Adilam is a leading technology solution provider and implementation partner in the area of Radio Frequency Identification. Through our experienced and highly skilled team of Hardware, IT and Software Engineers, and our global network of world leading partners, we provide a range of RFID hardware and software solutions with a specific focus on leveraging the benefits of RFID technology for our clients business. Adilam utilises best of breed technology and best practice techniques to design and implement all of its solutions. Our core focus is to improve our client’s bottom line by:

  • Simplifying technical complexity
  • Implementing technology based process improvements
  • Delivering real-time intelligence for our client’s business

Adilam Electronics was established in 1988 and became a major supplier of electronic components to the Australian and New Zealand markets. In June 2007 Adilam Electronics was sold to Arrow Electronics, a major global supplier of electronic components. Adilam Technologies Pty Ltd was established as a separate entity at this time with several key members of staff to use their gained knowledge of markets and opportunities to develop demonstrate and sell new products and services based mainly on RFID micro technology and supporting hardware and software.

Adilam Technologies based in Melbourne has been operational since 2006, providing RFID solutions to a wide market segment. Adilam Technologies provides RFID hardware and software solutions to a diverse range of customers. Some of these applications include Library Management, Waste Management, Athlete tracking, Motocross, Health, People tracking, Retail, and Logistics.

There are three main RFID frequencies: 125khz, 13.56Mhz and 900Mhz, with each frequency giving differing speed and range. The 125khz low frequency (LF) range is used in proximity applications, like door security, and is now known by a recently coined phrase Near Field Communication (NFC) with many mobile devices now being equipped with the reader technology. The 13.56Mhz high frequency (HF) range has been in use for many years in library style applications. Today we primarily use the 900Mhz ultra high frequency (UHF) range as EPC Global’s Gen 2 technology is the fastest growing RFID technology. UHF RFID has more reader and tag manufacturers than the other types and it is faster with a greater operating range.

 I keep hearing all about cloud this and cloud that. What exactly is this cloud and how does it work?

A cloud is basically a virtual network where the Internet is between the client applications and the server application. There are many advantages to cloud based computing, but of most interest is the lower cost and greater ease of deployment.

Adilam’s cloud is a secure and reliable solution, stored on world class infrastructure using the most reliable IP network available on virtual servers for added redundancy all managed by in-house team.

Day to day connectivity is entirely web based removing the complexities of the RFID solution from your own network, simplifying support, and making maintenance and upgrades faster and easier.

Because of the unique Arcus design RFID readers are “plug and play” allowing them to be moved to new locations easily, a different building, or even to an outside venue. As Arcus is web based every station can also be used for all application functions. Arcus makes RFID simple for libraries, inventory management in hospitals, asset tracking, general logistics, people tracking and even security.

The Arcus applications are deployed as Rich Internet Application’s (RIA) providing an interactive method using push technology to deliver information to web browsers. This allows readers to update web based screens without the need for user triggered screen refreshing. Applications such as Self Service, Returns, Asset movement, and Security are managed by the cloud, making upgrades simple and quick with no need to go on site. Using a cloud based solution lowers costs, removes the need for local servers, and system resources can be shared across multiple systems.

I hear a lot about RFID. What is it really?

RFID technology is used to replace traditional barcode systems and Electronic Article Security (EAS) systems where barcode is utilised for item identification and EAS for item surveillance or security. Presently most major supermarkets will use barcode for inventory control and also for Self Service. Barcode technology is inexpensive and it works well using EAS technology for security. The problem is that security gates will only alarm with sensitised tag devices, but the item that triggered the alarm cannot be easily identified.

The RFID device is a very small radio transponder set into a larger antenna surface which operates in set frequency ranges. Within the transponder chip is a tiny amount of memory which generally stores a unique identification number and other relevant information. The radio transponder transmits this information to the reader device when it is queried.

RFID vs. Barcode

  • The RFID device serves the same purpose as a barcode as it provides a unique identifier for the item. Just as a barcode or magnetic strip must be scanned to get the information, the RFID device must be scanned to retrieve the identifying information.
  • RFID can work in conjunction with barcode technology, but where barcode requires line of sight and can be scanned only one at a time, RFID does not require line of sight and many can be read at one time.
  • The barcode is an identifier which can be easily replicated, thus it cannot be used as a security device, RFID can provide both identification and serialization which provides security.