The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Systems) comprises RFID readers and RFID tags
which are either passive or battery operated active devices that store bits of data and information within them. When these tags are brought in close range of the reading device, the RFID reader facilitates automatic identification and capture of data stored in the RFID tag and hence, can be used for accessing complete information about the item they are attached to. The RFID tags are gradually becoming a crucial electronic component in retail stores, shopping malls and showrooms as they offer more data storage, security and readability as compared to the bar codes installed or fixed on various products of stores.
At stores RFID tags can ensure tracking and arrival of products in their inventory as they can automatically scan the arrived goods tagged with RFID tags by fixed or mobile RFID readers. The process is quick and it enhances the management of goods and commodities within the store as they can be easily transferred from the store room to the shelves without delays associated with manually noting down the amount of products and other associated information. The RFID tags can also help in dealing with losses incurred due to shoplifting and internal thefts which are common in retail stores and showrooms. The item-level passive UHF RFID tags can be used to tag all the items along with installing RFID readers at exit points of the store which will quickly detect the items which are attempted to be lifted from the premises without making payments.
Further these tags can also be programmed to alert the store keepers, if some shop lifter tries to confiscate or destroy them. Being tiny in size they are difficult to detect and can easily help in catching the store offenders and there mere presence is enough to scare off a large portion of potential shop lifters. Apart from the security issues, the RFID system can also facilitate unmanned exit through the store as the RFID gate can scan the all the item as soon as the customers pass through it. Thus, they can save a lot of costs spent on employing security personnel at the exit points.
As the item-level RFID tags stand beneficial for the shop owners and retailers it equally proves to be quite helpful for the customers as well. For instance, they help in faster shopping without queues and stress, better availability of products, easily accessible product information and even RFID tags linked with banking services can help to facilitate payments at the POS terminals of stores.
