How RFID Tags Enhance Vehicle Tracking and Access Control
RFID tags play a significant role in managing and tracking vehicles, as well as in access control. They offer great convenience, enhance security, and simplify operations.
RFID tags are widely used in various applications, including schools, supermarkets, airports, parking lots, warehouses, customs vehicle management, bus station management, office buildings, logistics sites, production bases, and car rental management.
From vehicle access control to inventory tracking and even automated toll collection, RFID systems have an important role to play.
RFID tags for vehicles come in different forms, such as credit card-sized tags, wet inlays, or blank stickers.
They can also be customized in different styles and materials. For high-temperature production lines or paint tracking applications, high-temperature resistant RFID tags would be the best choice. However, for regular access control purposes, a simple RFID sticker for cars is sufficient.
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What is a car RFID tag?
A car RFID tag is an electronic sticker that drivers can affix to their vehicles as a credential for accessing gated vehicle entrances. RFID-enabled sensors can wirelessly read these stickers, verify the driver’s identity, and grant access permissions.
It is also known as an RFID gate opener sticker. These tags are passive RFID stickers that do not require batteries, so you don’t have to worry about them not functioning due to power loss.
Without the use of RFID tags for vehicles, several problems can arise:
Drivers having to get out of their vehicles to open gates or waiting for security personnel to do so:
- This can cause congestion, traffic jams, and wasted time. When drivers have to manually open gates, especially during peak hours or busy periods, it can lead to delays and inefficiencies. This not only affects the productivity of drivers but also impacts customer service as it may result in longer wait times for entry or exit.
The parking lot getting filled with vehicles that do not belong to your tenants:
- Without proper vehicle identification, unauthorized vehicles can enter the parking lot and occupy spaces that are meant for tenants or authorized personnel. This can cause a shortage of parking spaces and inconvenience for those who are authorized to park in the lot.
- Additionally, it becomes challenging to identify and address the issue of unauthorized vehicles if there is no system in place to track and monitor vehicle entry.
Difficulty in contacting the owners of long-term parked vehicles:
- In situations where vehicles are parked for an extended period, such as in long-term parking areas or storage facilities, it can be challenging to identify and contact the owners of these vehicles if there is no mechanism for tracking or associating vehicles with their owners.
- This can lead to inefficiencies in managing the parking facility and may result in difficulties in reclaiming the vehicles when necessary.
Unauthorized vehicles entering restricted areas:
- Without a reliable vehicle tracking and access control system, unauthorized vehicles may enter restricted areas or zones. This poses a security risk and can compromise the safety and integrity of the facility. It becomes challenging to enforce access restrictions and ensure that only authorized vehicles can enter specific areas.
Now, let’s take a look at how car RFID tags work.
Affix the RFID sticker to the windshield. Once the reader detects the tag within its reading range, it sends a signal, which the tag reflects back.
Each RFID tag has a unique UID number. By entering the authorized UID numbers into the system, the reader can verify if the UID number read matches the stored data. If there is a match, the gate opens; otherwise, it remains closed, preventing unauthorized vehicles from entering. This helps prevent incorrect parking.
Advantages of using RFID for vehicle identification:
Simplicity and speed
- RFID technology eliminates the need to register license plates or personal information, ensuring privacy while allowing only authorized vehicles and personnel to enter. It simplifies the access control process and reduces the time it takes for vehicles to be scanned and granted access, improving efficiency and reducing wait times.
Convenience
- With RFID tags, drivers simply need to affix the tag inside their windshield, and the system can automatically read the tag without the need for manual scanning. This eliminates the need for drivers to physically present credentials or interact with security personnel during entry and exit, making the process more convenient and seamless.
Accurate record-keeping
- RFID systems provide accurate and automated record-keeping of vehicle entry and exit times. This eliminates the risk of loss or errors associated with manual paper-based methods of tracking, ensuring precise data for auditing, reporting, and billing purposes.
Ensured parking for tenants and authorized vehicles
- By using RFID tags, unauthorized vehicles are prevented from entering restricted areas or occupying parking spaces that are designated for tenants or authorized personnel. This ensures that parking spaces are efficiently utilized by those who have the right to access them, minimizing confusion and maximizing parking availability.
No batteries required
- Passive RFID tags used for vehicle identification do not require batteries. This eliminates concerns about tag failure due to battery depletion and ensures reliable and continuous operation without the need for regular maintenance or battery replacement.
UHF technology
- RFID tags utilizing UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) technology have a longer reading range, typically between 3 to 5 meters. This allows for smoother vehicle passage at entry and exit points, reducing the need for drivers to come to a complete stop or align their vehicles precisely for tag scanning.
Wide reading angle
- RFID tags can be read from various angles, offering flexibility during entry and exit. This means that the tag does not need to be aligned perfectly with the reader for successful scanning, increasing convenience for drivers and minimizing the chance of tag read failures.
Cost-effectiveness
- Implementing RFID-based vehicle identification systems can lead to cost savings in the long run. It reduces the need for manual labor associated with traditional access control methods such as checking and verifying credentials, as the RFID system automates the process. This can result in reduced staffing requirements and increased operational efficiency.
Increased user loyalty
- The convenience, speed, and accuracy provided by RFID-based vehicle identification systems can enhance the overall user experience. By making access control processes seamless and efficient, RFID contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is beneficial for various businesses and organizations.
If you are considering implementing RFID tags for car access control, we would be delighted to assist you.
