The emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been a blessing for many sectors and its application scope go beyond imagination. RFID readers have become ubiquitous in many applications. From securing packages to finding pets, these readers have changed the way in which a lot processes were carried out. Postal services would utilize RFID readers for tracking packages. By equipping packages with RFID tags, tracking and security can be ensured. In addition, RFID readers provide a simple, easy, and cost-effective way to manage and control access in industrial applications. They can be modified, managed, and configured easily. They present an easy way to overcome issues related to traditional methods in which switches, magnetic strip cards, biometrics, and passwords were used. Along with the industrial application, these readers can be used for finding pets if they are missing. By injecting RFID chips in pets, the location and vaccination information can be availed. The demand for RFID readers will increase in the coming years. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the global RFID reader market is expected to reach $22.46 billion by 2026. Following are some of the activities taking place across the world.
Government authorities have been utilizing RFID readers for improvement of processes in different applications. Postal services can be one of the applications in which the effectiveness of RFID technology can be vital in tracking the packages. Based on the global GS1 RFID standards, Correios Brazil began implementation of smart tags for correspondence and tracking product boxes. The agency collaborated with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for carrying out the project. Odarci Maia Jr., the Project Manager for Correios Brazil’s RFID project, highlighted that it is the first project across the world in which UHF RFID technology has been used for tracking postal cargo. The implementation has been complex in tracking postal cargoes with diverse dimensions, materials, and orientation. The low cost of RFID tags made a minimal impact on total cost of postal services. The tracking can be carried out in small time windows. Most of the products do not justify the value of using the RFID tags. However, the low-cost tags can be used for a lot of type of load by using the tags with market standards.
The usage of RFID tags for security purposes continue with the usage for securing machinery in the industrial sector. IDEC Corporation launched the KW2D series of smart RFID readers. These readers can be mounted on 22mm panel-mount holes that are used in machinery. Moreover, they can be integrated into automated systems. These are designed in such a way that they offer ease in implementation of authorization and authentication measures. They have a built-in Ethernet port that provides ease in connectivity to host devices such as HMIs and PLCs using Modbus TCP. In addition, it contains push-in power supply terminals. Moreover, white, green, and red LED lightings have been used to indicate standby, error, and verification. These tags are useful for keeping machine tools, material handling, and manufacturing machinery secure in various industries such as automotive production, life sciences, food and beverage, plastics, and others.
From industrial and postal applications, RFID technology can be useful for locating pets if they go missing. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in India have plans regarding injecting pets with RFID chips for helping owners in finding their pets in case they are missing. These chips would also contain the details regarding vaccination and others. The corporation has been planning to launch an application named GHMC ABC to track pets and avail information regarding vaccination.
There have been a lot of complains about missing pets filed in the corporation. The officials from GHMC decided to inject pets with RFID readers before issuing the pet license. Moreover, the equipment to read data will be provided to the owners. The information in the RFID chips will include names of the owner and the pet, history of vaccination, next vaccination schedule, residential address of the owner, and longitude and latitude information. In case the pet goes missing and the complaint is filed, the dog squads can track the missing pets through the location shown by the RFID chip. Moreover, owners can be informed about the date of vaccination through text messages. The officials would keep an eye on the database regularly. These are benefits that can be availed through the installation of RFID readers in pets.
Pratik Kirve is writer, blogger, and sport enthusiast. He holds a bachelor degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and currently working as a Team Lead – Content Writing at Allied Market Research. He has avid interest in writing news articles across different verticals. When he is not following updates and trends, he spends his time reading, writing poetry, and playing football. He can be reached at pratik.kirve@alliedmarketresearch.net
