What is RFID?

RFID is a term that has received a lot of attention in recent years, but what is RFID? In this article, we explain exactly what it is, how it works and why it is so popular.

What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and this technology consists of RFID tags that can communicate with each other via an electromagnetic field. An RFID chip can transmit and receive radio waves, allowing communication to take place. It is possible to put certain data on an RFID tag. This data can be sent when the chip is scanned. Some chips can even cover a distance of 8 meters. A popular form of RFID is NFC technology. This chip can only communicate at a short distance, about up to 10 centimeters. This makes this technology suitable for payment.

The technology sounds quite simple to the ears, but it brings enormous changes. Physical products can easily be linked via RFID chips, making all kinds of business processes more efficient. In the next paragraph, we zoom in on these possibilities.

How does RFID work?

The tag, which is often small and placed on a product or item, contains unique data that can be retrieved by the reader. The reader sends out a radio frequency signal and receives the tag's information over the same frequency. This makes it possible to automate the identification and tracking of products or assets.

Difference between RFID and a barcode

RFID is also known as the new bar code. The technology has many similarities, yet is quite different. A barcode must be physically scanned from a short distance. It must be completely visible, otherwise the code cannot be scanned. In addition, you can only scan one barcode at a time. Finally, a barcode is easy to manipulate for people who want to do harm with it. An RFID chip, on the other hand, can be scanned at a distance of up to 8 meters. In addition, you don't have a tag, so the chip doesn't have to be visible during scanning. Also, multiple chips can be scanned at the same time and cannot be manipulated.

What are the possibilities of RFID?

There are all kinds of applications possible with RFID technology. Below I explain some of the key applications:

• Inventory

RFID tags make inventory a lot easier. For example, you can tag all products. This is useful for checkout. A nice example is the Decathlon. They use RFID tags and self-scanning checkouts. All products contain a tag. At the self-scanning checkout, you put all the products in a large bin. Then the products are scanned simultaneously and you can checkout immediately. The store's inventory is automatically tracked by the system. As a result, you know exactly what is in the store and what is going out. Because you can monitor inventory exactly, you can easily identify and deter theft.

• Timekeeping

Do you have a business and want an easy way to track the hours of your employees without having to block them yourself? Then RFID chips offer the solution for you. Give each employee an RFID keychain and link a system to the chips. You can give the chips a special name. This way you can see exactly when an employee checked in and then checked out.

• Security and access

Also, RFID is perfect to use for security systems. With these chips, you can easily turn the alarm on and off. Or open a gate, for example. We see many gyms using RFID technology. To get through the gates you have to bring a pass or drop. Once the chip is scanned the gates open. This method is also commonly used at ski elevators.

• Goods tracking

Did you order something? Or do you want to ship something? Stick an RFID label on the product. Then you can accurately track the product. When the product arrives at the courier, this is registered in the software. Has the product arrived at the airport, this is also registered. So you always know where the product is and can estimate when it arrives.

• Maintenance history tracking

For machines and cars, for example, it is very easy to keep track of maintenance history using RFID chips. As soon as maintenance has been performed, it can be recorded on the chip. This way you always have insight into when maintenance was performed and what exactly happened.

As you have read in this article, RFID has brought about many changes. These are just some of the important capabilities of RFID. Many more applications are possible.

How can you get started with RFID?

Before you can get started with RFID, you need certain products. Obviously, you need RFID tags. These come in all kinds of varieties. Think key chains, labels, cards and tags. Keep in mind what you are going to attach the RFID tags to. This is because there are special tags with properties that are resistant to water and high or low temperatures. In addition, you will need an RFID reader. This allows you to read and write to the chip. Without an RFID scanner you cannot program RFID tags. If you have all this in house then you can get started.