RFID inSupply Chain Management

-by Bhupendra

What is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ?

RFID is the use of small devices that can be electronically identified at a distance, through many obstruction, using radio waves or adjoining frequencies.

AdvantagesWorks under adverse conditions

Reading is done without any human intervention

Read writer can be used to record new information on the tag

RFID Label

RFID Label

Passive Semi-ActiveActive

Types of RFID

When RFID tag is within the interrogation zone of the reader (i.e.. interrogator) equipment, sufficient power is extracted from the interrogator to power up the tag or circuit, or special reflective material. It then transmitting data back to the interrogator. This is known as Passive RFID.

Most SimpleDo not require integrated power sourceThe most inexpensive tag

Passive RFID

The battery is used to back up the memory and data, but not to boost range.

More complexRequires integrated power supplyHigher cost

Semi-Active RFID

These RFID incorporate a battery to increase range (typically by a factor of 3 over passive) for collating data, tag-to-tag communication etc.

More complexRequires integrated power supplyHigher cost

Active RFID

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To System

< 60 cm

Short range Passive RFID tag system

Short range Passive RFID tag system

Short range passive system works at a range of upto 60 cm and monitors seperated single products on conveyor belt or by hand scanning.

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< 3. 5 m

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Medium range passive RFID system

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Medium range passive RFID system

These systems have a range of upto 3.5 m.Used with sensors around warehouse door.Entry to the aircraft.

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100 m

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Long range two way active RFID system

Long range two way active RFID system

Large numbers of packages can be managed.Wide area can be covered.Range from 50 to 100 m.

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500 - 1000 m

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Real time locating system

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Real time locating system

Range upto a 1000 meter Real time location for large active areaHigh accuracy

Retail supply chain

Supplier Retailer Consumer

RFID

Data recorded on tag

Serial numberProduction dateFilling dates and sitesTare weight etc.

Packaging applicationsMaximumRange

Example ofapplication

Purpose Mode

40 Microns Touch outsid ofpaper packaging tosense tag inside

Anti- counterfeit andtracking

Disposable tag

Fewcentimeter

Retail products taglike a label

Track, trace and anti-counterfeit

-

1 meter Automatic sorting ofair freight andcourier parcels

Track and trace, securitystatus update

-

Up to 100meters

Location of largecrates etc. (Largeheavy tag needed)

Read onlyReusable tagActive

Up to akilometer

Read only tag

Benefits

Inventory ReductionReduced Safety StockReduction in lost/ misplaced inventoryFirst in First out (FIFO) statusmost accurate physical inventory/cycle counting

Benefits

Better ware house managementreduction of misplaced productimproved labor productionphysical inventory time savingeliminate paper work and data entryreduced search timereduced shipping returns

Benefits

Improved space utilizationreduced inventory results in more usable space and better utilization of resources

Increased picking accuracy

Approach to an RFID project

The majority of projects will involve replacing of existing manual, barcode magnetic stripe or other system for tracking or tracing.Scope for improved must be noted.An estimation of cost must be made.Necessary process changes and adjustments should be analyzed.

Frequency considerations

Frequency Benefits PossibleProblems

Uses

Low frequencyRF(50- 150 KHz)

Low interferenceLow costGlobally approved

Tag thicknessExpensive

ManufacturingLogistics

High frequencyRF(13.65 MHz)

Low interferenceGlobally approved

Range LibrariesPackages

UHF(900 MHz)

Longest RangeHigh bit rate

Water and some nonmetals can obscuretagLarge tag

Freight

Disadvantage

Reading the discarded tagsInjury from tagsAccidental eating of tags in foodShielding of tags accidently or deliberately so the product is not paid for at the checkoutGlobal standardsAdequate rangeRadiation laws and public perception

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