RFID Basics with Motorola – Infographic
RFID has been a buzz word in the auto-ID industry for some time now and is being adopted more everyday by businesses looking to improve efficiency and visibility in their operations. With any new technology, there can be a lot of questions when learning how it works and what components are needed in a system. This infographic is a great primer and starting point on the very basics of what is involved in an RFID system and the variety of Motorola readers available to get the job done.
Like any technology, there will probably more questions as you learn more so feel free to contact us at BarcodesInc to see how RFID can improve your daily operations.
Intermec’s 70 Series Now With Integrated RFID
Intermec has announced the soon to be available integrated RFID capabilities for its CK70, CN70 and CN70e mobile computers. Part of Intermec’s industry-leading 70 Series family, these no-compromise devices now offer a fully-integrated UHF RFID reader with no external antenna – adding advanced RFID reading capabilities to what is already one of the industry’s most compact, ultra-rugged designs.
Designed specifically for customers seeking a mobile RFID solution in demanding in-premise environments, the Intermec 70 Series RFID reader platform supports medium to long-range read distances and is optimized to read one or many tags in support of inventory and asset tracking applications in retail, healthcare, industrial and government market segments. Additionally, the 70 Series RFID does not compromise size and weight; with a fully integrated design utilizing Intermec’s IM11 embedded module, along with an internally housed antenna, customers can experience advanced RFID read performance while maintaining the already-compact form factor of the 70 Series mobile computers.
QuikQ Installs More Than 1,000 UHF RFID Systems At Fueling Stations
QuikQ has announced that it has installed more than 1,000 of its SmartQ systems at truck stops and travel centers throughout the United States. The SmartQ cardless fueling system leverages EPC Gen 2 passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags (employing Impinj Monza 4 RFID chips) that can be affixed to trucks or trailers so that the vehicles can be identified while pulling into fuel lanes at truck stops. Once a vehicle is identified via an Impinj reader wired to as many as to four antennas mounted above the lanes, the system can automatically identify that truck, after which its driver can begin fueling without having to swipe a card or enter data on the pump’s keypad.
Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores has implemented the system at more than 200 of its fuel stations to date. TravelCenters of America (which operates 165 sites) has also installed the solution, QuickQ adds, and is nearly finished with that deployment. In addition, QuikQ reports, many independent truck stops and travel centers are utilizing its SmartQ system. Acknowledging QuikQ’s growth, Impinj named the company its North American VAR Partner of the Year.
Why Use RFID Technology for Baggage Handling?
Most airlines struggle day to day with a variety of issues related to survival—issues such as unpredictable fuel costs, uncertain global economies, and tight finances. To combat these challenges, airlines continuously seek to better their operations, and RFID technology is at the forefront of process improvement.
RFID technology can aid and assist in multiple areas to reduce costs and increase operating revenue through improved asset visibility, consumable inventory management, food and beverage delivery management, retail item inventory, sales management, and baggage handling efficiency. This white paper addresses baggage handling specificaly.
Estimates by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) put mishandled baggage costs at approximately $US 2.5 billion for 2009 alone-equivalent to the cost of nearly 50 Boeing 737-600s. This industry problem spans cities, regions and continents. While many assume full participation by all parties is necessary to completely rectify the problem, RFID-enabled baggage tagging efforts already in place show that local or regional implementation of RFID on baggage can have significant benefit, resulting in improved service, substantial cost reductions or savings, and increased customer satisfaction.
The New Motorola MC9190-Z RFID Brings Long-Range RFID and Barcode Reading to Industrial Environments
Motorola announced their new high-performance MC9190-Z RFID mobile computer, designed for demanding medium- to long-range applications in industrial environments. Ideal for manufacturing, warehouse, and transportation and logistics applications that require reading tags that are often out of sight or more than 10 feet away, the MC9190-Z is one of the longest-range RFID handhelds in its class available on the market.
The MC9190-Z handheld RFID reader leverages Motorola’s unique long-range linear antenna that enables more accurate data capture. The ergonomic features of the MC9190-Z also allow more frequent and accurate inventory-counts to better manage on-the-floor, back-room, warehouse and distribution inventory – reducing out-of-stock and excess inventory carrying costs.
With a rugged design to handle indoor or outdoor environments and offering multi-modal data capture that combines integrated RFID, direct part marking (DPM) and barcode reading, the MC9190-Z provides enterprise customers with a lower total cost of ownership.
