What is RFID?
RFID is an acronym for “radio-frequency identification” and refers to a technology whereby digital data encoded in RFID tags or smart labels are captured by a reader via radio waves.
How Does RFID Work?
At a simple level, RFID systems consist of three components: an RFID tag or smart label, an RFID reader, and an antenna. RFID tags contain an integrated circuit and an antenna, which are used to transmit data to the RFID reader (also called an interrogator).
The reader then converts the radio waves to a more usable form of data. Information collected from the tags is then transferred through a communications interface to a host computer system, where the data can be stored in a database and analyzed later.
RFID is used across many different sectors such as construction, engineering, the chemical industries, manufacturing, retail, logistics and many more.
The many benefits of RFID technology make it possible to build a solid business case for its use in different industries and for different applications. With the many advantages that RFID offers, it also shares some of not so good disadvantages which we will cover in this article.
Advantages
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Security
Data on keycards is usually secure because it takes specialised equipment to read it. This maintains the lock system security.
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Convenience
It only takes a fraction of a second to put your RFID key in the proximity of the reader to open the lock.
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Size
The size of the card is almost identical to that of a regular bank or ID card, making it easy to store. As we generally carry these cards with us most of the time, it makes it less likely that the card will be forgotten when going to work, or anywhere else where card access is required.
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Diverse
As RFID locks come with a range of different cams and spindle lengths, they can be fitted to a wide range of doors and furniture. This makes them suitable for use in many different businesses and applications.
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Master Card Functionality
A single RFID keycard may be programmed to work with many locks, each potentially having their own access policies, etc. This saves someone from having to carry 8 keys to have access to 8 locks, while still allowing each of those 8 locks to have independent access policies.
Disadvantages
- Lost Keycard
Just like traditional lock and keys, you can also forget or misplace your keycard giving you the double headache of trying to figure out how to open your locker and tracing back your step to find the keycard.
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Hacker Alert
An RFID system can be hacked or bypassed by someone who is tech-savvy, so they are not totally foolproof.
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Power Shortage Issue
One major problem is that electric RFID systems may malfunction during power outages causing some lockers to either shut you out or worse leave the lockers open where people may try to steal what is inside.
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More Involved and More Expensive to Setup
Requires locks being wired to a secured “server”. This computer is where access is programmed, controlled, and logged.
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Not to Totally Hassle-Free
If the server computer is not connected to the internet, and you have time-based access restrictions, you will need to manually change the computer’s clock twice a year when the time changes.
Using RFID integrated lock in your locker facility can sometimes do more harm than good. Why not try our NS1000 Smart Battery Lock? It offers all the advantages with reduced drawbacks. If you are interested or have any questions about the NS1000 Smart Battery Lock or would want to know how to be a distributor, you may contact us by clicking here or shoot us an email at info@nuesmart.com.