Understanding the Suite of RFID Technologies

At the end of the one-day conference, I told the audience it would be great if we could draw a simple chart and say that for these applications you use this type of RFID, and for these types you use that type of RFID (or bar codes, or GPS). Unfortunately, it isn't that simple. In most cases, companies use active RFID to track large assets, and passive RFID to track smaller assets. But there are always exceptions.

For example, it might make more sense to employ passive RFID to track large assets if you just needed to know whether an asset went through a portal. Similarly, I had a call from a gentleman not too long ago, who wanted to track a "very valuable asset about the size of a baseball." He needed to determine its location in a warehouse within a few feet. I recommended an active system.

This points up the need for skilled systems integrators who know a lot about all the various types of auto-ID technologies (including bar codes) and can advise companies on which technology will work best for their application. Unfortunately, not all integrators have experience with different types of RFID, and some always recommend the one they do know.

I overheard a group of executives speaking at our event. One said: "It's hard to get good information. The systems integrator is telling me I need to add more Wi-Fi access points to get the granularity I want, and the hardware vendor is saying I don't need to. I don't know who to believe."

At this early stage in RFID's development, it's important to hear from end users who have already grappled with these problems and can answer the question objectively. That's why all our events primarily feature end users with real-world experiences talking about what worked for their company. It's also important for potential end users of the technology to educate themselves about what RFID can and can't do, and the technology's capabilities.