effectively.
  • Increased accuracy – RFID tags can be read when hidden or covered, removing the line-of-sight requirement for barcodes to be read.
  • Decreased labor costs – RFID tags can be scanned automatically, rather than laboriously scanned manually.
  • These tags appear to last longer than barcodes, which can become unreadable.
  • Improved security – when encrypted and associated with their own unique ID, RFID tags are difficult to confuse, forge or manipulate by unauthorized parties or counterfeit manufacturers, so they are unlikely to get into the supply chain.
  • Real-time tracking – thanks to RFID, users can quickly track where products or assets are and time of their movement, so suppliers can better design inventory control and supply chain optimization.

Consequently, firms and organization seeking to enhance their inventory tracking and supply chain management processes might benefit tremendously from the adoption of RFID tags.