RFID in Supply Chain Management

-by Bhupendra

What is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ?

RFID is the use of small devices that can be electronically identified at a distance, through many obstruction, using radio waves or adjoining frequencies. Advantages
Works under adverse conditions Reading is done without any human intervention Read writer can be used to record new information on the tag

RFID Label

RFID Label

Types of RFID
Passive Semi-Active Active

Passive RFID
When RFID tag is within the interrogation zone of the reader (i.e.. interrogator) equipment, sufficient power is extracted from the interrogator to power up the tag or circuit, or special reflective material. It then transmitting data back to the interrogator. This is known as Passive RFID.
Most Simple Do not require integrated power source The most inexpensive tag

Semi-Active RFID
The battery is used to back up the memory and data, but not to boost range.
More complex Requires integrated power supply Higher cost

Active RFID
These RFID incorporate a battery to increase range (typically by a factor of 3 over passive) for collating data, tagto-tag communication etc.
More complex Requires integrated power supply Higher cost

Short range Passive RFID tag system

Tagged Asset Reader

Tagged Asset

To System

Tagged Asset

< 60 cm

Short range Passive RFID tag system

Short range passive system works at a range of upto 60 cm and monitors seperated single products on conveyor belt or by hand scanning.

Medium range passive RFID system

Tagged Asset Tagged Reader Asset

Tagged Asset Tagged Asset To System

< 3. 5 m

Medium range passive RFID system These systems have a range of upto 3.5 m. Used with sensors around warehouse door. Entry to the aircraft.

Long range two way active RFID system

Tagged Asset Tagged Tagged Asset Asset Reader

Tagged Asset

To System

Tagged Tagged Asset Asset Tagged Asset

100 m

Long range two way active RFID system Large numbers of packages can be managed. Wide area can be covered. Range from 50 to 100 m.

Real time locating system

Tagged Asset Tagged Tagged Asset Asset Reader To System

Tagged Asset Reader

Tagged Tagged Asset Asset Tagged Asset

Tagged Asset Reader Tagged Asset

500 - 1000 m

Real time locating system

Range upto a 1000 meter Real time location for large active area High accuracy

Retail supply chain

Supplier

Retailer

Consumer

RFID

Data recorded on tag

Serial number Production date Filling dates and sites Tare weight etc.

Packaging applications
Maximum Example of Range application
40 Microns Touch outsid of paper packaging to sense tag inside Retail products tag like a label

Purpose
Anti- counterfeit and tracking

Mode
Disposable tag

Few centimeter 1 meter

Track, trace and anticounterfeit

Automatic sorting of Track and trace, security air freight and status update courier parcels Location of large crates etc. (Large heavy tag needed) Read only tag

Up to 100 meters

Read only Reusable tag Active

Up to a kilometer

Benefits Inventory Reduction

Reduced Safety Stock Reduction in lost/ misplaced inventory First in First out (FIFO) status most accurate physical inventory/cycle counting

Benefits Better ware house management

reduction of misplaced product improved labor production physical inventory time saving eliminate paper work and data entry reduced search time reduced shipping returns

Benefits Improved space utilization

reduced inventory results in more usable space and better utilization of resources

Increased picking accuracy

Approach to an RFID project The majority of projects will involve replacing of existing manual, barcode magnetic stripe or other system for tracking or tracing. Scope for improved must be noted. An estimation of cost must be made. Necessary process changes and adjustments should be analyzed.

Frequency considerations

Frequency
Low frequency RF (50- 150 KHz) High frequency RF (13.65 MHz) UHF (900 MHz)

Benefits
Low interference Low cost Globally approved Low interference Globally approved Longest Range High bit rate

Possible Problems
Tag thickness Expensive

Uses
Manufacturing Logistics

Range

Libraries Packages

Water and some non Freight metals can obscure tag Large tag

Disadvantage

Reading the discarded tags Injury from tags Accidental eating of tags in food Shielding of tags accidently or deliberately so the product is not paid for at the checkout Global standards Adequate range Radiation laws and public perception

thanks