Introduction to radio frequency identification (RFID) in apparel

6 pages, published in Issue 3, 3rd Quarter 2008   Report price: Euro 275.00; US$ 365.00

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems provide a method of automatically identifying, locating and tracking manufactured products over distances of up to several hundred metres.

They are most commonly used in the apparel industry in conjunction with inventory management systems to track the whereabouts of individual items of clothing.

An RFID system comprises three main components, namely:

• electronic tags;
• an RFID reader; and
• RFID inventory management computer software.

Electronic tags are attached to items of stock. Each tag is digitally-coded with information about the item’s characteristics, such as its size, colour, price, age and/or date and country of manufacture.

Tags can also be attached to a box, or batch, of items. Such tags contain information about all the items in the batch, including the total number of items contained within the batch.

The information in the tags is then picked up on an RFID reader via radio waves. The reader gathers data from the tags by transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals to and from the electronic tags.

The data collected on the RFID reader are then accumulated and presented to the user via RFID inventory management computer software. The software, which creates a central database of information, enables users to refresh, update, read, analyse and react to data which have been gathered.

Buy this Report now	Buy this Issue (3) now	Subscribe

• Developments in Apparel Technology, (July-August 2007)
• Editorial: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): Saving Costs and Improving Logistics in Hospital Garment and Laundry Operations, (4th quarter 2006)

Global Apparel Markets provides intelligence, analysis and insight on the global apparel and fashion industries.

What's in it? Each issue contains data and expert analysis on key industry topics, including: artificial intelligence (AI); augmented reality (AR); consumer expenditure; corporate social responsibility (CSR); cotton; denim; environmental sustainability; fibres; imports and exports; key geographical markets; labour law; product innovations; regulation; retail; sourcing; strategy; supply chains; and trade and trade policy. A single issue of Global Apparel Markets includes: practical and strategic advice from an industry expert a report on a key geographical market a round-up of the latest product innovations a feature on trade and trade policy comprehensive coverage of the latest business news An annual subscription to Global Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global apparel and fashion industries. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Global Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Global Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "We welcome the publication of Global Apparel Markets in joining our mission to communicate the challenges and opportunities facing the world's Textile and Apparel industries to a global audience" (Michael Duck; Director; APLF Ltd, organisers of Prime Source Forum)