The global standards body said the new group will focus on four key areas: cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, validation of emerging use cases, and interoperability standards. Its work will span applications in medical devices, pharmaceutical packaging, and broader healthcare delivery systems.

Stefan Genser, Director of Sales at Identiv, has been named chair of the Healthcare SIG. Mike McCamon, Executive Director of the NFC Forum, will also play a central role in guiding the group’s direction. The SIG’s board includes some of the biggest names in tech and NFC development, with Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NuCurrent, NXP Semiconductors, Sony, and ST Microelectronics all represented.

McCamon said that global standardization is “vital to deliver patient safety and enhance user experiences as healthcare NFC adoption accelerates.” It is a sentiment that reflects the growing role NFC is playing in hospital settings, clinical trials, and supply chain verification for medications.

Genser added that the SIG plans to “leverage member expertise to standardize NFC’s role in healthcare while fostering cross-industry collaboration for improved patient and provider outcomes.” The emphasis on collaboration suggests the group intends to bring together device manufacturers, software developers, and healthcare providers to solve practical implementation challenges.

NFC technology has been gaining traction in healthcare for several years now. Tap-to-pair connections for medical devices, tamper-evident pharmaceutical packaging, and patient identification wristbands are all areas where the technology has found a foothold. But adoption has often been piecemeal, with individual companies developing proprietary solutions rather than working to shared standards.

The formation of a dedicated SIG signals that the NFC Forum sees healthcare as a sector where coordinated standards development could unlock significant growth. By bringing major chipmakers, device manufacturers, and platform companies together under one roof, the group aims to create a more unified framework for NFC in clinical and pharmaceutical settings.

An introductory webinar on NFC in healthcare was scheduled for June 16, 2026, and the NFC Forum has invited interested organizations to get involved in the SIG’s ongoing work.

Read more at https://nfc-forum.org/news/2026-05-nfc-forum-launches-healthcare-special-interest-group/

The post NFC Forum Launches Healthcare Special Interest Group first appeared on RFID News.

NFC: A Specialised Branch of HF RFID

At its core, NFC is a subset of High-Frequency (HF) RFID technology. Both NFC and HF RFID operate at 13.56 MHz and rely on the same principle of inductive coupling, where a reader generates a magnetic field that powers a passive tag through electromagnetic induction. The key standards underpinning NFC, including ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 18092, are built directly on established HF RFID protocols.

However, NFC distinguishes itself from general HF RFID in several important ways. While traditional HF RFID is typically one-directional, with a reader interrogating a passive tag, NFC supports genuine two-way communication between devices. It also operates at a much shorter range, typically four centimetres or less, which is a deliberate design choice that enhances security for sensitive transactions.

Three Modes of Operation

NFC devices can operate in three distinct modes, each serving different use cases.

Reader/Writer Mode allows an NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone to read data from, or write data to, passive NFC tags. These tags can be embedded in smart posters, product packaging, business cards, or stickers. When a phone is held near the tag, it wirelessly powers the chip through electromagnetic induction and reads the stored information, which might be a URL, contact details, or a command to launch an application. This mode is the foundation for smart poster campaigns and interactive marketing.

Peer-to-Peer Mode enables two active NFC devices to exchange data directly. Both devices generate their own radio frequency fields and take turns communicating. This mode supports sharing contacts, photos, files, or small data payloads simply by bringing two smartphones close together.

Card Emulation Mode transforms an NFC-enabled smartphone into a virtual contactless smart card. In this mode, the phone does not generate its own RF field. Instead, it responds to an external NFC reader just as a physical contactless card would. This is the mode that enables mobile payment services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, as well as digital transit passes and building access credentials.

Smartphone Interaction and Contactless Payments

The widespread adoption of NFC in smartphones has been the single biggest driver of the technology’s growth. When a consumer taps their phone at a point-of-sale terminal, the phone’s secure element, a tamper-resistant chip that stores payment credentials, communicates with the terminal using card emulation mode. The transaction is protected by dynamic tokenisation, meaning a unique token is generated for each payment rather than transmitting actual card details. Combined with biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition, NFC payments offer a level of security that surpasses traditional magnetic-stripe cards.

