CPIM Practice Exam

How does Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) work?

1. By using visible light to scan items.

2. Through physical scanning of the items by workers.

3. Using electronic tags to store data, accessible via a specific radio frequency.

4. Including a barcode that must be scanned in line of sight.

The correct answer is: Using electronic tags to store data, accessible via a specific radio frequency.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) operates by employing electronic tags that can store and transmit data. These tags communicate information wirelessly using specific radio frequencies. This technology consists of two primary components: the RFID tag itself, which contains a microchip with stored data and an antenna, and the RFID reader, which emits radio waves to detect and read the information from the tag. The electronic tag does not require direct line of sight for operation, allowing for the tracking and identification of items even when they are not in clear view of the reader. This feature enhances efficiency in inventory management, supply chain operations, and asset tracking, providing a significant advantage over other methods that rely on visual scanning or physical handling of items. In the context of the other options, they depict different technologies. For instance, the use of visible light and scanning requires a direct line of sight (as seen in barcode scanning), and physical scanning is labor-intensive and not automated like RFID. Therefore, the essence of RFID’s functionality lies in its use of radio frequencies to wirelessly and automatically collect data from electronic tags, making it a powerful tool in modern supply chain practices.