After years of promise, RFID tagging can at last deliver. The attraction of a tracking device with read/write capability, with no need for line of sight to sensor has always had to be tempered against the high cost of the RFID tags, which has frequently made the technology too expensive for many users.

Now, the" read/write barcode" , the RFID tag, is a viable option for many of todays tracking needs.

The Smart Label

Smart labels' are based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Each contains a tiny silicon chip and an antenna, so can send and receive information to and from base stations or 'portals' located at key points throughout the supply chain. The portals forward the information to a central computer controlling the whole distribution process, which is thus automatically updated as items progress through the chain. With this 'perfect' information available to the logistics managers from the smart labels, no stock need ever go astray nor exceed its sell by date. Smart labels are thin enough to be laminated between layers of paper or plastic to produce low-cost, consumable labels. Smart labels can be simultaneously operated by read/write devices at a rate of more than 30 labels per second and, unlike barcodes, they do not require a direct line-of-sight between reader and label.

Device net controller.

Omron's DeviceNet RFID Controller provides built-in DeviceNet network connectivity for a wide variety of electronic data tracking applications. The controller is fully compatible with a wide variety of Omron's V600 series read/write heads as well as Omron's complete line of passive read/write RFID tags.