Why Redlore UWB is defeating all RFID solutions?

Companies seeking an effective method to monitor their facilities’ assets (inventory equipment, personnel, etc.) typically consider RTLS (Real-Time location systems) or RFID options. Ultra Wide band (UWB) technology revolutionizes indoor location tracking by providing precise and reliable positioning information. Because it can transmit data across a broad frequency range, UWB enables accurate tracking of people and objects, making it an invaluable device in security, asset management, or indoor navigation applications. However, both techniques are different and seek to address various issues.

RTLS Technology

RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) uses battery-powered (active) Tags. They do not rely on the reader to be powered up. They can send messages anytime needed, such as when they detect movement and need to send the location of a specific area or because the temperature sensor has was at an alarming level.

Redlore’s RTLS system increases warehouse efficiency by a new level due to its superior indoor location tracking capabilities. Employing cutting-edge technology, companies can now get real-time information regarding where inventory and assets are located in their warehouses. Location tracking for indoors revolutionizes the management of inventory, makes it easier to operate, and boosts efficiency overall and efficiency, making Redlore a pioneer in the field of warehouse management.

RTLS is based on a network of Anchors placed across the entire facility, generally with a distance of 50ft/15m between Anchors. The Tags don’t have to be placed close to the Anchors and could be obstructions within the lines of the site. Therefore, RTLS solutions can deliver full wireless coverage to a space.

RTLS Tags can perform more complicated jobs than RFID tags. As a result, they cost more. An RTLS Anchor will usually be 5-10 times more expensive than RFID Readers. RFID Reader. Furthermore, in some RTLS systems, the Anchors are powered by batteries, eliminating the cost of cabling associated with RFID readers.

RTLS technologies come in various versions: Wirepas, Bluetooth, and WIFI-based solutions are the most economical and have the most common accuracy for positioning 16 feet/5 meters. UWB-based solutions are more costly and have a precision lower than 1.5ft/0.5m.

RFID Technology

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a method of identification where batteries-free (passive) RFID Tags are activated by a nearby RFID Reader that is only a few meters (10′) away. The RFID Tag uses the energy gathered from the RFID Reader to transmit its unique identification number to its RFID Reader. RFID improves barcodes as it doesn’t need the same position between RFID Reader (~the barcode scanner) and the RFID Tag (~the barcode).

Because of their limitations and the absence of batteries, RFID Tags are only a couple of cents.

The requirement to be nearby between the RFID Tag and the RFID Reader is a consequence of the battery-free design. This is why RFID cannot place devices within buildings or in the yard outside: The chances are slim that the RFID Tag is visible to the RFID Reader at any time. The idea of supplying a warehouse with RFID Readers is technically impossible.

RTLS Use Cases

The most known RTLS applications relate to real-time monitoring and inventory-keeping of components, tools, and other equipment (e.g., welding stations). 

Many RTLS systems go one step further, providing more detailed information beyond the basics of asset identification and tracking:

• Monitoring of the environment: temperature, relative humidity, VOC, CO2…
• Queueing and time of stay monitoring: for the title of operational inefficiencies as well as attraction points
• Mechanical disturbances and use:(shock, tilt, and vibrating) on equipment like power equipment, forklift trucks
• Mechanical disorders and use: (shock tilt, shaking) in equipment such as power tools or forklifts
• Vendor-Managed Inventory Consignment Inventory: count opening of the box and closing
• Management of spare parts: count, reordering points

RFID Use Cases

The use cases for RFID are essentially in line with barcoding applications because they are conceptually comparable. Use cases for RFID include:

• Inventory tracking: Either the inventory is moved closer to an RFID Reader or an RFID Reader is integrated to be a portable scanner that is inserted into the list.
• Transcripts of transaction: Goods are scanned as they move from one station to the next, for instance, from the warehouse receiving goods to production, later to assembly, then packaging, and then to the warehouse for delivery.

RFID tags are usually used at the individual product level and are not used again.

Conclusion

RFID and RTLS solve completely different issues and have only a small overlap. The cost of tags is additional, and RFID tags are cheaper. The infrastructure cost (RFID readers and RTLS anchors) is also different, and the RTLS https://redlore.com infrastructure costs less. Businesses looking for solutions can benefit from knowing what they want to resolve and selecting the appropriate technology.