Considering RTLS? Try Passive RFID Instead

Considering RTLS?Try Passive RFID Instead

Considering RTLS? Try Passive RFID Instead www.TheSMSGroup.com

Companies across many industries deploy

radio frequency identification (RFID) and

real-time location systems (RTLS) to track

assets, equipment, vehicles, people, and more.

RFID and RTLS are terms that frequently get

lumped together—but they are actually different

technologies with different capabilities and uses.

http://www.thesmsgroup.com


Passive RFID Active RTLS

No internal power source Powered internally

Long life span Shorter life span

Short to medium range Higher range

Lower cost per tag Higher cost per tag

COMPARING THE TWO TECHNOLOGIES



Passive RFID includes low frequency, high frequency, and ultra-high frequency tags.

The frequency that is used depends on factors like

attachment materials and read range, as well

as any other unique requirements a

company has. Passive RFID tags do

not use batteries—their internal circuits

are powered by energy sent from the

reader. This signal powers the tag and

is then redirected back to the reader.

WHAT IS PASSIVE RFID?



RTLS typically uses active tags to track the

location of assets in real time, automatically.

In an ideal scenario, these systems

generate information that allows

companies to make agile, intelligent

decisions. However, these systems

are often prohibitively expensive to

implement and maintain. As a result,

passive RFID may be a better

option for many companies.

WHAT IS RTLS?



No batteries required

Tags last up to 20 years or more

Lighter and smaller than active tags

Low cost compared to active tags

Do not need line-of-sight to read

No manual scanning required

Durable

Great ROI

BENEFITS OF PASSIVE RFID



In a typical passive RFID system, antennas are installed in areas where companies want

to read and record tags. These areas can include doorways, portals, and even vehicles.

By incorporating RFID in the biggest areas of need, companies can maximize their

investment through optimized resource allocation.

PASSIVE RFID IN THE WAREHOUSE



PASSIVE RFID ENABLES

Automation of warehousing and distribution processes

Visibility into work-in-process

Automated data collection

More accurate inventory tracking

More efficient stock management



Returnable Container TrackingWith the sheer number of returnable

containers moving through the

supply chain, there is a need for

better tracking of these valuable

assets.

A container tracking system built

upon passive RFID results in

reduced container replacement

costs, improved asset management,

increased productivity, and a wealth

of other benefits.

of companies surveyed reported problems with

missing returnable containers1

76%

PASSIVE RFID USE CASE



Returnable container tracking is just one area where passive RFID makes a big impact. As the

technology continues to develop and evolve, new applications of passive RFID will continue to

emerge. Companies who take advantage by incorporating passive RFID into their operations will

be able to not only save costs, but improve many areas of their business. The SMS Group can

help your company reduce costs and increase productivity, accuracy, and efficiency with RFID.

Contact us at www.TheSMSGroup.com or call 937-498-2700.

About The SMS Group

The SMS Group is recognized as a leader in data collection integration, solving customer issues by applying a combination of network, custom programming, and scanning solutions that can be deployed on mobile as well as traditional devices.

Need a process for accountability outside your current software or ERP System? Look to The SMS Group for a solution. Our programming staff can help your company develop an application to capture that data on the floor.

Depending on your needs, our solutions can integrate diverse data technologies, collection, distribution and processing to create efficiencies that will generate accurate, reliable, real-time information. Benefits include more transparent processes, an improved bottom line, a leaner, more cost-effective production system, increased on-time delivery, and better customer service.

Source:1 “RFID to reduce loss on returnables.” Automotive Logistics. N.p., 3 Nov. 2010. Web. 2016. <http://automotivelogistics.media/news/rfid-to-reduce-loss-on-returnables>.




http://automotivelogistics.media/news/rfid-to-reduce-loss-on-returnables

Technology

Considering RTLS? Try Passive RFID Instead