An introduction to radio frequency identification (RFID) methods and solutions

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce some of the most important engineering, and information systems management principles and challenges, that radio frequency identification (RFID) researchers, implementers and users should keep in mind when developing such systems, and/or planning for such applications.Design/methodology/approachProvides a general review of RFID systems.FindingsRFID technologies with the appropriate IT infrastructure help both major distributors and manufacturers, as well as other logistics operations, such as the health‐care system, defense industries, and others, dealing with complex, global supply chains in which products and product shipments must be traced and identified in a non‐contact, wireless fashion using a computer network, because of cost, or security, or safety, or because parts are subject to corrosion, or food/medicine is subject to quality degradation, or other reasons. All of these requirements point to an automated, wireless‐readable sensory‐based identification method, and network, that offers more functionalities and is significantly “smarter” than the well known bar code or the unified product code. RFIDs are available as passive and/or active radio read/write sensor‐packages with active read (and often write) capabilities in relatively large areas (like a large distribution centre warehouse, or a containership), all performed automatically, supervised by computers and communicated in a wireless fashion over secure intranets. RFID represents great research, technology, as well as huge business opportunities.Practical implicationsRFID has the potential to change the way we do business all around the world. It is a huge challenge, not just because of the sophisticated sensor‐network technology, but also because of the vast systems integration and IT tasks ahead of us.Originality/valueReviews the current state‐of‐the‐art and future opportunities.

Proton motion in a polyelectrolyte: A probe for wireless humidity sensors

“…for the construction industry, electronics packaging and quality control of food during storage and transportation) [1][2][3][4]. A wireless sensor is composed of an antenna and a sensor device.…”

A Delphi Study of RFID Applicable Business Processes and Value Chain Activities in Retail

“…Within grocery retailing RFID allows for automated inventory replenishment, improved customer service, reduced stock out situations, and improved information sharing thus leading to a more controlled supply chain resulting from the improved visibility (Prater, 2005). Ranky (2006) suggests that RFID improves tracking and tracing of products and assets across the supply chain for major manufacturers, distributors, and retailers could lead to an integrated supply chain. (Keating et al, 2010) suggests that RFID adopters and non-adopters both are driven by the RFID benefits such as greater data accuracy, improved information visibility, service quality, process innovation, and track-and-trace capabilities.…”

A Comparison of Barcoding and RFID Technologies in Practice

“…This is a very attractive advantage to businesses as they seek to make their supply chains more efficient and reduce waste, theft, and errors (Karkkainen, 2003;Prater, Frazier, & Reyes, 2005;Ranky, 2006;"RFID still brings more questions", 2007;Sheffi, 2004;Wyld 2006). While adoption rates within supply chains have increased rapidly in the past few years (Furness, 2005;Ranky, 2006;Wyld 2006), there are still many retailers that have held back from RFID implementation as they believe that the technology is still not entirely proven and will wait to see the benefits other retailers can generate (Lai, Hutchinson, & Zhang, 2005;Prater et al, 2005;Stevenson, 2004;Vijayaraman & Osyk, 2006).…”

“…RFID is a revolutionary information exchange system that can create an environment in which every object can be automatically recognised, tracked, and traced from factory to shelf only using a single tag on each product item or pallet Lai et al, 2005;Ranky, 2006;Sellitto, Burgess, & Hawking, 2007). An RFID system typically comprises a transceiver, its associated antenna and the transponders (tags) that carry the data.…”