Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

The use of RFID for efficient tracking of assets, materials and products is increasing dramatically. As RFID systems become more and more smart and cost effective new large scale applications in supply chain management are taking off.

RFID technology uses electronic tags (transponders) to store identification and tracking data, and fixed and portable readers to capture the information. Unlike barcode technology, RFID can be used in harsh and dirty environments, with line of sight not generally required. Data can be simultaneously acquired from many tags.

APC Integration has access to the latest technology RFID systems and uses a  "best of breed" approach. We determine and recommend the best suited RFID products for each specific application. We then design, integrate and commission the application methodically using formal engineering procedures to ensure an optimised outcome.

Technology

An RFID system consists of tags, readers interrogating the tags, and higher level computer systems controlling the readers and receiving identification and tracking data. RFID data is used by the higher level systems in many diverse process control and logistics applications.

A wide choice of commercially available RFID families operate in various frequency bands. The choice of RFID system for any specific application is influenced by many factors. Some examples are detection distance, penetration of substances, cost of tags and readers, speed of identification and data transfer, size of tags and antennas, ability to write tracking information to tags, and multi identification capability.

Tags can be passive (powered by energy received from the reader) or active (including an on-board battery. Active tags generally have longer ranges than passive tags.

Profile of applications

• Process automation - tracking of products during manufacturing and assembly; control of individual product build; just-in-time component availability

• Logistics - Product/consignment identification, tracking and authentication; warehouse management

• Asset tracking - asset identification; location tracking; asset history and status change recording

• Vehicle tracking - linking of consignments to vehicles; location tracking; delivery routing; access control; validation of delivery

For more information, contact APCI on (08) 8366 2300 or go to our contacts page.