RFID Site Survey

An RFID site survey, much like an RF site survey, is a physical survey of the premises where the RFID processes will occur. A survey identifies optimal locations for the RFID tags on the products, as well as the optimal locations for readers so the RFID processes work 100% of the time.

When considering the use of wireless equipment, it is extremely difficult to predict the propagation of radio waves and detect the presence of interfering signals without the use of specialized test equipment. Even with omni-directional antennas, radio waves do not travel the same distance in all directions. Walls, doors, elevator shafts, people, and other obstacles offer varying degrees of attenuation, which cause the radio frequency (RF) radiation pattern to be irregular and unpredictable. As a result, an RFID site survey should be performed to understand fully the behavior of radio waves within a facility before installing any wireless devices.

The goal of an RFID site survey is to gather enough information and data to determine the number and placement of your work points that will provide the coverage required. Coverage required usually means the support of a minimum data rate in a given area. An RF site Survey will also detect the presence of radio interference coming from other sources that could degrade the performance of the wireless LAN.

The need and complexity of an RFID site survey will vary depending on the size of the facility and the work that is to be accomplished. A site survey is a good idea for the use of any wireless device because without a survey, users could end up with inadequate coverage and suffer from low performance in some areas. The purchase of wireless equipment is no small expenditure, so it is best not to leave any portion of the project up to chance.

To ensure the accuracy of the final site survey report that Barcoding Inc. delivers, only the latest and most sophisticated equipment is used. Handheld Spectrum Analyzers are used as a guiding tool to begin the survey. Afterwards, actual equipment is tested and retested, and then finally the report is generated with the consulting of the facility manager for current or future plans

RFID Site Survey and Analysis

• We’ll conduct a Spectrum Analysis to determine the presence and level of any existing RF interference.
• Through on-site testing, we’ll validate the hardware recommendations from the Process Analysis.
• By tagging and reading your products, under actual conditions, we’ll determine read range capabilities and needs.

Related Links

• RFID Evaluation Kits
• Choosing the right RFID reader
• RFID reader options by application
• Top 10 RFID Myths and Realities

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For Further Information

Contact us for a complimentary evaluation of your needs.