Smart Posters and Beyond

Beyond payments, NFC tags embedded in posters, product labels, and signage allow consumers to access digital content with a single tap. A smart poster at a bus stop might link to real-time schedule information, while an NFC tag on a wine bottle could connect to tasting notes and origin details. These passive tags require no battery and can be reprogrammed, making them a cost-effective tool for bridging physical products with digital experiences.

As the NFC Forum continues to advance its standards, including faster data rates, wireless charging capabilities, and support for Digital Product Passports, the technology is set to play an even larger role in connecting the physical and digital worlds.

The post NFC Explained: How Near Field Communication Relates to RFID first appeared on RFID News.

Retail Leading the Charge

UK retailers have been among the earliest and most enthusiastic adopters of RFID technology. Major high street brands and grocery chains are deploying UHF RFID at item level to tackle inventory accuracy, which typically jumps from around 65% to above 95% after implementation. Companies such as Checkpoint Systems, which manufactures over two billion RFID tags annually, and Keonn, which has partnered with retailers including John Lewis and Boots, are helping UK stores unlock benefits ranging from automated stock replenishment to loss prevention and self-checkout innovation. The rise of e-commerce fulfilment has further accelerated demand, with over 5,000 UK logistics and retail companies now integrating RFID with IoT platforms to gain end-to-end supply chain visibility.

The NHS: A Global Benchmark for Healthcare RFID

Perhaps nowhere is the UK’s RFID story more compelling than in the National Health Service. Several NHS trusts have become global exemplars for hospital asset tracking. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust operates the largest GS1-compliant passive RFID location system in the NHS, tracking 40,000 medical devices through more than 120 fixed readers and 350 connected antennae. Staff report spending 50% less time searching for equipment, translating to potential annual savings of GBP 2.6 million.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has cut average device search times to under 43 seconds using RFID, saving an estimated 88,000 staff hours per year across 2,500 employees. Their implementation earned recognition from NHS England and produced the Global Digital Exemplar blueprint for RFID and RTLS deployment. Other trusts, including NHS Lanarkshire, Mid Cheshire Hospitals, Royal Papworth Hospital, and United Lincolnshire Hospitals, are following suit with programmes covering everything from infusion pump tracking to cancer sample traceability. Many of these roll-outs fall under the Scan4Safety programme, a Department of Health and Social Care initiative promoting GS1 standards across clinical settings.

Key UK Integrators and Solution Providers

The UK benefits from a strong ecosystem of specialist RFID companies. CoreRFID brings over two decades of experience in tailored tracking and software solutions. RFiD Discovery has carved out a niche in healthcare and aviation baggage tracking, and is currently in discussions with NHS trusts to deploy automated contact tracing for infection control. Peak Technologies provides enterprise-grade RFID for supply chain management, while Zebra Technologies, Honeywell, and Impinj continue to expand their UK presence with hardware and software innovations spanning readers, tags, and cloud analytics platforms.

Government and Regulatory Tailwinds

The UK government’s push toward smart city infrastructure and digital public services is creating favourable conditions for RFID adoption. The Modern Digital Government Roadmap, published in January 2026, outlines plans to modernise public sector operations through technology including automated identification and data capture. Meanwhile, the EU Digital Product Passport regulation, which begins mandating item-level traceability for select product categories in 2026, is prompting UK manufacturers and exporters to invest in RFID-enabled compliance systems, even post-Brexit.

Additional funding signals reinforce the trend. The government has committed GBP 2 billion to artificial intelligence between 2026 and 2030, alongside GBP 500 million for an R&D Missions Accelerator Programme. These investments are expected to benefit RFID indirectly by advancing the AI and IoT platforms that increasingly underpin modern tag-reading infrastructure.

