By now, you've probably heard of RFID technology.
But what exactly is RFID?

RFID or radio frequency identification is one of the most promising technological breakthroughs to surface in recent years. Its impact will be greater felt than that of the introduction of barcode technology in the 1960s. RFID is a method of collecting data that requires no manual or line-of-sight scanning, unlike bar code systems. RFID-encoded objects can be scanned or read in many different angles or orientations at very high speeds. Basically, RFID technology transfers information between a tagged object and a reader/writer wirelessly.

Data is transferred wirelessly via radio waves between the RFID tag and the reader/writer, which share the same radio frequency. The reader/writer emits a signal which is received by all tags sharing the same frequency as the reader/writer. The RFID tags receive the signal via their antennas, and specific tags react by transmitting their stored data back to the reader/writer.

An RFID tag can store many different types of information about the tagged object. This information includes (but is not limited to) its serial number, location of origin, destination, the time it took the object to travel in a particular time zone, temperature and other data collected by sensors. RFID tags can be applied to virtually any object. A pallet, box, or individual item of packaging are typical applications for RFID tags.

Because line of sight or manual scanning isn't necessary, RFID technology offers endless choices for the placement of RFID reader/writer modules, unlike bar code technology. Reader/writers can be mounted in fixed positions or they can be portable. They can be mounted along an object's travel route within a company's facility at dock bay doors, loading bays, door ways, conveyor belts, and other areas.

RFID can save your company time and money because this new technology can improve your company's efficiency in terms of: Asset management, inventory control, product tracking, and shipping/receiving.