Traceability Practices Employed Across Different Manufacturing Industries
The popularity of RFID systems is on the rise. From applications like inventory management all the way to retail marketing, RFID solutions are being engaged more and more by businesses to optimize their operations. A study conducted by the Computing Technology Industry Association evaluated that 46% of IT clientele were using RFID systems to streamline their operations. This shows a considerable increase of 12 percentage points from last year, up from 34%.
These statistics are clearly indicating that the use of RFID is on the rise. RFID solutions can help businesses improve the transparency of their supply chain and optimize their inventory management. If you are uncertain whether RFID is right for your business, here are a few questions about RFID applications answered:
1. What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification is an Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology which uses radio frequency to code data on tags and labels. The mechanism of a RFID system comprises of a microchip, an antenna, and a reader. RFID tags can be classified into two different types based on the range of their readability: Active and Passive. Active tags can be read over greater distances ranging beyond 250 meters while passive tags have a relatively shorter field of readability.
2. How Does RFID Work?
RFID technology uses electromagnetic waves to code information on tags and labels. The reader is used to create this electromagnetic field around the tag which is received by an antenna. The tag receives power from the magnetic fields created and modulates these waves to transmit the information. These modulated waves are decoded by the reader which can then provide information regarding the exact location of the object.
3. Where is RFID Implementation Most Practical?
From apparel conglomerates like Macy’s who use RFID tags for quicker checkouts, to grocery retailers like Target who are planning to implement RFID systems across 1600 stores for inventory management, these traceability solutions are employed across all industry verticals. Industries like manufacturing, retail and information management can especially benefit from the use of RFID solutions. These systems are perfectly suited for:
- Decreasing the frequency of errors in data capture
- Reduction of expenditure on labor
- Enhancing the traceability of essential or costly items
4. What Kind of Tags Should You Opt for?
As mentioned earlier, RFID tags can be classified into two separate categories: Active and Passive. Active tags have a pre-installed power source which enables them to transmit the re-coded data over longer distances while passive tags use electromagnetic waves created by the RFID reader to do the same.
Depending on the requirement for your industry, you can select the tag ideally suited for your operations. Active tags work better in a rugged environment and can be the right option for businesses like warehousing. On the other hand, industries like healthcare can benefit from the usage of passive tags which require delicate handling of their inventory. You can consult our experts to find the best option for your business.
5. What is The Estimated Cost of Implementation?
The cost of implementation for RFID applications varies from business to business. It is recommended to consult professionals who are experienced in traceability, like the experts at Jet Marking Systems and Jet Label to estimate the right budget for your organization. Request a quote online or contact our executive for an accurate evaluation today.
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