Opportunities Ahead

Looking forward, the convergence of RFID with AI, cloud computing, and IoT represents the biggest growth opportunity for UK adopters. Sustainability is another driver, with organisations embedding RFID into reusable packaging and circular economy workflows to improve lifecycle tracking and reduce waste. While challenges remain around upfront costs and SME awareness, the combination of proven NHS deployments, strong retail momentum, and supportive government policy positions the UK as a leading RFID market in Europe and beyond.

The post RFID in the UK: Adoption Trends, Key Players, and Opportunities first appeared on RFID News.

Tag Costs Have Hit New Lows

One of the most significant drivers behind RFID’s momentum in 2026 is the dramatic reduction in tag costs. Passive UHF inlays now sit between $0.05 and $0.15 per unit at high volumes, reflecting historic lows that are opening doors for organisations that previously considered the technology too expensive. Increased chip fabrication capacity, improved manufacturing yields, and large-scale sourcing by global retailers and brand owners have all contributed to this downward trend. For small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, these lower price points are removing one of the last major barriers to entry.

Improved Chip Performance

Alongside falling costs, RFID chip technology has advanced considerably. Modern UHF inlays feature enhanced antenna design and greater chip sensitivity, delivering reliable read performance even in dense, high-speed environments. Tags are getting smaller and more energy-efficient, enabling new applications in textiles, consumer goods, and smart packaging. Chipless RFID is also gaining traction as industries seek scalable alternatives that push costs even lower. These hardware improvements mean that RFID is no longer limited to warehouses and distribution centres; it is becoming viable at the individual item level across a wide range of sectors.

Software Maturity is Catching Up

For much of RFID’s history, the hardware led and the software lagged behind. That gap is closing rapidly. The industry is seeing a notable shift from basic middleware to full application platforms that deliver real-time scanning, advanced analytics, and deep supply chain integration. Enterprise software providers are building native RFID support into their platforms, and SaaS-based solutions are making deployment faster and more affordable. More than half of organisations now prefer integrated software platforms over standalone tools, a clear sign that the software ecosystem has matured to a point where it can deliver on the promise of the hardware.

Regulatory Drivers are Creating Urgency

Regulation is playing an increasingly important role in pushing RFID adoption forward. The EU Digital Product Passport, which mandates item-level traceability for select product categories starting in 2026, is one of the most prominent examples. In pharmaceuticals, requirements for drug traceability, cold-chain monitoring, and product authentication are making RFID an operational necessity rather than a nice-to-have. Food safety regulations are having a similar effect, with governments and industry bodies establishing interoperability standards that encourage global adoption. Retail mandates from major players like Walmart and Target continue to compel suppliers to adopt RFID tagging for compliance and supply chain visibility.

Proven ROI from Early Adopters

Perhaps the most powerful accelerant is confidence. The RFID industry has moved past the early adopter phase and into what analysts describe as the early majority stage. Organisations that deployed RFID in previous years are now reporting payback periods of 9 to 18 months in retail stores and 18 to 30 months for warehouse automation. Inventory accuracy improvements feature in nearly 70% of ROI calculations, and compliance gains drive more than half of all purchase decisions. These results are creating a ripple effect: as more businesses share measurable outcomes, others gain the confidence to move forward with their own deployments.

A Market at an Inflection Point

The global RFID market is projected to grow from approximately $14.6 billion in 2025 to over $30 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of around 8.5%. With costs falling, chips improving, software platforms maturing, regulations tightening, and early adopters proving the business case, 2026 marks a clear inflection point. For businesses still on the fence, the question is no longer whether to adopt RFID, but how quickly they can get started.

The post Why RFID Adoption is Accelerating in 2026 first appeared on RFID News.

What Makes 13.56 MHz Special?

HF RFID tags communicate with readers through electromagnetic coupling at 13.56 MHz. Typical read distances fall between a few centimetres and roughly one metre, depending on antenna design and the standard in use. Because the wavelength is relatively short, HF tags can be made compact and thin, fitting neatly inside cards, labels, wristbands and even book spines. Data rates range from 26 kbps up to 848 kbps, comfortably handling everything from a simple ID lookup to an encrypted payment handshake.

