RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. This technology makes use of a tag which is able to store data that can be interpreted through radio frequencies at various distances. (Hoffman, 2016)
Types of RFID & How They Work
Passive Tags
Passive tags have 2 main portions, the antenna and the microchip inside it. As its name suggests, they are usually unresponsive. To activate, they require a reader’s signal. When the reader senses variations in electromagnetic waves through its antenna, it is able to decipher the data stored in the RFID Tag. Therefore, it does not need a power source to transfer their data. (Smiley, 2016)
Figure No. , Basic Process of Passive RFID (Smiley, 2016)
Active Tags
Conversely, active tags consistently transmit their signal, needing an internal source of power to be built into them. (Smiley, 2016)
Figure No. ,Details on Internal Battery (Smiley, 2016)
Table No. , Types of Active Tags (Smiley, 2016)
Transponders
Beacons
Wait for signal from reader to transfer data back to it.
Known for power saving features since they only activate ; respond when they are in range of the reader.
Constantly sends out its signal, almost 3-5 seconds
Known for long read range abilities
Eg. 100 metres away
May be set at a lower transmitting power to conserve their energy.
Example of RFID
The Disney MagicBand, used in the Walt Disney Resort Orlando contains a microchip inside which enables guests to access their rooms, theme parks and express lanes and make purchases. This makes it convenient for the user as they just have to wave their band over the readers to do so. It is also safer as they do not have to worry about losing their money or credit cards while moving about in a crowded area. (Disneyworld.disney.go.com, 2018)
Benefits ; Problems of RFID
Table No. , Benefits ; Problems of RFID
Benefits
Problems
Improved Security
As RFIDs, can be used for control access, people are able to block off certain areas which are not for authorised persons eg. strangers entering hotel rooms or back of house offices. (CoreRFID, 2018)
More Accurate Information
As RFIDs are able to track in real time, the information obtained is more up-to-date allowing for precise information. (Lusk, 2017)
As the technology is automatic, there is less room for errors as it does not require human aid, reducing the possibility of human error. (Lusk, 2017)
Efficient Business
Less monitoring is required compared to barcodes as multiple tags can be interpreted simultaneously. This let employees be able to focus on more on important tasks. (Lusk, 2017)
Lack of Privacy
As RFIDs allow us to track people’s movements in the hotel, they may feel that they are constantly being followed or watched, preventing them from enjoying their stay.
High Investment
This technology is quite advanced and might be too expensive for smaller businesses or hotels. (Techspirited, 2018)
