RFID: More simple than you think

The technology behind RFID is quite simple – and it has been around for decades. RFID identifies objects using radio waves, hence the name Radio Frequency Identification. Just an RFID tag with a tiny computer chip, a reader and a computer system are needed.

In general, most RFID tags used on consumer products contain nothing more than the Electronic Product Code (EPC). Just like the barcode, the EPC allows users to identify items uniquely. But no line of sight is required for RFID to read an EPC: this makes the identification process faster and more efficient.

In conjunction with a database, the EPC provides further information, such as the product’s brand, size, origin and date of manufacture. This information helps shops keep their shelves full of the brands and types of goods you want. And it enables manufacturers to repair or recall products more quickly. This is a critical factor for ensuring product quality and reordering supplies.

RFID is becoming ever more popular. Consumers are already benefiting from the technology: products are becoming safer and more readily available and RFID is forcing companies to be more accountable for the goods they make and sell.

The exciting part is that this is just the beginning!