Radio Frequency Identification

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Last updated: Apr 23, 2024 by Shilpa K (Deactivated)Version comment

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) works on radio wave allowing devices to automatically read and identify the information available on a tag affixed to an object. It is mainly used for Asset Tracking.

How RFID Works?

RFID works on the principle of wireless technology, and it consists of Tag, Reader, and Antenna.

  1. The Reader sends signal to the tag using Antenna.
  2. The Tag receives this signal and transmits the data stored in its memory.
  3. The Reader receives information and transmits to a host computer system where the data can be stored in a database and analyzed later.

The Tag can be easily read from several feet away and not required to be within the direct line of sight of the Reader.

RFID Reader

The RFID Reader also known as Interrogator reads the data that is transmitted from the Tag and processes in the computer system. RFIDs are of two types, Fixed and Portable with in-built Antennas.

RFID Tag

The RFID Tag is a label attached to the object and stores data in various forms, such as serial numbers, alphanumeric, stock numbers, batch numbers, production date, or any other specific information.

Types of RFID Tags

  • Active tag: An active RFID tag has its own power source or battery on the tag.
  • Passive tag: A passive RFID tag does not have any power source or battery. It depends on the power source of the Reader. The Reader and Reader Antenna send a signal to the Tag and that signal is used to power on the Tag, and send the signal back to the Reader.

Difference Between RFID Tag and Barcodes

RFID Tag

Barcodes

Does not require  line of sight

Requires line of sight

Tag durable

Not durable

Accurate

Inaccurate

Read Method: Radio signal

Read Method: Optical scanner

Works in harsh environment 

Vulnerable to harsh environment

Data processing speed is high. In a testing phase of 12 pills bottle, RFID time: one second

Data processing speed is low. In a testing phase of 12 pills bottle, Barcode Scanner: 37.9 seconds

Forging can be done

Forging cannot be done

Less human interference

Mandatory human interference

Built-in security

No security

RFID Integration With SummitAI

This section explains RFID and its workflow.

  1. Asset Scanning using RFID Reader

Asset Scanning is a way to validate the Location, Status, Maintenance Schedule, and other important information about the physical Assets that are available on the Floor.

In the following example, Assets are available at different Locations and Floors. The Assets that have RFID tags attached are marked with orange labels. The Asset technicians (Technician 1, Technician 2, and Technician 3) walk to their respective Floors with RFID Readers to capture the Asset information. The RFID Reader receives the radio frequency transmitted by RFID tags and transmit it further to the RFID system for interpretation.

Asset Scanning

Figure: Asset Scanning

2. Storing Asset details in RFID system

The Asset details received form the RFID Reader is sent to the RFID system. The RFID system stores the Asset details and make the records ready for further validation with the Asset information available in the SummitAI database.

Storing Asset Details

 Figure: Storing Asset Details

3. Pairing RFID database with SummitAI database

Upon receiving the Asset information, the RFID system shares this information with the SummitAI database. This is the pairing phase where the RFID system database and SummitAI database pair up and start data integration. The pairing phase is often known as hand shake phase.

Pairing of RFIDs and Asset IDs 

Figure: Pairing of RFIDs and Asset IDs

4. Integrating RFID details with SummitAI

After the pairing is completed, the RFID details are integrated with the SummitAI database. This integration is done using API services. The RFID system uses API services provided by SummtiAI to push the data from the RFID system to the SummitAI database. The Asset integration is done to sync and find the discrepancy between the Asset details captured in the RFID system and Asset information available in the SummitAI database.

Integration of RFID with SummitAI

Figure: Integration of RFID with SummitAI

5. Generating compliance report using SummitAI

This is the final phase of RFID solution. In the phase, the integrated Asset details are compiled and validated. The validation result is published as a Compliance report. The Compliance report is necessary to ascertain that the RFID solution complies the industry standard and its regulations. 

Compliance Report                 

Figure: Compliance Report

Issues

The following issues can be encountered during the Compliance report generation:

  • Assets not found: This issue is encountered when the Asset is found in the SummitAI database but not detected in the RFID system.
  • Asset Misplaced: This issue is encountered when the Asset recorded at a Location or Floor in the RFID system is not matching with the details available in SummitAI database.
  • New Assets: This issue is encountered when the Asset is not available in the SummitAI database but detected and stored in the RFID system.

Benefits of RFID

  • It helps in providing accurate information during an audit.
  • The customers do not need to keep Assets in their line of sight for tracking.
  • It generates a Variance report instantly as the SummitAI application updates its Inventory automatically.
  • It can be used by different types of customers irrespective of their nature of business, such as Manufacturing, Retails stores, Supply chain, and so on.
  • The RFID tags are durable than Barcode or any other equivalent Asset detectors.
  • It helps in setting up a clutter-free Asset Inventory for managing IT and Non-IT Assets.
  • It helps the customers to identify their Assets, which are not identified by RFID tags.
  • The RFID method can store more data compared to other conventional Asset detection systems.

For information about Asset Physical Verification using RFID, see Asset Physical Verification Using RFID.