3 RFID Technologies that are Making Waves All over the World

Raw materials are the most crucial part of any manufacturing process and how you handle materials determines the success of the production process. Different factories employ various methods for managing materials – some are manual and some automated. The production success depends to a large extent on how effectively you manage the supply of raw materials. Recently, one technology created ripples all over the world -- radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Many logistics professionals today prefer this method for the smooth handling of materials throughout the various production phases. Just like any other emerging technologies, this Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technique also faces a lot of real-world challenges. However, despite the challenges, RFID is making waves all over the world and here are three RFID varieties that have taken the world by storm in the recent years.

Hybrid Systems

These RFID units comprise both active RFID and RAIN RFID. While you can use the former for real time tracking of large sized, expensive items, the latter is more suitable for mass tracking of inexpensive items. Both are fit for use in the manufacturing spaces and other industrial set-ups. These affordable solutions facilitate the continuous monitoring of multiple materials as they move across the different departments of a factory. What is more? You don’t need any infrastructural upgrades to leverage this technology.

RAIN RFID

Promoted by the RAIN RFID Alliance, a global organization, this variety features passive, ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID. It is particularly suitable for the retail space as it can ease sorting and tagging of individual items. When it comes to inventory management, RAIN RFID has emerged as a trusted solution for store owners. But that does not mean that this technology is not suitable for the manufacturing sector. With the increase in the availability of chips and with more chip-antennae combinations coming into the scene, RAIN's acceptability is likely to increase in the future. RAIN RFID has all the potential of replacing time-consuming and error-prone manual efforts.

Pre-Printed Tags

This technology allows for the customization of tags. So, you can avail this RFID technology if you want tags on demand. All you need to do is purchase pre-encoded labels in bulk. This cost-effective material handling method saves you from investing in a whole array of printing infrastructure. You can get hundreds and thousands of new tags through this technique. This approach is expected to gain in popularity in the upcoming years.

The primary goal of RFID technology in the manufacturing sector is to provide greater control and visibility into the material handling management to drive efficiency. The technology is expected to gain in popularity in the coming years as scientists find out better RFID shielding techniques and other ways to make its application more cost-effective. RFID may not be able to replace bar-code technology altogether, but it will definitely give its previous-generation material-tracking technology a good run for its money.

Elvis Moore is an active blogger with an extensive industry experience in the field of electronics and technology.