RFID Logistics

Definition

Short for radio frequency identification, this technology is similar in theory to the barcode identification. With RFID, the electrostatic or electromagnetic coupling in the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is used to transmit signals.

RFID is also called dedicated short range communication (DSRC).

Description

An RFID system in logistics consists of a 3 devices set:

1. A transponder (or tag), which is an integrated circuit containing the RF circuitry and information to be transmitted.
2. An antenna coupled with a transceiver, which read the radio frequency and transfer the information to a processing device,
3. A processing device, which process the received information (PC for example)

Usage

RFID systems can be used in logistics just about anywhere, from clothing tags to missiles, from pet tags to food -- anywhere that a unique identification system is needed.

The tag can carry simple information such as name and origin of a product or a pet owner name and address. But also more complex information such as instructions on how to assemble a product. Some automotive manufacturers use RFID systems to move cars through an assembly line. At each successive stage of production, the RFID tag tells the computers what the next step of automated assembly is.

Advantages over barcode

One of the key differences between RFID and bar code technology is RFID eliminates the need for line-of-sight reading that bar coding depends on.