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RFID

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)is a technology that allows you to identify unique items using radio waves. Data is read and recorded automatically in real-time, this accelerates and automates all processes. The different RFID devices are integrated into systems. RFID system consists of the following devices:
  • tag (transponder) passive or active
  • antenna
  • read-programming device (reader, terminals) which contains a transmitter and decoder.
The RFID system consists of readers, software and label printer, which allows programming of tags. In HDF offers you can find not only individual devices, which supports RFID technology, but also whole, integrated systems together with the appropriate software. RFID systems can be used, for example to record and monitor the movement of goods or documents, animals, containers, pallets, vehicles, metallic and non-metallic materials. This technology has a great potential, as we can see already in many companies in the USA and Western Europe. RFID has been implemented by the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. Pfizer company - producer of Viagra), retail chains (such as Wal-Mart, Tesco) and the logistics industry (e.g. DHL)

Visual diagram of RFID system

RFID labels

RFID advantages:

  • the possibility to implement in the conditions, in which traditional barcode labels not meet the requirements
  • resilience to adverse external conditions such as dust, moisture, high and low temperature etc.
  • the layer of dirt on the tag does not affect the quality of reading (barcode in a similar situation would be completely unreadable)
  • the possibility to record more data compare to the linear barcode
  • direct contact with the RFID tag reader is not required
  • the ability to read information stored in the RFID tag even from a distance of up to 12 meters and through other materials
  • the ability to read even a few thousand tags at the same time
  • the ability to control the flow of goods in real time
  • easy to use RFID devices (printers, readers, terminals)
  • acceleration of all logistics processes
  • the possibility of multiple programming of one tag
  • automation of work
  • protection against counterfeiting
  • the ability to control the flow of goods
  • increased efficiency of work
  • security of stored data (mechanisms for checking the authenticity of the tag), data stored in the tag may be coded and access to them can be protected by password
  • the ability to identify the item, even in hard to reach places, where optical methods cannot be use
  • identify and track movement of goods
  • traceability of goods throughout the entire production process
  • multiple data recording and reading
  • fast, automatic identification of vehicles, animals and products

RFID system - the most important elements

RFID labels

RFID Label


RFID Labels contain small size tags, which can be programmed during print by using special RFID printers. This type of labels allow you :
  • save the encrypted data
  • save open data
  • add the data at any time
  • delete previously stored data
In terms of use, there are two types of RFID labels:
  • labels with a RFID tag (for all types of materials, except metals)
  • labels with a RFID flag (for metals)
RFID labels, despite having an electronic chip with an antenna, retain the appearance of normal Thermal Transfer labels. Communication with RFID readers is carried by radio waves at frequencies of UHF and HF
czytniki RFID, terminale RFID

RFID readers and terminals


Readers and terminals are devices, which allows user to read information stored in RFID tags, even from a distance. These devices have built-in RFID antenna, which "activates" the passive RFID transponders. Most this type of devices allows wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and others) thus data, that have been read, can be transmitted in real time. In terms of use, RFID readers can be divided into:
  • manual
  • stationary
tagi-rfid

Tags


RFID tags (transponders) are small communication device, in which information can be stored. They can take various forms, such as stickers (labels), chip, and rivet. They have a high resistance to extreme external conditions. The transmission of data, can take place through the following bands: UHF (860-956 MHz), HF (13.56 MHz), LF. RFID transponders (tags) can be divided:
  • passive (do not have their own power, pull power from a reader)
  • passive – active
  • active ( have their own power- battery)
Data stored in RFID tags can protect through encryption. In this group tags we have:
  • tags, where information is secure during transmission
  • tags, where information is stored and encrypted
Transponders can also be divided base on the possibility of recording data, we have:
  • tags which can only be read
  • tags where information can be save only one time
  • tags multiple record options
antena RFID

Antenna


To read the data encoded on RFID tags, it is necessary to have transmit/receive antenna. The purpose of this device is a radio broadcast, to activate a passive tag, when it is in the range of the antenna.

