RFID in

Supply Chain
Management
-by Bhupendra
What is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ?

RFID is the use of small devices that can be electronically

identified at a distance, through many obstruction, using
radio waves or adjoining frequencies.

Advantages
Works under adverse conditions
Reading is done without any human intervention
Read writer can be used to record new information on the tag
RFID Label
RFID Label
Types of RFID

Passive
Semi-Active
Active
Passive RFID

Most Simple
When RFID tag is within the
Do not require
interrogation zone of the reader integrated power
(i.e.. interrogator) equipment, source
The most
sufficient power is extracted inexpensive tag
from the interrogator to power
up the tag or circuit, or special
reflective material. It then
transmitting data back to the
interrogator. This is known as
Passive RFID.
Semi-Active RFID

The battery is used to back up More complex

Requires integrated
the memory and data, but not to power supply
boost range. Higher cost
Active RFID

These RFID incorporate a More complex

Requires integrated
battery to increase range power supply
(typically by a factor of 3 over Higher cost
passive) for collating data, tag-
to-tag communication etc.
Short range Passive RFID tag system

Tagged
Asset
Reader

Tagged
To System
Asset

Tagged
Asset

< 60 cm
Short range Passive RFID tag system

Short range passive system works at a range

of upto 60 cm and monitors seperated single
products on conveyor belt or by hand
scanning.
 Medium range passive RFID system

Tagged Tagged
Asset Asset

Tagged Tagged
Reader Asset Asset
To System

< 3. 5 m
Medium range passive RFID system

These systems have a range of upto 3.5 m.

Used with sensors around warehouse door.
Entry to the aircraft.
Long range two way active RFID system

Tagged
Asset
Tagged
Tagged
Asset
Asset Reader

Tagged
To System
Asset

Tagged
Tagged Asset
Asset
Tagged
Asset

100 m
Long range two way active RFID system

Large numbers of packages can be

managed.
Wide area can be covered.
Range from 50 to 100 m.
Real time locating system

Tagged
Asset
Tagged
Tagged
Asset To System
Asset Reader

Tagged
Asset Reader

Tagged Tagged
Tagged Asset Asset
Reader
Asset
Tagged Tagged
Asset Asset

500 - 1000 m
Real time locating system

Range upto a 1000 meter

Real time location for large active area
High accuracy
Retail supply chain

Supplier Retailer Consumer

RFID
Data recorded on tag

Serial number
Production date
Filling dates and sites
Tare weight etc.
Packaging applications
Maximum Example of Purpose Mode
Range application
40 Microns Touch outsid of Anti- counterfeit and Disposable tag
paper packaging to tracking
sense tag inside

Few Retail products tag Track, trace and anti- -

centimeter like a label counterfeit

1 meter Automatic sorting of Track and trace, security -

air freight and status update
courier parcels

Up to 100 Location of large Read only

meters crates etc. (Large Reusable tag
heavy tag needed) Active

Up to a Read only tag

kilometer
Benefits

Inventory Reduction
Reduced Safety Stock
Reduction in lost/ misplaced inventory
First in First out (FIFO) status
most accurate physical inventory/cycle
counting
Benefits

Better ware house management

reduction of misplaced product
improved labor production
physical inventory time saving
eliminate paper work and data entry
reduced search time
reduced shipping returns
Benefits

Improved space utilization

reduced inventory results in more usable space
and better utilization of resources

Increased picking accuracy

Approach to an RFID project

The majority of projects will involve

replacing of existing manual, barcode
magnetic stripe or other system for tracking
or tracing.
Scope for improved must be noted.
An estimation of cost must be made.
Necessary process changes and adjustments
should be analyzed.
Frequency considerations

Frequency Benefits Possible Uses

Problems
Low frequency Low interference Tag thickness Manufacturing
RF Low cost Expensive Logistics
(50- 150 KHz) Globally approved

High frequency Low interference Range Libraries

RF Globally approved Packages
(13.65 MHz)
UHF Longest Range Water and some non Freight
(900 MHz) High bit rate metals can obscure
tag
Large tag
Disadvantage

Reading the discarded tags

Injury from tags
Accidental eating of tags in food
Shielding of tags accidently or deliberately so the
product is not paid for at the checkout
Global standards
Adequate range
Radiation laws and public perception
thanks