Two Standards, Two Philosophies

The HF band is governed primarily by two ISO standards, each designed for a different job.

ISO/IEC 14443 is the proximity standard. It limits read range to around 10 cm on purpose, ensuring that a tag must be tapped or held very close to the reader. In return, it delivers fast data speeds of up to 848 kbps and supports advanced encryption and mutual authentication. These qualities make ISO 14443 the foundation of contactless bank cards, e-passports, transport cards like Oyster and Suica, and secure building access credentials. The standard splits into Type A and Type B variants, which differ in modulation method but share the same frequency and security framework. Chip families such as NXP MIFARE and MIFARE DESFire are built on ISO 14443 Type A.

ISO/IEC 15693 is the vicinity standard. It trades speed for reach, offering read distances of up to 1.5 metres at a more modest 26 kbps. Security is lighter, typically limited to password protection and read/write locks rather than full cryptographic authentication. This makes ISO 15693 ideal where you need to scan items quickly without precise alignment. Libraries are the flagship use case: tags inside book spines conform to ISO 15693, often paired with the ISO 28560 data model, allowing staff to inventory entire shelves in seconds rather than scanning each item individually. Ski passes, event wristbands, and industrial asset labels also rely on ISO 15693.

Real-World Applications

Library management has been transformed by HF RFID. Self-service kiosks let patrons check out stacks of books in one tap, while handheld readers can audit thousands of titles in a fraction of the time manual checks once required. The University of Gottingen Library in Germany, for example, reduced an inventory process from weeks to a single day after deploying RFID.

Ticketing and transit systems worldwide depend on ISO 14443. Contactless fare cards process a tap-in, tap-out journey in under 150 milliseconds, keeping passenger flow smooth at rush hour. The same standard underpins event entry, theme park wristbands, and stadium access.

Pharmaceutical anti-counterfeiting is an emerging HF RFID frontier. Regulations such as the EU Falsified Medicines Directive and the US Drug Supply Chain Security Act push manufacturers towards item-level traceability. HF tags embedded in packaging allow pharmacists and wholesalers to authenticate each unit, flagging counterfeits before they reach patients. Pfizer was among the first to pilot RFID-tracked shipments, and today companies like Hanmi Pharmaceutical tag tens of millions of products annually.

HF RFID vs NFC: What is the Difference?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is essentially a specialised subset of HF RFID. Both operate at 13.56 MHz, but NFC adds peer-to-peer capability, meaning two NFC devices can exchange data with each other rather than relying on a traditional reader-tag relationship. NFC also enforces a very short range of around 4 cm, making it well suited to mobile payments, digital business cards, and smart device pairing.

In practical terms, NFC builds on ISO 14443 and adds its own protocols defined in ISO 18092 and the NFC Forum specifications. A modern smartphone with an NFC chip can read most ISO 14443 tags and many ISO 15693 tags (classified as NFC Type 5), blurring the line between dedicated RFID infrastructure and the phone in your pocket.

Choosing the Right HF Standard

If your application demands secure, tap-range transactions with high data throughput, ISO 14443 is the clear choice. For inventory, asset tracking, or any scenario where scanning distance and speed of bulk reads matter more than cryptographic security, ISO 15693 delivers. And if smartphone interaction is a priority, NFC-compatible tags built on ISO 14443 offer the broadest device support. As hybrid tags combining both standards continue to emerge, the 13.56 MHz band looks set to remain at the heart of contactless technology for years to come.

The post What is HF RFID? The 13.56 MHz Sweet Spot first appeared on RFID News.

On-metal RFID has long been one of the trickiest challenges in the tagging world. Standard inlays detune or fail entirely when applied directly to metallic substrates, so equipment in sectors like energy, offshore and heavy manufacturing has often relied on bulky hard tags or mechanical fasteners. titanID Steel takes a different approach: a slim, self-adhesive form factor that herpa print says maintains reliable read performance even when bonded straight onto steel, aluminium or other conductive surfaces.

