- Smart Card
These cards are integrated with microchips that can store a vast amount of data. The device is embedded with chip cards and integrated circuits that have the capability of storing much information about a client. They are integrated into ATMs machine cards that are used to enhance the processing of business transactions. Also, their authentication process is safe as it is reliable.
Advantages:
Security: the secure key is the only process in which critical information stored in the smart card can be retrieved. This makes the device reliable and confident as the data stored cannot leak to third parties.
Storage: Due to its large storage capacity, it can store a lot of information regarding financial reports, procurement information, sales report, research, and marketing information, and henceforth. Most established businesses organization use the device to process business transactions.
Integrity: The smart card has sophisticated features that enable data to be stored permanently. Information stored cannot be distorted by somebody.
Disadvantages:
- Damage: unfavorable environmental conditions, for instance, high temperatures can affect its operation.
- RFID
The systems apply radio waves or radiofrequency waves to disseminate information. Bar code technology is used to read tags within a range of 20 meters apart. It can read hundreds of tags within a short period, thus, more convenient and reliable to use. Businesses can integrate the system into various operational functions in the company to increase efficiency and reduce pilferage. It can be used to trace inventory movement within the organization. Radiofrequency identification can be classified into Ultra Frequency, high frequency, and Low Frequency.
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Parts of RFID:
Tags: They are embedded in items so that radio waves can identify them. The antenna transmits information signals while the chip stores the tag details.
RFID reader:
The RFID reader in a system of interconnected RFID tags that enables it to transmit and receive signals. Readers disseminate waves to the RFID tags. RFID readers can be classified into those that are mobile RFID tags and fixed RFID readers. Fixed RFID readers are installed at a specific point. Mostly are used in the supermarkets at the end of sale position, and in the inventory, store to assist in conducting a stock take. Mobile RFID readers are flexible and handheld. The user can move freely within many different locations, reading the RFID tags. Information can be communicated to various computers and the central server without any significant problems as long as the radio waves are available. Mobile readers can be classified into computing devices and those readers that use an auxiliary connection, for instance, the Bluetooth
Advantages and disadvantages of RFID
Types of RFID:
- Low-frequency RFID can be used to perform many functions, including animal tracking, access monitoring, car key-fob, used with adequate volumes of metals and liquids. Despite having a low information transmission, a limited quantity of memory, high production costs, it can be used to work well over a short-range with liquids and metals
- High-frequency RFID has a strong capability of reading library books, personal id cards, poker/gaming chips, DVD kiosks, and NFC applications. Its advantage is that it accepted globally. The main disadvantage of high-frequency RFID is that its transmission speed and range is low.
- Ultra-High Frequency:
It can be classified into active RFID and Passive RFID. Active RFID applied in tracking assets in the company, tracing minerals during mining activities, Auto manufacturing activities, to mention a few. Its advantages include low installation cost, can read over a wide area compared to passive RFID, that has a large memory capacity and high data transmission speed rates. Passive is frequently used in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, Electronic tolling, inventory tracking, and asset tracking. Its main advantage is that it can integrate various sizes and shapes of tags, high transmission rates. Finally, some cons include interfering in metals and liquids, average memory capacity, and the high cost of equipment.