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Introduction
Radio frequency identification is a tracking technique that utilizes radio waves to identify and locate items within a specified area. The items could be living things such as human beings and animals or could also be objects in the form of products. Typically a tag also referred to a label, is placed into the objects and an RFID reader is used to detect the location of the object. This technology unlike other tracking technologies does not require the object to be within sight of the reader. The distance of detection varies as there are different modes of both tags and readers.
In a discussions by (Duquenoy, 2008), RFID is used in many applications from supply chain environments to the Information Technology sector and this is just the tip of the iceberg as the technology is still new but it has the potential to revolutionize the way business processes are carried out all over the world.
How it Works
RFID technology in essence consists of mainly two elements, a tag and a reader. The tag has an embedded microchip that stores information regarding the object on which it is applied. This information is unique only to the object and is used to distinguish it form another. The RFID reader is able to comprehend the location of the object and the information it contains. Typical information stored on a product could be the electronic product code and the account of the product in terms of what it is & when and where it has been around the location it was deployed. This information is relayed from the reader to a database that displays this information to users on a real time basis. In most cases the databases could be having analysis tools that could be to interrogate the product. This not only leads to accountancy in the company but it boosts security as items can be quickly located and tracked in real time.
Categories of RFID
In a study by (Poirier, 2007) there are three categories of RFID each displaying their different characteristics. The first class of RFID tags are active tags, they operate with the use of a battery that powers the tag in sending out waves to the reader. These tags are large and have a read range of approximately a hundred meters. Large amounts of data and be stored in them as the embedded microprocessor has a large capacity. It is these reasons that make the tag more costly than its counterparts. Another class of tags is passive tags that only have the microchip embedded into the tag. Unlike the active tag, the passive tag relies on the reader to activate a signal which will be picked up by the reader. These tags are much smaller and contain less data stored. They are much cheaper and the read range is much shorter i.e. less than three meters. The last class of RFID tags are battery assisted passive tags which require a battery in order to send out a signal. The difference with this tag is that the signal transmitted can travel further and hence be picked up by a reader more easily. Such tags are used in rough terrain or in harsh environments where it may be hard to reach.
The tags are also categorized by the frequency they employ for operations. Frequencies normally used are between low (135 KHz), VHF (13.5 MHz), UHF (860MHz) and Microwave frequencies. These frequency groups dictate where the tags will be applied. For example, tags using low frequencies are used for tracking humans and animals. As we all know that live animals including humans are susceptible to the effects of radiation. These tags are also used for asset tracking. High frequency tags (VHF) are used in condition where interference from other environmental elements is unacceptable. Radio frequencies are prone to interference from water or metals that could be around the tag. This make sit hard for the tag to be detected by a reader. Tags employing Ultra high frequencies have the advantage of longer reading range i.e. around three meters and the speed at which this information is read by the reader is also fast as compared to other tags using other frequencies.
The tags can also be categorized in order of how the information is stored in the RFID tag. There are tags that are read only, meaning that data stored in the tag cannot be modified. In a discussions by (Duquenoy, 2008), the Information in such tags is mostly the unique code identifier which is use d to identify the tag in the first place. This information is normally integrated when the tag was being manufactured. There are tags that are categorized as write once meaning that data can only be modified and lastly there are read/write tags. These tags can be read and data modified as many times as the user would like. Such tags are more costly than their counterparts.
Benefit of RFID
Benefits gained from RFID technology are numerous as displayed by the upsurge in demand for tags all around the world and especially among retailers and suppliers. Identification techniques have always in the handling of goods within the supply chain or in the typical office environment. In a research by (Riquelme , 2006)Businesses are using the leverage offered by RFID technology to lower cost of production, supply and price paid by the end consumer hence creating an environment where business can foster. Using networked databases it is easy to track the exact location of any product that could be lying in a warehouse or on the move through logistics. When compared to its predecessor, the bar code tag, RFID presents many advantages. When using barcode technology, the reader has to be within sight of the tag in order for the tag to be recognized, in many circumstances, the tag may be blinded by grease or dirt stains hence making it unreadable. In a research by (Duquenoy, 2008) RFID technology utilizes radio waves which bypass obstacles thus the tag can be read easily without the object tagged being transparent to the reader. Furthermore the tags are made of strong and durable materials that enable them to withstand tough conditions such as extreme temperatures and harsh environments. RFID tags are continuously undergoing miniaturization and this enables them to be placed in nearly all locations. A good example of miniaturization is how they can be injected in humans and animals in addition to being produced in all shapes and sizes. Another benefit of the tags is the security factor. The information stored within the tags are very difficult to duplicate of modify without the proper tools and authorization, this makes RFID the preferred mode of tracking objects as it eliminates chances of theft.
