Radio-frequency identification (RFID) asset tracking systems are becoming more and more popular in business circles. But there’s a lot of confusion about the two main types of systems: active and passive RFID. This blog post will clear up the differences between the two systems, to help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is RFID Asset Tracking & How Does it Work?
RFID (radio-frequency identification) asset tracking is a system that uses RFID tags to track and manage assets. RFID tags are small devices that emit a signal that can be read by an RFID reader. The reader then sends the information from the tag to asset tracking software, which can be used to track the location and status of the asset.
RFID asset tracking systems can be used to track a wide variety of assets, including equipment, tools, inventory, and even people. RFID asset tracking solutions offer many benefits over traditional asset tracking methods, such as barcodes. RFID asset tracking systems are more accurate, faster, and provide real-time data. In addition, RFID tags do not require line-of-sight to be read, making them ideal for tracking assets that are hidden or difficult to reach.
What makes an Asset Tracking System Active or Passive RFID?
There are two main types of RFID asset management systems: passive and active. What sets the two systems apart is the type of RFID tag that is utilized for tracking assets.
- Passive RFID systems rely on the RFID tag being powered by the RFID reader in order to work. This means that the tag only transmits data when it is close to the reader.
- Active RFID systems, on the other hand, have their own power source, which allows them to transmit data over a longer range.
In general, passive RFID is best suited for applications that track assets over a short distance, such as inventory management in a retail store. Active RFID is better suited for tracking assets over a wide area, such as in a warehouse or distribution center. However, both types of RFID systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
What are Passive RFID Asset Tags?
Passive RFID asset tags do not have their own power source; instead, they rely on the power from the RFID reader. When an RFID reader passes near a passive RFID tag, the tag powers up and transmits its data to the reader. This makes passive RFID tags much less expensive than active RFID tags, which have their own power source.
Passive RFID tags are also much smaller and lighter than active RFID tags, making them more convenient to use on assets such as tools, equipment, and inventory. And because they don’t have a battery, passive tags are often viewed as more environmentally friendly than active tags, but they also have a shorter read range. This makes them better suited for tracking lower-value items that do not need to be monitored over long distances. For example, a passive RFID tag attached to a book could be used to track the book’s location within a library.
Passive RFID tags are typically read-only, which means that they can only be used to store data that is written to them by the manufacturer. This data can include the tag’s unique identifier (UID), as well as other information such as the asset’s serial number or model number. Some passive RFID tags also have memories that can be written to by the user, allowing them to store additional data such as the date and time of an asset’s last inspection.
What are Active RFID Asset Tags?
Active RFID tags are more expensive than passive RFID tags, but they offer several advantages over their passive counterparts.
Active RFID tags have their own power source, which allows them to emit a signal and transmit their data over greater distances than passive RFID tags—up to 100 meters or more. For this reason, active RFID tags are best suited for tracking high-value assets that need to be monitored over long distances or in outdoor environments. For example, an active RFID tag attached to a shipping container could be used to track the container’s location as it moves through a supply chain.
Active RFID tags can also be equipped with sensors that can collect data about their environment, such as temperature or vibration. This makes active RFID tags well-suited for use in combination with asset tracking software and monitoring applications.
Active RFID tags typically have more memory than passive RFID tags, making them capable of storing more data. This is important for applications such as supply chain management where large amounts of data need to be captured and stored. Active RFID tags can also be programmed to perform certain actions, such as sounding an alarm or sending a notification when they are moved or tampered with. This makes active RFID tags ideal for use in security and surveillance applications.
However, one downside of active RFID tags is that they require a power source, typically in the form of a battery, which passive RFID tags do not require. This can add to the cost of implementing an active RFID system as well as the maintenance cost associated with replacing batteries on a regular basis. Overall, active RFID tags offer several advantages over passive RFID tags but they come at a higher cost.
How to Choose the Right RFID Asset Tracking Technology
RFID asset tracking technology has come a long way in recent years. There are now many different types of both active and passive RFID tags and readers to choose from, making it possible to track just about any type of asset. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which RFID system is right for your business. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an RFID asset tracking system:
- What type of assets do you need to track? RFID tags are available in both active and passive varieties. Passive RFID tags rely on battery power, while active RFID tags have their own power source. If you need to track high-value assets that are constantly moving, an active RFID system may be a better choice. However, if you just need to track inventory or other static assets, a passive RFID system may suffice.
- What is the environment like? RFID tagging technology works best in environments where there is little or no metal present. If your business is located in an area with a lot of metal objects, such as a warehouse full of steel shelves, you may need to purchase special tags that are designed to work in these types of environments.
- What is your budget? RFID systems can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The cost of the system will depend on factors such as the number of tags and readers needed, as well as the features and functionality you require.
- How will you use the data? One of the biggest benefits of RFID asset tracking is the ability to collect data about your assets. This data can be used to improve asset utilization, track inventory levels, and more. But in order to get the most out of your RFID system, you need to have a plan for how you will use the data. Otherwise, it will just be a bunch of numbers that don’t mean anything.
These are just a few things to consider when choosing an RFID asset tracking system. By taking the time to understand your needs and the options available, you can select a system that will help your business run more efficiently.
Still not sure which type of RFID asset tracking system is right for you? Our team of experts can help you find the perfect solution for your business. Contact us today to learn more.
Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by Radiant