RFID has been considered a disruptive technology for IT asset management, particularly in automating asset tracking. Despite this, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced global enterprises that deal with hardware asset management and automating and asset tracking to determine whether using RFID is correct for them or not.
Why should a Company Choose RFID?
To choose between using RFID or not, several options have to be considered. These options can help IT management enterprises determine whether RFID is correct for them or not in a better way.
Below, some reasons are given to use RFID for automated solutions:
Price
The price of RFID has reduced significantly in the past decade, mainly due to inflation. With this much reduction in cost and increased efficiency and productivity assets, companies can create significant ROIs for themselves.
Passive RFIDs
These are non-powered and cheap tags with a lower read range. They are used to read tags either
- In reading the tags that move through the portal, or
- By handheld devices that are in closer proximity.
The passive RFID technique bases upon a standard known as GEN2. This means that the passive RFD tags can be mixed and matched with the passive RFID reader hardware.
Advantages of Passive RFID over Barcodes
Passive RFID has two significant advantages over barcodes, i.e.,
- Range
- Speed.
Types of Passive RFID Tags and their Pricing
Different RFID tags are used in various applications. A tag’s size and the material on which it is kept are two significant factors that impact the read range. Like their types that vary according to the application, the pricing of an RFID tag also varies as per the situation. Generally, this pricing is dependent upon three factors:
- The volume of the tags purchased
- Encoding services
- Other customizations.
-
Basic RFID Tags
It is a printable metal tag that ranges from $10-$20 in pricing.
Applications
- Works best for paper and other non-metal and non-liquid materials
- Does not work for IT or metal assets.
-
On-Metal RFID Tags
These RFID tags just cost $1.
Applications
- Some passive on-metal RFID tags working on a metal surface require spacing between the chip and the metal material
- Some metal tags use the metal surface as their antenna’s part. This improves their readability
- They are required for servers or metal equipment, especially in data centers.
-
Vehicle/Container Tags
They cost around $5.
Application
They are used in large license plate-sized tags for tracking vehicles, containers, and other large objects t required to cover long distances.
Passive Handheld Readers
Passive handheld readers are used by a person who holds the scanner and waves it near the assets to get the reading.
Applications of Passive Handheld Scanners
Passive handheld scanners can be used in:
- Manual editing of a location
- In data center racks, etc.
Popular Models of Passive Handheld Readers
Some well-known models of Passive handheld readers are:
- Sleds: An RFID reader can pair with smartphones, tablets, or computers for processing RIFD tags.
RFIDs coming in this category can range from $1600-$2000. They also include an accessory pack with a charger and a 3-year maintenance plan - Mobile Computers: These are integrated android devices having embedded RFID readers that work independently.
RFIDs included in this category range from $2500-$3000. They also come with an accessory pack with a charger and a 3-year maintenance plan.
Fixed-Position Passive RFID
These scanners are installed in fixed locations such as doorways, conveyor belts, and other locations that detect assets moving through the “read zone.” After scanning the assets, these RFID readers publish updates to the listening systems.
Price Range for Fixed-Position Passive RFID Readers
These RFID readers come in a price range of $5000-$15000 per portal for hardware, installation, and configuration.
Active RFID
It is a proprietary technology that comes in multiple forms such as:
- UHF 900 MHz
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
All RFID tags are larger and self-powered. They enable real-time location system (RTLS) tracking and environmental monitoring by broadcasting their signal over a greater distance.
Are Active RFID Tags More Economical than Passive RFID Tags?
When it comes to active RFID tags, they are costly than passive RFID tags are used selectively (such as in specialized and highly secure environments).
Integration of RFID with Active Databases
Web services and file-based mechanisms can be used for integrating RFID systems with asset databases. If a tag is read by an RFID reader or if there is any change in its state, the integration will help the RFID system in updating its information.
Asset management is becoming an essential issue for medical device manufacturing companies and pharmaceutical organizations, and using RFID technology in these industries can prove to be very helpful. In this regard, Alysidia is providing these companies with RFID technologies. Our sophisticated RIFD tools can prove to be very helpful for the medical device manufacturing and pharma sector, especially in asset management. If you belong to any of these industries and want to know more about our products, visit us today at Alysidia.com.
