This guide gives you a simple and professional summary of RFID technology and why it is a competitive advantage for businesses in every industry today.
Whether you or your customers want to improve inventory management, increase efficiency and traceability, or reduce errors and losses, here you will find the essential information to understand how this technology can contribute to your business.
The guide is designed for managers, entrepreneurs or anyone who wants to quickly understand the real value of RFID technology, without the need for technical skills.
The RFID market is rapidly expanding, today it is worth $15.8 billion and will reach $40.9 billion by 2032, with an annual growth of 11%. The results obtained by the companies that have adopted it confirm the trend: Decathlon increased sales by 11% and improved inventory management, Zara saw turnover grow by 8.2%.
RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification. It is an electronic device based on wireless communication that allows objects to be identified and tracked simultaneously, even without the need for direct eye contact. Each RFID has a unique, non-duplicable identity and can store both fixed and variable information that can be used to activate automated processes.
The implementation of RFID technology generates tangible and measurable benefits in several applications, such as:
Continuous and precise visibility along the entire supply chain, with data updated in real time.
Fast, accurate, and automated counts that reduce errors and operational costs.
Immediate interaction via smartphone, access to content, authentication and digital services.
Reliable identification of people and assets, with fully automated access management.
Certification of the authenticity of products and effective fight against counterfeiting or grey market.
Waste reduction, better resource management and support for ESG objectives thanks to total traceability.
RFID enables lightning-fast and accurate inventories, reduces out-of-stocks, and ensures product availability for purchase. Enable automatic checkouts, integrated anti-theft and efficient multi-channel processes.
It offers complete traceability from production to consumer, automatic expiry management and cold chain control. It supports quality certifications and reusable packaging systems.
It allows for unique bottle authentication, counterfeit protection, grey market protection, and traceability in distribution/export activities. It integrates NFC functions to engage the consumer with high-value story telling of the product.
It supports full regulatory compliance, drug traceability, and anti-counterfeit verification. It automates hospital inventory management and helps reduce administration errors.
It ensures brand protection, global traceability and identification of unauthorized channels. Improve inventory management for liquid products and enable digital customer experiences.
It offers precise traceability of components and semi-finished products throughout production, automates assembly processes and tool management. It also makes predictive maintenance and certified quality control possible.
It automates warehouse entries and exits, allows shipments to be verified without opening packages, and optimizes cross-docking and asset tracking processes. Increase accuracy, speed, and integration with WMS/ERP systems.
In laundries, libraries and events, RFID enables automatic counting, reduces loss, speeds up access and payments. Finally, it improves operational efficiency and user experience.
There are two main categories of RFID tags: passive and active, each with specific characteristics that make them suitable for different application needs.
They do not have an internal battery and use the energy of the RFID reader to activate and transmit data. They are the most popular due to their low cost and high flexibility. They are used for most of the applications described in the section above.
They are battery-powered and can transmit information over much longer distances. They are ideal for real-time supply chain tracking and applications that require continuous long-range identification. They have a higher cost than passive tags.
An RFID system consists of RFID tags, reader, antenna, and computer system, which operate together.
When the reader is activated, it sends a signal via radio frequency waves that is picked up by the RFID tag. In passive tags, this energy powers the microchip that returns its unique data to the reader. In active tags, on the other hand, an internal battery allows data to be sent autonomously even over long distances.
The reader receives the information from the RFID tag, decodes it and sends it to the computer system, an IT infrastructure that collects and processes the data. All this happens in milliseconds, enabling fast and accurate identification and tracking processes in different applications.
A passive RFID tag is composed of:
Substrate: Carrier material that supports the antenna and the chip. It can be made in PET, paper, fabric or special materials.
Antenna: Conductive component that allows RFID to transmit and receive data. Larger antennas pick up more energy allowing for greater ranges. Common materials: aluminum and copper.
Microchip: A component that stores data and is characterized by:
Antenna
Microchip
Substrato
Depending on the type of passive RFID, the devices operate on different frequency bands, each with specific characteristics:
LF (Low Frequency): these RFID tags have a reading range of few centimetres. The most used frequencies are at 125 Khz or 135 Khz and due to these features, they are adopted for anticounterfeiting and access control.
