RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) comes in many forms and is used all over the world to better track people and items. RF technology utilizes radio waves to identify items by reading information from the card or key tag. By automating the data collection process, it allows you to more accurately track and monitor people coming and going from your facility.

If your current application supports checking-in people with a member ID number then you can use RFID today! Each RFID card or key tag has a unique number. When that individual scans their RFID card or key tag to an RFID reader, your application will instantly recognize the unique number and person assigned to it.

The transition from barcode to RFID technology is very common today as barcode technology is easy to duplicate and often wears off the card or key tag.

There are two steps to move from barcode to RFID:

• Replace your barcode cards or key tags with RFID cards
• Update your card or key tag readers from barcode to RFID technology

The transition from magnetic stripe to RFID technology is more common today as the security of a magnetic stripe has been compromised with the increase of credit card fraud. Magnetic stripe cards are easier to duplicate compared to RFID technology (this is one of the main reasons credit card companies are moving from magnetic stripe to smart cards.)

There are two steps to move from magnetic stripe to RFID:

• Replace your magnetic stripe cards or key tags with RFID cards
• Update your card or key tag readers from magnetic stripe to RFID technology

RFID cards and key tags come in three frequencies: low frequency, high frequency and ultra-high frequency. The main differences have to do with the reading distance between the reader and the card or key tag.

Technology options:

• Low Frequency (LF) – 125 kHz
  • Also known as: Prox, HID, Clamshell
  • Read range: 1”-2”

• High Frequency (HF) – 13.56 MHz
  • Also known as: MiFare, i-Class, NFC
  • Reader range: 2”– 5”

• Ultra High Frequency (UHF) – 900 MHz
  • Read range: 2” to 30’

When looking for cards you should start with the specification of the reader that the cards or key tags will work with. If you have the flexibility to choose a reader then you can select the card and reader frequency that is right for your environment.