Access Control
Library, Media, Documents and Files
Supply Chain, Inventory and Logistics
Apparel and Retail
Aviation Baggage

Access Control

Access Control is a system which enables an authority to control access to areas in a given physical facilities. An access control point, which can be a door, turnstile, parking gate, elevator or other physical barrier where granting access can be controlled using RFID technology.

Data security is generally very high using RFID technology. It also reduces the possibility of duplicating credentials. Secure or proprietary communication protocols can also be used to further enhance security.

An RFID based Access Control reader does not usually make an access decision but send a card number to an Access Control panel that verifies the number against an access list. Generally only entry is controlled and exit is uncontrolled. In cases where exit is also controlled a second reader is used on the opposite side of the door. The typical RFID tag is an RFID based contactless smartcard, key fob, wristband or smartphone sticker.

RFID based Access Control Systems are typically used for Enterprise Access, Car Park Access, Access to Gyms or Swimming Areas, Event Access, Library Access or Access to Hotel Rooms.

Library, Media, Documents and Files

RFID saves time and money over traditional tracking technologies. For the concerns that library managers face each day, RFID technology brings solutions that magnetic stripe or barcode technology simply can not deliver as effectively :
-> Faster scanning of the data stored on the RFID tag
-> Simpler and easier for patrons to self checkout
-> High speed inventory speeds up sorting and re-shelving
-> A longer lifecycle than a barcode

RFID document-tracking systems can save time and money by drastically reducing :
-> Time spent searching for lost documents
-> Financial and legal impact associated with losing documents

Equipping documents, files or archival cartons with passive RFID tags and installing RFID readers throughout a facility creates an RFID system that provides assurance and validation that items are where they are supposed to be at all times and are able to be retrieved quickly when needed.

When combined with employee identification systems using cards or fingerprint sensors or tags, the RFID system will enable real-time recording of which employees are removing or replacing which documents, whether authorized or not, from a filing cabinet or room.

Supply Chain, Inventory and Logistics

Let's look at how RFID solutions provide significant benefits over barcoding for supply chain operations.
-> End-to-end track and trace capabilities reduce counterfeiting, theft, billing disputes and charge-back fees while protecting the brand.
-> Real-time, automated data capture reveals process improvement, increased efficiency and cost control opportunities.
-> Specific data such as manufacturing location; ship date, lot number, etc. is associated with the individual product, carton and/or pallet supporting simpler and more effective recall or product tracking processes.
-> Elimination of line-of-sight, tag orientation, or bar code label quality requirements; manual data entry and operator error plus increased read range enables faster, more accurate inventory management.
-> Just-in-time inventory resupply, from manufacturing through distribution to point of sale reduces costs and out-of-stocks, increases inventory turn and creates higher customer satisfaction.

Apparel and Retail

RFID apparel and retail item-level RFID inlay and tag solutions support lower costs, increased sales and higher customer satisfaction over traditional barcode systems.

How does RFID tagging deliver these benefits?
-> End-to-end item-level supply chain visibility and documented chain of custody reduces counterfeiting, theft, billing disputes and charge-back fees while protecting the brand.
-> Elimination of line-of-sight, tag orientation or bar code label quality requirements, manual data entry and operator error enables faster, more accurate inventory management.
-> Just-in-time inventory resupply, from manufacturing through distribution to point of sale reduces costs and out-of-stocks, increases inventory turn and creates higher customer satisfaction.

Aviation Baggage

Let's look at why an RFID tag-based system reaps significant benefits.
-> RFID systems enable more accurate tracking of baggage through an airport and more efficient loading and unloading of planes.
-> Airport RFID systems help reduce lost luggage and improve on-time departures resulting in lower costs and - greater passenger satisfaction.
-> With no line-of-sight requirement and the ability of RFID tags to be read while moving, in any orientation, from up to 4 feet away, RFID provides significant benefits over bar codes.
-> RFID-based systems are more reliable, achieving average read rates of more than 98% compared to barcodes at about 85% on average.
-> RFID baggage tagging can provide improved security with an additional level of identification and connection of baggage to the passenger.

RFID systems are also being used to help improve asset-tracking of airplane repair parts as well as life vests, first-aid kits and even seats.

Some airlines are even exploring the opportunities that near field communications (NFC)-enabled phones will provide to make the customer experience more enjoyable - from boarding the plane without paper documents to accessing special lounges and entertainment.