Durability is the headline claim. herpa print reports that the tag has been tested for more than twelve months at an offshore facility, where it was exposed to salt spray, UV radiation, extreme temperature swings, moisture ingress and sustained mechanical stress. The company says titanID Steel came through that trial with its RFID performance intact, positioning it as a credible option for long-term outdoor and industrial installations where regular tag replacement is impractical or costly.

Frequency options and customisation

Three frequency configurations are on offer. The HF/NFC-RFID variant supports close-range tap-and-read workflows common in maintenance and inspection routines. The UHF-RFID version delivers the longer read ranges needed for bulk inventory and logistics scanning. And the hybrid model combines both frequencies in a single label, allowing organisations to run NFC-based field checks alongside UHF-based automated reads from the same tag.

All three variants can be custom printed in multiple colours and produced in a range of sizes and shapes, so branding, safety markings or human-readable data can sit alongside the RFID functionality on one consolidated label.

Industrial use cases and Digital Product Passport integration

herpa print highlights several target applications for titanID Steel. Plant and machine marking is the most obvious fit, giving maintenance teams a permanent, scannable identifier on every asset. Facility managers can use the tags for building-services equipment, HVAC units, electrical panels and other fixed infrastructure that sits outdoors or in aggressive indoor environments such as washdown areas.

Beyond simple identification, the tag supports deeper digital workflows. Asset tracking systems can log each scan to build a maintenance history, while technicians in the field can tap an NFC-equipped phone to pull up technical documentation, service records or parts lists. The UHF variant opens the door to automated reads across loading docks, warehouses and yards, feeding real-time location data into supply chain platforms.

herpa print and its partner network within the WIOT Group also point to Digital Product Passport (DPP) integration as a key use case. As EU regulations push manufacturers toward machine-readable lifecycle data on physical products and assets, a tag that can survive years of outdoor exposure while carrying both NFC and UHF interfaces is well placed to serve as the physical anchor for a DPP record.

Target sectors

The company lists energy, offshore, logistics, manufacturing and facilities management among its primary markets. Equipment management in oil and gas installations, wind farms and substations is a natural fit, as is tracking containers, tooling and rolling stock across transport networks. Any operation that needs long-term, weather-resistant identification on metal assets is a potential customer.

For more information, contact Sales Manager Andreas Binder at herpa print GmbH on +49 2245 91 63-15.

Read more at https://www.herpa-print.de/news-detail/titanid-steel-2.html

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The Compact B40 can connect up to two Pepperl+Fuchs RFID read/write devices and slots into both PLC-based automation setups and modern IT architectures. It features a multiprotocol Ethernet interface with an integrated switch, supporting both PROFINET and EtherNet/IP protocols out of the box. For teams working on IIoT and cloud-connected workflows, a built-in REST API provides direct access to tag data without the need for middleware or custom gateway solutions.

Commissioning and configuration are handled through an intuitive web interface, which covers all connected Pepperl+Fuchs readers and writers across the IPH (LF), IQH (HF), and IUH (UHF) product lines. Automatic time synchronisation via NTP and SNTP ensures that event timestamps remain accurate across distributed systems, a practical detail that matters when traceability and audit trails are involved.

On the physical side, the unit is built for tough environments. An IP67-rated encapsulated metal housing allows deployment in conditions ranging from -25 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for factory floors, loading docks, and outdoor logistics operations where dust, moisture, and temperature swings are part of daily life.

One of the standout features of the Compact B40 is its compliance with the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which comes into effect in 2027. The device supports software updates through its web interface, ensuring that both IT and OT security requirements can be maintained over time. For businesses investing in industrial RFID infrastructure today, this forward-looking approach provides a degree of investment protection that is increasingly important as regulatory requirements tighten.

