Architecture of RFID Technology
Architecture of RFID Technology
RFID tags are very simple to install/inject inside the body of animals, thus helping to keep a track
on them. This is useful in animal husbandry and on poultry farms. The installed RFID tags give
information about the age, vaccinations and health of the animals.
RFID technology is better than bar codes as it cannot be easily replicated and therefore, it
increases the security of the product.
Supply chain management forms the major part of retail business and RFID systems play a key role
by managing updates of stocks, transportation and logistics of the product.
Barcode scanners have repeatedly failed in providing security to gems and jeweleries in shops. But
nowadays, RFID tags are placed inside jewelry items and an alarm is installed at the exit doors.
The RFID tags can store data up to 2 KB whereas, the bar code has the ability to read just 10-12
digits.
The RFID technology, though very beneficial, is expensive to install. Small and medium scale enterprises
find it costly to use it in their firms and offices.
It is difficult for an RFID reader to read the information in case of RFID tags installed in liquids
and metal products. The problem is that the liquid and metal surfaces tend to reflect the radio
waves, which makes the tags unreadable. The tags have to be placed in various alignments and
angles for taking proper reading. This is a tedious task when the work involves big firms.
Interference has been observed if devices such as forklifts and walkie-talkies are in the vicinity of
the distribution centers. The presence of mobile phone towers has been found to interfere with
RFID radio waves. Wal-Mart, the retail sector giant, has installed billions of RFID tags in their
products throughout the world and they have encountered such problems.
The USA and Europe, for instance, have different range of frequencies that allow RFID tags to
function. This makes it mandatory for international shipping companies and other organizations to
be aware of the working pattern of other nations also, which can be very time-consuming.
RFID technology has been referred to as invasive technology. Consumers are apprehensive
about their privacy when they purchase products with RFID tags. Once the radio chips are
installed in the product, the customer can be tracked and his personal information can be
collected by the RFID reader. However, many stores have a facility that deactivates the RFID
tags after the product has been purchased.
RFID technology can be the next tool for success and management of various businesses. With more
research, the flaws and limitations of this technology can be removed. This will make RFID technology
very useful for diverse sectors like retail, transport and jewelry businesses