What is RFID?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. The acronym refers to small electronic devices that consist of small chip and an antenna. The chip typically is capable of carrying 2,000 bytes of data or less.
RFID Better than Barcodes
A significant advantages of RFID devices over the others mentioned above is that the RFID device does not need positioned precisely relative to the scanner. We’re all familiar with the difficulty that store checkout clerk sometimes have in making sure that a barcode can be read. and obviously, credit cards and ATM cards must be swiped through a special reader.
In contrast, RFID devices will work within a few feet up to 20 feet for high frequency of the scanner. For example, you could just pull all of your groceries or purchase in a beg, and set the beg on the scanner. It would be able to query all of the RFID devices and total your purchase immediately.
RFID technology has been available for more than 50 years. It has only been recently that the ability to manufacture the RFID devices has fallen to the point where they can be use as a throw away inventory or control devices.
The example of company that use RFID is Walmart
Walmart has grown to be the world largest retailer by seeking every opportunity to streamline its supply chain and cut cost in order to live up to its promise of everyday low pricing. Getting there entails more than smart merchandising, however Walmart also is the leader in pioneering technology to achieve operational efficiency that ultimately bring saving for its costumer.
Once such technology is radio frequency identification (RFID) which transfer data store on tags on the product or other object, facilitating identification and tracking. One of RFID technology familiar to many people is in vehicle transponder for toll collection. Walmart has been using RFID technology for about a decade and cites numerous benefit. Including more efficient inventory management. The company initially introduce RFID to track pallet of merchandise travelling along its supply chain, including warehouse.
RFID tags offer a broader array of advantage compare with traditional barcode. They store more data, provide real time information, and can be scan from a distance and without a clear line of sight.
REFERENCE
1) http://www.usanfranonline.com/resources/supply-chain-management/rfid-technology-boosts-walmarts-supply-chain- management/#.VUm6dFLXenN
IT Story 