Common Misconceptions
RFID Tags can be tracked by satellites
Many people believe that RFID tags are a way for government organizations to keep track of people. The maximum read range for an RFID tag is only 5 meters (about 16 ½ feet).
However, RFID tags can be configured to work with GPS technology, the range for the tag itself does not change.
RFID is a new technology and hasn't been tested
Although implementation of RFID technology into the industry is still in its infancy stage, it has been used in businesses since the mid 1980s. RFID was actually discovered in the Second World War to identify which planes are friend or foe.
RFID cannot be used with metal or water based products
Storing goods in metal containers are not as much of a problem as most people think. It is true that metal reflects and water absorbs high frequency radio waves (UHF). However, RFID tags can be configured to transmit at lower frequencies where metal and water won’t interfere with the signal as much.
RFID will make bar codes obsolete
RFID is not a replacement for barcodes. Although they may be used in similar applications, RFID solutions can work side by side with existing bar codes.
There are some applications where bar codes are not even an option (line of sight for scanning is not possible), and the use of RFID technology can expand your capabilities.
The cost of RFID tags is too high
Many people think that because it’s not yet a widely used application, the cost factor is not economical. The fact is that the tags are the smallest part of the cost ratio.
- Intermec
- MOJIX
- ALIEN
- RFID4u
- INSYNC
- Motorola
- Impinj
- ThingMagic