RFID Reader: Seamless traceability & efficiency

Functions of RFID readers

RFID readers play a crucial role in the seamless traceability of products. They are used for identification and communication by emitting electromagnetic waves that are received by RFID tags. These tags use the energy of the waves to send their stored information back to the reader.

[Translate to English:] Icon Datenübertragung

Data transmission

RFID readers capture the information from the tags and transmit it to a central system for further processing and analysis. This capability enables real-time monitoring and tracking of objects.

Complete traceability

By providing accurate and up-to-date information on the location and status of objects, RFID readers promote complete traceability. This is particularly important in complex supply chains, where accurate tracking of goods movements is crucial for efficiency and security.

Applications of RFID readers

RFID readers have a wide range of applications in logistics and the supply chain, including

Real-time tracking

They enable the monitoring of goods movements along the entire supply chain, which helps to control stocks and minimize losses due to theft.

Warehouse management

In warehouse management, RFID readers facilitate the efficient recording of stock levels, significantly reducing manual effort.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, RFID readers can be used to track patients and medical devices, increasing safety and efficiency in hospitals.

Manufacturing

To ensure seamless traceability in the manufacturing process, RFID readers are used to track components and products. This improves quality assurance and minimizes production errors. They are also used to track tools and machines in order to optimize their use and maintenance.

Types of RFID readers

RFID reader from Turck

These readers are used for RFID-based traceability applications. They enable RFID tags to be read in order to track the movement and status of objects on the store floor.

Q120

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
130 x 120 x 60 mm	IP67	Combines circularly polarized antenna and all electronics in a space-saving aluminium housing, temperature range -20 to +50 °C	Suitable for confined installation conditions (e.g. conveyor automation), packaging area, detection of input and output movements

Q175

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
200 x 175 x 60 mm	IP67	Robust design for use in harsh industrial environments, reading range enables detection of up to nine empty pallets stacked on top of each other	Logistics and supply chain, production, pallet tracking

Q180

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
300 x 180 x 61.7 mm	IP67	Also suitable for metallic environments or in the presence of liquids, parameterization, UV-resistant, integrated web server, 4 connections for passive UHF RFID antennas	Logistics and supply chain, manufacturing (complex production processes), food industry

Q300

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
300 x 300 x 61.7 mm	IP67	Integrated web server with reader, parameterization, UV resistance, connection of up to 4 external UHF antennas, reading range up to 10 m, bulk detection	Logistics and supply chain, manufacturing

RFID reader from Kathrein

RRU 1400

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
175 x 167 x 40 mm	IP40	30 dBm UHF RFID reader, PoE connection, Supports EPC Gen2v2/ISO 18000-63, Linux operating system, 256 MB RAM	Indoor applications: Logistics and supply chain, manufacturing, access control

[Translate to English:] RRU 1400 Anschluss

RRU 4500

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
300 x 300 x 71 mm	IP67	Highest reading performance in harsh environments +33 dBm output power, Integrated dual-core 800 MHz PC, Wi-Fi and BLE, High-secure memory module, Supports up to 32 reading points with KRAI	In harsh environments and outdoor areas, complex process environments, IoT applications, logistics, production

RFID reader from Sick

RFU 620

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
137,4 x 130.8 x 55,3 mm	IP67	Operation within a wide ambient temperature range possible, Circular polarization, Read range up to 2 m, Supports EPCglobal UHF Class 1 Generation 2 and ISO/IEC 18000-6 C	Industrial and logistics areas, material flow control, product tracking

Source: SICK AG

RFU 630

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
239 x 239 x 64 mm	IP67	Large read ranges of up to 10 m, Integrated process logic for stand-alone solutions or network operation, 3 connections for external antennas, Bulk detection, Adjustable transmission power	Logistics and supply chain, manufacturing (complex production processes), vehicle identification

Source: SICK AG

RFU 650

Size	Protection class	Features	Area of application
400 x 252 x 70 mm	IP67	Robust design for use in harsh environments, Long read ranges of up to 10 m, Circular polarization, High reading speeds, Direction detection	Harsh industrial and outdoor environments, logistics, vehicle identification, extensive logistics and production environments

Source: SICK AG

Cost savings through the use of RFID readers

Example based on a manufacturing process

Time saving

Litigation costs p.a.

Calculation

Process	Barcode	RFID
Component Goods receipt	1	1 (one-time labeling)
Process steps in production	5	5 (no new label required)
Component shipping	1	1 (end customer barcode shipping label)
Costs for labeling	7 x 2 ct = 14 ct	13 ct per RFID label + 2 ct per barcode shipping label = 15 ct
Time for labeling and recording	4 min per product	1 min labeling + automatic detection

Litigation costs p.a.	Barcode	RFID
Labeling	0.14€ x 200 components produced daily x 250 working days = 7000€	0.15€ x 200 components produced daily x 250 working days = 7500€
Time required	200 components produced daily + 4 min = 800 min	200 components produced daily x 1 min = 200 min
Annual labor costs	14 hours x 25€ wages x 250 days = 87.500€	3.5 hours x 25€ wages x 250 days = 21.875€
Total	94.500€	29.375€

Best practices for implementing and maintaining RFID readers

Choice of location

Ambient conditions: Select locations that are as free as possible from highly reflective surfaces such as metal or liquids, as these can cause signal interference. Locations near such materials should be specially shielded. In areas where metal or liquids are unavoidable (e.g. tool tracking in manufacturing plants, chemical or food processing), use specially developed “on-metal” tags or chemical-resistant, epoxy-coated tags. Spacers can also help reduce signal interference from reflection by positioning the tag slightly above the metallic surface.
Optimal distance and range: Ensure that the reader is installed in an area that provides full coverage, taking into account any obstructions that may affect range or accuracy.

Alignment of the readers

Alignment and angle: Position the RFID reader and antenna at the correct angle (usually 90°) to the RFID tag to ensure high accuracy and range. The orientation of the antenna should be matched to the specific polarity of the RFID tags (linear or circular polarity) to minimize signal loss.
Antenna arrangement: If necessary, use multiple antennas or high gain antennas to ensure full coverage in larger or more complex environments.

Security measures

Data encryption and authentication: Use encryption for wireless data transmission to protect sensitive information from potential threats. Implement authentication protocols to ensure that only authorized users can access the data.
Interference control: Avoid interference with other wireless devices operating on similar frequencies to minimize read errors and improve system stability

Integration challenges and solutions

Interference from other electronic devices: Shield RFID components or position them far away from interfering devices such as WLAN routers or other radio devices to prevent signal interference.
Compatibility with IT systems: RFID systems should be fully compatible with existing software and IT infrastructure (e.g. ERP systems). Software interfaces should use standardized architectures such as RESTful APIs based on established protocols such as http to enable smooth integration.
Staff training: Employees should be familiar with the handling and maintenance of the RFID system in order to minimize errors and maximize efficiency.

Tips for maximizing range and accuracy

Correct antenna selection and alignment: Select antennas with high gain for long ranges or align the antennas precisely to the reading points. Linear antennas offer a greater range with precise alignment, while circular antennas are more flexible in their orientation.
Calibration and maintenance: Calibrate the readers regularly to maintain accuracy and minimize the effects of wear and tear. Maintenance includes cleaning the antennas and checking for physical damage.
Optimization of reading modes: Adjust reading modes and frequencies based on the environment and reading requirements to ensure accurate and fast reads. In areas with high tag density, a mode can be selected that allows multiple tags to be read simultaneously.

Talk to us!

We will be happy to present solutions for your industry and your processes. Talk to the specialists for SMEs.

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Viktor WagnerManaging Director

+49 371 2371-117

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