Significance of Radio Frequency Identification Technology
Introduction : Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is a highly advanced kind of wireless communication which makes use of radio waves for identifying and tracking objects without any human intervention. In other words, it takes the simple concept of barcoding and converts it into a digital media of communication that can be used for detecting an item beyond its product type without it being in line of sight. Some readers can identify as many as 1000 products at any given time. In the modern times, RFID asset tracking solutions have gained tremendous popularity in various sectors.
What Does It Consist Of?
A typical RFID system consists of readers, and tags embedded with integrated circuit. The integrated circuit (IC) comes preprogrammed with a TID or tag identifier, a serial number and memory space for storing a unique 96-bit electronic product code. Tags can either be active or passive, and generally consist of radio antennae mounted on substrates or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Their dedicated microchips can be used for storing about 2 kilobytes of data. When there is a need to retrieve information from them, a reader is used for emitting radio waves that are picked up by the tags. After receiving information from the microchips of the tags, the reader sends it to a computer in digital format.
Advantages Over Barcodes : In traditional barcode systems, the printed code needs to be placed in front of the scanner for detection. However, as mentioned earlier, products equipped with RFID tags do not have to be in line of sight of a reader.
As long as they are within a few feet of the reader, they can be easily identified with or without human labor. Besides that, RFID tags are editable and allow alteration of the data on them without any difficulty, a feature that is absent in barcodes. Moreover, RFID readers interrogate faster and more efficiently than barcode scanners do.
Benefits of Using RFID Technology for Tracking IT equipment
One of the most valuable possessions of any company is its IT equipment, but tracking them efficiently is an extensive process. Previously, the method used for IT assets tracking involved writing down serial numbers marked on computers, printers, servers, etc., in a spreadsheet. But nowadays, many companies are adopting the more efficient method of RFID equipment tracking in Oklahoma. This newer and advanced technique is allowing them to track their IT assets more effectively by enhancing data accuracy and securing equipment better through automation of the various processes involved. Portals at entrances of data centers can provide updates about the condition of equipment whenever tagged assets leave or enter a facility. In addition to that, employees can simply go around the facility with a reader in their hand and gather data automatically without requiring one to handle assets individually.
There are several benefits of using RFID systems for tracking IT assets: Enhanced accounting processes through audit-proof data of inventory Better management of equipment lifecycles Improved security and reduced theft due to stationing of portals at entrances Elimination of redundant assets with real time view of equipment Less time needed for locating data tapes, servers and other important items. Improved utilization of assets and elimination of unnecessary capital expenses.
Cylinder Management : RFID technology
also plays a very
important role in
management
gas cylinders. By
tagging cylinders,
important
information
related
to
them
number, fill date,
such
as
of
serial
contents,
expiration date, liquid level and operating pressure are stored and accessed easily. Besides that, operating and maintaining an accurate inventory has also become easier with RFID solutions for cylinder tracking.
Usage of RFID In Healthcare Sectors : Recently,
RFID
technology
has
also been adopted
in medical and
healthcare
facilities in order
to
inventory
accuracy
improve and
safety.
Valuable
medical
devices
artificial
joints,
ensuring
patient
implantable (IMDs) such as surgical
mesh,
cardiac stents and heart defibrillators can be tagged with RFID devices for accessing real-time data of the inventory and catheterization laboratory. This
allows staffs to know which products are readily available and which ones will expire soon, and they can be confident before going into a procedure. Besides that, it also helps in cutting down the expenses of resupplying by about 18 percent.
Besides improving hospital asset tracking and management, RFID can also be used for enhancing safety of patients before and after an operation. If a product has been recalled, the tagged implantable medical device will transfer instant information about identification of the IMD, the place it was manufactured at, healthcare professionals responsible for installing and maintaining it, and health of the patient. This will reduce the chances of a recalled device being implanted into a patient. Scientists claim that in the near future, RFID technology would also help doctors in tracking infections or diseases occurring after a procedure. Sensors within the IC of a tag would gauge the force on implant, temperature and chemical balance of surrounding tissue and presence of harmful microorganisms. Having this information will assist doctors in treating potential infections even before they turn into serious problems and eliminating the need for a second operation. Control and prevention of infection after surgeries is likely to be the largest achievement within the medical sector once usage of RFID tags in IMDs becomes widespread.