How does an RFID system work?

Tag or automatic transmitter device, including an electronic circuit is attached to the object for giving an identification code. When the tag is placed near or in the range of reader, magnetic fiel generated by the code reader activates the tag.

Then, the tags continuously send data via radio pulses. Finally, the data is received by reader and is processed by the relevant software such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management systems (SCMS).

The benefits of using RFID

Both readers and tags come in many different shapes and sizes. Thanks to small size of tags and their freedom of movement, organizations and institutions interested in using this technology will have high flexibility in this regard.

Some of the benefits of using RFID technology include:

• Tags can be hidden or be embedded in most materials.
  – Since the tags are offered in various forms and sizes, users can choose one of them according to their own needs.
  – To read the code, it is not necessary to expose the tag in direct sight of reader.
  – Due to the nature of the RFID tags (there is no need for direct contact); there will be no amortization and depreciation.
  – It is impossible to manipulate the serial numbers stored in the tags.
• Some of RFID applications
• In many office buildings, RFID technology is using for personnel access control in authorized/unauthorized areas; many sellers of electronic products in order to protect against theft of their goods are using this technology. Some government organizations also are using the technology for monitoring and controlling offenders.
• Some of other RFID applications include:
  – Inventory Control
  – Access Control
  – Laboratory Analysis
  – Frequency control; for example, automatically recording the number of times a runner must pass
  – recording time and place of access; for example, automatically recording the time and place of patrol for some specific jobs
  – Vehicle identification
  – Building security
  – Asset Tracking
  – Traffic Control, tracking offending drivers and recording violations automatically
  – Transportation Systems
  – and several other cases

Mr. Ebrahimian, as CEO of Tolue Engineering Co., is one of Iranian RFID industry leaders, who presented a paper at the second annual Supply Chain Conference in 2006; it was welcomed by the audience. The article, titled “Evaluation of RFID technology, its applications and non-functional requirements”, after a few years is still readable; it is available here.

Also, other text aimed to “compare RFID and Barcode Systems” is available here.