How RFID is Revolutionizing the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been under development for several decades, and it has slowly been transforming the way various devices such as vehicles, appliances, and even our daily accessories communicate with each other. According to Statista, approximately 40.71 billion devices were connected to the internet in 2020. This figure is expected to rise robustly, making the Internet of Things more prevalent. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology plays a vital role in improving the IoT infrastructure and empowering it to work more efficiently.
What is RFID?
RFID comprises wireless communication technology, which operates on radio-frequency waves and operates as a bar-code system. Unlike its predecessor technology, bar-code systems, RFID can scan multiple items simultaneously. Each item in an RFID system has a unique tag with specific information that is stored in an electronic database. The RFID scanner will utilize radio-frequency waves to read the information, which will ultimately allow the item’s tracking and authentication. This technology is not limited to inventory and asset tracking. Instead, RFID technology is used for everyday devices and applications, such as credit cards, passports, and toll payment systems, among others.
RFID and IoT
Internet of Things technology has increased the scalability and benefits of RFID technology. IoT devices enhance RFID technology on four primary levels, ‘identify,’ ‘monitor,’ ‘track,’ and ‘sense.’
First, identify is the primary step in the RFID/IoT support infrastructure in inventory management and other various applications. By deploying RFID/IoT, identification, and authentication become more accurate.
Second, monitoring is the next level where IoT components are used to monitor RFID solutions in real-time. With the advent of IoT devices, monitoring became more cross-domain, including location, temperature, and much more.
Third, track allows RFID/IoT support to include vast geographical areas in its applications. This feature enables real-time monitoring of tagged items; hence it is ideal in logistics and transportation.
Fourth, sense adds extra dimensions to the IoT/RIFD system. From distance sensing, motion sensing, and other environmental sensing, IoT devices provide real-time information from the RIFD system to the back-end in real-time.
Benefits of RFID IoT
RFID technology incorporated with IoT provides several benefits within different industries. One of the primary advantages is reducing costs and saving time. With RFID IoT support in place, real-time collection of data can reduce time spent on taking physical inventory.
Secondly, it reduces errors, meaning businesses and companies can enjoy improved accuracy in tracking, manufacturing processes, and inventory management. RFID/IoT is the ultimate solution for businesses looking to automate repetitive processes with zero errors and increase productivity.
Lastly, the technology enhances security and safety. RFID/IoT support ensures real-time tracking of assets, which makes it an ideal tool for high-value asset management.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, RFID is getting integrated into the world of IoT, providing significant benefits from identification to the entire supply chain management system. The emerging IoT ecosystem and growth in RFID technology indicate that businesses, governments, and everyday consumers will continue to rely on this technology in their daily operations. Hence, the integration of IoT and RFID brings about reduced errors, enhanced accuracy, safety, and lower costs, making it a significant revolutionary technology in the internet of things space.
