Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What does RFID technology rely on for its operation?

1. Visual inspections of products

2. Physical tags on products that transmit information to a reader

3. Manual data entries by staff

4. Weight measurements of inventory

The correct answer is: Physical tags on products that transmit information to a reader

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology operates by using physical tags that contain an integrated circuit and an antenna. These tags, which can be attached to products, emit radio waves to communicate with a reader device. This process allows for the automatic identification and tracking of items without the need for direct line-of-sight, as would be required in visual inspections. The tags store relevant information about the product, such as its identity, location, or route in the supply chain, enabling organizations to gather and utilize data quickly and efficiently. This method of operation presents several advantages, such as faster inventory management, reduced human error, and enhanced traceability throughout the supply chain. Other options like visual inspections, manual data entries, or weight measurements do not enable real-time, automated data collection and tracking in the same way that RFID technology does. These alternatives are typically more labor-intensive and may not provide the necessary accuracy or efficiency seen with RFID systems.