RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is used in food supply chains for automated tracking of pallets and cases, cold chain monitoring, and inventory management. RFID enables faster, more accurate receiving and shipping operations compared to barcode scanning.
UHF RFID in Food Distribution
Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID at 860–960 MHz is the standard for food distribution applications. UHF RFID enables reading of multiple tags simultaneously without line-of-sight, making it suitable for automated dock door reading and conveyor scanning. GS1 EPC encoding on RFID tags enables integration with GS1-based traceability systems.
Cold Chain Monitoring
Temperature-sensing RFID tags can monitor cold chain conditions throughout the supply chain. These tags record temperature data at regular intervals and can alert supply chain managers to temperature excursions in real time. Cold chain monitoring data can be linked to lot traceability records to demonstrate compliance with food safety requirements.