Okay, firstly forget the media hype. Here we are going to look at the reality of RFID and not what may be possible in 20 years.












The truth is that RFID is not a new technology. It has been around for many years. It was being used commercially by the Security/Access control industry since the early 1980s. The actual technology has been around much longer than that. RFID technology today still has some of the same limitations that affected Security companies in the 1980s, however in some aspects the technology has made great strides. [↑]

The basic RFID system works like this. The RFID tag is really just a small radio transmitter. Inside the tag is an integrated circuit connected to an antenna. The tag can have a battery inside but most do not have this. The RFID reader is a radio transmitter and receiver; again it is simply some circuitry and an antenna.

The RFID Reader is constantly sending out radio waves. When a tag comes close enough to the RFID reader (and hence stronger radio waves) the antenna of the Tag picks up energy from the radio waves. When it has enough built up energy the integrated circuit inside the Tag will power up. When this happens it transmits through its antenna its predetermined code. The receiver section of the RFID reader will receive this message and relay it to the host system. That's it, a basic RFID system.

Access control systems have used RFID like this. The Card or Token is preprogrammed with a unique identifier. This identifier is entered into the host computer against a persons name and security profile. When the person presents their card for entry, through the process described above the unique identifier is sent to the reader which in turn sends it to the computer. The computer decides whether or not you are allowed into the door and opens the door for you.



Some tags are also receivers and have memory. Again not a new technology but in more use these days. The RFID tags/cards contain an amount of memory which can be used to store information. For example this may be personal details so that a security guard can scan the card to see if you are who you say you are or if your security clearance allows you to be there. This same method can be used to store maintence details on equipment etc.

Some tags have batteries. Some RFID tags/cards have batteries in them to increase their read range. As they no longer rely on the energy from the readers radio waves they can send there information from much further away from the reader. The ones with batteries are called "Active" tags whilst the ones without are called "Passive". [↑]

The current RFID technology is best suited to areas where a positive reading action is needed or where a known number of tags is expected. This is primarily because there is no indication from the RFID tag when it doe not respond. Here are some examples...

1. Assets. RFID is suitable for this application especially when it is desired to store information about the asset on the RFID tag. When an asset audit takes place usually the operator knows what he needs to scan.

2. Logistics. In the warehouse situation usually a known quantity of items or cartons are expected on a Pallet. Should a different quantity be detected then remedial action can be undertaken.

3. Access Control. The traditional area for RFID. A person has a tag which is presented. By default if the tag is not detected then access is not granted.

4. Production control. Whether it is food or product manufacturing, the ability to store progressive production data or readings for later audit down the line has some valuable implications for the industry.

What about the future? The media hype will see this technology in your shopping basket tomorrow. The reality is that it will not be widespread until the cost is reduced significantly (as the barcode cost is virtually nil) and the problems relating to what happens if it doesn't scan are addressed. Another issue for the shop owners are the costs involved in converting everything over to this technology. You may need to wait a few years yet to see RFID in more common use.

If you want more info just ring and talk to our experts on 1300 762 603. [↑]

If you need further help, would like to be advised of future tutorials, or have a tutorial suggestion just email us.

This tutorial is copyright Pos Shop Pty Ltd. You are free to distribute this or publish this to others provided it is distributed without changes and complete. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no warranty whether implied or stated is given as to the information's accuracy or suitability. As we are not aware of your exact situation the content is used at your own risk entirely. [↑]

Ces Luscombe has worked in the Barcode and POS industry since 1995. Ces is the founder of The Barcode Approach (later to become Gripon Australia) and is also the founder of Grabba International Pty Ltd. Grabba International was formed as a result of a spinoff from Gripon Australia Pty Ltd after the successful worldwide launch of the Grabba PDA Data Capture attachments in San Jose, California in 2002. [↑]

Pos Shop Pty Ltd is a leading reseller of point of sale equipment, signage, ticketing and shop fitting accessories. Pos Shop was established in 2003 to service businesses and shopkeepers alike. The Pos Shop offers an unsurpassed range of goods to help businesses in all aspects. For more information contact us or telephone 1300 762 603. [↑]