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Q: What are the key components of an RFID system?


RFID systems are composed of many common elements, and include tags (also known as transponders or inlays), readers, antennas and application software. However, depending on the requirements of the application, the actual make-up of these components can vary greatly in size, form factor and cost.

Q: How does RFID work?


All RFID systems transmit digital data between a reader and transponder via radio waves. PDC is focused on passive RFID systems in which an inlay – a combination of microchip and antenna – receives and transmits data only when coupled with a reader and antenna, typically at a range of 5 inches or less. The reader is controlled by a host computer or on-board microprocessor and determines the appropriate read or write operation.Active RFID systems use transponders with an on-board battery to boost the effective operating range of the tag, and are often used for real-time location systems or environmental sensing and storage. This added functionality comes at a significant cost vs. typical passive systems.

Q: What are the advantages of RFID over barcodes?


Barcodes application at events is limited as they only have the ability to read information. RFID technology has a much wider and secure application as it has the ability to read, write and modify the information stored on your customers RFID tag. Additional advantages of RFID include better read range and being far more difficult to replicate.

Q: What are RFID wristbands?


They’re just regular wristbands with tiny RFID tokens embedded into them. You distribute them to event-goers either before or at the start of an event. During the event, these wristbands serve as a replacement for paper tickets, wallets and more.

Q: How is this any different from paper tickets?


The main advantage RFID systems have over tickets with barcodes printed on them is in the scanning range and flexibility, as well as additional functionality that can be tied into the token – cashless payments, social media, etc. Additionally, the ability to ‘wear’ the RFID token in a form of a wristband means less hassle for attendees’ and decreased risk of lost tickets or theft.

Q: I’m still not sure this will help improve my event…


That’s understandable – you’ve been doing paper ticketing for ages, why switch to some newfangled technology? However, there are a few really great reasons to consider setting up an RFID system at your events. For example, you can:Speed up entry and reduce queuing times, which creates a better experience for your attendeesGo cashless, which tends to encourage patrons to spend more (up to 30%!)Create new types of social activations, which can help you score larger sponsorship deals

Q: Can the RFID wearable tech. get wet?


RFID tags are durable, small and thin enough to be attached or embedded into products. This means that they are much less vulnerable to water damage. There are specific tags manufactured to withstand water damage, to differing degrees depending on the intended application. Some washable tags are used in laundry, some water and pressure resistant tags are used in deep sea applications. The important thing is the casing around the aerial and microchip.

Q: What information is stored on an RFID tag?


RFID tags have a memory chip installed allowing storage of an item’s; location, serial number, manufacturer, photo, use history, a maintenance schedule and much more. The speed of this data capture using an RFID system is less than 5% of the time taken in a manual process.

Q: What various network capabilities does the RFID Network work off of?


  • WiFi – Connecting to a network can be done using a strong WiFi connection.
  • Bluetooth – Bluetooth will allow an RFID reader to connect to a computer and remain wireless throughout the process. This means Bluetooth can be used on handhelds for connecting to smart devices like phones and tablets.
  • LAN – Local Area Network. This option would mean using an Ethernet cable to join a network. Once on the network, the reader can interact with connected devices.
  • Serial – Connect directly to a host computer using serial ports. This would be used for systems using only one reader.

Q: How much does it cost?


Prices vary on the event and the size of the event. The important question around cost is what can be saved in monetary terms from an RFID system. If you have a problem locating, losing or correctly allocating assets then an RFID system could save more than it costs in a very short timescale.

Q: What about going cashless? How would that work?


RFID tags can be used as ‘digital wallets’ that attendees use to pay for food, drinks and merchandise. Attendees simply present their wristband to the vendor, who would then use his Token device or smartphone to charge them for whatever they’re buying. This can be used alongside traditional payment methods or as a means go running completely cashless events.

Q: Will I need an RFID reader or can I use my smartphone?


Most modern smartphones, especially Android models, come with NFC – near-field communications – which allows them to read RFID tags at certain frequencies. However, using a proprietary RFID reader gives you better range and battery life.

Q: How secure is RFID?


Very secure. Token builds on-top of the default un-hackable NXP encryption and applies our own bank grade encryption to keep your customers minds at ease.

Q: Does RFID have privacy implications?


RFID makes it much easier to collect data automatically, and certain concerns have been raised over this. From an event organizer’s perspective, it’s important to keep everything over the board, give patrons the tools to understand what they is being collected and how it is being used, and to opt out if they wish to do so. You should also make sure you’re not posting anything on social media without the patron’s consent.

Q: How does access control with RFID work?


1. Customers present their barcoded ticket at the gate.

2. Tickets are scanned before being presented with an activated RFID wristband.

3. Customer information is transferred to the RFID wristband within a matter of seconds and the customer is quickly admitted to the event.

Q: What are the benefits of access control?


Using access control gives event organizers a simple-yet-powerful way of leveraging RFID technology to run better and smoother events. Some of the unique advantages of this include:

  • No paper, no fraud
  • Security and Control over multiple zones
  • Lightning-fast Entry Times
  • Real-time Customer & Capacity Insight
  • Seamless integration with your ticketing software
  • Elimination of costly human errors

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