RFID technology has evolved significantly over the past few years and is becoming an essential key component in various industries. RFID technology is taking on new importance in the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors, where it is improving efficiency and helping to prevent problems such as lost inventory and operational disruptions.

RFID technology is becoming more widespread and critical in areas such as e-commerce and supply chain management. In the near future, RFID will become a critical tool for many business applications and will continue to evolve and become more widely adopted. Let's take a look at RFID usage in different industries.

Introduction to RFID and its uses

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology used to automatically identify and track items. The RFID technology uses radio waves. RFID has three main components: an RFID tag, an antenna and a reader. These components are essential for secure, contactless transmission and enable the system to locate, track and trace items. RFID technology gives a product a unique electronic product code that can only be read by an RFID reader.

The reader then sends all the information to your software. Depending on the industry in which you are using RFID, there are several ways to attach an RFID tag. The tag can be attached to the product as a hang tag for easy scanning by staff and easy access by customer. The tag can also be embedded in patches, garment linings, pocket tags or care labels, with an adhesive or with screws. RFID technology is widely used in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, security, logistics and public transport.

Comparison of RFID and other technologies

Again, depending on the industry in which you work in, you can use RFID technology or barcodes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Before you make your choice, you'll need to have a clear idea of the security, durability, cost and implementation requirements of the system you want to use in your industry.

RFID vs barcode

RFID uses radio waves to transmit information from an RFID tag to an RFID reader. The tag contains a chip with an antenna that allows data to be transmitted to the reader. Each tag contains a unique code. Barcode scanning uses a beam of light to read the black and white lines of a barcode. The reader contains a sensor that generates a signal from the reflected light, and a decoder that translates the signal and sends it to a computer.

As mentioned above, RFID readers can read multiple codes at once, whereas barcode readers require a line of sight to scan each code individually. RFID systems are used to scan a large number of items more efficiently. However, while barcode systems can sometimes be more accurate, they are less durable and secure than RFID systems.

RFID reader vs. barcode reader technology: basic differences

RFID reader and optical barcode reader technologies can both help a company improve productivity, performance, compliance, safety and security through asset tracking. Here are some of the basic differences between the two technologies.

 

Barcode reader

• Scan labels individually
• Printed on paper or adhesive
• Reader requires direct line of sight to label
• Stores a limited amount of information
• Data is not encrypted
• Read-only functionality
• Generally less expensive than RFID
• Barcodes can be easily copied
• Technology standardized worldwide

 

RFID reader

• Scan multiple tags at once
• Printed using sturdy, reusable materials
• Can be read at a distance or through objects
• Can store complex information
• Data can be encrypted for security purposes
• Read and write (encoding) functionality
• Generally more expensive than barcode
• Can be complex to install/integrate

Transformative impact of RFID technology

RFID technology has become a driver of innovation in many industries. RFID can effectively assign an item-level identifier to products, acting as a unique code for each item. This technology offers unprecedented levels of traceability and authenticity verification. While some industries have focused on consumer engagement, others have gone unnoticed but are essential to solving complex challenges across many sectors.

The healthcare and industrial sectors are perfect examples of how RFID is changing traditional practices. In an industrial sector, RFID tags can be used to track and optimise the use of assets. It reduces downtime through predictive maintenance, and provides critical data in real time. In healthcare, the technology is being used for patient safety or equipment verification. In addition, these use cases demonstrate how customised solutions tailored to specific needs can deliver transformative results. RFID's ability to adapt to different environments, enables unprecedented levels of operational control and security.

Intelligent manufacturing

As you probably already know, manufacturing is changing radically. The automation revolution has brought us more advanced electronics and computer systems. By implementing modern identification methods such as RFID technology, you can bring a new level of transparency to your operations. Intelligent Manufacturing brings you efficiency, productivity and cost savings. Brady's Intelligent Manufacturing solutions connect all your manufacturing assets for real-time production management, advanced data analysis, and business insight. With Brady's Track & Trace solution, you have real-time information and long-term visibility to resolve material and manufacturing issues as quickly as possible.

The key pillars of Brady Intelligent Manufacturing are:

Production flexibility

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You can easily adapt to changing production requirements and view up-to-the-minute production schedules and order throughput. You can also identify bottlenecks and problems to ensure on-time delivery.

Interconnectivity

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Analyze real-time data across your enterprise, connect business and process systems, and aggregate data from multiple sources into a single ecosystem.

Complete intelligent solutions

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You can implement world-class identification technologies and enable high-performance levelling and customised material solutions.

RFID labelling guide book

Trust Brady to give all your assets a unique digital identity so you can identify and locate all your assets all at once, from a distance, in real time and without needing line of sight. At Brady, we realise the full potential of the technology in each unique workplace. We fully customise our RFID solution and make it work for you, in any of your working environments. With Brady, you'll have access to a fully customisable RFID solution that can generate significant efficiency gains at an operational and decision-making level.

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Industry-specific applications of RFID

Drive forklift picking efficiency with RFID labels

Highly efficient medical device shipping & installation with RFID

〉Check out our other case studies!

Additional RFID resources

Let's take a look at the additional RFID resources, including active and passive RFID, the RFID range, the RFID card access and security, and the RFID printers.

Active vs passive RFID

Depending on your industry, you'll need to choose between an active and passive RFID range. The main difference is that an active RFID tag has a longer range than a passive RFID tag. Active RFID is powered by an internal battery and operates in the ultra-high frequency band. On the other hand, passive RFID is powered by an RFID reader and has a shorter range.

RFID range

RFID technology uses radio waves to transmit data between an RFID tag and an RFID reader. There are three types of frequencies in RFID: ultra-high frequency (UHF), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF). In RFID technology, the UHF range operates at frequencies between 856 MHz and 960 MHz and has a range of over 10 meters. UHF systems are used in logistics, pharmaceuticals and warehouse management.

The HF range operates at frequencies of 13.56 MHz and has a range of 10 cm to 1 m. HF systems are used in payment systems, transport cards and access cards. The LF range operates between 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz and has a range of less than 10 cm. LF systems are used in access control systems and animal identification. Discover our RFID range.

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RFID cards access and safety

Secure RFID cards are contactless cards. An entry card contains an RFID chip. The chip contains a unique ID code and stores all the necessary information. Like RFID tags, RFID cards use radio waves to transmit the data to the RFID reader. RFID cards are used for access control and security because of their unique identification. The RFID system works by placing an RFID reader next to a door, which detects the unique ID transmitted by the personal badge. The door is only unlocked if there is a match between the RFID access card and the authorisation in the access control system. Brady can tell you everything you need to know about RFID cards.

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RFID printers

RFID printers are essential devices used to print labels containing RFID chips. The printer enables the data to be integrated onto the chip inside the tag or the label. There are different types of printers, all offering different RFID printing solutions. There are desktop RFID printers, mobile RFID printers, RFID label or tag printers. The printers are used in many sectors such as healthcare, retail, laundry, logistics.

Industrial RFID printers offer many benefits, such as security due to the unique code in the label, which is virtually impossible to duplicate. The durability of the printed tags is also a key benefit. You can improve your efficiency with RFID printers. At Brady, we also offer four different RFID kits that are compatible with any RFID printer on the market. Our RFID kits are 100% portable off-the-shelf.

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