RFID (radio frequency identification) is currently the most innovative technology used for automatic identification and data collection purposes.

It uses a microchip connected to an antenna (together called a transponder) to store information.

The advantage of RFID over other kinds of machine-readable technology such as barcodes or magnetic stripes lies in the fact that communication between the read/write unit and the transponder is contactless. Neither visual nor physical contact is necessary.

The energy needed to read, write and transmit information is generated by an electromagnetic field when it passes through the transponder’s antenna. The position of the card during the reading process is totally irrelevant.

RFID media are impervious to moisture, dirt and mechanical influences.