Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been widely adopted in factory logistics management in recent years. RFID uses radio waves for information transmission and identification, providing efficient and accurate solutions for scheduling and managing logistics vehicles. This article explores the use of RFID tools and their working principles, with a focus on the role and importance of RFID readers in factory logistics vehicle scheduling.

RFID Tools and Working Principles

An RFID system mainly consists of RFID tags, RFID readers, and a data management system.

1. RFID Tags: RFID tags contain a small chip and an antenna, with the chip storing specific identification information. Depending on the power supply method, RFID tags are classified into active tags (with a built-in power source) and passive tags (powered by the reader).

2. RFID Readers: RFID readers play a crucial role in RFID systems. They are used to send and receive radio waves to communicate with the tags. Here are the detailed working principles and functions of RFID readers:

   • Communication Principle: RFID readers emit radio waves through their antennas. When an RFID tag enters the reader's working range, the tag's antenna receives the radio waves and converts them into electrical energy to activate the chip (for passive tags). The tag chip then transmits a radio signal containing identification information back through the antenna. The reader receives this signal, decodes it, and transmits it to the data management system.
   • Installation Locations: RFID readers can be installed at various key locations, such as factory entrances, warehouse doors, loading platforms, and vehicle passages. Readers can also be mounted on handheld devices for flexible tag reading.
   • Data Processing: RFID readers are not just data transmitters; they also have data processing capabilities. They can filter and preliminarily process the read tag information, reducing data transmission volume and improving system efficiency.
   • Communication Distance: The communication distance of a reader depends on the frequency and antenna power. Ultra-high frequency (UHF) readers typically have longer reading distances (from a few meters to several dozen meters), suitable for long-distance identification of vehicles and goods.

3. Data Management System: The data management system is responsible for collecting and processing data from RFID readers and interfacing with the factory's logistics management system to achieve intelligent vehicle scheduling.

Specific Applications of RFID in Factory Logistics Vehicle Scheduling

1. Vehicle Identification and Tracking: By installing RFID tags on logistics vehicles and RFID readers at factory entrances, warehouse doors, and other locations, unique identification and real-time tracking of vehicles can be achieved. Readers read tag information and record the entry and exit times and locations of vehicles, helping managers monitor vehicle dynamics and optimize scheduling plans.

2. Goods Management: Attaching RFID tags to goods and installing readers at warehouses and loading platforms enables automatic identification and recording of goods. RFID readers can quickly read a large number of tags, ensuring accurate matching of goods and vehicles and reducing the time and errors associated with manual checks.

3. Route Optimization: Based on real-time data collected by RFID readers, the logistics management system can analyze vehicle travel routes and times, optimize transport routes, reduce vehicle idle time and travel distance, and improve transportation efficiency.

4. Security Management: Installing RFID readers at key locations can automatically detect and record unauthorized vehicle entries, enhancing factory security management and preventing theft and other safety incidents.

5. Data Analysis and Decision Support: The vast amount of data collected by RFID readers can provide valuable decision support for managers. By analyzing historical data on vehicles and goods, bottlenecks and weaknesses in the logistics process can be identified, targeted improvement measures can be developed, and overall logistics efficiency can be enhanced.

Article Op-Ed:JTSPEEDWROK