REMS RFID

RFID technology is a valuable tool for auto identification that is utilized in several Retriever Software modules.  However, it is not a direct replacement for either linear or two dimensional bar codes.  Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses.

For a primer on the general principles of RFID technology, we recommend you visit Wikipedia…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rfid

Evacuee Tracking

One advantage of RFID is the ability to read an RFID tag embedded in an Evacuee wristband (or ID Card) faster than a bar coded wristband can be read.  There is no scan beam to align with the bar code symbol.  There is no need to flatten out the bar code to get a good read.    This helps to speed up the process of loading Evacuees onto buses for evacuation. 

Short-range RFID tags are most appropriate for use by personnel loading Evacuees onto buses.  The short-range nature of the tag insures that only one Evacuee wristband is read at a time.

Long-range tags are only appropriate for non-mission-critical tracking of Evacuee movements or Shelter events.  It should never be assumed that every Evacuee with a long-range wristband is successfully read when they pass a long-range RFID Reader.