We talk about using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in our laundry, but how does it work, and is it worth it?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and it’s a technology that can be applied to virtually anything that requires identification. For example, pets, objects, and even people.
RFID is a form of wireless communication device that employs radio waves, incorporating electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling to uniquely identify our laundry items.
No matter what application its use, every RFID system consists of three components:
Some shops, for example use fixed RFID readers at checkouts, but we employ the use of a mobile reader, both of which are network-connected devices that use radio waves to transmit signals that activate the tag (placed on the laundry item). Once activated, the transponder, or tag sends a wave back to the scanner which translates it into data.
In the application of laundry tagging, the data includes the hotel name, employee or guest identifier and other information which enables us to return individual items to the correct owner or user.
For full service efficiency of laundry identification and tracking, our drivers can employ the ‘driver app’ that uses data from the RFID system to locate the hotel or restaurant in navigation systems, and even allow them to receive a signature for receipt of the identified items.
Geofencing technology can also be applied to the RFID system to prevent incorrect customer pickups and deliveries, and route planning integrations ensure our drivers can plan the best route for delivery, avoiding unnecessary traffic delays and reducing fuel usage.
RFID technology can be customised for any application. At Royal Jersey Laundry, we can use it to report on performance metrics for monitoring the output of the laundry and comparing data to previous years.
This means we keep on top of our company performance, spot areas for the need of further training or recognising exceptional performance and employ usage data from our clients for data-driven decision making on areas for investment.
We embrace the use of technology at Royal Jersey Laundry and Radio Frequency Identification is an essential technological system that has kept our laundry service efficient, trustworthy and valued for many years.
