Why Do You Need RFID? What Are The Benefits of Using RFID?

Reduction of cost due to labour saving

A lot of processes become automated when using RFID systems. Operations are sped up because manual data input is reduced. RFID tag not only reduces human error but also avoids errors committed purposely by disgruntled or untrustworthy employees.
Because processes become automated this frees up time for employees to spend on more productive issues. Improved customer service usually results from implementing a RFID system.

Reduction of employee downtime

By employing RFID employee tagging management is able to keep an eye on movements of staff. Because all movements are recorded automatically a record is kept and patterns of loitering and time wasting can be detected. Managing personnel downtime within an office, factory, construction site or even in open air environments eliminates downtime and improves productivity.

Tracking of assets

RFID solutions will deliver a cost effective and reliable solution for the tracking of assets. Knowing what stock you have is always an advantage. The stock re-ordering process can become automated. In some cases of high value stock items web enhanced software allows users real-time monitoring through GPS, SMS, and emails. Google and some of the other companies are working on systems where the internet is used to keep track of such goods. The “internet of things” is real and within a few years everyone will know what the term entails.

Robustness

RFID tags are a lot more robust than barcode tags. When barcode tags are used visible damage will almost always results in failed reads or misreads. RFID tags can in most cases still be read even if the tag was damaged to some extent. Keep in mind though that RFID tags are not indestructible.

RFID Does Not Require Line-of-Sight

A RFID tag does not need to be visible to the reader. This means that the tag does not have to be brought up to the scanner to read the chip. The tags can be underneath or even inside a container. Unlike barcodes and human readable tags that must be physically located and viewable to read, RFID tags do not need to be visible. If for example, you were to tag all furniture in your building, you would not need to physically locate the tags in order to scan it. When using a RFID tag you can enable users to read the tag through the furniture item without even seeing it. Unfortunately most standard RFID tags cannot be read through metal or liquid.

Programming and reprogramming of RFID tags

Certain RFID tags can be programmed and reprogrammed whist being read. This means that the tags can store information about where it has been, who handled the goods and other information as needed. RFID tags can store 100bits or more of information. This allows novel application in logistics where operators can verify goods receiving and trace back damaged or expired goods automatically. Keeping track of the goods on a tag applied to the item can be a huge advantage when high volumes of high value items are being handled. In addition, this gives the user the ability to identify and authenticate critical items such as pharmaceuticals or motor car spares.

RFID systems read multiple tags simultaneously

Because a RFID tag does not have to be in direct line of sight it is possible to read up to 1,000 tags within a matter of seconds. Instead of having to pick up every individual item and scanning the barcode the RFID readers pick up multiple RFID tagged items within the readers area of “sight”. Manual inventory processes require personnel to individually match barcodes or serial numbers. This is a very time consuming process and prone to inaccuracies. Using barcodes speeds up the inventory process recording process and makes it more accurate, but it still requires each item to be scanned manually. RFID scanners can even read items moving at high speed. Tags can be read while moving at speeds of up to 200 km/h.

RFID systems lead to improved processes

Stock takes and general inventory counting takes a lot of time. Each item has to be individually handled. This takes man hours and effort. Due to its nature physically inventorying and auditing assets leads to errors. The process pulls valuable employees from their normal job responsibilities and more often than not these employees have to be paid overtime because of the time it takes. Imagine if you could do a stock count on a daily basis and this only takes a few minutes. Implementing RFID solutions can dramatically reduce the man-power required to keep track of your assets and provide better visibility.

Implementing RFID in the manufacturing processes means:

Implementing RFID in the warehouse environment means:

Save

Save