An RFID project usually succeeds or fails on the tag. A reader can only read what the tag sends back, and the same tag can perform well on a carton and poorly on a metal shelf. Plan around your items first and choose the hardware afterwards.
Choosing the frequency
| Band | Typical range | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| UHF | Longest, often metres | Inventory, logistics and bulk reading |
| HF / NFC | Short, centimetres | Library items, access cards and phone tapping |
| LF | Short, centimetres | Access control and animal identification |
The band your tags use must match your readers. For UHF, check the reader version suits the frequency used in India, 865 to 867 MHz.
What are you tagging?
- Cartons, paper and most dry goods: usually the easy case, and a printed label often works.
- Metal: ordinary tags perform poorly on metal, so use on-metal tags designed for it.
- Liquids: water absorbs UHF signal, so placement and tag choice need testing.
- Garments and laundry: soft tags made for washing and handling.
- Tools, pallets and returnable items: hard tags that survive knocks.
Choosing the form of tag
- Inlay: the bare chip and antenna, often built into a label or product.
- Label: an inlay inside a printable label, encoded and printed together on an RFID printer.
- Hard tag: a rugged housing, screwed, riveted or glued on.
Plan a small trial
- Pick real items, including the hardest ones to read.
- Test two or three tags and several positions on each item.
- Read at the real distance and speed, with neighbouring items present.
- Check how the tags hold up to your handling and storage.
- Agree what success means, such as the share of items read in one pass, before you start.
Other things to check
- Data: agree what the tag stores, usually a number that points to a record in your system.
- Software: plan how reads will reach your stock or asset system.
- Process: decide where tags are applied, and what happens when one fails or falls off.
Example
Illustrative: a business tracking metal equipment would test on-metal tags on real items before ordering in volume. Talk to Mindware about your items and we will help you plan a trial.
Talk to Mindware
Mindware (Indian Barcode Corporation), based in Dwarka, New Delhi, can help you choose and test the right option. See the Zebra MC3390xR Long-Range Handheld UHF RFID Reader or send an export or domestic enquiry to our sales team.