HF (High Frequency): these RFID tags work at 13.56 Mhz. Today, this band is considered universal due to its range of applications with a reading up to 1.20 m.
UHF (Ultra-high Frequency): these RFID tags work at a frequency of 886 MHz or 915 MHz and they have a reading range up to 15 m. For this reason, they are integrated into several fields like retail, logistic and inventory management.
NFC(Near Field Communication): these RFID tags operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and have a reading range of few centimetres. They are commonly used for applications as customers engagement.
In the world of RFID, there are different types of products, each designed for specific applications.
Among the most common are:
Inlay
Designed to operate in the LF, HF, UHF, and NFC frequency bands, these devices are widely used in various industries. They are divided into:
Hardtags
These tags are made to meet particular requirements and are compatible with LF, HF, and UHF frequencies. Key features include resistance to dust, chemicals and mechanical stress, as well as protection against temporary immersion in water. Some models offer adhesion to metal, resistance to high temperatures, or temperature and humidity detection capabilities.
Dual-frequency tags
These tags can operate on two different frequency bands, such as LF + HF or HF + UHF, allowing you to switch between read technologies as needed. This flexibility makes them ideal for scenarios where multiple RFID systems need to coexist.
Sensor tags
Equipped with built-in sensors, these tags can monitor and record environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, or motion. They offer real-time control capabilities, increasing safety, operational efficiency, and process sustainability.
RFID technology has its own characteristics that, if not known and managed, can affect the correct functioning of an RFID system, such as:
Reflects radio waves, hindering reading
Very high or very low temperatures can greatly affect the proper functioning of RFID
Absorb and reduce the power of radio waves
When two RFID tags are overlapped or in contact, reading/writing is very likely to fail.
Reading is more efficient when the reader's tag and antenna are parallel. If they are not properly aligned, reading or writing can be difficult or impossible.
Identifying the right RFID tag can be complex, and it’s crucial to carefully analyze the end application and the specific use case. For a correct choice, it is useful to start from the following aspects:
In addition to these, there are other determining factors:
The integrated circuit (IC) also plays a key role: it defines available memory, read range, operating frequency, security level and price of the tag. Its correct choice ensures performance that is truly adapted to the needs of the application. To choose the most correct RFID, we can put you in touch with the main manufacturers of RFID TAGs.
Serialization systems, such as barcodes and QR codes, are widely used tools for identifying products, but they have structural limitations: they always require eye contact, allow only one item to be read at a time, and can be easily cloned. RFID overcomes these constraints thanks to the radio frequency reading, the ability to manage multiple products simultaneously and the possibility of updating the stored data without reprinting, making processes safer, faster and more automatable.
Reading Mode
Barcode
Optical
RFID
Radio Frequency
Visual Contact
Barcode
Sì
RFID
Not necessary
Reading
Barcod
One product per time
RFID
Multiple products per time
Clonability
Barcode
Sì
RFID
No
Data Editing
Barcode
Reprinting
RFID
Possibility to edit the embedded data
Memory
Barcode
Up to 3 KB
RFID
From 64 bit to 8 KB*
*depends on the type of frequency
Although often confused with each other, RF and RFID technologies cover very different needs. Traditional RF is mainly designed for anti-theft and only allows you to detect the presence of an item, without being able to differentiate it from others. RFID, on the other hand, adds a layer of intelligence: each object becomes uniquely identifiable and readable at greater distances, enabling advanced processes such as traceability, automation and integration with sophisticated business systems.
Reading Mode
RF
Radio Frequency (RF) and Acousto Magnetic
RFID
Radio Frequency
Features
RF
Identification
RFID
Identification and unique Identity
Reading
RF
Up to 1 m
RFID
Up to 30 m
Memory
RF
No
RFID
Sì
Applications
RF
Anti-theft
RFID
Unique identification, traceability, customer engagement, …
The implementation of RFID technology can support companies in sustainability in several ways:
Antenna
Microchip
Substrato
Since 2004 we have been manufacturing highly automated and innovative industrial machinery for companies in the label and packaging sector aimed at the production of RFID products such as RFID labels, RFID tickets, RFID tags and many others.
