What Is RFID And How Does It Work?

How do you track assets without pasting QR codes over them? How do you scan an asset tag if it’s not directly in your line of sight? How can you record the location of your assets automatically? There’s a single solution to all of these questions: RFID asset tracking. 

The most technologically-advanced organisations around the globe are using RFID technology to upgrade their asset tracking solutions, increase productivity and maximise profits. While the trend towards RFID asset tracking is rising, some businesses are still doubtful about it. Primarily because they’re not sure how the technology works and how can they use it in their day-to-day work.

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s a system of data communication whereby data stored in an RFID asset label is transferred to an RFID reader through radio waves. Unique radio waves emitted by the tag allows the reader to identify individual assets. 

The complete system comprises three units, the RFID tag, RFID reader and the antenna. Although the technology has various applications, we will focus on how it works with asset tracking for now.

You might already be aware of how QR code or barcode technology works. When a QR code is scanned by a camera, or when a barcode is read by laser light reflections, the reading device identifies the item it’s associated with. 

An RFID system works in the same way, the only difference is that it reads radio waves instead of images or laser light. Instead of QR codes or barcodes, you are given RFID asset tags that can be installed unobtrusively on an asset. For instance, if you want to track a painting, the tag can be attached on the reverse of the frame. 

The RFID tag emits unique low-frequency radio waves that can be read by the reader even when the tag is not directly visible. The RFID asset tracking system records information like asset identity, location and other details and stores it automatically within an online database. All of this is done with very little manual intervention.

itemit’s RFID asset tags have two units inside: the RFID chip and the antenna. The chip, also known as Integrated Circuit, stores all the essential data about the asset. The antenna receives and transmits radio waves to and from the chip. These are passive asset labels, which means they have no power source of their own and are powered by the radio waves they receive. 

The mention of the antenna might suggest a long protruding stick attached to the asset tag. However, the entire RFID asset label is no more than a 96x24mm self-adhesive sticker that does not weigh more than 2g. Our RFID tags can be read from up to a distance of 6m and are compatible with metal, plastic and ceramic surfaces. 

An RFID reader, on the other hand, is a larger device that sends, receives and interprets radio waves to display readable information. itemit offers fixed readers, as well as handheld RFID scanner systems to suit your needs.

RFID asset tracking gives you next-level automation that improves your asset management operations a lot. In this section, you’ll learn about some of the many applications of RFID asset tracking. This will help you better understand how this technology can be utilised in your business.

When you have large collections of very expensive artwork hung on walls, the last thing you want to do is stick barcodes/QR codes on to the artwork. RFID gives you a solution that means you can  attach RFID tags to the reverse of artwork and put the painting back on the wall. Now when you need to stock take or audit your collection, you can simply wave your RFID reader and the asset’s tag will be detected even without line of sight.

When you have large collections of very expensive artwork hung on walls, the last thing you want to do is stick barcodes/QR codes on to the artwork. RFID gives you a solution that means you can  attach RFID tags to the reverse of artwork and put the painting back on the wall. Now when you need to stock take or audit your collection, you can simply wave your RFID reader and the asset’s tag will be detected even without line of sight.

Using RFID technology has three major benefits. 

• Vehicle access control: With RFID tags installed in a vehicle, automated systems can scan the tag to know whether a vehicle is permitted to enter a building or parking area or not. 
• Vehicle identification: When you’re working with a lot of vehicles, trying to remember details like a model number or engine power can be hard. However, identifying vehicles and accessing their information by scanning their RFID tag makes life much easier. This application comes in handy for companies like car dealerships, car rental agencies, and car washes. 

Vehicle tracking: RFID technology won’t be able to track vehicles over long routes and in real-time, for that you’d need GPS trackers instead. However, if your vehicle passes through ‘choke points’ on your sites, the RFID tags can be detected and that vehicle’s location updated.

itemit has the world’s simplest RFID asset tracking system. Created by industry-leading RFID specialists, our off the shelf solution will give you the highest level of automation in asset management almost instantly. 

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