3 Major Mistakes To Avoid When Selecting An RFID Tag

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has become a prominent solution implemented in many industries, such as production, logistics, laundry, emergency response, and more. It provides numerous benefits and has various uses, including inventory management, equipment and asset tracking system, supply chain logistics, customer service and loss control, vehicle tracking, access control in security solutions, and many others.

RFID essentially helps businesses and even homeowners improve the way they manage their home assets, tools, and facilities. However, like any other technology, the use of RFID requires basic knowledge. Particularly, when it comes to RFID tags, one should be thoroughly informed about their different types and functions before choosing which tag to utilise.

There are hundreds of RFID tags to choose from, and making the right choice is essential to ensure that the advantages of RFID are maximised. Here are some of the significant mistakes that one should avoid when selecting an RFID tag.

Wrong Frequency

Many people think that RFIDs are all the same. However, the truth is, RFID is not a single technology but a group of technological solutions. Each of these technologies has its applications and advantages. Certain types of RFIDs are suitable for certain items or situations. When one chooses the wrong RFID, one may not be able to fully enjoy the advantages of this technology.

In terms of RFID tags, there are various frequencies to consider according to its usage. Choosing the wrong frequency can result in problems where the tags may not have the appropriate read ranges. Moreover, it can lead to a mismatched system since each RFID technology operates on a particular frequency and has its protocols and standards.

Incorrect Form factor

Form factor refers to an RFID tag’s physical characteristics or form that usually varies according to its size, shape, packaging, and handling. An RFID tag can be in the form of a chip, card, label, or sticker. Choosing the correct form factor is also vital to ensure the full performance of the RFID technology.

Certain materials, such as cardboard and most plastics, work exceptionally well with RFID. However, other materials like metals or items that contains liquid inside of them can have an impact on the performance of the RFID system. To be clear, this does not mean that the entire RFID will not work with these materials. However, organisations should choose the right RFID tag with the correct and appropriate form factor to ensure that the intended purpose of the RFID is fully achieved and operational.

Mismatched Durability

Before choosing which RFID tag to utilise, one should first consider the entire lifecycle of the RFID-tagged item since the tag itself must have the same durability due to its intended use. For instance, if the item needs to undergo extreme temperature or moisture, it is essential to check if the RFID tag is rated for the same environment.

There are certain types of RFID tags specifically designed to operate in harsh environments and to withstand certain elements. Choosing these types of RFID tags will guarantee that the item remains trackable and in its best condition throughout its lifecycle.

Conclusion

There are numerous RFID tags and RFID readers in Singapore to choose from. It can be easy to pick the wrong RFID solution with such a great variety. Fortunately, organisations can efficiently address this problem with adequate RFID knowledge with the necessary information.

RFID has indeed proven to be an instrumental tool that incorporates technology allowing significant applications in a wide variety of industries. Being informed about the different types of RFID tags and the typical common selection mistakes allows businesses and homeowners to maximize the advantage and the benefits of RFID. By knowing enough about RFID, we are able to maximise this breakthrough technology.