RFID does not depend on orientation or line-of-sight and may be read through cartons. In addition, RFID can identify multiple articles simultaneously.
The RFID tag may be read-only or read/write. Read-only tags are historically less expensive than read/write tags. The RFID tag read/write distances vary depending on tag and antenna size, design and operating frequency. Depending on the tag construction, an RFID system can operate in harsh industrial or commercial environments with operating temperatures in the range of –25C to +85 C.

Unlike passive tags, active tags have their own internal power source, which is used to power the ICs that generate the outgoing signal. Active tags are typically more reliable than passive tags due to the ability to more effectively ‘talk’ to a Reader/Writer. These tags also are able to transmit higher power levels, due to their onboard power supply. This enables the use of active tags in environment that would be challenging for passive tags
Typical applications for active tags would be heavy metal objects such as containers and healthcare.
The Radianse Indoor Positioning Solutions Healthcare System marketed by Vickerman Associates Asset Management uses active tags, which are read by strategically placed antennas. The information is the passed on via LAN or Wi-Fi to a web browser and subsequently to the hospital’s back end data system.