Pepperl+Fuchs highlights several key application areas for the new unit. In CNC machining centres, it enables reliable workpiece and tool identification. In material handling, intralogistics, and airport baggage systems, the multi-frequency support allows a single evaluation unit to work across different tag standards already deployed in the field. Retail and apparel businesses can use the REST API integration for inventory tracking, omnichannel fulfilment, Click and Collect operations, theft protection, and supply chain traceability.

The combination of multi-frequency support, dual industrial Ethernet protocols, IIoT connectivity, and CRA compliance positions the IDENTControl Compact B40 as a versatile option for organisations looking to consolidate their RFID infrastructure without sacrificing flexibility or future-proofing.

Read more at https://www.pepperl-fuchs.com/en/news/future-ready-identcontrol-compact-rfid-evaluation-unit-for-seamless-integration-into-plc-and-it-based-systems-gn10112

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The revenue performance marked a turning point for Identiv as it continues to execute its Perform-Accelerate-Transform strategy. Known for its HF and NFC transponder inlays, RFID readers, and IoT security products, the company has been restructuring its manufacturing operations to improve cost efficiency and long-term profitability.

Gross margins showed a dramatic improvement. GAAP gross margin rose to 17.4%, compared to just 2.5% in Q1 2025. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin reached 23.8%, up from 10.8% a year ago. The company attributed much of this improvement to its transition of manufacturing operations to Thailand and the elimination of legacy production costs in Singapore. These structural changes are clearly paying off, as the business moves closer to sustainable profitability.

On the bottom line, Identiv reported a GAAP net loss of $3.4 million, or $0.15 per share. While still in the red, this represents a meaningful improvement from the Q1 2025 net loss of $4.8 million, or $0.21 per share. Operating expenses held relatively steady at $5.5 million on a GAAP basis and $4.4 million non-GAAP, suggesting the company is keeping spending disciplined while investing in growth.

CEO Kirsten Newquist expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, noting that the results reflected continued momentum across the business. The Perform-Accelerate-Transform framework is designed to stabilise core operations, accelerate growth in high-value segments like RFID and IoT security, and transform the business model for long-term scalability.

Looking ahead, Identiv’s management provided guidance for Q2 2026, forecasting revenue in the range of $5.4 million to $6.0 million. The sequential decline from Q1 reflects the timing impact of the large customer order that pulled forward into the first quarter. Investors will be watching to see whether the company can sustain its margin gains and continue winning new RFID transponder design wins.

The company held its Q1 2026 earnings conference call on May 13, 2026, with a replay available through May 27, 2026. Identiv remains focused on growing its position in the RFID and NFC transponder market while leveraging its Thailand manufacturing base to deliver improved economics.

Read more at https://ir.identiv.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/455/identiv-reports-first-quarter-2026-financial-results-exceeds-q1-guidance

The post Identiv Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Results, Exceeds Q1 Guidance first appeared on RFID News.

Passive RFID tags have no internal battery, which gives them a significant longevity advantage. In theory, a passive UHF or HF inlay sealed in stable conditions could function for 20 years or more. But real-world performance tells a more nuanced story. Environmental exposure, mechanical stress, and chemical contact all play a role in determining how long a tag will continue to deliver reliable reads.

Label Tags

Adhesive-backed RFID label tags are the most widely deployed form factor, commonly used in retail, logistics, and document tracking. Under normal indoor conditions, these tags typically last between 3 and 5 years. The limiting factor is rarely the IC or antenna. Instead, adhesive degradation, moisture ingress, and physical abrasion tend to reduce performance over time. In warehousing environments with temperature swings and dust, read range can drop noticeably within 18 to 24 months.

Hard Tags

Encapsulated in durable plastic or polycarbonate housings, hard tags are built for longevity. These are common in asset tracking, tool management, and reusable container programmes. Hard tags routinely survive 10 years or more, even in outdoor or semi-industrial environments. The rigid casing protects the antenna from flexing and shields the IC from moisture and impact. Some manufacturers warranty their hard tags for over 100,000 read cycles without measurable performance loss.

