Electronic tags are a contactless automatic identification technology that automatically identifies the target object and obtains relevant data through radio frequency signals. Electronic tags consist of two components - tags and readers that collect data from tags. Tags are divided into passive tags and active tags. Each tag contains a small integrated circuit that stores data and a micro copper coil that sends and receives signals from the reader like an antenna. Passive tags send information with the help of signals sent by readers, while active tags can actively and continuously send stronger signals than passive tags with their own batteries. When using electronic tags to collect product data, the reader does not need to be aligned with the tag, eliminating the trouble of manual scanning. Usually, the signal range of passive tags is 6 to 10 meters, while the signal range of active tags is about 50 meters.
Compared with the barcode technology that is widely used now, electronic tags can not only save manual operation, but also have the advantages of waterproof, anti-magnetic, high temperature resistance, long service life and large reading distance. In addition, since the data on the electronic tag can be encrypted, the storage capacity is large, and the stored information can be changed, it has a wider range of applications and is more convenient to use than barcodes.
Suppliers can enter detailed information about the product, such as product model, origin, manufacturer, and product batch, into the electronic tag. When the labeled box passes through the reader, the tag transmits the product data to the reader, and the reader downloads the data to the central processor to generate the enterprise's product list management database. In this way, the process of product production, transportation, and sales can be clearly understood and grasped, making the procurement, warehousing, and distribution process more convenient. In addition, with the help of electronic tags, real-time monitoring of raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products, transportation, warehousing, distribution, shelf, final sales, and even return processing can be achieved, which can reasonably control product inventory and realize intelligent management of logistics.
Of course, electronic tags are not perfect. At present, there are still problems in technology, such as the limited signal recognition range, metal and liquid objects will interfere with the propagation of radio frequency signals and affect the correctness of reading; economically, there is still the problem of too high cost affecting promotion; in terms of standards, there is still confusion. So far, there is no mature unified standard in the world, and the electronic tag products launched by various manufacturers are not highly compatible, which hinders the use of electronic tag products.
Under the trend of global economic integration, countries are improving electronic tag technology, striving to reduce costs, and conducting extensive technical cooperation to formulate unified standards. Some experts believe that electronic tags are expected to replace commodity barcodes in the near future and bring revolutionary changes to global logistics management.
