Choosing the Right RFID Partner for Music Festivals.

Most music festivals now incorporate RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology into their events because of the multiple benefits it brings. As this technology advances the number of suppliers has increased which makes selecting the right partner more challenging. What are the key factors that need to be considered when choosing the best RFID partner for a music festival.

Festival organisers are always striving to make their operations and logistics smoother as well as enhancing the overall festival-goer experience. Using RFID technology at a music festival can bring significant benefits so selecting a technology partner that aligns with organisers requirements and expectations is essential. 

RFID Technology. 
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to wirelessly transfer data between a tag and a reader. The tags can store crucial information that has been preloaded onto it which can be transferred to a reader. The technology requires a backend software system to manage and process any data being transferred between tags and readers. Music festival organisers issue tags (usually in the form of a wristband) to every festival-goer and use on-site readers to capture data for processing in the backend system. 

Benefits. 
Organisers can decide what data to store on each festival-goer's wristband which typically will include ticket information and digital cash. This enables organisers to use readers for gate entrance and payment processing increasing operational efficiency. The entry and exit process on a festival site or secure area can be streamlined by using a simple scan which speeds up the process and avoids the build up of crowds. The data is encrypted making the wristband more secure as it prevents ticket fraud and enables secure cashless payments for food, beverages and merchandise. The backend systems can record festival-goer movements and traffic as well as purchase information. This data can be analysed against attendee profiles giving organisers a better understanding of their audiences. The use of RFID technology also fits in well with sustainability requirements avoiding the use of paper tickets for example.  

Key Requirements in an RFID Partner. 
When organisers are seeking an RFID partner, they need to find a supplier that can evidence their experience of working with music festivals, organisers can check testimonials and reviews of their service when doing their due diligence on suppliers. A vital requirement to consider is the scope of the backend software being used particularly related to robust access control functionality, managing secure payments and comprehensive analytics. The proposed backend software should be capable of being integrated to work senselessly with any event management software system being used by organisers. It will be essential for potential partners to demonstrate their commitment to customer service including details of festival staff training and on-site support offered during the live festival dates. 

Selection Process. 
As part of the music festival planning process the requirements for using RFID technology need to be clearly defined detailing aspects like access control, cash payment handling, analytics and scalability along with any budgetary constraints. Organisers can make a Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted potential suppliers and assess responses. Most RFID suppliers will offer an on-site simulation demo of their technology so organisers can see how the proposed system operates in practice. Part of the decision-making process should also cover any service level agreements, technical support offered, data management processing and the ownership of data for example. Other considerations could include assessing the cost structure being proposed and evaluating all fees and additional costs for RFID readers and wristband production for example. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by Luis Quintero by Pexels

<< Back to articles