In a study by (Hedgepeth ,2009) concludes that with the help of database and efficient software, efficiency and accountability can be promoted in the work environment as information stored in the tag is accurate and is less prone to duplication. Cases of human error are eliminated as RFID labels correctly identifies the object on which the tag is attached to it and this information is in addition to history of the object to its location at the moment on a real time basis. A beneficial advantage the RFID tag has over barcode is that it has a much bigger capacity for storing information. Where the information from a typical barcode only consists of a manufacturer and product type, RFID tags can store more information about the product it is attached to and if the tag is read/write tag, this information can be modified as many times hence making the tag reusable over a long time. Each and every RFID tag that is manufactured is inimitable hence aiding in the tracking of goods in any supply chain. This characteristic assists in reducing labor costs as the function of tracking is automated
Applications of RFID
In a discussion by (Clampitt, 2007) concludes that RFID technology is used in numerous applications to increase revenue and reduce the time in which business operations are carried out. Examples of applications of RFID are:
Retail: As we all know this industry depends on supply chain management including logistics. With RFID technology, these two processes have been automated in a manner that ensures less human involvement and more accuracy in the process, this leads to less time taken for the product to go from the manufacturer to the retailer. A good case is how Wal-Mart increased revenue by demanding all suppliers start using RFID technology.
Manufacturing sector: where automation of manufacturing processes is required such as the labeling of specific products and also control of the products in a manufacturing line, RFID tags ands readers can be attached to the production line to identify which products are being produced.
Logistics & Distribution: Items can be easily tracked from the factory up to the end consumer thus better security for all parties involved in the supply chain. Speed within the supply chain has been enhanced thus making the whole process of transporting goods much easier.
Asset management: RFID tags have been used to track assets within organizations and many companies are now using it to audit fixed assets within the firm. This reduces the time it would take for the company to conduct the audit and also it will enhance security of the assets as real time location of the assets can be done with ease.
These are just some of the applications where RFID is being implemented. As the field grows so will the number of applications and subsequent mass adoption by consumers take effect.
Conclusion
Impact of RFID will be felt as more and more stakeholders realize that the technology is beneficial to their operations and also as the price of readers and tags reduce. Many companies have desired to adopt the technology but have been restricted by the high price of procuring the equipments. Challenges that will accompany the mass adoption include interoperability between the different makers of readers and tags. Every manufacturer has their standard of manufacturing RFID technology. This issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible as it is restricting the speed at which end users are taking up RFID. All these challenges can be overcome with ease when all the parties responsible sit down and come up with a collective standard that will dictate the way readers and tags are manufactured.
Annotated bibliography
Clampitt, H. (2007) The RFID certification textbook. American RFID Solutions, 12 (2), 61-5.
Summary of the Article: This article was composed by Clampitt Howard. It discusses on the advance of RFID technology with a view on the future and the goals that are expected once the technology is implemented. Examples are detailed and diagrams and case studies integrated within the text to ensure that the reader has an idea into how RFID functions. As standards continue to come up so does the need for qualifications for both technicians and professionals in the field. Questions and answers to frequently asked questions are given out.
Duquenoy, P. (2008) The future of identity in the information society. RFID Weekly, 16 (4), 56-9.
Summary of the Journal: This journal was written by Duquenoy, Peter and he discusses on the future of the technology as a vehicle for changing the legacy processes such as bar coding which up to now have been seen as facing numerous challenges. All these challenges are detailed and clearly illustrated. As we all know that the technology will greatly impact on how business operations are carried out. The author goes on to add a few examples of manufactures and distributors using the technology and how it is implemented on a wide scale. Examples of how tags have been placed on the human body and the continued miniaturization of RFID tags are detailed and illustrations shown to the reader.
Hedgepeth, W. (2009) Oliver RFID metrics: decision making tools for todays supply chains. Business Management, 4 (6), 25-9.
Summary of the article: This article was written by Hedgepeth Wendy and she argues about the benefits that the industry will accrue once the technology is adopted on a mass scale. The author mentions the role of the EPC in regard to adoption of new standards by manufacturers and its use on the wide scale within supply chains and other sectors. The classic case of how Wall-mart catalyzed the rapid adoption of RFID technology among its suppliers is given as good example of how supply chains are ready to adapt to the technology once incentives are offered.
Poirier, C. (2007) RFID strategic implementation and ROI: a practical roadmap to success. Asset Management, 6 (3), 12- 4.
Summary of the Journal: The journal was composed by Poirier Catherine. She details in a step by step manner on how to best implement the technology in conjunction with existing systems such as bar codes. Existing technology will aid in the rapid adoption of RID technologies among users. Implementation issues are also highlighted and solutions given out.
Riquelme, S. (2006) The global technology revolution 2020, in-depth analyses: bio- nano-materials-information trends, drivers, barriers, and social implications. Nano Technology Today, 2 (1), 15-9.
Summary of the article: The author, Riquelme Samson, identifies the categories of RFID technology and the impacts expected in the supply chain and logistic industries. There are many manufactures coming out with various products that have extended frequencies that are allowed for usage in other countries. This book details on the role of each stake holder and their influence towards the future of RFID.
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