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RFID: The Key to Smarter Access Control and Enhanced Security

In the rapidly advancing landscape of access control systems, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a powerful and versatile solution, revolutionizing the way organizations manage secure access. Using radio waves for data exchange, RFID tags embedded in key cards, fobs, wristbands, or stickers seamlessly communicate with RFID readers, offering a streamlined and secure access process. This blog explores the intricate workings of RFID access control systems, shedding light on their simplicity of operation, prevention of unauthorized access, protection of intellectual property, enhanced operational efficiency, scalability, improved safety and security, and lower maintenance costs.

Simplicity of operation

To gain access to an automation controller or HMI, the user presents his or her RFID card, equipped with an embedded antenna and circuitry, to the RFID reader typically installed at or near an operator control station. When the card comes within the reader’s range, it induces a current, activating and reading the card.

RFID badges ensure only only authorized individuals can use the machines or get into specific areas. This makes everything safer and faster. Plus, it’s super easy to use: just show your card to the reader.

The simplicity extends to RFID access control systems are incredibly simple to operate, where users receive RFID tags, cards, key fobs, or even wristbands. To gain access to a restricted area, the user simply presents the RFID tag to the readerwhich scans the tag, verifies the stored information, and grants or denies access. There’s no need to remember complex codes or carry physical keys, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.

Prevention of unauthorized access

RFID access control systems enhance security by allowing access only to authorized individuals. This helps businesses avoid potential costs associated with security incidents such as theft and vandalism. If a security incident does occur, the data collected by the RFID system can also aid in investigations, potentially leading to recovery of losses.

In a competitive industrial setting, safeguarding intellectual property and trade secrets is also crucial. Unauthorized access to machinery and sensitive areas can result in industrial espionage or theft of valuable information, highlighting the importance of RFID access control systems that ensure entry only for authorized individuals.

Enhanced operational efficiency

RFID access control systems streamline the process of granting access to authorized personnel, thereby reducing administrative effort and increasing operational efficiency. With RFID, lost or stolen tags can be easily deactivated and replaced, eliminating the need for rekeying locks or reissuing physical keys.

Scalability

RFID systems are easily scalable, allowing for cost-effective expansion as a company grows. Traditional access control systems often require significant investment to expand, particularly in large facilities. This expansion typically involves issuing new tags and installing additional readers, which can be done at a relatively low cost.

Improved safety and security

RFID access control systems improve safety in industrial environments by allowing only authorized personnel to operate machinery. This minimizes the risk of accidents caused by untrained or unauthorized individuals handling equipment. The unique signal emitted by RFID tags is exclusive to authorized readers, enhancing security compared to easily duplicable traditional keys or access cards. Additionally, if an RFID tag is lost or stolen, it can be promptly deactivated, preventing any unauthorized access.

Low maintenance costs

RFID systems are robust and require less maintenance than traditional lock-and-key systems. Unlike physical locks, RFID readers do not wear out with use. RFID tags are durable and resistant to environmental conditions, limiting the need for frequent replacement. This leads to additional cost savings in the long run.

RFID access control systems provide a compelling combination of security, convenience, and scalability, making them an excellent choice for many organizations. Users can easily present their card or key fob to the reader, and the scalability allows for cost-effective expansion as companies grow. The unique signal emitted by RFID tags enhances security, surpassing the limitations of passwords and addressing issues seen in biometric systems. Despite some drawbacks, the overall benefits of RFID systems make them a superior choice for secure access management.

RFID Basics – Gain Key Knowledge to Select the Best Fit System

As digitalization evolves, industrial companies are automating more and more manual processes. Consequently, they transfer paper-based tasks in the field of identification to digital solutions. One important enabling technology is radio frequency identification (RFID), which uses radio frequency to exchange data between two different entities for the purpose of identification. Since this technology is mature, many companies now trust it to improve their efficiency. Strong arguments for RFID technology include its contactless reading, which makes it wear-free. Plus, it’s maintenance-free and insensitive to dirt.

