RFID Key Components

What are the key components?

RFID Tags - Tags are either passive or active. "Active Tags" are RFID Tags that have their own power source via a battery. "Passive Tags" are RFID Tags that have no independent power source and is powered from the reader when activated. Alien RFID Tags are being used today. RFID chip is another term for tags. RFID Chips are actually imbedded into the tag and store the information.

RFID Readers - There is a variety of RFID readers based upon the size and/or quantity of the items you wish to track. RFID Readers are either fixed-mount or handheld devices. New handheld devices are similar in look to barcode scanners.

RFID Antenna - The antenna sends and reads the signal from the tags to the reader.

RFID Label Printers - Printers are used to create the RFID tags embedded in labels, also called "smart labels".

EPC Labels – is the RFID equivalent to UPC with extended information stored in the RFID label, or RFID Tag.

Software - Drivers and custom application software will be needed to integrate the total solution from tags to ERP. Companies will be looking at ways to integrate this technology into their current inventory control software and ERP systems.

Design - Most important is careful planning by a certified RFID Technology Specialist to ensure it all works!