Understanding the Differences Between "Scan Match" and "Tag Finder"
RFIDLinked offers two powerful features: Scan Match and Tag Finder. While these features might seem similar at first glance, they are designed for distinct use cases. This article will help clarify their differences and guide you in choosing the right tool for your needs.
TLDR; When to Use Each Feature
Choose "Scan Match" if you need to:
Perform regular inventory checks against a known list of tags.
Verify which products are present and identify any missing items.
Maintain a history of inventory validation sessions for reporting or auditing purposes.
Choose "Tag Finder" if you need to:
Locate tags whose exact location is unknown.
Search for tags that haven't been previously imported into RFIDLinked.
Find tags in bulk and pinpoint their exact location.
Scan Match:
Overview:
Purpose: The "Scan Match" feature is designed for inventory validation.
How It Works: This feature allows you to scan for specific RFID tags based on a pre-existing file. The application will only detect and display the tags included in this file, making it easy to track which tags are present and which are missing.
Typical Use Case:
Inventory Validation: Before performing a "Scan Match," you create a file containing the tags of all products you wish to inventory. When performing a “Scan Match”, the application will compare the tags it detects with those in the file. The result is a clear and concise report showing which tags were found and which were not.
Key Features:
Session History: Every "Scan Match" session is logged, including details of found and missing tags allowing you to review the state of your inventory over time.
Exporting Data: The session history can be viewed within the app or exported to CSV or XLS for further processing and reporting.
Tag Finder
Overview:
Purpose: The "Tag Finder" feature is tailored for locating tags (typically in bulk) whose physical location is unknown.
How It Works: You define a set of tags you want to locate, and RFIDLinked searches for all tags that match the criteria. The application shows tags currently in range, matdching tags seen during the session, and tags that were defined in the search criteria but not found.
Typical Use Case:
Locating tags with unknown location: Use "Tag Finder" when you need to find RFID tags without knowing their exact physical location or without having them previously scanned into RFIDLinked. This feature is ideal for bulk locating and then honing in on the exact location of specific tags.
Key Features:
Real-Time Tag Tracking: View tags currently in range as you search.
Saving Found Tags: The found tags from a "Tag Finder" session can be saved to a new file for future use within the application.
Exporting Data: Found tags along with which tags were not found can be exported for external processing and reporting.
Conclusion
Both "Scan Match" and "Tag Finder" are essential tools within RFIDLinked, each serving unique purposes. Understanding their differences and use cases will help you maximize the efficiency of your operations. For further assistance or questions, please refer to our additional support resources or contact our support team.