(Radio Frequency
IDentification) A data collection
technology that uses electronic tags for storing
data. The tag, also known as an "electronic
label," "transponder" or "code plate," is made
up of an RFID chip attached to an antenna.
Transmitting in the kilohertz, megahertz and
gigahertz ranges, tags may be battery-powered or
derive their power from the RF waves coming from
the reader.
Like bar codes, RFID tags identify items.
However, unlike bar codes, which must be in
close proximity and line of sight to the scanner
for reading, RFID tags do not require line of
sight and can be embedded within packages.
Depending on the type of tag and application,
they can be read at a varying range of
distances. In addition, RFID-tagged cartons
rolling on a conveyer belt can be read many
times faster than bar-coded boxes.
Serialization - A Major
Factor
RFID tags hold more data
than bar codes, but a major differentiator is
the unique serial number in the RFID's
Electronic Product Code (EPC) because it allows
tracking of individual items. While a UPC bar
code might identify a 16 oz. bottle of
mayonnaise, an EPC RFID tag could identify that
single bottle. In this case, item level tracking
could determine if the food had passed its
expiration date.
Tracking livestock was one of the first
uses of RFID, as well as vehicle and container
tracking. RFID is also used to track people. In
2004, an amusement park in Denmark
put RFID wrist bands on children, which could be
quickly located by readers in the park if they
were lost. RFID chips are even implanted into
humans.
Libraries use RFID tags to quickly check
out books and videos, and employees merely wave
their RFID badges by a reader rather than insert
them into a slot. For entrance ways manned with
security guards, RFID tags can trigger calls to
a database that puts pictures of the badge
holders on screen by the time they approach the
gate. To prevent theft, retail stores tag their
merchandise with a tag similar to RFID, but
without the
chip.