RFID and NFC represent two versions of the same technology. NFC is a type of high-frequency RFID (HF RFID 13.56 MHz), it works only a few centimeters and is designed for applications such as contactless payments and access control. RFID, on the other hand, covers various frequencies (LF, HF, UHF) and acts at longer distances, even reading multiple tags together and covering different applications such as logistics automation and inventory control.
The main industries in which RFID technology is used on a large scale are logistics, transport, retail, fashion, automotive and healthcare.
RFID Transponder is simply a synonym for RFID inlay; this terminology is mostly used by chip and RFID technology manufacturers. In summary, it is a more technical and engineering term, which describes the function of this object of “transmitting” and “responding” different data, which together form the word “transponder”.
RFID Tag means the finished label, of various kinds (paper, cardboard, etc.), which contains an RFID inlay that performs all the electronic functions required by the specific reference application. Commonly the same word “RFID Tag” is also used as a synonym for RFID inlay; However, it is not an entirely correct use.
In alphabetical order, the main manufacturers of passive RFID inlays are: Avery Dennison Smartrac, Beontag, Checkpoint, Tageos and Talkin’ things. We work with all the major RFID inlay manufacturers mentioned to ensure you always have the right contact person for your project.
Although the theoretical basis behind RFID technology was developed in the 1940s by Leon Theremin, the invention of modern RFID technology is attributed to Mario Cardullo, who in 1973 registered the first patent for an RFID transponder with readable and writable memory.
Non-conforming product marking or reconciliation
We integrate Videojet 1280/ VJ1580+
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what enables a wide range of benefits
For the operator:
Possibility of having a single panel where every machining parameter can be configured
For net plant productivity:
Reduction of setup time and guarantee of constant and correct functioning of the unit
Non-conforming Product Marking Functionality
The machine process automatically handles the marking of non-conforming products by integrating it within the error management process chosen for production.
Functionality of printing on the back of the material
The machine process automatically manages the printing of variable data on the back of the material (liner) for each reconciliation requirement by integrating their management within the error management process chosen for production.
Ability to integrate other third-party CIJ systems
Other third-party CIJ printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Thermal transfer printing
We integrate Videojet Dataflex 6530
The unit has been fully integrated into the machine control panel what allows a wide range of advantages
Ability to integrate other third-party TTO systems
Other third-party TTO printing systems can be integrated upon development of the command-and-control interface.
Spark Cam™
Vision inspection system
What is SPARK CAM?
SPARK CAM™ is a high-performance vision inspection system fully designed and built by our R&D department to control print quality during production.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the most popular inspection systems including: Decosystem and Lake image.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of benefits
Single system to manage the Print Ǫuality of graphics and Variable
Single system where two control macro areas can be activated with different libraries related to specific production needs:
Print Ǫuality Inspection:
Libraries for the inspection of security elements, scratches, smears, streaks, stains, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Thanks to our vision engineering department, it is, in addition, possible to directly develop customized control features.
Print Ǫuality inspection of Variable Data:
Libraries for OCR control (with a full range of fonts/special characters), machine readable codes also with grading features according to international standards:
With a wide range of codes and encoding protocols including: ǪRcode, Data Matrix, … and with GS1 coding standards, ….
Wide range of available templates
Due to the fact that we make our inspection systems in-house, Graphimecc can meet any production requirement.
Available are:
both black-and-white or color systems, and with a wide range of resolutions to fit every inspection specification.
Spark Jet™
Inkjet printer
What is SPARK JET?
SPARK Jet™, is an inkjet printing system completely designed and built by our R&D department to go beyond the frequent limitations of traditional printing systems.
The system reliability is also the result of more than two decades of direct market experience with some of the manufacturers of the most popular inkjet printing systems such as: Domino, Videojet, REA JET.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel which enables a wide range of advantages:
High performance and print quality
SPARK JET™ offers different print resolutions depending on the production speed. Thus, you can get a high-quality product (600x600dpi) or lose definition slightly to increase production speed.
Modular print height
Each printing module has a printing height of 54mm.
The SPARK JET printing system is fully modular and can be composed to achieve the desired print height without any limitation.
