Pros and Cons of RFID Technology

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, is subcategory of the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies. Bar code technology was preferred for data collection activities and is one of the fastest developed technology. However, the bar code technology has some limitations. These, however, can be easily dealt with, by using the RFID technology. This technology was first used during the Second World War for tracking enemy aircraft, by the Allied Forces. It is an emerging technology and it has not yet captured the commercial market, as the bar code system has.

Components of RFID

RFID Tag

RFID tags are usually known as transponders and act as a transmitter as well as a receiver in the system. The three basic components of the tag are an antenna, a microchip (memory) and the encapsulating material. There are two types of tags, as given below.

Read-Only Tag: In the read only tag, the microchip or memory is written only once, during manufacturing process. The information, along with the serial number on the read only tag, can never be changed.

Read-Write Tag: In the read-write tag, only the serial number is written during manufacturing process. The remaining blocks can be re-written by the user.

RFID reader

It is the device used to transmit to and receive information from the RFID tag. It is also referred to as an 'interrogator'. It includes sensors that read the tags in the vicinity.

Supporting Infrastructure

The supporting infrastructure, includes related software and hardware required for RFID systems. The software manages the interaction between the reader and the tags.

Applications

• Personnel identification
• Livestock identification and tracking
• Electronic toll connection
• Cargo and container identification
• Patient identification and medication

Pros of RFID Technology

1. RFID tags are rugged and robust and can work in harsh temperatures and environment. The system works at a remarkably high speed, even in adverse conditions.
2. The tags are available in different shapes, sizes, types and materials. The information on the read-only tag cannot be altered or duplicated. Read-write tags can be used repeatedly. The RFID tags are always read without any error.
3. Direct physical contact between the tags and the reader is not required. Radio frequency (RF) technology is used for communication.
4. Multiple tags can be read at the same time. The tags can be read in a bulk of 10 to 100 tags at a time. Reading is automatic and involves no labor.
5. RFID systems can identify and track unique items, unlike the bar code system which identifies only the manufacturer and the product type.
6. The entire system is very reliable which allows the use of RFID tags for security purpose.
7. The storage capacity of the RFID tags is greater than any other automatic identification and tracking system.

Cons of RFID Technology

1. The main disadvantage is high cost. The RFID system is costly as compared to other automatic identification systems. The cost can increase further, if the system is designed for a specific application.
2. Size and weight of the tags is more than the generally used, bar code system. The electronic components like antenna, memory and other parts of the tags, make them bulky.
3. Although the tags work in harsh environment, the signals from certain types of tags get affected when they come in close contact with certain metals or liquids. Reading such tags becomes difficult and sometimes the data read, is erroneous.
4. There is no way in which damaged tags can be tracked and replaced by tags that are intact.
5. Although the tags do not require line-of-sight communication, they can be read within a specified range only.

The RFID technology has several advantages and is highly flexible. Its applications keep on changing and so does the standard. The unexploited potential of RFID systems was predicted in its early stages, and it is now becoming the front-runner in the automatic identification and data collection technology.