RFID technology. Radio-frequency identification of people and objects

Although RFID technology has been known for decades, its enormous potential has only been fully realized in recent years. It is being implemented in companies across numerous industries as a solution for automating processes in a broad sense of the word.

RFID (radio frequency identification) is a technology that enables automatic object identification. Identification is performed using radio waves, which operate within a precisely defined band to avoid signal interference. RFID technology allows for continuous and ongoing monitoring of traffic flow, thus facilitating the organization and execution of inspection processes.

Radio frequency identification of objects

Identification using radio waves occurs remotely and contactlessly, so no additional, direct action is required to recognize a specific object. The object is marked with a tag containing a microprocessor, which stores data, including an identification number. An antenna is connected to the tag, responsible for transmitting the radio signal, which is then received by a reader also equipped with an antenna. The entire identification process occurs in real time, and the captured information about the object's movement is immediately displayed in the system.

Modern identification systems using radio waves operate reliably even over long distances. Ultrahigh frequency technology operating in the UHF EU ETSI 865.6-867.6 MHz frequency band is used to track traffic flow. It enables precise readings at distances of up to several dozen meters. It accurately identifies individual objects within a second, even in larger groups, over a wide area.

Applications of RFID technology

UHF RFID technology is used in many areas where precise, real-time monitoring of objects is required for efficient inspection processes. Automatic identification and tracking of object movement has been particularly appreciated in logistics and freight forwarding, especially in inventory management. RFID helps in:

  • counting incoming goods,
  • determining the location of goods,
  • tracking the supply chain,
  • fleet management.

RFID technology is also useful for inventory, equipment management, and asset assessment. Remote identification facilitates locating and counting fixed assets within a company.

RFID is used not only to recognize objects but also people. It is used for time and attendance recording, allowing for:

  • monitoring employee entries and exits from a facility,
  • identifying people within a facility,
  • determining the location of people within a facility.

Due to its ability to track people's movements, radio frequency identification technology has found applications in occupational health and safety. It proves very helpful during evacuations, when the coordinator must safely lead people out of the danger zone.

RFID in occupational health and safety

The RFID Evacuation Monitoring System enables identification of individuals and tracking their movements for occupational health and safety purposes. It consists of transceiver devices and software built from five modules defining user roles within the system. The System Administrator has the most extensive permissions, creating a structure for all users, assigning them roles, and assigning employees to precisely defined groups. The Guard role, in turn, authorizes the registration of people entering and leaving the facility, as well as assigning them individual tags with personal data. In an emergency, the Guard is responsible for providing a ready-made list of people included in the evacuation from the system. The RFID Evacuation Monitoring System also provides the roles of Manager and Coordinator. The Manager can monitor the movement of employees assigned to their subordinate group, while the Coordinator can continuously monitor the progress of the evacuation, taking into account all people in the area covered by the System.

The RFID Evacuation Monitoring System is accessible via desktop and mobile devices, and can be managed via a web browser or an app installed on a selected device. The software's operating system can be integrated with other systems.


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