Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that dates back to World War II. These low-power radio waves have been used for decades as a data-collection and tracking system. Today, this technology is increasingly used as a security measure that’s built into ID badges. If you run a business that could benefit from touchless identification, an RFID wristband may be the right choice.

The History of RFID

RFID technology was originally developed by the British to identify friendly aircraft during World War II. Since then, it has become an integral part of data tracking for companies all over the world. Like a barcode, RFID chips are “read” by a scanner and communicate information to a system. They are typically used in warehouses and other product-focused businesses to track and monitor inventory.

In recent years, RFID technology has become an integral part of security and access processes in facilities, healthcare settings and schools. Identification cards are embedded with an RFID chip with data specific to that card’s holder. As employees use their cards to enter and exit different areas of a building, the data is communicated to a database. Security teams can monitor this data in the event of a breach or issue.

Benefits of RFID Technology

RFID technology offers a wide variety of benefits. Businesses that require a high level of security can rely on RFID cards to accurately trace employee movements and access. The technology itself can only be read by designated equipment, so a lost card doesn’t compromise sensitive information. In addition, in the event of an emergency, a security team can determine whether anyone remains in the building and where they are.

If your employees are required to clock in and out, RFID cards can be used to increase accuracy and eliminate a common practice known as “buddy punching” (when one employee clocks in or out for someone who isn’t actually there). The American Payroll Association reports that about 75% of U.S. companies are victims of buddy punching, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Finally, in our new post-pandemic reality, RFID technology is a smart way to keep employees and staff safe and healthy. The cards themselves are touchless; they only need to be held in front of a scanner to be read. This reduces the need for employees to physically interact with keypads and door handles. That, in turn, cuts down on the transmission of viruses and bacteria. This is especially important in healthcare and school environments, where the high-traffic nature of the setting means that countless hands have the potential to come into contact with surfaces every day.

Contact tracing — the procedure to mitigate viral outbreaks by tracking when and where a contagious person may have interacted with others — is effective but requires time and staff. RFID cards create a map of data that can then be used to determine who may have been exposed to COVID or other viruses so that those individuals can be contacted and tested.

By using RFID cards for automated contact tracing, healthcare facilities, businesses and schools can increase safety and reduce the chance of a major COVID-19 outbreak.

RFID Wristbands

If RFID technology would benefit your business, but you would prefer not to have staff carrying or wearing badges, RFID wristbands could be the right choice. Healthcare settings, clean-rooms and refrigerated facilities can all benefit from the use of RFID wristbands.

Not only do these wristbands carry the same benefits as RFID cards, but they can also help preserve sterile environments. Some wristbands are washable and sealed against moisture. Once wiped clean with sanitizer, they become the ultimate clean access device.

RFID wristbands are an effective way to incorporate touchless technology into your company’s processes. Safety, peace of mind and accurate time recording can all be achieved with contactless technology.

Shop with Confidence

ID Shop is your source for a full line of  RFID cards, wristbands and Prox cards,  that are compatible with almost any brand of radio frequency identification card reader or access control system. Call us at 844-443-7467 for expert assistance. We'll help you determine which card, tag, key fob or wristband is best for your facility and needs.