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 RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is a wireless system used to identify tags. These tags may be carried by people or animals or mounted on object or vehicles. They may even be embedded under the skin.
RTLS (Real Time Location Systems) is like RFID on steroids. Essentially,
this means that it can provide you with a substantially more specific location
for an asset (a car) by using the same network you use today to access the
Internet. RTLS uses tags that are WiFi and does not require proprietary
RFID readers.
The tags used to track assets are non-contact and non-line-of-sight.
This means that you don't have to "swipe" your card for an RFID / RTLS system
to identify you. You also don't have to walk up to the object and "read" a
bar code with a traditional scanner.
Quite simply, RFID / RTLS is a revolution in how inventory will be tracked
and managed in years to come. Just try a Google search on "RFID" and
you will see that this is no passing fad. Wal*Mart and Target are
implementing RFID in a huge way with the majority of it suppliers.
In order to utilize RFID you need two things: an RFID capable reader and an
RFID tag. Readers can generally be either portable or fixed (i.e.
immobile). In general, tags can be either "passive" or "active".
For RTLS, the Wireless Access Point (WAP) takes the place of the
RFID reader and the tags are “WiFi” active tags.
Passive RFID tags operate using power from the RFID transceiver. Passive tags
are small and inexpensive, but typically do not have a very good
range.
Active RFID tags are powered, usually by a battery lasting up to seven
years. Active tags can be larger and more expensive, but offer
a much better identification range. Because of the costs, active
tags tend to be re-used over and over again.
Passive tags are Read-Only; Active tags are typically rewritable.
One key point to understand with RFID is the difference between TDOA (Time Distance of Arrival) and RSSI (Relative Signal Strength Indicator) when it comes to RFID. These are two very different approaches to real time inventory tracking. TDOA is a method used where the system measures the time it takes for the signal of an active tag, from multiple read points in its determination of location. RSSI uses the actual strength signal in its determination of location. There are some companies that say they can track assets outdoors real time using RSSI. That is simply not true. The fact of the matter is that TDOA is the best method when you have to track in an outdoor environment due to issues associated with strength consistency and signal interference. We know for a fact because we fully tested both methods and that is why our solutions are all TDOA based.
RFID will slowly replace the typical bar-code as CDs replaced vinyl records - although they won't go away completely.
Passive RFID tags are used in retail stores to reduce shoplifting. These are the little white tags you find attached to clothing items and hidden in the pages of books Your pet may also have an RFID "chip" implanted in its neck to help bring him / her back if ever lost. RFID is also used in the "express" lane of the toll-booth by millions every day.
RFID systems operate across a wide range of frequencies. Lower frequency systems are less expensive; higher frequency systems offer increased range. For RFID purposes, 300-500Khz are considered low frequencies, 800-915 MHz thru 2.4 GHz are UHF (ultra high freq) and 5 GHz is Super High Freq.
In a nutshell, MyDealerLot uses RTLS / RFID technology to track your vehicle inventory in real-time to a precise location on your lot. Our goal is simple. We provide organizations managing vehicles such as retail dealerships, auction companies, and vehicle ports with RTLS / RFID vehicle tracking technology that enables you to...
- Achieve greater efficiency
- Improve customer service
- Increased unit sales
- Enhance inventory security & control
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