RFID Systems and Technologies

RFID Basics

RFID tags are comprised of a tiny microchip which is attached to an small antenna. Basic RFID tags can be as large as a 4x6" label or as small as quarter and usually cost anywhere from 10-cents to a dollar once integrated into an adhesive label or package. More advanced tags can have sensors and batteries attached to enhance their functionality and read range but are more costly. To read the tags, RFID readers emit radio signals that prompt all of the RFID tags within range to respond with their unique IDs in rapid sequence. The reader then passes this information on to be looked up in a local database to determine the product's identity. In many cases the unique ID stored on the tag is an Electronic Product Code (EPC). EPC numbers are passed to the EPC network which, in turn, will identify the product manufacturer, product type (SKU), and can provide updated tracking information.

Please contact Bastian (BMH) to commission a pilot RFID program to put our expertise to work for you. We can answer your most difficult questions including those about compliance, visibility to your supply chain, and costs. The advantages of RFID integration include:

  • EPC standards used to meet compliance with major retailers and the Department of Defense.
  • Faster receiving, pack-out, and shipping operations.
  • Inventory tracking levels with a high level of accuracy – 99.5%.
  • Immediate confirmation at shipping to pass ASN information.
  • Quality control of each carton and its contents, without opening the carton.
  • Enhanced security to reduce inventory shrinkage.
  • Complete historical tracking providing an audit trail written to each RFID tag.

Bastian's RFID Integration Experience

Bastian has worked with a number of clients on a variety of RFID solutions. One such solution took advantage of robust RFID tags to identify materials in a cold storage situation where barcodes could be covered by frost and rendered unreadable. The tags were combined with an AS/RS system to provide a totally automated and extremely fast and accurate picking and storage solution. Other solutions were designed to meet external, customer-driven RFID mandates while still gaining process improvements internally. We also have experience interfacing with existing RFID systems and are hardware-agnostic.

Basitan's RFID support helps build the RFID Research Center

Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. along with 17 other major suppliers (including BMH) is working with the University of Arkansas to help create a multidisciplinary "supply chain in a box" RFID Research Center. Through Bastian Material Handling's relationship with Hytrol, we have access to the RFID Research Center via Hytrol's membership as a strategic sponsor. The center will be devoted to examining the technology as used in retail settings, wireless and sensing contexts, and beyond.

Being located in the epicenter of RFID activity, this will be a clearinghouse for RFID information. It will also serve as a conduit for participating companies to share information. The Research Center, located at the Sam Walton College of Business at the University will examine not on technical issues, but also questions of public policy. This non-profit center will provide testing and research services to a nationally arrayed group of sponsoring members and will use the testing environment to further research RFID applications as well as to train students at the baccalaureate and graduate levels.