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RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) allows the
contactless, automatic identification and localization
of objects without
line-of-sight contact.
RFID is considered to be a key technology for
increasing the efficiency of global supply chains and is increasingly used in industry and logistics.
A read/write device communicates with the RFID tag using low range
radio signals. The data which is stored in the RFID
tag can be read, overwritten and added to. This is not possible when using simple barcodes.
The RFID system consists of the following components:
– RFID tag (for example a special label which
contains an RFID chip)
– RFID detector or read/write device
– Application software
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Compared to other auto-ID technologies, RFID has
the advantage that the data
is read without an electrical connection and without line-of-sight contact. In addition, the RFID system is resistant
to humidity, oil, dirt and abrasion.
Altec supplies special RFID solutions with additional encryption
algorithms which provide extra protection against
fraud and unauthorised modification of the data.
During a manufacturing process, RFID allows up-to date information
to be read from the RFID tag which is attached to the component or
container/palette. As the component passes through the assembly line
and is merged with other components to form the finished product,
the read/write device can update the part name and part number in
the RFID tag. This is a decisive advantage when compared to labels,
barcodes or accompanying documents.
By providing the read/write device with software interfaces to production
and/or inventory control systems, RFID technology can
allow a paperless manufacturing process.
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