What is an RFID Reader?
RFID is a technology that uses microchips with information stored on them. RFID readers amplify and modulate energy, then send it out as a wireless signal.
The RFID reader then receives the reflected backscatter signal from the tag. The resulting data can be used for tracking inventory or tracking customers’ behavior in fitting rooms.
Types of Readers
There are different types of RFID readers based on their range, frequency, and communication protocol. They are also differentiated by their ability to read various tags, including active and passive ones. These differences are important for determining which type of reader is best for your business.
Passive readers are able to read RFID tags without the need for a battery, while active readers require a circuit and antenna to transmit data. A radio wave is sent from the RFID reader to the tag, and the tag responds by sending a return signal to the reader. The reader can then identify the tagged item by its unique ID number, which is encoded on the tag.
The technology is particularly useful in a warehouse environment, where RF readers can scan items at a distance, without the need for line-of-sight or physical contact. The ability to track inventory reduces errors and makes it easy for workers to find what they need. It also helps prevent stockouts, as alerts can be set to notify staff when certain products are low in stock.
Additionally, RFID systems can be integrated with ERP and CRM systems. This enables the propagation of information to all stakeholders, which can be valuable in terms of improving efficiency and reducing costs. For example, maintenance technicians can access detailed service histories of each product, which allows them to quickly determine the most appropriate course of action.
Detection Methods
When a reader detects a tagged item, it sends a signal to the tag. The signal contains a unique identification code that the RFID tag deciphers using a secret key known only to them. This prevents skimming and eavesdropping. The RFID tag then transmits the deciphered data back to the reader, which confirms that it has been correctly identified.
The RF signal from the RFID reader is broadcast in a circular pattern, so that all the RFID tags in range can hear it. The tags can either be active, with an integrated circuit and antenna, or passive, without a battery but with a built-in antenna.
Fixed readers set up a defined interrogation zone and monitor when RFID tags come into and RFID Reader out of it. They can also be mobile, either mounted on a cart or in a vehicle.
As RFID removes manual processes and automates data collection, employees spend less time on inventory management and more time assisting customers. In addition, having real-time inventory visibility enables stores to offer convenient omnichannel services and improve customer satisfaction. This can help brands boost sales and revenue. The benefits of RFID go beyond inventory management, though. It also enables supply chains to cut costs and streamline operations by eliminating manual processes. By improving inventory accuracy and stock reliability, it also reduces lost sales and lowers warehouse labor costs.
Detection Ranges
Many RFID systems use the read range of tags as a primary performance metric. A tag with a longer range will typically be more powerful and thus better able to pick up the query signals sent by an RFID reader. However, this metric should not be relied on alone. There are many factors that affect system performance which are not related to read range.
One important factor is the physical characteristics of the tag and the environment in which it will operate. Some tags are designed to perform better against certain materials, or for specific operating conditions such as being encapsulated in liquid or mounted on metal surfaces. The read range of a tag can also be affected by its orientation and the angle at which the reader is oriented towards it.
The length of the antenna cables connecting the RFID reader to its antennas can also affect read range. Longer cables will lose energy more quickly and can eventually prevent the RFID reader from emitting strong enough RF signals to detect the tags.
It is also important to understand that a maximum read range listed on a desfire ev1 spec sheet represents ideal laboratory testing conditions, not real world performance. Most tags will actually perform below the rated range in the field. This is because real world conditions will degrade the strength of the query signal sent by an RFID reader, which will then cause a reduced response from the tag.
Cost
The cost of RFID readers varies depending on the type and size of reader. It is possible to buy a low-frequency reader for less than $100 or a high-frequency reader for around $750, but these prices do not include any other costs such as software and cabling. The price of tags also varies. Passive tags can be bought for less than $10 each, while active tags cost more than a dollar.
Passive and active RFID systems both have a number of advantages over manual inventory management. They can help reduce the number of errors in shipping and picking and allow for full traceability. They also provide visibility of product location in real-time. This makes the process faster and more efficient, reducing the cost of goods sold and increasing customer satisfaction.
In healthcare, RFID can be used to track equipment and patients. This can increase patient safety and improve the quality of service. It can also be used to provide click-and-collect services, which are becoming increasingly popular with customers.
RFID is also being used by hotels and restaurants to monitor their assets and inventory. This can save them a lot of time and money, as they no longer have to spend hours counting items manually. The technology can also help them to identify potential theft and fraud. Keeping track of expensive medicines can be difficult, but with RFID, staff can scan them and get an accurate count within minutes.