Wide range of inks that can be used
SPARK JET™ can be configured to print with different base inks:
This flexibility allows adaptation to the widest range of materials, managing every production requirement.
Single-color, multi-color system
SPARK JET™ is available in two versions:
Automatic cleaning system
To maximise the durability of SPARK JET™ print heads, we have developed an automatic cleaning system that is fully managed via the machine’s central panel. This system cleans the heads every X hours of printing (with X being a parameter that can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the print and substrate) and positions them so that they rest in a way that protects them from ink drying inside the nozzles.
Furthermore, as it is fully motorised, it allows for easy and precise adjustment of the print head’s height and transverse position relative to the material.
High-precision adjustment holder
Each SPARK JET™ system is equipped, as a basic feature, with a high-precision adjustment system that, in the absence of the automatic cleaning system, allows the adjustment of the printer position both in height (distance from the substrate) and in transverse position with respect to the material.
With this option, the head cleaning and resting activities are manual.
Spark RFID™
RFID antenna and reader
What is Spark RFID?
Spark RFID™ is a system completely designed and built by our R&D department and allows to control and encode any RFID TAG (UHF, HF, NFC, BLE and RF, …), ensuring maximum reliability and efficiency.
The system reliability is also the result of continuous collaboration with chip and Inlay manufacturers such as:
Modular system that can be configured according to individual needs
Due to its modular structure SPARK RFID can be configured in different modes to allow the best productivity according to production needs and the type of RFID to be processed.
Easy encoding, even for inexperienced operators
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG RFID Memory Map™ editor, the creation of any type of encoding finally becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ǫuick and intuitive setup, even for inexperienced operators
Setting up RFID production becomes quick and accessible to every operator; thanks to the high level of automation, our machines can be operated autonomously by any finishing operator without requiring specific knowledge of electronics or telecommunications.
System fully integrated into the machine control panel
The system is fully integrated into the machine control panel allowing a wide range of advantages
100% compliant with regulatory standards
Certified CE Marking
CE marking plays an increasingly important role in protecting operators and the enterprise.
For Graphimecc this is an indispensable value.
Advanced levels of automation
Integration with external software
The machine is natively integrable either directly or with the GM ENTERPRISE™ CMS with any ERP and enterprise database ensuring secure, real-time data exchange.
Usable by any operator
Fully graphical interface
Designed to be usable by any operator regardless of experience level.
Advanced operator login
Integration with user management via corporate Active Directory for machine access in compliance with internal security policies.
To certify the quality of production
Automatic production reports
The machine generates various production reports fully automatically and with customisable content.
Automatically eliminates all production errors
ZERO™: the technology that enables you to produce a 100% error free finished
Developed since 1999, it is now in its 5th generation and is the most advanced technology for:
ZERO™ represents the next generation of quality finishing in that it allows:
ZERO™: the technology that guarantees the highest productivity
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ enables productivity levels up to 10 times higher than other solutions available on the market.
ZERO™ allows you to choose between 21 different error management processes to meet every production need.
Detects all errors with absolute precision
Inspection of Variable data
You can manage the control of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
Inspection of printing defects of the graphic products
You can manage the inspection of various printing defects typically related to the graphics part such as: scratches, smudges, streaks, spots, ink splashes, ghost effects, torn material, creases, color deviation, …
Modular control features
With our fully graphical GMG Layout EditorTM, configuration of each control feature becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to customize the vision system to your specific needs
Machine configuration also allows you to choose the vision system best suited to your production needs:
Our specialty since 1999
Print every type of variable data
You can manage the printing of any type of variable data: OCR, Linear Barcode (1D and 2D), 2D Matrix Barcodes with different encoding types (Industrial, GS1, …).
OCR
Linear barcodes 1D
Matrix barcodes 2D
Advanced Variable Data Printing Functionality
Thanks to our fully graphical GMG Layout Editor™, creating any type of variable data printout becomes intuitive and accessible to everyone.
Ability to manage any type of protocol and sequence
Variable data printing can be configured by choosing from a wide range of fonts and codes to which sequences of all types can be linked, being able to meet every production need.
Possibility to integrate a wide range of printing systems
The machine can be configured by integrating different printing units to best meet production needs and investment budget.
