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Hospital & Healthcare RFID Solutions

Radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions play a crucial role in healthcare by delivering real-time visibility of assets such as equipment, inventory, patients, and data, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.

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Cut operational costs and streamline workflow with RFID

RFID (radio frequency identification) is a type of real-time location system (RTLS) that enhances visibility and efficiency across healthcare environments. By using RFID tags and readers, hospitals can accurately track, monitor, and manage critical assets, improving patient care and operational workflows.

RFID technology can be used to: 
  • Locate and track items including medical equipment, IT equipment, hospital beds and mobile devices.
  • Monitor the availability and usage of PPE, surgical instruments, and other essential supplies.
  • Improve patient flow and bed capacity management for better resource allocation.
  • Enhance security and compliance by reducing lost or misplaced assets.
  • With real-time data on asset movement and availability, RFID helps healthcare providers streamline operations, reduce costs, and focus on delivering high-quality patient care.

Read our blog to find out how RFID technology in healthcare improves patient outcomes.


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How RFID works

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication that uses radio waves to communicate information between tags (sometimes called transponders) and readers. Each tag contains information about the item it is attached to, and it broadcasts this to the reader, which may send it on to a host computer.

RFID systems can be used to track and identify people, assets, animals, and products. By attaching an RFID tag to an object or even embedding it in a product, businesses and organisations can monitor inventory, manage supply chains, enhance security, and streamline operations.

Tag an Asset

RFID labels or tags need to be attached to all physical assets that are likely to move location. There are tags for every type of asset and environment.

Install/Use Readers

As assets pass within a range of readers, their location and data is automatically transmitted and recorded in your asset tracking software - readers can be handheld or fixed position depending on your needs.

Collect Data in Real Time

The data from your readers sync with your asset tracking software where you can gain locations, insights and valuable data to use as you need.

Learn about RFID technology in detail by reading our blog What is RFID and how does it work?

Examples of healthcare RFID solutions

Discover how RFID technology is transforming healthcare with real-world solutions. From patient tracking to inventory management, explore innovative applications that enhance efficiency, safety, and care quality.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust saves 88,000 hours of staff time with RFID tracking

See how Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has saved through a combination of benefits delivered by our all-in-one RFID solution:

  • Staff searches for key equipment now takes 43 seconds on average.  

  •  35.2 hours saved per employee per year. 

  •  88,000 hours / 2,346 weeks saved across 2,500 staff per year. 

  •  Real-time visibility of all assets. 

  •  Access to better data to make more informed purchasing decisions. 

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Innovation
Innovation & Customer Experience (ICE)

See RFID solutions in action

Visit our Innovation & Customer Experience (ICE) Centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire to experience first-hand the very best solutions tailored specifically for healthcare environments.

We offer bespoke Solutions Labs for healthcare providers in the UK, where our Solutions Architects help you understand how new technologies can solve your unique organisational challenges. You can expect an engaging, immersive experience with demos of our industry-leading healthcare technology solutions.

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Our latest RFID Resources

RFID blog thumbnail.jpg
13 Sep 2024 | 12:00

What is RFID and how does it work?

Find out how RFID technology works, learn about the types of RFID, understand the benefits and what you need to start using RFID in your business.
Read More
Surgeon being shown device to locate equipment with RTLS
14 May 2024 | 08:00

What are real-time location systems (RTLS) in healthcare?

From the technology to its benefits, discover how real-time location systems enhance patient care and operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.
Read More
Empty hospital bed
23 Nov 2023 | 14:00

Revolutionising hospital efficiency: A guide to real-time bed management in hospitals

Explore the transformative impact of real-time bed management systems on hospital efficiency and patient care, with best practices and strategies to optimise bed utilisation.
Read More

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RFID FAQ’s

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication that uses radio waves to communicate information between tags (sometimes called transponders) and readers. Each tag contains information about the item it is attached to, and it broadcasts this to the reader, which may send it on to a host computer.

RFID systems can be used to track and identify people, assets, animals, and products. By attaching an RFID tag to an object or even embedding it in a product, businesses and organisations can monitor inventory, manage supply chains, enhance security, and streamline operations.

Read more in the blog: What is RFID and how does it work?

How does RFID work?

Every RFID system consists of three components: a scanning antenna, a transceiver and a transponder. When combined, the antenna and transceiver make up an RFID reader, which can be either fixed or handheld.

The RFID reader sends out radio waves that activate the tag. Once the tag is activated, it sends data back to the reader. The reader then translates this data into usable information.

Read more in the blog: What is RFID and how does it work?

What are the benefits of RFID?

RFID offers businesses significant potential for cost savings, revenue growth, and risk mitigation. For example, some of these benefits include:

  • Hundreds of RFID tags can be read in seconds, and this process doesn’t require a direct line of sight. This can make processing times much faster, increasing productivity and saving money.

  • RFID tags provide real time inventory and warehouse data with less effort than other technologies and – when integrated with cloud software and the IoT – from any location. This makes them ideal for many Industry 4.0 applications, including supply chain and component tracing.

  • Because RFID tags are now small and cheap enough to be built into everyday items like credit cards, ID cards and badges, they can be used to automate processes such as access to buildings, events or services; passport control and retail payments. This saves time and money.

  • Some RFID tags are ruggedised and can be used in harsh conditions and with a range of substances including metals and liquids (which can be advantageous in sectors like chemical manufacture, metallurgy and welding).

  • Most RFID systems are cost-effective and the savings they generate quickly cover the investment made (although this may take longer with specialised or complex systems).

  • RFID tracking provides better control of processes, which can be used to optimise production, increase revenues and enhance customer satisfaction.

  • The traceability and error-free nature of RFID data can be used to support regulatory compliance and documentation during audit.

Read more in the blog: What is RFID and how does it work?

What are the different types of RFID systems?

RFID tags are often discussed in terms of two forms:

  • Passive tags (which do not have a battery and rely on electromagnetic waves)
  • Active tags (which have an internal battery)

Some hybrid versions are also available, such as battery-assisted passive systems.

Again speaking generally, active tags can be read from further away and constantly broadcast a signal, so they are ideal for continuous tracking. However, because they contain more hardware than passive tags, they tend to be bulkier. Passive tags are very affordable and can be very small, but they cannot actively broadcast; instead, they wait for a signal from an RFID reader, and then respond.

Read more in the blog: What is RFID and how does it work?

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