The leading manufacturers of RFID devices:

  • Zebra (RFID printer manufacturer)
  • Datamars (manufacturer of tags, RFID antennas and readers)
  • Motorla/Symbol (producer of transponders, antennas, RFID readers and terminals)
  • Datamax (RFID printer manufacturer)
  • Intermec (producer of readers, RFID printers and terminals)
  • SATO (RFID printer manufacturer)

Example of implementation

RFID functions and capabilities


To read the data encoded on RFID tags, it is necessary to have transmit/receive antenna. The purpose of this device is to broadcast radio waves, these waves can activate a passive tag when it is in the range of the antenna.

What problems RFID may resolve?

standardowe etykiety


To answer this question, we take as an example company, with two large stores and a very large flow of goods, their work is based on the barcodes.
  • Problems with employees
    Location of storage areas and the overall situation on employment market means that the company faces the problem of insufficient amount of skilled workers and has a difficulty in recruiting new suitably qualified workers. However, dynamic development of the company causes an increase in labor and need for a new workers.
  • A large number of human errors
    The excessive workload of employees increased the number of errors committed by them. The errors occurred, when the goods were received and shipped and during the picking.
  • Problems with the implementation of orders accurately and on time
    Errors committed during picking and shipping orders, cause delays in processing and the issue of incomplete orders.
  • RFID objectives:
    In view of these problems decided to look for new solutions, and set the following objectives:
    • increase efficiency without increasing the number of employees
    • record the movement of goods in real time
    • eliminate so-called human error
    • automation of work
    • easy to handle equipment and short period of training
    • accelerate all the processes, which take place in a warehouse
    • liquidation of problems associated with customer dissatisfaction due to delays or incomplete orders.

RFID remedy to the problems


The solution and implementation of the objectives standardowe etykiety

The above description of the problems, which must be faced by many entrepreneurs, is a proof that the current systems based on barcodes are not enough. Companies increasingly need better and more effective solutions. Only the implementation of RFID may be a cure for these problems.

The effects of the RFID implementation:
  • acceleration of all processes taking place in a warehouse
  • automation of work
  • • increase in efficiency
Stages of work in warehouse, supported by barcode system: acceptance of goods- warehouseman has to approach each pallet individually, scan a barcode label on each of them, using the scanner or terminal. In the next stage, the warehouse staffs have to place the terminal in a communication dock, to transfer collected data into the information system. In contrast, the similar situation in the case of a RFID system, does not require time and personal commitment of warehousemen, and follows like this: forklift with pallets marked with RFID tags. Information system automatically records the acceptance of all goods (in the case of RFID, direct contact between tag and reader is not required). Warehouseman no longer has to deal with each pallet personally and scan each label individually. The same situation can be observed with the delivery of the goods and picking.
  • Registration of the flow of goods in real time
    RFID readers and terminals enable wireless connectivity, thus it is possible to transfer recorded data to information system in real time. Workers do not have to approach PC and connect terminal to the communication dock.
  • Elimination of human errors
    Automation of all processes, like acceptance and issue of goods, control the process of completion, caused the significant decrease in the number of “human errors”. In the warehouse area, we could notice: better organization and efficiency of work, and full control over the flow of goods in real time. Thanks to this technology, the Customers receive their complete orders on time.

    Before, the completion and review of the dispatch was very difficult, because of the haste, the large number of issues and the need to scan code for each package separately. During this process many errors have occurred, shipments reach customers with delay or there were incomplete. The implementation of RFID system solved this problem. Thanks to implementation of the new technology is enough, for a warehouseman to approach the complete pallet with RFID terminal. The information about order will appears on the terminal display, with a confirmation, when order is completed
  • Easy to use. Fast and trouble-free training
    Devices operating in the RFID technology are very easy to use. After a short internal training staff can effectively carry out their duties. All RFID devices work in similar way, which further facilitate the work. As a result, the implementation of new technology is quick and efficient, and workers easily operate the new equipment

Benefits of implementation

  • achievement of objectives
  • increase efficiency
  • saving time, which can be allocated to other tasks
  • elimination of human error
  • accelerate the process of receiving and shipping goods.
  • increase the receipt, issue and completion of goods
  • control the flow of goods in real time
  • reduction of the additional costs, by reducing the number of complaints

RFID

Visual diagram of RFID systemRFID advantages:RFID system - the most important elementsThe leading manufacturers of RFID devices:Example of implementationBenefits of implementation