RFID

A sleeping giant

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) is not a brand-new technology, but it is one that has yet to fully deliver on its immense potential. As a technology solutions provider, Kemtek constantly seeks ways to empower South African businesses through making the latest devices and software applicable to their needs.

Take a step back

RFID uses radio transponders, receivers and transmitters to identify and locate objects that have had an RFID tag attached to them. Signals are conveyed by electromagnetic fields. The ability to be able to determine the whereabouts of specific assets, and to distinguish them from other items, makes it immediately clear that RFID technology could have important applications in warehousing, asset control and logistics.

RFID versus barcode scanners

As RFID is a radio-based system rather than an optical means of accessing and reading data, it offers several advantages over even the most modern barcode scanners. Its two principal benefits are range (RFID scanners typically collect data over longer distances) and removing the need for line of sight between scanner and barcode. Simultaneous capturing of data from multiple RFID tags offers potential time and cost savings in various scenarios. In comparison, bar code readers can only be used to identify one asset at a time.

Whereas some barcode technologies can only determine a class or category of item, RFID offers the opportunity to make every single item uniquely identifiable. A final important advantage is that RFID lends itself more readily to automation, reducing the need for human workers with bar code scanners to physically locate assets, stock or packages.

RFID’s time has come

This headline review of the advantages of RFID will have made it clear that this is a technology that is uniquely suited to the ‘new normal’ – that is, to post-pandemic workplaces where reduced staffing densities to enable social distancing, increased automation and contactless asset management are all becoming established as essential COVID-risk mitigation strategies.  Equally, reduced staffing levels and the replacement of people by integrated, automated systems mean that the risk of human error in scanning can largely be eliminated.

One unexpected consequence of COVID-19 could therefore be the more widespread adoption of RFID technology in roles that complement or supplant conventional bar code readers. The growth in ecommerce during the pandemic – as consumers chose to or were obliged to shop online rather than in malls – has driven significant increases in package volumes being processed by e-tailers and logistics companies.

In addition, the current logjams in international shipping could be eased to an extent by greater use of RFID technology.

Making the move from bar codes to RFID

While we have focused here on the limitations of bar coding technology, it must be remembered that bar coding remains a very widespread and effective means of asset identification and tracking. That said, it is clear that there is a role for RFID. This raises the question of how to cost-effectively transition between the two technologies, or how to develop a successful hybrid approach utilising both?

The bar code pinnacle

Modern bar code readers such as the CipherLab RK25 represent the summit of years of development, and offer advanced features such as ergonomic design, large, intuitive displays, ruggedised survivability enhancements and rapid component exchange. Wi-Fi connectivity ensures real-time communication, while multi-format reading increases flexibility and versatility.

A combined approach

Cost has often been cited as a barrier to entry when it comes to upgrading to RFID technology, but Kemtek is able to offer a CipherLab solution that combines the best of both worlds. CipherLab’s popular RK25 bar code scanner can be ‘mated’ to the same company’s UHF RFID reader accessory, creating a single device that offers both bar code and RFID functionality.

The UHF RFID Reader Accessory is designed in such a way that users can ‘sled’ their existing RK25 scanners onto it. A secure, direct 8-pin electrical attachment point provides extremely stable connectivity and data processing, plus interaction and control possibilities with CipherLab technology.

Integrated design, exceptional performance

Just like the RK25, the UHF RFID Reader Accessory can withstand the toughest warehouse environments, is drop-rated to 1.2 metres and has an IP54 water resistance rating. The combined unit features one-touch switching between UHF and bar code reading for optimum flexibility, while smart power management enables longer working hours and increased inter-charging intervals.

The UHF Reader offers high performance, including the ability to scan some 700 RFID tags per second, at distances of up to 8 metres, and has a 40 000-tag memory capacity on its built-in 2GB RAM. Here again the inherent advantages of RFID technology come into play.

These two CipherLab devices from Kemtek enable you to upgrade from bar code reading to RFID without needing to invest in all-new equipment. This makes the transition seamless, and enables you to start taking advantage of developments in RFID technology without having to completely ‘rewire’ your systems and operations.

With CipherLab and Kemtek, you can now have it all when it comes to locating and identifying assets, whether their identifiers are bar codes or UHF RFID tags.

For more information on Kemtek’s warehousing solutions, contact Hendrik Booysens on +27 (0)83 415 1445, email hendrikb@kemtek.co.za or visit https://kemtek.co.za/prod_brand/cipherlab/