Secrets of Implementing an RFID Solution
by nuVector • 2/17/2023
Much has been written about the benefits of RFID in the general Supply Chain.
For the past 10 years, big enterprises such as Wal-Mart, Volkswagen, the US Department of Defense (DOD), and Macy’s, amongst many others, have been implementing various aspects of RFID within their supply chains.
The results have been mixed.
In some instances, RFID technology has shown big potential (and returns), whereas in others, it has fallen short.
The primary reason for some of the shortfalls is simple: simple physics, that is…
The Hype and Reality of RFID Implementation
The media is partly to blame because it hyped the technology too much, too early.
The dream of a totally automated asset-tracking supply chain (at any level) spread like wildfire in trade magazines and conferences.
The ability to track in real-time every shoelace, all the way from the manufacturing plant overseas to the final consumer, created huge excitement in the industry, and in the end, a utopian dream.
Suddenly, supply chain managers would have complete visibility of every part and finished good moving through their supply chains.
The promises and expectations were enormous, to say the least.
Then reality happened.
Supply Chain managers realized that implementing RFID tracking technology is as much art as it is science.
And the reason is simple physics.
Understanding the Physics Behind RFID
The best analogy is that of the old TV rabbit-ear antennas: upon changing the TV channel, the image would become fuzzy, so you’d adjust the antenna until the image became clear.
Once you thought you had it, you’d sit back only to find that as soon as you removed your hand, the image became fuzzy again. The reason: simple physics.
As you touched the antenna with your hand, the reception characteristics would change due to your body’s electromagnetic properties and water content, affecting radio waves.
Challenges in RFID Implementation
RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification.
As the name implies, this technology uses radio waves and is subject to physical issues common in radio-wave systems. Elements like water, heavy metal surroundings, and electromagnetic interference can impact reliability.
Engineers have gone through very extensive exercises to reduce RFID’s sensitivity to interference, but there is only so much they can do.
When implementing RFID, companies must consider the deployment environment, especially in metal- or liquid-rich settings where radio waves may reflect or refract in unintended ways.
A successful RFID implementation requires proper antenna placement to avoid collisions with moving objects, as even a small misalignment can significantly reduce its effectiveness.
Strategies for Successful RFID Deployment
RFID, being a radio-wave-based technology, is influenced by physical environments which can vary unpredictably. To address this, consider the following strategies:
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Do a proper physical assessment of the deployment area.
Experienced RFID implementers can anticipate issues like power availability, Wi-Fi coverage, antenna placement, and signal degradation. -
Look out for metal-rich or liquid-rich environments.
These environments may require extra infrastructure or specialized antennas to control the RF topology effectively. -
Pay special attention to antenna placement.
Run trials to determine how passing forklifts or other objects affect reading characteristics, and consider using multiple antennas to cover larger areas without capturing unintended signals. -
Use redundant RFID tags on assets.
Tags are relatively inexpensive, so using redundant tags enhances read-reliability and helps detect malfunctions.
When properly implemented, RFID solutions can provide invaluable insights for supply chain managers, helping them monitor and optimize asset use.
Optimize your operations with confidence. Book a demo today to see how our innovative returnable asset management solutions can streamline your processes, enhance visibility, and deliver measurable results. Schedule Your Demo Now.
