How it works
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to read and obtain information and track objects.
An RFID system consists of 'readers' and 'tags' where the RFID reader sends out a signal that picks up any RFID tags within its range. The RFID tag responds by sending back a signal carrying data.
RFID tags, unlike barcodes, don’t require an optical line-of-sight to be read. Instead, data is transmitted as radio waves via battery-free antennas.
The chip and the antenna together are known as the RFID tag, sometimes referred to as an ‘RFID transponder.’
GS1 RFID standards
GS1 standards for RFID are key for increasing innovation, reducing confusion in the supply chain and avoiding getting locked into any particular provider. GS1 RFID standards ensure consistency and interoperability for RFID systems, allowing for seamless communication between tags and readers.
Our standards define:
- How data is to be stored on the tag
- How a tag talks to the reader
- How readers talk to business systems
What are the benefits of using GS1 RFID standards?
- The system is not proprietary – it is not exclusive or owned by a specific company or entity
- Any tag will work with any reader
- Because the standards are global, tagging can be done at source
- Development of a standard helped drive scale economies
- Reduced the price of tags by 75% since 2011
- Royalty-free IP
- Developed by the industry based on best practice
- Builds on existing GS1 standards that already widely used.
Implementation
There is a lot to consider when embarking on an RFID implementation project and GS1 UK is here to give you a helping hand.
To create the unique numbers which will be encoded into the RFID tags, you can become a GS1 UK Member. You’ll then be able to identify any products, assets, documents or shippers that are important to your process.
GS1 RFID standards define the syntax, interfaces and tags, and are supported by implementation guides
For specific information on how GS1 identifiers and other data is encoded as EPCs in RFID tags, you should refer to the Tag Data Standards
We also provide a handy tool where you can translate between GS1 identfiers and different forms of the EPC. Take a look at the EPC Encoder/Decoder
More than likely, you’re going to need some assistance with the RFID solution itself. GS1 UK partners are on hand to provide guidance and supply you with the tags, readers and software to bring your RFID implementation to life
Take a look at our partner finder to find GS1 UK partners who can support with RFID implementation.