Understanding RFID Tags in Inventory Management

What is RFID?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an electronic chip used to store a small amount of data. There are two types of RFID tags:

• Active RFID Tag
• Passive RFID Tag

Passive RFID Tags

Passive RFID tags can store from 64 bits to 1 Kbyte of data, known as an EPC (Electronic Product Code). The EPC is a unique set of numbers used to differentiate products across different categories.

How Does the RFID System Work?

RFID tags are composed of three major parts:

• Microchip
• Radio Transponder (Tx)
• Radio Receiver (Rx)

The system gets triggered when the tag comes into proximity with an electromagnetic field of a specific frequency. This activates the microchip, which then sends the EPC or other stored data to the RFID reader.

Advantages of RFID Tags Over Traditional Barcode Systems

RFID tags have several advantages over traditional barcode or QR code systems:

• Longer Reading Range: RFID tags can be read from a few feet away, whereas barcodes must be scanned directly.
• Faster Processing: Multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously, significantly reducing processing time compared to scanning each barcode individually.

RFID in Clothing Stores

In clothing stores, each product (e.g., t-shirts, bags) is tagged with a unique RFID tag. This allows for easy inventory management, as the software can track the number of available items, sales, and stock across multiple outlets.

Tracking and Inventory Management: RFID enables accurate tracking of products, whether they are in storage or on the sales floor. The system can quickly count or sort items, making inventory management more efficient.

Preventing Theft: When a sale is completed, the EPC serial number is disabled. If an item with an active RFID tag is taken out of the store without purchase, alarms will trigger.

Other Applications of RFID Tags

RFID tags are also used in various other applications, including:

• ID cards and access cards
• Passports
• License or registration plates
• Vehicle tracking
• Industrial automation processes

Vulnerabilities of RFID Tags

Despite their advantages, RFID tags have vulnerabilities. For instance, hackers can clone the unique number stored inside the tag, leading to potential security issues.