RFID Wristband Technology
RFID wristbands are changing the way we attend events. There is a good chance that you have worn an RFID wristband at some point. RFID wristbands are perfect for attractions and events where technology can best be utilized to connect attendees or guests to other offerings. This technology is not suited for occasions where other offerings are few (if any), such as theatre productions or summer camps. Some of the most popular occasions for RFID wristbands are music events, festivals, carnivals, and more. Using RFID wristband technology, attendees can enjoy a more engaging experience.
RFID Wristband Applications
Without RFID wristband technology, guests and attendees must wait in line longer, take out their wallets more frequently, and use effort to engage with your (or your sponsor’s) brand(s). Take this scenario: you decide to take your family to a waterpark. Instead of waiting in line to get into the park, you all quickly scan your RFID wristband and enter. How simple!
You have finally entered, and now your kids are anxious to go on their favorite rides. You comply, of course. After scanning your wristband, you go down the giant slide and get soaking wet. You think to yourself, That’s enough of that. Time for an elephant ear. Your kids run off to enjoy more attractions and you go to the concessions stand for a well-deserved treat. Using the payment information that you connected to your RFID wristband, you quickly pay without ever touching your wallet.
At the end of the day, you and your family regroup. Before you head home from an adventure-filled day, you decide to take a commemorative photo at an RFID-enabled photo-sharing station. Once again, with a simple scan of your wristband, you can take a fun family picture and automatically share it to social media, or print it out. With RFID wristband technology, your entire waterpark experience was made more convenient, allowing you to have even more fun.
How does RFID technology work?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is composed of two parts: tags and readers. Readers are devices that emit radio waves and receive signals from the tags. RFID tags, on the other hand, use radio waves to communicate data to the reader. Passive RFID tags are the most common type of tag found at attractions and events. The reason, primarily, is that they do not require an internal power source. Instead, they draw power from the reader during the scanning process. This is also why they have a lower signal range than an active RFID tag, which requires an internal power source. It is also the lack of an internal power source that makes passive RFID tags a cost-effective option.
RFID Scanning Process
- Data is stored on a tag. This data is typically inputted by the user of the RFID wristband and can include payment information, admissions data, and a general profile of the user. It can even be used to open your hotel room if you are spending the night at the park.
- A reader’s antenna acknowledges the signal of the nearby tag. This initiates the connection.
- The antenna connects to the reader and then collects data stored on the tag.
- The Reader sends the data to a database where it will be stored. This happens in a blink of an eye.
RFID vs. Barcode Technology
Believe it or not, there isn’t a lot of similarity between these two technologies. Sure, they both retrieve data from an asset via scanning. However, their differences greatly outweigh the similarities. The following is a list of the biggest differences between the two technologies as they pertain to wristbands.
Durability
While wristband barcodes can become damaged quickly, RFID wristbands are highly durable, even in poor weather conditions. RFID antennas can be embedded in materials that are non-conductive. This makes it far less likely that they will be damaged by the elements.
Readability Rate
RFID wristbands are ideal for event admissions because of the sheer volume of tags that can be scanned in a short amount of time. Barcodes, on the other hand, have very low throughput. Barcodes can only be scanned all the time and take longer to scan each unit.
Fraud Prevention
It is much easier to counterfeit barcode technology than it is RFID wristband technology. The reason is simple—a barcode can be duplicated and reprinted. It is incredibly difficult to fraudulently access an encrypted RFID database.
Read and Write Capabilities
RFID allows administrators to read, write, and modify data in real-time. Barcode technology only allows you to read data.
Orientation
RFID wristbands offer faster admissions alternatives than barcode wristbands because the orientation of the band during the scanning process is irrelevant. RFID chips can be read from any direction and even through the back of the tag. Barcode wristbands must be oriented in a certain way for the scanner to read the code. This often requires a staff member to help administer the scanning process, which is inconvenient. It should also be noted that if the barcode were to get dirtied or damaged, the scanning process will fail.
RFID Wristband Materials
Here at Wristband Resources, we offer a variety of different wristband materials so you are bound to find the right product for your event or attraction. The following are our offerings.
Tyvek® RFID Wristbands
Tyvek® wristbands, often referred to as paper wristbands, are made from durable and recyclable DuPont™ Tyvek®. Available in ¾” and 1” sizes, these bands are tear, stretch, and water-resistant.
Plastic and Vinyl RFID Wristbands
Plastic and vinyl RFID wristbands offer comfortable single-use bands for events. Available in numerous sizes, these bands can fit any wrist without fear of falling off.
Cloth RFID Wristbands
Our cloth RFID wristbands are perfect for events that last multiple days. These bands are soft and comfortable. They are also easily customizable so you can add a personal touch to your bands.
Silicone RFID Wristbands
Silicone wristbands, often called rubber wristbands, are the perfect reusable solution for access control. Commonly used in seasonal pass programs, gym memberships, and apartment buildings, these bands are latex and lead-free and can be worn in the water.
Get a Quote Today
Ready to order RFID wristbands? You have come to the right place. Here at Wristband Resources, we pride ourselves on the quality of our products as well as the speed at which we produce and ship your order. To get a free quote, fill out the form below!