Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a powerful technical tool for the optimization of business
processes.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) dates back to World War II, where it was used to identify British
aircraft as they returned to base after missions.

RFID technology has achieved real traction as it has progressed quickly through a series of successful
applications in manufacturing, logistics and, most recently, retail.

Recent Development in RFID Technology are as follows:-

Wide Area RFID- It was designed to provide cost-effective monitoring over a larger area like a store
floor, whereas earlier was only ideal for detecting tags in a local area.

This was invented by Mojix, an innovation which expanded the system by adding low-cost antennas
while minimizing the number of readers. Called distributed excitation, this patented architecture
allows a single reader connected to a network of low-cost antennas to cover an entire 2,000 to 3,000
square-foot store.

Phenomenal Inventory Tool - With the help of RFID solution, inventory can be updated in real
time without product movement, scanning or human involvement. The fully automated system allows
inventory status to be determined and shipping and receiving documents to be generated
automatically. The system could also trigger automatic orders for products that are low in inventory.

Many retailers like ZARA, Wal-Mart, J.C. Penney and others are making the project feasible by placing
the RFID chips in plastic security tags, which are removed at the point of sale and can be reused.

"It is the retail industry [that is the highest adopter of RFID], and, to be more precise, it is mostly
about tagging apparel,"

Software Solution: User Friendly Windows Based RFID Host Software:

For example: Active Wave has developed several different application specific RFID software solutions.
This host-based software runs on a standard Windows ME Windows 2000 or Windows XP based PC and is
tightly integrated with Active Wave readers. Some of the applications specific host based software
solutions offered by Active Wave are:

Access control
Container, pallet tracking
Product tracking through Manufacturing
Asset tracking
Equipment / people tracking in hospitals
Parking lot control
Car tracking in car rental lots
RFID Host Computer
RFID readers communicate to a RFID host computer through the wireless networking system. The host
will keep track of all the data and update it as the data changes.

RFID host has the following features:

Wireless Communication between RFID Reader and Host

The RFID reader and host computer can be separated by up to 1000 feet. This greatly reduces the
complexity of system installation.

Windows Based Software

RFID software offers a familiar user-friendly interface that runs under Windows ME, Windows 2000, or
Windows XP.

Client/Server Database

RFID host utilizes a flexible database system. The system can have a single database or several
subsystems that talk to a central remote database through an Ethernet connection.

Multiple Monitoring Terminals

The RFID host software allows several monitoring terminals. Each terminal can monitor system status
and real-time data as well as tie into cameras and other remote systems.

"Manufacturing industries, such as automotive, are moving toward the 'industrial internet,' which
boosts the use of RFID as an enabling technology.

Health care is a significant adopter of RFID solutions as well, "offering lots of opportunities to
improve efficiencies and asset visibility.

Combined with Near Field Communication (NFC) wristbands, brands are using RFIDs to carry out
social-media events with check-in, like and photo-sharing options.

RFID Sensors Track Sleep Patterns

RFID Advances Video Game Development

RAIN RFID Technology

RAIN RFID is a wireless technology that connects billions of everyday items to the internet, enabling
businesses and consumers to identify, locate, authenticate, and engage each item.

RAIN RFID is a global alliance promoting the universal adoption of UHF RFID technology in a way similar
to other wireless technology organizations including NFC Forum, Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG.

RAIN uses the GS1 UHF Gen2 protocol which ISO/IEC has standardized as 18000-63.
The word RAIN -an acronym derived from RAdio frequency IdentificatioN is intended as a nod to the
link between UHF RFID and the cloud, where RFID-based data can be stored, managed and shared via
the Internet.

A RAIN RFID solution is a passive (battery-free) wireless technology system uses a reader to read and
write a tagged item, manage the data and take action.

MURATA INTRODUCED RAIN RFID TAG FOR USE ON METAL (Sep 21, 2017)
Murata developed the LXFLANMXMG-003 tag specifically for industries in which metal assets need to be
tracked.

According to the company, the tag is suitable for tracking such items as construction equipment; IT
assets, cage cars or logistics containers, as well as other metal parts used in the manufacturing
industry, and can be used to identify an item's location.

On tap Upcoming Opportunities for RFID Technology

The RFID Technology will continue for growth and expansion in Health care, Manufacture, Retail, Oil
and Gas Industry as well as in Aviation and other sectors.

Researchers Develop Microscopic RFID Chip to Embed in Human Cells (Aug 30, 2017)
Researchers at Stanford University has created a passive, 60 GHz RFID transponder that is small enough
to be inserted into a human body's cell.

It has been able to scale the chip and antenna down to about 22 microns (0.0009 inch) wide i.e. one
fifth the diameter of an average human hairwhich is small enough that it could be inserted inside a
cell, and thus be read throughout a person's body.

The Researchers has designed a specialized RFID reader to transmit to and receive responses from
a tag.

A new wearable ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID reader released by Atlas RFID Solution that helps
workers to keep their hands free when they interrogate tags on the goods they handle, or that are
within their vicinity. It is very helpful at construction sites. It helps workers and management to collect
and view information regarding the equipment, assets or inventory that moves around their work sites.

Registration is now open for RFID Journal's RFID in Aerospace and Defense (Sep 25, 2017)
This year's RFID in Aerospace and Defense conference is aimed at helping companies in these sectors to
implement the use of RFID technology to meet customer requirements and achieve significant benefits
internally.

Debut for Printed Label with RFID Sensor Platform (15-03-2017)

Printed RFID Sensor Platform- The label combines a temperature and a first-opening sensor with a
NFC chip. The device features an imprinted NFC antenna, so the chip can be read with a Smartphone
equipped for this purpose. Developed for roll-to-roll processes the solution is ideally suited for
automated processing.
When the printed RFID sensor platform is used to seal a pack it performs two essential functions. It
continuously measures and records temperatures (through a sensor) across the entire supply chain
during the labels lifetime.
Second, additionally integrated first-opening sensor indicates whether or not the label tampered with
or opened.

Sources:
http://www.activewaveinc.com/applications_inventory_control.php

https://www.mojix.com/next-generation-rfid-technology-already-here/

http://sml-rfid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/160108-rfid-journal-article.pdf

http://rainrfid.org/about-rain/what-is-rain/

http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?16498

http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?16630

https://www.aipia.info/news-Debut-for-Printed-Label-with-RFID-Sensor-Platform-701.php