The New Cipherlab 1861 Handheld UHF RFID Reader
CipherLab has announced their new 1861 handheld RFID reader. The 1861 handheld RFID reader is designed to provide flexibility in data collection considering RFID technology has become a complementary solution to barcode labeling. Unique from typical RFID readers, the CipherLab 1861 handheld RFID reader provides user extended RFID reading and writing capabilities via most Bluetooth mobile devices. In addition, it can further integrate barcode capture and RFID data collection into one robust device by simply snapping your CipherLab 9600 series, CP50 series, or other mobile computers onto its custom mount attached to the CipherLab 1861 handheld RFID reader. In this way, users could enjoy hassle-free one-hand operation via single unit with high work efficiency. Additionally, it gives user the capability to read UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID tags in a distance up to 1 m (3 ft.), and write data up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) away – this makes it much easier while scanning tags on products as pallets are moved through a dock door or scanning cases on a high shelf in a warehouse.
Trimble Nomad Now Available with a UHF RFID Reader Option
Trimble announced a new UHF RFID Reader accessory for its Nomad rugged handheld computer.
The Trimble ThingMagic Reader supports reading and writing of EPC Global Gen2 tags which are commonly used for asset and inventory management. The UHF RFID Reader accessory is designed to withstand drops, vibration, humidity, extreme temperatures and immersion, making it ideal for challenging environments.
“The Nomad has been a very successful rugged mobile platform, supplying field workers with a robust tool for data capture and navigation,” said Jim Sheldon, general manager of Trimble’s Mobile Computing Solutions Division. “The RFID Reader further extends the Nomad’s capabilities and offers enterprise management more options in its use.”
“Similar to the widespread integration of GPS into today’s positioning solutions, we believe RFID is a natural complement to many asset management applications and Trimble solutions,” said Tom Grant, general manager of Trimble’s ThingMagic Division. “Integrating high-performance RFID technology into high-value products like the Nomad delivers a strong platform for next generation productivity applications.”
The UHF RFID Reader is available in two variations: one for use in Europe, and the other for use in the U.S., Canada and most of South America. The Reader is based on the best-in-class ThingMagic M5e Compact UHF RFID module, and includes device drivers and a Software Development Kit to enable systems integrators to add RFID capabilities to their mobile applications.
Honeywell Announces the New Optimus 5900 RFID Mobile Computer
The New Optimus 5900 RFID Mobile Computer
The Optimus 5900 RFID is a versatile, light industrial mobile computer designed to deliver the benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) and automated data collection for retail and supply chain enterprises. Providing quick and accurate reading of EPC Gen2 and ISO 18000-6B RFID tags, the Optimus 5900 RFID improves visibility of item-level inventory, helping retailers reduce item out of stocks and merchandise shrink, leading to increased sales and reduced operating costs. The benefits of RFID-based inventory management also extend to warehousing and distribution operations, offering fast and accurate tracking of products from delivery to point of sale.
The lightweight yet rugged mobile computer features an ergonomic form factor for ease of use over an extended period of time and comes complete with a crisp 3.5-inch screen, resistive touch panel and 28-key keyboard for accurate data entry. Integrated Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0 provides advanced image-based data capture capabilities, allowing workers to perform all inventory management and mobile computing tasks on a single device.
Integration of RFID Smart Labels for Third Party Logistics
Industry Need
Effective warehouse management involves the control and monitoring of movement of materials including receiving, storage, picking, staging, and shipping. The increased use of outsourcing these activities has given rise to the rapid growth of third party logistics or 3PL. 3PL providers typically specialize in integrating warehousing and operation services that can be scaled and customized to a customer’s requirements. The use of 3PL has become a cost effective way for many businesses to reduce supply chain costs and increase customer satisfaction. With any logistics process, opportunities for human error exist resulting in misplaced or mis-directed inventory. However, with 3PL providers handling inventory for a multitude of customers, high levels of accuracy and efficiency as well as visibility within the operation have become critical requirements.
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Intermec Advanced RFID Extensions (ARX)
Intermec introduces the first tag motion software toolkit in a standardized reporting format. Intermec Advanced RFID Extensions (ARX) effectively identifies RFID tags of interest and discriminates surrounding tags, providing customers and software integrators the tools to essentially eliminate false-positive reporting of tags.
Getting the Most out of RFID
RFID provides business benefits and a strong ROI for many applications including asset tracking, materials management, and inventory control. Many processes for identifying objects and recording their movements can be automated by RFID. Unattended readers ensure that asset and inventory movements are recorded and alerts issued if the material is moved to the wrong place or at the wrong time. With a well designed RFID system you know all the intimate details of where everything is, where it’s been and where it needs to go. By making your systems smarter, you will be able to:
- Realize huge improvements in asset and inventory visibility
- Resolve problems right when they occur
- Reduce capital and operations expenses
- Increase flexibility of your data collection systems
- Achieve new levels of productivity
RFID automated processes rely on the accuracy of reading the right tags: those that pass through a portal, are on a forklift, or are passing by a checkpoint on a conveyor. Because an RFID reader indiscriminately reads all of the tags that it activates, the presence of stray tags, such as those that pass through a nearby portal or are stationary on nearby racks or pallets, complicates the identification of the true tags of interest versus those that are not part of the process in action.
