Microlise have extensive experience in the implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems within the supply chain and logistics environments.

RFID is a form of auto ID technology that is becoming increasingly adopted as a transparent means of tracking both goods and the assets that carry them (tote bins, dollies, roll cages and pallets). RFID tags consist of an RF antenna linked to a silicon chip circuit that can store data. RFID tags can be self powered using a small battery (active) or can gain their power from the RF field in which they are sitting (passive) and they are available in 3 different frequencies, LF, HF and VHF . Depending on the application, tags can be supplied in a wide variety of formats and encapsulations from simple paper labels (for attachment to pallets, cartons or items) to complex plastic or metal encased designs for mounting onto returnable transport assets.

Unlike barcodes, RFID tags do not require line of site and can therefore be implemented within a supply chain solution in a covert format that constantly monitors and updates information without any need for operator intervention. They therefore eliminate the time and cost of barcode scanning to identify goods transactions within a supply chain.

Operator intervention is only actioned if the system detects that an undesirable action is being performed (e.g. goods being incorrectly picked or loaded onto the incorrect transport vehicle).

Microlise have specialised our activity within RFID systems integration into 4 key areas that deliver immediate business benefit :-

• The RFID enablement of dock doors
• The RFID Trailer Portal (RFID enablement of the delivery vehicle itself)
• RFID tracking of high value re-usable assets
• Aeroscout WiFi enabled RFID systems