RFID Applications

RFID IN LIBRARIES

RFID can be used in libraries for tracking of borrowed books and as theft detection system. This technology helps librarians reduce valuable time spent for scanning barcodes while lending and receiving books. For the users, RFID speeds up the borrowing and return procedures. The information contained on microchips in the tags affixed to library materials is read using RFID readers, regardless of item orientation or alignment (i.e. it does not require line-of-sight to read tags as barcode readers). Passive tags are more preferred in libraries. The portable handheld reader can be moved along the books on the shelves without touching them. The data goes to a storage unit, which can be downloaded at a server later on, or it can go to a unit, which will transmit it to the server using wireless technology. The RFID reader gates can be installed at the library exit for theft detection which can read the tag as it passes through the gates.

RFID IN SUPPLY CHAIN

The term Supply chain covers all possible processes involved in the flow of goods from manufacturing to customer; including manufacturing, distribution and transportation. Availability of raw materials required for manufacturing can be known easily by using RFID. We can get clear picture of the stock available and also can plan the orders according our budget. From manufacturing plant the product has to be shipped to number of distributors at different locations and from distributors to wholesalers and finally to stores. With RFID tags, transparency in supply chain can be achieved. It will be much easier to track goods and deliver right goods to right destination. With RFID readers at different sub destinations, it will be easier to track goods if theft has taken place in between and prevent counterfeit of goods.

RFID FOR PAYMENT OF TOLL

Payment of toll tariff can be done without stopping your vehicles in toll gates if your vehicle is tagged with RFID tags. RFID tags will be pasted on the vehicles windshield. UHF RFID readers (interrogators) will be mounted on the top of the toll booth. These readers can read tags at distance up to 15 feet. Prepaid RFID tags can be purchased for specific number of trips.

RFID FOR ACCESS CONTROL

Today, many organizations are using RFID system for security and providing access for employees to different areas. An access control point may be door, gate, elevator or any other physical barrier which can be controlled by RFID system. RFID based access control systems are typically used for enterprise access, car park access, and access to gyms or swimming areas, event access, library access or access to hotel rooms. With RFID system, access to dangerous area such as high temperature area, will be granted only if proper safety gears worn by the person is detected by the system. A RFID based access control reader does not usually make an access decision but send a card number to an access control panel that verifies the number against an access list.

RFID FOR ASSET TRACKING

Asset tracking using RFID enable organizations to effectively manage their movable assets such as Laptops, projectors, printers etc and effectively use these valuable assets. Organizations can reduce their operating costs with improved asset tracking system by lower maintenance costs and optimized utilization. RFID technology can provide real-time location of critical assets that enables you to effectively manage, analyze and plan asset utilization and deployment. Hence it will reduce labor & error in recording asset movement and reduce misplacement of assets or theft.

RFID IN HEALTHCARE

RFID can be used to manage patient's health report (tests and medicines) and maintain it in a database and can be updated timely in RFID tags carried by the patients. It is also very helpful to track patients in large hospitals. It can also give information about the health status of the patients, by monitoring and recording blood pressures and heartbeat rates. This can help the nurses to take better care of the patient's health.

RFID FOR ANIMAL TRACKING

Managing thousands of animals in large field is very difficult. RFID therefore can keep record and track of individual animals over their entire lifecycle. Since each RFID tag is unique, a database can be created that keeps track of the animal's origin, parentage and breed. Information of each animal pertaining to breeding data, feeding data and yield data can be stored in RFID tag. Milking & egg laying records can be easily maintained, enabling categorization, individual corrective action or group improvement. RFID helps improve farm management through increased efficiencies, reduced feed and labor costs, enhanced output and improved animal health.

Compiled by: Mr. Rajesh Shet. Mail: rajeshet73@yahoo.in

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