RAIN RFID 101: An Introduction and Ideal Verticals for This Technology

See how this technology can solve challenges other data collection solutions couldn’t.

Businesses looking for real-time data are sure to benefit from adopting RAIN RFID. This technology aids organizations in various industries, such as warehouse, supply chain and healthcare, seeking practical and accurate inventory management and asset tracking solutions. RAIN RFID’s ability to locate, authenticate, identify, and communicate with every single item has vast potential to provide value to your clients.

RAIN RFID tags use wireless and battery-free technology to communicate via passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification. To encourage the broadest possible use of the technology, the RAIN Alliance advocates for adopting the technology using the GS1 UHF Gen2 protocol, ISO/IEC standardized as 18000-63.

The RAIN RFID Alliance’s goal is truly interoperable technology. International Standards Organization (ISO) and GS1 are developing global specifications that will enable organizations worldwide to adopt RAIN RFID seamlessly. Global interoperability will minimize manual interventions to share data with partners or customers. For example, RAIN RFID can track items or shipments moving through the supply chain from manufacturer to shipper to distribution centre to retailer. Because every link in the chain operates on the same standard, supply chain partners can read the tags, collect the data, and transmit it to all relevant parties without breaking the chain of custody.

RAIN RFID has already connected billions of pallets, medical technology, and other assets and devices in warehouses, shipping operations, and enterprises across Europe. It is now the fastest-growing segment of the RFID market.

RAIN RFID’s Value in Specific Vertical Markets

RAIN RFID translates the physical world into actionable digital data. Each tag has a unique identification number, and the data on the tags can be sent anywhere at any time to wireless short or long-range RFID readers. The information from these tags can go beyond simply identifying a product by type. Tags can also provide unique information about individual items, even without a direct line of sight, helping to keep the total cost of ownership (TCO) low. The exact location can be fine-tuned from within a metre to within a centimetre, depending on the needs of the business.

The technology can also identify many items per second, making it a viable solution for these verticals:

• Warehouse

RAIN RFID tags on assets allow automatic inventory tracking throughout warehouse processes from receiving to shipping. Warehouse managers no longer need to rely only on manual inventory management. A RAIN RFID system can show them where every tagged item is in real time, increasing the accuracy of inventory counts.

RAIN RFID can also help warehouse operations save time and money by verifying the items inside boxes or packaging. Operators can verify shipments by automatically confirming that contents match orders and are bound for the correct destination. Therefore, warehouses can reduce or eliminate costs from re-shipping erroneous orders. Real-time alerts can also inform employees if they’ve accidentally loaded a box on the wrong pallet.

• Supply Chain

The most significant RAIN RFID benefit for supply chain operations is communicating quickly and accurately with all stakeholders. This visibility allows manufacturers, distributors, and end users or customers to access real-time data and react to changes in shipments or schedules as needed. Retailers with omnichannel distribution operations can also benefit. RAIN RFID can track inventory, orders, and shipment from an ecommerce fulfilment centre to in-store or curbside pickup or other options.

• Healthcare

Healthcare providers can leverage RAIN RFID in a range of use cases. RAIN RFID can immediately locate supplies, equipment, or surgical instruments. It can also provide the exact quantity and their status without manual counting or checking spreadsheets. The unique permanently stored identifier in each RFID tag allows healthcare providers to validate every item, reducing concerns over counterfeiting and risks to patient safety. RAIN RFID also provides pharmacists with a practical approach to mediation tray management. Medication trays and treatments labelled with RAIN RFID tags confirm the right medications are in the tray and enable tracking to the patient. After the treatment or procedure, the tray transmits information, letting the pharmacy team know which medications to refill or replace.

Educate Your Clients About The Value of RAIN RFID

RAIN RFID is designed for granular data collection and easy data sharing across an organization or partner ecosystem. This versatile technology can help you solve business challenges that other data collection solutions cannot. Share the advantages of RAIN RFID with your clients and how this technology can enhance their operations.