What is RFID and how can RFID help me?

A: RFID is short for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is comprised of electronics, which communicate via radio signals. RFID components consist of transponders (similar to a bar code label) that affixes to an asset, a portable hand-held reader (similar to a bar code scanning gun) which detects and reads the signal from the transponder and fixed antenna, which acts like a reader only it is fixed at a permanent location.

When the reader, or antenna is close enough to a given transponder (or vice versus) the reader or antenna excite the transponder causing it to emit a signal carrying the id of the transponder back to either the reader or antenna. The main difference between this type of technology and bar coding is that using RFID you don’t have to see the transponder in order to detect and read it. The transponder can be hidden or embedded in the asset. The difference between the reader and the antenna is that the reader detects the transponder signal and stores that result either in the reader or in a computer that the reader is attached to. The antenna will detect the same transponder signal and transmit that signal down you LAN/WAN to a server where our software can obtain the information and use to update criteria such as change of location.

Q: Can you provide references of your past performance?

A: Yes, available on request.

Q: Where can RFID be applied and what are the benefits

A:Warehousing

RFID makes a (really) intelligent warehouse possible.

Goods In & Out	Automatic consolidation of actual to expected orders and deliveries Shorter load and unload times
Order Picking	Faster picking and cross-docking Increase order fill rate
Security	Reduced shrink

Goods In & Out

Automatic consolidation of actual to expected orders and deliveries
Shorter load and unload times

Order Picking

Faster picking and cross-docking
Increase order fill rate

Security

Reduced shrink

Supply Chain

RFID can give you more control of your entire supply chain - in real time.

Item Tracking	Reduce leakage to the 'grey market' Easier product recall Better contract compliance
Demand Planning	Reduce out-of-stocks (and increase sales) Shorter lead times Demand driven planning Less stock buffering Faster inventory turns
Security	Reduce unauthorised access Less risk of product tampering

Retail Operations

The decision by global retailers like Wal-Mart and Tesco to mandate RFID presents great opportunities (and challenges) to both the retailer and supplier. RFID can help you in the following areas:

Receiving	Faster unload times More accurate shipments Automatic receipt & dispatch (no manual intervention)
In-store stock control	Reduce out-of-stocks (and increase sales) Shorter lead times Less stock buffering Faster inventory turns

Receiving

Faster unload times
More accurate shipments
Automatic receipt & dispatch (no manual intervention)

In-store stock control

Reduce out-of-stocks (and increase sales)
Shorter lead times
Less stock buffering
Faster inventory turns

Manufacturing

RFID gives manufacturers the edge in an increasingly competitive environment.

RFID can deliver real business benefit in the following areas:

Procurement & Materials	Reduced order lead times Better raw material availability Higher asset utilisation
Production	Higher capacity utilisation Lower order cycle times Better product quality