There are myriad applications for RFID in the manufacturing process, which can be clustered into the following areas:

- Asset management e.g. tool identification on machine tools or mold management on injection molding machines in plastic processing companies
- Traceability for work piece tracking in production
- Access control for safety and security purposes by instructed and authorized experts to ensure that only the right people can access the machine and change parameters, etc.

But not all RFID is the same. It is important to select the system type and components that are best suited for your application.

Frequencies and their best applications

RFID runs on three different frequency bands, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Low Frequency (LF)
LF systems are in the range of 30…300 kHz and are best suited for close range and for difficult conditions, such as metallic surroundings. Therefore, they fit perfectly in tool identification applications, such as in machine tools, Additionally, they are used in livestock and other animal tracking. The semiconductor industry (front end) relies on this frequency (134kHz) as well.

High Frequency (HF)
HF in the range of 3…30 MHz is ideal for parts tracking at close range up to 400 mm. With HF you can process and store larger quantities of data, which is helpful for tracking and tracing workpieces in industrial applications. But companies also use it for production control. It comes along with high data transmission speeds. Accordingly, it accelerates identification processes.

Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
UHF systems in the range of 300 MHz…3 GHz are widely used in intralogistics applications and typically communicate at a range of up to 6 m distance. Importantly, they allow bulk reading of tags.

RFID key components

Every RFID system consists of three components.

1. RFID tag (data carrier). The data carrier stores all kinds of information. It can be read and/or changed (write) by computers or automation systems. Read/write versions are available in various memory capacities and with various storage mechanisms. RFID tags are usually classified based on their modes of power supply, including:

– Passive data carriers: without power supply
– Active data carriers: with power supply

2. Antenna or Read/Write head. The antenna supplies the RFID tag with power and reads the data. If desired, it can also write new data on it.

3. Processing unit. The processing unit is used for signal processing and preparation. It typically includes an integrated interface for connecting to the controller or the PC system.

RFID systems are designed for some of the toughest environments and address just most identification applications in the plants. To learn more about industrial RFID applications and components visit www.balluff.us/rifd.

Why RFID is the VIP of 2019

The “most popular” annual lists don’t usually come out until the end of the year, but I think it is worth mentioning now three applications that have gained substantial momentum this year. With the Smart Factory concept being driven around the globe, RFID has emerged from the shadows and taken its place in the spotlight. The demand for a larger amount of data, more security, and increased visibility into the production process has launched RFID into a leading role when it comes to automation.

Machine Access Control

When considering RFID being utilized for access control, they think about readers located near doorways either outside the building or within the plant. While those readers operate much like the industrial readers, they typically cannot communicate over an industrial communication protocol like Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or IO-Link. With an industrial access control reader one can limit access to HMIs, PLCs, and various control systems by verifying the user and allowing access to the appropriate controls. This extra layer of security also ensures operator accountability by identifying the user.

Machine Tool ID

RFID has been used in machining centers for decades. However, it was used mostly in larger scale operations where there were acres of machines and hundreds of tools. Today it’s being used in shops with as few as one machine. The ROI is dependent on the number of tool changes in a shift; not necessarily just the number of machines and the number of tools in the building. The greater the number of tool changes, the greater the risk of data input errors, tool breakage, and even a crash.

Content verification

Since RFID is capable of reading through cardboard and plastic, it is commonly used to verify the contents of a container. Tags are fixed to the critical items in the box, like a battery pack or bag of hardware, and passed through a reader to verify their presence. If, in this case, two tags are not read at the final station then the box can be opened and supplied with the missing part before it ships. This prevents an overload on aftersales support and ensures customers get what they ordered.

While RFID is still widely used to address Work in Process (WIP), asset tracking, and logistics applications, the number of alternative applications involving RFID has skyrocketed due to an increase in demand for actionable data. Manufacturing organizations around the world have standardized on RFID as a solution in cases where accountability, reliability and quality are critical.