Lots of people believe that RFID can do it all – almost like magic…
You just walk into your grow room or vault, push a button, and Presto! Inventory’s done! Right?
Not exactly.
RFID is an excellent technology and can cut inventory times of your tagged plants and packages down from hours to minutes.
But…it only works if the unique RFID tags on those plants and packages can be read.
Radio Frequency IDentification relies on radio waves emitted from a reader/antenna (like a fixed reader or RFID handheld). When radio waves reach a tag, energy is absorbed, the tag turns on, and responds with its unique ID.
Like solar energy – solar panels absorb rays and RFID tags absorb radio waves…
So, if you stack one solar panel on top of another, will the panel on the bottom collect any energy? Probably not much, if any.
It’s the same with RFID tags: if an RFID tag is directly on top of another, the top tag will respond in milliseconds, but the tag below may or may not respond.
State requirements on affixing or hanging tags on plants create ideal RFID reads. Our Desperado handheld customers inventory 1000s of plant tags in under 10 minutes with 100% accuracy.
Alternatively, tags placed on the plant’s pot or buried in the soil can’t easily capture energy and respond with an ID.
With packages, placing the RF tag so the barcode ID is visible makes for good RFID reads. Avoid materials which block radio waves (certain carbon black containers, foil lined bags) and affixing tags directly to metal.
With proper tag placement, the right RFID system cuts tasks from hours to minutes. Inventory, plant/package management, and compliance become easy.
Contact us and Outlaw Technology’s experts will help you get there.
