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Alternative RFID

carnut2

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Have EE tunnel and use ICS computor equipment. Would like to use their RFID but cost prohibitive. Anyone using ICS and another brand for RFID?
 

carnut2

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Thanks, I will check. Know anyone who uses them?
 

DiamondWash

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I have seen one site use it but I don't have any info on numbers, I'm sure it has been working out because they now offer an unlimited wash plan through it.
 

8flyer

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I've been using the Xpress wash RFID system for 2 years now. Nothing but problems and it's always someone else's fault starting with the installation by the distributer, internet, antenna aiming, employee's entering tags wrong, etc... Some tags work, others don't. I can't think of a single 2 month period without an issue of some sorts. Now it's the antenna's need to be replaced with an new and better design. $19k initial investment and now another $3k? Really? Ok, rant off! -Kevin

Edit: I should also say that to be fair, when it works it's a good system. When it works..
 
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robert roman

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I’m not sure I would invest heavily in RFID because more and more mobile platforms are adding NFC (near field communication) capability.

NFC is short-range RFID technology that makes it easier for people to complete transactions, exchange digital content and connect electronics with one touch (Mashable technology, smart phones). This eliminates barcodes, chips and plastic cards.

I suspect this would make drive-thru RFID less viable.

Yes, no?
 

carnut2

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I’m not sure I would invest heavily in RFID because more and more mobile platforms are adding NFC (near field communication) capability.

NFC is short-range RFID technology that makes it easier for people to complete transactions, exchange digital content and connect electronics with one touch (Mashable technology, smart phones). This eliminates barcodes, chips and plastic cards.

I suspect this would make drive-thru RFID less viable.

Yes, no?
Our number 1 issue is the Auto Sentry gates. Others use hand held devices, etc.
 

carnut2

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hand held devices to scan the rfid tag?
Correct. Other washes with a kiosk just use an inexpensive hand held device, where as we need the more expensive readers.
 

JMMUSTANG

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Which hand held scanners do you guys use?
Mine have issues of not being able to read all the tags.
 

BBE

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I'm curious too. Seems most of the hand held scanners for carwashes I have seen are actually bar code readers, not rfid readers. The window tags are bar codes that are scanned, not rfid tags.
 

JimmyJaffa

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We have the ICS RFID on our express washes and have found it to work very good. We considered using an secondary source for RFD, and felt that keeping multiple data bases (one for RFID and a second one for our card base programs) would be too confusing to our employees, and allowing all forms to be used at any of our washes. It is expensive, but if you want to dance with the stars you have to pay the admission fee.
NFC works best and cheapest if you have a greeter, RFID works best for unattended entry. I am certain the technology will change in a few years making everything we invested in today obsolete (guess you would call it a form of depreciation). Lets see, license plate recognition (no more tags) is almost there!
 

Kenneth

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Robert is spot on, but it is up to us to demand the technology from our equipment suppliers. Using cards, rfid, barcodes and printed coupons is slowing disappearing. I don't think it will ever go away but the technology available surpasses this and our industry could be at the forefront, if we quit settling with what’s on the market.
I have 2 other washes within 3 miles of me both offer unlimited wash clubs with rfid. My answer, LIMITED wash clubs with wash club cards... but promote the fact they can be used on any vehicle. Consumer thought process changes some but I limit customers to 10 washes per month and prompt them to use it on any vehicle they like. I even offer additional cards for an additional fee of $5 per month. Over all club usage is less than 2.5 washes per user... my breakeven on my prices is directly at 2.5 uses. I am happy with it and cost very little to start. I refused the idea of getting into the rfid game because I want my eggs to be in better technology and when it is available I will spend our money on it instead.
 
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