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RFID or Radio Frequency IDentification is an intelligent technology that allows the identification of data by radio waves. It allows multiple reads of data instantly and does not require line-of-sight like barcodes.
RFID uses High Frequency (HF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) radiowaves. The technology's enhanced accuracy and security in data collection makes it an ideal platform for all industries. The main advantage is nonetheless traceability.
SATO's RFID Solutions present an excellent opportunity for businesses to improve efficiency, trim down on wastes and reduce prices for consumers. Be it Compliance Labelling, Warehouse Logistics, Access Control, Assets Tracking, Baggage Tagging, Retail Tagging or Product Traceability, SATO has the answers to your RFID needs!
Difference between HF and UHF
| High Frequency | Ultra High Frequency | |
| Frequency | 13.56MHz | 860 - 960MHz |
| Read Range | Up to 1.2m | Up to 6M |
| Performance in Humid Environments | Relatively Good | Poor |
| Performance in the presence of Metals | Poor | Poor |
| Data Rate | Medium | Fast |
| Anti-Collision | 10-40 tags/sec | 100 tags/sec |
| Coupling | Inductive | Backscatter |
An increasing number of supply chain management companies worldwide are embracing RFID technology. Pioneers of RFID users include the Department of Defense (DoD) in America, Wal-Mart, and its top suppliers like Nestle, who successfully implemented the Automatic Pallet Labelling Project using the SATO RFID Solution. The main advantage is nonetheless traceability.
The advantages of RFID technology are:
Most, if not all, RFID printers are essentially Barcode Printers:
The SATO UHF and HF Developers' Kits comprise a range of RFID-enabled printers which support worldwide radio frequency bands, Smart Tags, reliable readers and antennas.
SATO works closely with partners and industry leaders like UPM Rafsac, Infineon, SAMSys and EPCglobal to provide total RFID Solutions that are compliant with ISO and EPC Gen2 standards.
Implementing RFID solutions requires a considerable period of time. The evaluation of the investment should not only include the cost of all the different components, but also take into account both quantitative and qualitative benefits. SATO, as one of the pioneers who introduced RFID technology to the industries is glad to lead you through 8 simple steps of Development and Implementation of an RFID Project:
Logistics
In the logistics and supply chain management industries, it is crucial to be able to keep track of goods that are shipped out daily. The key challenges faced by supply chain and logistics providers are speed and accuracy of product delivery.
RFID enables instantaneous identification and verification of a variety of products in a container during the receiving and shipping operations.
The shipping label and RFID tag can be encoded simultaneously with SATO's RFID-enabled printers. The printer encodes information on the, product name, quantity, receiving party and other critical information on the RFID tag. The RFID tag can then be applied onto cartons and pallets.
Unlike barcode technology that requires line of sight reading, RFID technology allows a "one-time scanning feature". The reader automatically read hundreds of tags in a second and verifies all the cartons in the container, providing real time reliable information. The smart tag on pallets can also be re-written with the reader and recycled.
Warehousing
Readers will be installed at different storage points of the warehouse. The reader scans and sends the exact
location of pallet to the system. Supply chain and production planner can now plan and keep track of inventory levels with real time information.
Manufacturing
RFID technology can be integrated with industrial systems to fully automate
manufacturing processes. The RFID tag can be programmed to route the raw materials
to their respective subassemblies. After processing, the tags on each raw material
will be re-written to work-in progress or finished goods. The end products are
then stored in the warehouse.
Healthcare
In hospitals, doctors, nurses and other administrative staff often face difficulties
locating patients files that are misplaced , resulting in re-tests for patients or even delayed treatments.
RFID technology provides document tracking solutions. When a patient is admitted, his details are entered into the database.
The SATO RFID-enabled printers encode patients' details on the RFID tag and prints patient details on labels simultaneously.
The smart tag is then applied on the patient's file. Every time an employee with patient files passes through a door reader,
it scans the exact location and sends information on the files' location to the system.
Through the central system, staff can now pinpoint the file's exact location at any time.
Locating patient files no longer poses a problem.
Retail
Transactions can be closed in a matter of seconds for the retail sector by using readers to read selected merchandise
in a matter of seconds. The system can bill customers' purchase to their credit card account, thereby minimizing queue
length. Retailers can also maintain a database of customers' past purchases and perform analysis on customers' purchase
behaviours and preferences, facilitating marketing efforts and better planning of inventory levels.
