RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. This technology makes use of a microchip, also known as a “RFID 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 have 2 main components, the antenna & the integrated circuit (microchip) embedded in it. As its name suggests, they are usually unresponsive. They require a signal from a reader to be activated. When the reader senses variations in electromagnetic waves through its antenna, it is able to interpret the data stored in the RFID Tag. Therefore, it does not require a power source to transfer their data. (Smiley, 2016)
Figure No. , Basic Process of Passive RFID (Smiley, 2016)
Conversely, active tags constantly broadcast their signal, requiring an internal power source to be built into them. (Smiley, 2016)
Figure No. ,Details on Internal Battery (Smiley, 2016)
Table No. , Types of Active Tags (Smiley, 2016)
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
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)
Less monitoring is required compared to barcodes as multiple tags can be interpreted simultaneously. This allows employees to focus on more 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.
This technology is quite advanced and might be too expensive for smaller businesses or hotels. (Techspirited, 2018)