Laundry Tags

Laundry tags represent one of the most punishing use cases in RFID. Designed to withstand repeated wash cycles at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius, along with tumble drying, pressing, and chemical detergents, these tags are typically encased in flexible, heat-resistant polymers. Leading laundry tags from manufacturers like Datamars and HID are rated for 200 or more wash cycles. Field studies have shown consistent read performance beyond 300 cycles in commercial laundry operations, translating to a practical lifespan of 2 to 3 years in high-turnover textile rental services.

On-Metal Tags

Standard UHF tags fail when mounted directly on metal surfaces because the metal detunes the antenna. On-metal tags solve this with a spacer or ferrite layer that isolates the antenna from the metallic substrate. These specialised tags, used heavily in manufacturing, defence, and IT asset management, are among the most durable available. With ruggedised housings rated to IP68 or higher, on-metal tags can endure extreme temperatures, vibration, and chemical exposure for 15 to 20 years.

Accelerated Aging and Read Performance

Manufacturers validate tag lifespan through accelerated aging tests that simulate years of environmental stress in compressed timeframes. These protocols expose tags to elevated temperatures, humidity cycling, UV radiation, and mechanical shock. Read sensitivity and range are measured at intervals throughout the process. Most high-quality tags show minimal degradation in read distance during the first 70 to 80 percent of their rated lifespan, followed by a gradual decline. For mission-critical deployments, establishing a replacement schedule well before end-of-life thresholds is essential to maintaining system reliability.

Choosing the right tag for the environment is just as important as choosing the right frequency or IC. Matching form factor and construction to the application’s physical demands ensures that RFID investments deliver reliable performance across their full intended lifespan.

The post RFID Tag Durability: How Long Do Tags Actually Last? first appeared on RFID News.

What Is EM-RFID and Why It Matters for Libraries

EM-RFID, or Electro-Magnetic Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology widely adopted in library environments around the world. Operating on electromagnetic principles, it allows library items to be tagged and tracked with a high degree of accuracy. Unlike older barcode systems that require line-of-sight scanning, EM-RFID enables bulk detection and rapid processing of multiple items simultaneously. This makes it particularly well suited for high-traffic academic libraries where speed and reliability are essential.

Key Features of the Rumi Library Deployment

The new system at Rumi Library brings a range of practical improvements to both staff operations and student services. Self-service check-in and check-out stations allow borrowers to process loans without requiring staff assistance, significantly reducing queue times during peak periods. Inventory management has also been strengthened, giving librarians the ability to conduct stock audits faster and with greater accuracy than was previously possible.

Security has been notably enhanced through the RFID infrastructure. The system includes measures to detect and deter unauthorised removal of library materials, a common challenge in busy academic settings. Convenient book drop facilities have also been installed, allowing students to return items outside of staffed hours.

University Leadership Behind the Project

University Librarian Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Imran played a central role in driving the project from concept through to implementation. The approach was guided by a commitment to aligning with best global practices in academic library services, ensuring the solution was both technically sound and practically relevant to the needs of IUST students and faculty.

The formal inauguration was carried out by Registrar Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, who highlighted that the RFID implementation would improve not only operational efficiency but also the overall accessibility and security of the library’s resources.

Part of a Wider Campus Integration Strategy

The Rumi Library deployment is not a standalone project. It forms part of IUST’s broader “One University One Card” initiative, which aims to integrate RFID technology across multiple campus facilities. The longer-term vision is to provide students with a unified, card-based system that supports access, borrowing, and other campus services from a single credential. This kind of campus-wide RFID integration is increasingly common at forward-thinking universities globally, and IUST’s adoption of the model places it in line with international standards for smart campus management.

For academic libraries looking to reduce administrative overhead, improve collection security, and offer a better experience to users, EM-RFID remains one of the most proven and cost-effective technologies available. IUST’s investment in this infrastructure signals a clear commitment to providing its students with facilities that meet modern expectations.

Read more at https://www.greaterkashmir.com/education/iusts-rumi-library-launches-em-rfid-system/

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