RFID is a technology that uses electronic devices (readers) to communicate with tags and is used to identify, track and communicate with objects.
In order for the Internet of Things to be really useful to manufacturing companies, there needs to be a system for capturing data from the various activities and items in the process – RFID often provides an ideal solution to this…
RFID can tell you what an object is, where it is, and even its condition. So for example, one can tag the first component of a product and follow it through each stage of its manufacture right to shipping.
With the correct hardware and software, production staff can see where tagged items are in real time and react accordingly. Production databases can be automatically populated as the items move around and reports generated without the need for staff to intervene.
Smart Factory can design an RFID system for your business needs. Contact Us Now to discuss your project.
In a basic RFID system, tags are attached to all items that are to be tracked. These tags are made from a tiny integrated circuit (IC), which is connected to an antenna. These ICs can be built into many different kinds of tags including apparel hang tags, labels, and security tags, as well as a wide variety of industrial asset tags. The tag chip contains memory which stores the product’s electronic product code (EPC) and other variable information so that it can be read and tracked by RFID readers anywhere.
RFID Readers
An RFID reader is a device that communicates with tags that are within its field of operation, performing any number of tasks including simple continuous inventorying, filtering (searching for tags that meet certain criteria), writing (or encoding) to selected tags, etc.
The reader uses an attached antenna to capture data from tags. It then passes the data to a computer for processing. Just like RFID tags, there are many different sizes and types of RFID readers. Readers can be affixed in a stationary position in a store or factory, or integrated into a mobile device such as a portable, handheld scanner. Readers can also be embedded in electronic equipment or devices, and in vehicles.
RFID Tags
An RFID tag is comprised of an integrated circuit (called an IC or chip) attached to an antenna that has been printed, etched or stamped on to a mount which is often a paper substrate or PolyEthylene Therephtalate (PET).
The chip and antenna combination, called an inlay, is then converted or sandwiched between a printed label and its adhesive backing or inserted into a more durable structure.
