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RFID Tags

The operation of your RFID system depends on the tags that you deploy. Choosing the right tag for your use case is essential to the success of an RFID solution.

Selecting the Right RFID Tags and Labels

RFID labels and tags are the foundation of every RFID solution. They receive RF signals from antennas and readers and relay specified information about a tagged item to your back-end system.

RFID tags can either be active or passive. Active tags have their own battery power source, which allows them to broadcast a signal to a reader. Conversely, passive tags have no power source and only get read when they are within the range of an RF signal from a reader.  

Common use cases for active RFID include advanced asset tracking and real-time location systems (RTLS). On the other hand, passive RFID works well for inventory checkpoints, compliance monitoring, and WIP applications.

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Comparing Active and Passive Tags

Active

Since they are battery-powered, active RFID tags are able to broadcast their own signal to readers. Therefore, these tags are readable for longer ranges, making them best for tracking more expensive assets that require more frequent location updates.

Passive

Passive tags have no power source. The signal from an RF reader is bounced off of the passive tag and sent back to the reader. Readers and passive tags can communicate within 20 feet. Passive RFID works well for inventory checkpoints, compliance monitoring, and WIP applications.

Different RFID Tag Types

Common RFID disruptors like metal, water, and high carbon content can alter read accuracy. RFID Pros at RMS Omega perform testing to ensure that your tag works as expected to achieve your goals. Different form factors affect the performance of the tag in each application:

  • Inlays – An inlay consists of the RFID chip and tag antennae on a piece of film with an optional adhesive.zebra rfid tag with inlay
  • Labels – RFID labels are designed for peel-and-stick applications.
  • Hard Tag – Encase the RFID inlay in a protective case for tracking challenging environments.
  • Wristband – RFID-encoded wristbands are useful in healthcare for the seamless and instantaneous collection of patient information.
  • Card – RFID technology embedded in plastic card technology encodes important information onto the cards.

There are certain factors that will have an effect on what tags you should use. A few factors that affect RFID read performance include:

  • Inlay size – a larger RFID inlay gives your longer read ranges.
  • Reader type – handheld, fixed, and overhead readers often perform differently and serve different use cases.
  • Material surface and the environment – The surface of the tagged item and the environment it passes through affect the read range.

Getting Started with RFID

Getting started with RFID requires more than buying a reader and slapping a tag on what you want to track. Our solutions are strategically designed for your warehouse’s requirements, meaning we take the time to evaluate which combination of RFID tags, readers, antennas, printers, and software will work best for your application.

With over 20 years of experience working with warehouses, we have seen many challenges and mishaps when implementing RFID systems. When you work with RMS Omega, you work with a dedicated Account Manager who will be your point of contact from the start. We will support you from the initial project design and through the implementation, deployment, and ongoing maintenance, optimization, and analysis of your RFID system for years to come.

4 Factors To Consider

When Testing & Selecting RFID Tags

RFID technology delivers incredible value and efficiency to business operations. However, there can be challenges to navigate when designing an RFID system. That is why our solutions are strategically designed for your facility’s requirements, meaning we take the time to evaluate which combination of RFID tags, readers, antennas, printers, and software will work best for your application and deliver your desired business results.

In our 20+ years of experience, we have helped companies navigate common RFID mistakes that may affect system accuracy and performance. That’s why we recommend working with a certified RFID expert who is knowledgeable of potential integration challenges and how to overcome them.

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Explore RFID Applications By Use Case

Asset Tracking 

Utilize RFID with a combination of barcode-based technology applications to efficiently track multiple types of assets across an entire organization.

Check-In/Check-Out

Eliminate time-consuming paper systems or enhance your barcode-enabled check-in/check-out processes with RFID.

Inventory Visibility

Automate inventory counts and audits throughout your value chain with RFID inventory management solutions. Enhance inventory visibility with RFID.

Location Monitoring

Building an effective location monitoring solution requires the right hardware, software, support, and industry expertise.

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)

Pinpoint the movement and location of assets, inventory, and personnel with real-time location systems.

Work in Process

Monitor products or raw materials as they pass through different steps in a process & enforce organizational compliance.

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How Can We Help?

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Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Request more information about RFID or RTLS technology, inquire about costs, or schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs.

Simply call (888) 857-8402, email info@rmsomega.com, or fill out our form! We’re here to help.

Have a Question? Ask the Solutions Team at RMS!