RFID
Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless technology that automatically identifies objects via radio waves, without requiring direct line of sight or physical contact.
What is RFID?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless identification technology that recognizes objects via radio waves. An RFID tag, consisting of a chip and an antenna, is attached to a product or object. When the tag comes within range of an RFID reader, the reader emits a radio signal that activates the tag. The tag then sends its unique identification code back to the reader. This process takes milliseconds and requires no direct line of sight, making RFID extremely suitable for automated identification in logistics and industrial environments.
How does RFID work?
RFID systems work based on electromagnetic fields. There are two main types: passive tags, which receive their energy from the reader's signal and have a range from a few centimeters to approximately 10 meters, and active tags, which have their own battery and can be read from up to hundreds of meters away. The RFID reader emits a radio frequency signal, the tag captures this signal and sends its data back through modulation of the reflected signal (passive tags) or through its own transmitter (active tags). The frequency band determines the range and application possibilities: LF (125-134 kHz) for short range, HF (13.56 MHz) for NFC applications, and UHF (860-960 MHz) for logistics bulk scanning.
Example
An industrial company manages a tool inventory of thousands of items deployed across multiple production halls. Previously, tools were lost weekly and inventory counts took days. After implementing an RFID solution through Wabber, each tool receives a UHF RFID tag. When leaving the tool crib, the item is automatically registered via an RFID gate. Wabber's WMS shows in real-time which tools are in use where, who checked them out, and when maintenance is scheduled. Annual loss decreased by more than 90% and inventory counting now takes hours instead of days.
Why is RFID important?
RFID solves fundamental limitations of barcodes. Where a barcode must be scanned individually and with direct line of sight, RFID can read dozens to hundreds of tags simultaneously, even through packaging material. This makes RFID the technology of choice for processes requiring full automation, such as scanning entire pallets during goods receipt or registering tools passing through a gate. The declining cost per tag also makes RFID increasingly viable for a broader range of applications. Wabber advises clients on the optimal choice between barcode and RFID based on their specific operation.
Related solutions
Frequently asked questions
What is RFID?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a wireless technology that identifies objects via radio waves. An RFID tag is attached to an object and can be read at a distance by an RFID reader, without requiring direct line of sight. The technology is widely used in logistics, industry, retail, and events.
What is the difference between RFID and barcode?
The main difference is that barcodes must be scanned individually and with direct line of sight, while RFID can read multiple tags simultaneously without line of sight. Barcodes are cheaper per unit but require more manual handling. RFID offers a higher degree of automation and speed, but the tags are more expensive. The choice depends on volume, environment, and desired level of automation.
How does RFID work in a warehouse?
In a warehouse, RFID tags are attached to products, boxes, or pallets. During receipt and shipment, these are automatically registered via RFID gates or handheld readers. The WMS processes the readings and updates inventory records in real-time. This eliminates the need to scan each item individually and enables bulk registration, which provides significant time savings especially at large volumes.
What does an RFID implementation cost?
The costs of an RFID implementation consist of tags (starting from a few euro cents per passive tag), readers (from several hundred to thousands of euros per unit), and the software integration with your WMS or ERP. The total investment depends on the number of objects to be tagged, the number of reading points, and the complexity of the integration. Wabber always recommends first preparing a business case to determine whether RFID is profitable for your specific situation.
Processes that improve themselves?
Schedule a no-obligation 30-minute consultation. Discover how tracking systems with AI measurably improve your operation.