Generally, RFID systems operate at three different frequencies; low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and ultra high frequency (UHF), each have there own applications, advantages and disadvantages.

Low Frequecny
Low Frequency, or LF systems, operate at a frequency of 125 kHz, with a typical read range of approximately 1.5 feet. Since lower frequency RFID tags are less sensitive to interferences, they generally perform best in harsh environments, on metal surfaces, or in the presence of liquids. Typical applications include tracking animals, POS and product authentication.

High Frequency
High Frequency, or HF systems, operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and have a much higher read speed and read range than their LF counterparts. The read range for high frequency RFID is approximately 3 ft, but HF tags tend to be more sensitive to liquids and metal surfaces. Typical applications include smart cards, product authentication and airline baggage.

Ultra High Frequency
Ultra High Frequency, or UHF systems, operate at a frequency of 860MHz and have a much higher read speed and read range than HF systems, with a read range of approximately 9.5 feet. UHF systems are also very sensitive to liquids and metal surfaces, but are commonly used throughout the supply chain because of their greater read range.

For more information on RFID frequencies, learn more here. Should you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at melina.mclean@barcoding.com.

Hotels throughout the world have begun to use RFID technology for a variety of different functions such as uniform tracking and keyless entry. Now, there’s also a company called Linentracker that offers RFID systems to take inventory of towels and sheets, allowing hotels to be more efficient with their laundering processes.

Linentracker uses EPC Gen 2 inlays and is based on passive, ultrahigh-frequency (UHF tags and readers that comply with the EPC Gen 2 standards With the Linentracker system, the hotel can access real-time inventory levels of its linens throughout the hotel, all while optimizing linen laundering processes.

The system works by mounting RFID readers to the inside of hotel linen closets, which are located of every floor, in addition to various places throughout the laundry room. RFID tags are attached to each and every piece of linen, ranging from towels, to sheets to pillowcases. The RFID tags, which are sewn into the seam of each linen, are sealed within a flexible, waterproof material specifically engineered to protect the tag from extreme temperatures and shock.

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Microsoft recently announced that they intend to become a key player in RFID technology. More specifically, they plan to provide RFID-enabled software for mid-size companies to better manage their supply chains.

Since RFID technology can be expensive to implement, it has only been used for supply chain purposes at large companies such as Wal-Mart and Proctor & Gamble. By creating RFID-enabled software, Microsoft plans to bring the power of RFID to tier three and four companies.

While it may still take years for smaller businesses to adopt RFID technology, mid-size businesses will need to invest in RFID sooner if they want to stay competitive in the marketplace.

For more information on Microsoft and RFID, download their whitepaper Microsoft & RFID.

UC Irvine has recently launched a campaign to for its students and employees to do their part for the environment by cutting back on their driving. In order to accomplish this goal, the school is using ZotWeels, a bike sharing system, in order to implement the project.

Throughout the UC Irvine campus, there are vending machine like stations that allow students and employees to rent a bike for only $40 a year. Once enrolled in the ZotWheels program, members can retrieve their bikes at any time by scanning an RFID membership card that unlocks one of the bikes from a row of stalls. From there, riders can use the bikes for up to three hours, and then they’ll receive a test message asking them to return it.

While similar bike sharing programs exist at UC Davis and Stanford University, they all require an in-person check-in and check-out that requires a clerk to be on duty. As of now, UC Irvine and Saint Xavier University are the only campuses in the country that make use of the RFID technology, allowing the service to be automated, and thus more convenient and efficient.

For more information on the program, learn more here.

Dress for Success is a Charity organization located in South Central PA that aims to work within the community to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. This year, Dress for Success decided to begin a project that would improve product availability and client services using RFID technology within its three stores, mobile unit and warehouse.

Although Dress for Success is a charity, it does not differ from any organization that they must still meet all of the tax requirements and guidelines. In order to properly comply, while also improving operational efficiencies, Dress for Success partnered with Motorola, Avery Dennison, and a company specializing in RFID retail applications to create a solution that worked.

The RFID solution consisted of the Motorola MC9090-G RFID handheld reader, AN series RFID antennas, AD-224 RFID tags from Avery, and a software solution called Tracker Mobile. The right combination of hardware, labels, and software, allowed Dress for Success to tag their clothing and accessories as donated in order to track inventory more efficiently. In addition to better inventory tracking, Dress for Success was also able to use the Motorola 9090-G to find inventory and quickly perform once arduous annual physical counts.

Dress for Success plans to implement their new RFID solution across all of their locations by the fourth quarter of 2009 and looks forward to operating more efficiently.