RFID consists of a few tags that are powered and have no battery. It is able to read at short ranges in magnetic fields through electromagnetic induction known as passive tags.

There are other RFIDs that make use of local power source and emit radio waves via electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies – active tags. In addition, the tags contain electronically stored information that can be read across several meters. It is not like a bar code as the tag does not need to be aligned with the reader’s sight. Therefore, firms can implant these tags in the object which they prefer to track.

Retailers can use the Radio Frequency Identification technology in various verticals. For example, if you want to track your dog that is several meters away, then you can simply place a chip with an Identification tag. Also, tags help in EZPass via toll booth or paying for gas bills via SpeedPass. The Firms also increasingly use RFID technology with biometric technologies for protection and security purposes.

Applications of Radio-Frequency Identification 

There are several applications of RFID in the business world. For Instance:

  • Inventory systems: Retailers can now use RFID as inventory systems that assist the organizationS for ensuring the level of security in their inventory. By the help of JIT (Just-In-Time) inventory tracking via RFID, the computer info can demonstrate the presence of inventory in a warehouse with its correct remaining quantity.
  • Management of assets: nowadays, retailers adopt RFID technology to manage their assets efficiently.
  • Access control: tags are used extensively as identification badges and have replaced magnetic stripe cards that were used earlier for similar purposes. In other words, the ID badges can authenticate the holder while holding it within a particular distance of the reader.
  • Product tracking: RFIDs also assist in product tracking applications that initiate optimal processes of plant-based production.
  • Promotion tracking: For prevention of retailer diverting products, the manufacturers are searching application of RFID tags on promoting merchandise. As a result, retailers can track the exact sold product via supply chain at fully or partially discounted prices.
  • Transportation payments: Paying your transport bills is now easier with tags for subways, trains or buses. In addition, people can also use tags for collecting tolls on highways. The service of Zipcar (car sharing services) makes use of RFID cards for unlocking and locking cars and identifying members.
  • Logistics and transportation: logistics and transport are the two areas where retailers implement RFID technology widely. Also, the distribution centres, freight and shipping and yard management use RFID tracking. Firms mount RFID tags on rolling stock and locomotives in the railroad industry for owner identification, ID number, equipment type and characteristics. Also, retailers can utilize tags with a database for identifying destination, lading, origin etc. of the carried commodities.
  • Other applications: These include the use of RFID tags in infrastructure protection and management and paying phone bills via smartphones.