The truth about RFID

Passive, active and semi-active tags

How do they work?

RFID system architecture

How do you put it together?

ISO & EPC Global

What? A standard already?

Debunking 10 myths on RFID

Now you tell me!

Debunking 10 myths about RFID technology

Myth 1: RFID is just an electronic barcode, why the hype?

In reality: The sole objective of a barcode is to give an identification code to the product it is applied to. All the information regarding the product itself (production date, special handling process, personnel in charge,…) has to be stored elsewhere. An RFID tag is equipped with an embedded memory that can carry all this vital information with the product itself and be retrieved in the field, where and when it is needed.

Furthermore, some tags can be equipped with sensors which enable them to collect valuable traceability information on the surrounding environment of the product.

Myth 2: RFID is just a new toy, it will pass…

In reality: RFIDs were used for the first time during WWII to sort the planes of the Royal Air Force from those of the Luftwaffe. Since then they have been miniaturized, made autonomous and passive (no battery required).
Major players around the globe are investing vast amounts of money to push the use of RFID technologies. Recently, Wal-Mart and the US Defence Department, two of the biggest companies in the world, have forced their suppliers to use RFID technologies. It could happen to your company.

Myth 3: RFID is not ready because there is no standard!

In reality: During the last 5 years, RFID technology has become completely standardized with several degrees of standardization for each part of its implementation. Frequencies are standardized by national and supranational agencies. In Europe, it is the role of ETSI to create these standards. Reader technologies and transmissions are standardized by ISO. Finally the code of the tag is standardized by the global organisation : EPC (Electronic Product Code). We are now fully ready to implement completely standardized solutions.
Comparatively, bar code has needed 40 years to achieve the same level of standardization!

Myth 4: RFID codes and barcodes are the same, only the reading methods are different …

In reality: barcodes were designed to identify batches of products. The EAN UCC code, using 13 digits, allows for only one trillion different numbers. RFID codes were designed to trace individual products. Using an EPC code, you can directly know the country of origin, the company that placed the product onto the market, the batch number and the product number in that batch. Effectively, the EPC code gives each company the possibility of creating 2.5 * 10^61 different codes!

Myth 5: RFID costs too much and does not bring enough ROI

In reality: All the projects we have done so far have had a direct ROI in less than two years, while most projects achieve ROI within a year. Furthermore, the use of RFID technology brings, more often than not, 'indirect ROI' in the form of better quality, less defective products and a higher level of customer satisfaction.

Myth 6: Iwill wait a year or two for the market leader to do pilot projects. Then I will be able to buy an 'out of the box' solution at the supermarket in a few years!

In reality: Even if RFID is standardized, there are a lot of different solutions for different needs. There is also the question of the major increase in data management that a product by product traceability system will bring to the company. This leads to a situation where an 'out of the box' solution is simply impossible, or it will cost too much without bringing the necessary ROI. Every situation is different and your company is like no other; that is why it needs the counsel of specialists.

Myth 7: I have seen a demonstration on a cardboard box and it seemed incredible! Now I’ll just do the same with my metal containers…

In reality: Not all materials are equal as regards RFIDs… Metal scatters electromagnetic energy and water absorbs it. Some plastics can distort the frequency and some industrial machinery can produce a noise that will render the reading almost impossible. Fortunately, solutions exist for every situation and it is a matter of expertise to find the one that suits you the best.

Myth 8: RFID is the only solution to automate traceability and it will replace barcodes

In reality: While RFID has undeniable advantages over barcodes, its unitary cost makes it unusable for products with a small added value. In these cases, the barcode will continue for a while to be the technology of choice. In a typical project, the two technologies will coexist.

Myth 9: I will be able to make a complete inventory of my warehouse at the push of a button

In reality: For a price, yes, you will be able to do that! But, generally, a well taught solution enables you to do just that and much more, with far less hassles and at an affordable price. That is why a successful RFID project needs to be carefully designed and generally involves an audit and a pilot project before making the final implementation.

Myth 10: I can install RFID technology in my structure without much change

In reality: If you want to, sure you can! But you’ll miss out all the opportunities you have to implement those simple optimisations that have nothing to do with RFID, but that will save you a lot of money! During our audit, we usually find a lot of little things that can be improved at low cost, but that will be nicely integrated into the RFID solution to bring you maximum efficiency!

Conclusion

Your business is unique and so are your requirements. An RFID project is more than just buying a reader and some tags. RFIDEA can help you implement your solution, at your pace, and bring you the ROI you are looking for. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions regarding the new opportunities of RFID for you!