Buying RFID Tags and Equipment? Here is an All-Inclusive ...

Dec. 02, 2024

Buying RFID Tags and Equipment? Here is an All-Inclusive ...

Did you know that investing in RFID tags and equipment can double your profitability? This technology helps you manage various business activities like a pro.

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Even better, RFID tags come in various forms, allowing you to choose the one that best serves your needs.

Some activities you can manage with RFID tags and equipment include identification, inventory management, and asset tracking.

It doesn’t matter which industry you’re in; there will be a tag that suits your needs. This article will guide you through every step of buying RFID tags and equipment. Read on.

Understanding RFID System Efficiency

When starting a business, everyone hopes it will generate profits. However, many startups fail within the first year of operation due to poor administrative decisions. To avoid this pitfall, you should automate your systems.

Automation reduces administrative costs and boosts productivity, ensuring that your business breaks even and starts making profits.

Are you wondering how you can achieve system automation?

One of the most reliable techniques is Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID). This technology allows you to manage your inventory and track your assets with ease.

You can use RFID tags and equipment in any industry, including agriculture, retail, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and transportation.

Choosing the Right RFID Equipment

Buying RFID equipment will only be useful if you select the right one for your organization. RFID tags and equipment come in different sizes, shapes, and functionalities.

Consider the following questions before you start shopping for RFID tags and equipment:

1. Do You Really Need RFID Tags?

Believing that every business needs RFID tags is a misconception. This technology should only be used when you have enough assets to track and data to process.

As a small startup, your primary goal should be to reduce administrative costs. At this stage, you might not have much data needing RFID automation. You can install cheaper software to manage your bookkeeping.

However, you should upgrade your systems as your assets increase. This will save you time and resources, thus boosting your productivity.

If you’ve observed any of the following in your business, it’s time to invest in an RFID system:

Asset Losses: Loss of valuables can disrupt operations. If you’re experiencing many defective assets or losses, consider using an RFID tag to track them.
Check-Out Delays: If you are overwhelmed by customers during checkout, an RFID tag system can automate payment processes and enhance efficiency.
Excessive Paperwork: If paperwork consumes too much of your time, it can adversely affect productivity. Reducing time spent on manual operations by buying RFID tags and equipment can be beneficial.
Inventory Management Issues: Complaints about incorrect bookkeeping entries may indicate that you are overwhelmed with data volumes. Investing in an RFID system will help maintain profitability.

These are just a few pointers to consider when purchasing RFID tags and equipment. The primary goal should always be to boost productivity and enhance customer satisfaction.

2. What is the Nature and Size of My Business?

The size and nature of your business will influence the type of RFID tags and equipment you need.

Consider these examples to understand why this factor is crucial:

An RFID tag suitable for a horticultural farm may not be ideal for a retail outlet. The one for the farm should be designed for use in wet environments.
A business managing mobile assets will require an RFID tag with a wide read range. A small business with an enclosed investment needs a passive tag with a limited read range.
A sole proprietor business wouldn’t need RFID tags for access control; however, a large manufacturing firm would require RFID tags and equipment for personnel identification.

These examples highlight that what works for one business may not be suitable for yours. Answering your specific needs before purchasing an RFID system is essential.

3. What Are My Goals?

Your objectives will dictate the type of RFID tags and equipment you need for your business. Ensure that you have positively answered the previous questions.

Understand that your goals will determine which RFID devices to choose. Crafting precise objectives is vital.

It is advisable for your IT team to consult with the RFID tags/equipment provider to assess your needs. This will ensure the provider recommends a tag that aligns with your goals.

Some common desires you might have for your business include:

I spend too much time on administrative tasks.
I want to reduce recurring expenditures.
I need to improve customer experience.
I want to track my assets effectively.
I wish to manage my personnel more efficiently.
I want a contactless payment system.

When you share these goals with your RFID provider, they will recommend the best RFID product. Ensure that you communicate all your needs clearly.

RFID Equipment Buying Guide: 4 Critical Equipment to Consider

RFID is a system that may require more than just tags. This section discusses essential RFID equipment to consider for your business.

1. RFID Tags

The type of RFID tag you buy will determine the effectiveness of your business operations. Defining your goals will help you identify the best tag for you. Here are some common RFID tags:

Passive vs. Active RFID Tags: Active tags include batteries offering a wider read range, making them ideal for tracking assets up to 100 meters. If you only need RFID tags for indoor activities, passive tags are preferred due to their lower cost.

Keep in mind that active tags are more expensive and may have shorter lifespans than passive tags.

RFID Inlays/Labels vs. RFID Hard Tags: RFID inlays are peel-and-stick tags allowing easy printing of barcodes. Conversely, RFID hard tags are more robust and suited for harsh conditions but come at a higher cost.

2. RFID Readers

RFID readers are crucial for your RFID system's operation. If the reader malfunctions, the whole system fails.

Select an RFID reader that meets your needs while being easy to maintain. The three main types of RFID readers include:

Fixed Readers: These high-performance, immobile readers can read and write tags across various applications.

Non-Integrated: These readers connect to antennas via coaxial cables.
Integrated: Fixed RFID readers that come with antennas in one device.

When shopping for a fixed reader, consider:

UHF Band Regulations: Most stationary readers operate on UHF. Research your country's UHF regulations as they may affect technology applicability.
Mounting Location: Optimize placement for accessibility and exposure to conditions.
Tag Reading Capacity: Some RFID scanners capture data at varying speeds; consider this when selecting models.

Mobile Readers: Ideal for locating tagged items on the go, enabling efficient inventory management and connecting to mobile devices for convenient data analysis.

Reader Modules: Choose between integrated analytics systems or external software compatibility for data analysis.

3. RFID Antennas and Cables

Antennae and cables are essential for your RFID system's effectiveness. If you purchase an integrated fixed or handheld reader, you needn't worry.

If you opt for a non-integrated fixed reader, you'll need to buy cables and antennas. Consider size, polarity, connector types, rating, and length when selecting cables and antennas:

Ideal Read Range: Select antennas that adequately cover your entire premises.
Distance from Reader: This will influence the cable's length.
Mounting Location: Understand polarity requirements and connector types based on the installation area.

4. RFID Printers

Essential for purchasing RFID inlays, printers allow encoding and printing on labels, saving you from manual input tediousness.

Consider what you need to print when choosing an RFID printer, as this affects ribbon types. Your ideal printer should also come with integrated software for ease of use.

Conclusion

RFID tags and equipment can revolutionize your business, but not every organization needs this technology. Always analyze your needs before deciding on integrating an RFID system. If you determine it will enhance efficiency, buy it.

Buying RFID tags and equipment is a complex task. These devices come in various sizes, shapes, and read ranges. Therefore, carefully choose devices that address your specific needs.

To find the best RFID system for your business, understand your goals and how this technology can address them. Implement the tips discussed here to maximize your investment.