Although relatively new, Chipless tag technology is attracting considerable attention as an emerging technology offering similar functionalities to those of RFID but at potentially lower costs. The ability to provide key features of RFID such as track and trace without the line of sight and real-time information delivery, if required, indicates great promise for this technology. Read more

Palo Alto, Calif, United States, Tuesday, May 08, 2007 — The radio frequency identification (RFID) market is an emerging one but is expected to receive a major boost with the standardization of frequencies and reduction of tag prices. Mandates from retail giants such as Walmart and Tesco, technology innovations, and emerging applications are also likely to drive market growth in the long term. Read more

Palo Alto, Calif, United States, Tuesday, May 08, 2007 — The radio frequency identification (RFID) market is an emerging one but is expected to receive a major boost with the standardization of frequencies and reduction of tag prices. Mandates from retail giants such as Walmart and Tesco, technology innovations, and emerging applications are also likely to drive market growth in the long term. Read more

Counterfeiting is a problem that seems to be prevalent all over the world. Cheap alternatives for expensive products are bound to sell - but at what cost? To answer the question simply, it is at the loss of the original products. With alternatives looking better than the real thing, people today are opting for the former - as long as one is talking about clothes or watches this problem can be brushed off, but it is only when one starts looking into issues such as medicines that the enormity of the problem comes to light. Drug manufacturers are fighting a losing battle to ensure that their drugs do not get counterfeited and sold overseas - a seemingly perfect solution to this problem can be found in RFID today. Read more

The radio frequency identification (RFID) market has witnessed higher interest levels as compared to similar technologies such as barcodes and wireless networks. The initial hype surrounding the technology is on the decline since 2005 with industry participants adopting a more realistic perspective on the potential benefits of RFID. There is an increased focus on integrating RFID technology to work with existing business process and applications. Read more

RFID Special

Soaps that talk and pens that sing

RFID – The Basics

You probably heard of it somewhere, or maybe you have come across those four letters in some movie, journal or website. Whatever the media, the chances have you seen read or heard about RFID somewhere. RFID, touted as the next big thing in the world of technology, in a HT Technology Special just for you.

RFID- An Introduction

Imagine a world where everything is traceable. From a ball point pen to soaps to shampoos to diamonds, to highly sophisticated aeroplane parts to space jet parts, to human organs, babies, animals to just about anything. Imagine a supply chain where manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can automatically locate any of the items that were shipped in a given case or pallet. Where receiving facilities know immediately whether a shipment’s contents match the advance shipping notice, and the right personnel are immediately notified of any discrepancies. Where manufacturers and retailers automatically adjust forecasts and orders based on sales velocity during promotions. Where theft or tampering is immediately evident, without requiring product inspection. Read more

RFID Special Interview EPC-RFID is a part of GS1 India under the Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India. Our Technology Columnist Mr.Puneet Mehrotra spoke to Mr.Ravi Mathur, the CEO of EPC-Global India. Read more

RFID Special Working of the RFID Technology

In its simplest form a product tag, made of a microchip with a tiny antenna, is attached to a product. An associated tag reader puts out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna receives the waves and the tag itself draws power from the field generated by the reader, powering the chip, and then modulates the reader signal, sending it back where it is converted into digital data. The electromagnetic waves are harmless at the low end of the spectrum and no more dangerous than a car radio. Read more

RFID Special

Advantages of RFID in Business Applications

The application of RFID and EPC technologies will provide enterprises with an unprecedented real-time view on the location and integrity of their assets and inventories globally thereby enabling significant gains in their operational efficiencies. The advantages of the efficiencies can be witnessed in the entire value chain from improved labor efficiencies, better inventory management across the supply chain, improved product integrity and reduced shrinkage amongst numerous other potential benefits. Read more

RFID Special RFID Applications in Business

RFID is used for everything from tracking cows and pets to triggering equipment down oil wells. It may sound trite, but the applications are limited only by people’s imagination. RFID is also used for security (including controlling access to buildings and networks) and payment systems that let customers pay for items without using cash. The most common applications are tracking goods in the supply chain, containers, high value tools and other assets, and parts moving to a manufacturing production line. However for tracking goods in the supply chain, the technology needs to be standardized so that it can act as a common language of business. Read more