RFIDtracking

RFID tracking refers to the use of radio-frequency identification technology to determine the location and movement of tagged items, assets, or people within a defined area or over a supply chain. Unlike simple tagging, RFID tracking emphasizes continuous data capture and real-time visibility through a networked system.

Core components include RFID tags, readers, antennas, and software. Tags store identifying data and can be passive (no internal power) or active/semi-passive (battery-assisted). Readers emit radio signals to power and interrogate tags, while antennas shape the field and capture responses. Data are collected by middleware and transmitted to databases or cloud-based applications for processing, analytics, and integration with inventory or asset-management systems.

RFID operates across several frequency bands. Low-frequency (125–134 kHz) and high-frequency (13.56 MHz) support shorter ranges and are less susceptible to metal, while ultra-high-frequency (UHF, 860–960 MHz) provides longer read ranges and fast data transfer, often used in logistics. Standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 and 15693 apply to contactless cards, while EPC Gen2 (ISO/IEC 18000-63) governs many UHF systems used in tracking.

Common applications include supply chain and warehouse inventory, asset tracking in manufacturing or healthcare, library and document management, livestock monitoring, and access control in some facilities.

Advantages include automated data capture, reduced manual scanning, improved accuracy, and real-time visibility. Limitations include variable read ranges, interference from metal or liquids, tag cost, and potential privacy concerns. Security risks include data tampering and unauthorized reads unless protections are implemented (encryption, authentication, access controls).

Implementation requires site surveys to address coverage, interference, and tag placement. Privacy and policy considerations, such as data minimization and consent, are important in deployments involving people. Ongoing trends focus on sensor-enabled tags, better security, and integration with Internet of Things and analytics platforms.