How does rfid compared to bar coding

Initially this technology was symbolized by the width and spaces between parallel lines that were one dimensional. This then evolved into other geometrical shapes such as rectangles and hexagons that were two dimensional. This barcode technology can be scanned by barcode readers along with newer technology on devices such as smartphones and desktop printers. Radio Frequency-Identification technology RFID involves a tag affixed to a product which identifies and tracks the product via radio waves.

These tags can carry up to 2, bytes of data. This technology has three parts: a scanning antenna, a transceiver with a decoder to interpret the data and a transponder RFID tag pre-set with information. The scanning antenna sends out a radio-frequency signal providing a means of communication with the RFID tag. When the RFID tag passes through the frequency field of the scanning antenna; it detects the activation signal and can transfer the information data in holds to be picked up by the scanning antenna.

Call Us Email Us. Less expensive than RFID tags; as barcodes are directly printed onto plastic or paper materials and therefore the only cost involved is the ink; a tiny overall cost. Barcodes work with the same accuracy on various materials in which they are placed. Accuracy is harder to assess, because barcode requires manual reading, and is, therefore, more subject to human error.

However, RFID might not be as accurate if the tags are placed on metals and liquids. When you use RFID, you can automate inventory management and item tracking. Better access to higher quality data allows you to use automation to optimize not only inventory management, but also your sales cycle. However, there are still environments where using only barcode or a mix of barcode and RFID is preferable.

In fact, barcode still dominates many industries. When we ask if barcode is better than RFID or the other way round, we are often asking the wrong question.

Whether RFID or barcode is better for your needs should be determined by looking at the specific circumstances of your business. If you are working with barcode but are still open to the possibility of investing in RFID in the future, how do you choose the right reader?

No more costly substitutions of your whole reader fleet, just a timeless design to which you can add RFID modules as the industry changes. Moreover, you will also be able to reduce waste and support sustainability and circular economy by choosing a reader that can be easily upgraded, instead of replaced.

Avoid costly surprises and invest in the future of your business and of the planet. Journal of Information, Information Technology and Organizations. Using RFID on metal requires a special type of tag with a block to prevent interference with the antenna. Liquid products can also affect the reliability of the signal. Taking a metal shopping cart full of beverages through a reader will not yield an accurate or reliable scan.

RFID requires different types of tags depending on the characteristics of the item itself, whereas one type of barcode label can be used on different assets. Cost is one of the main obstacles to RFID technology for many businesses.

A typical barcode label costs a few cents each, while an RFID tag can run from one dollar upwards of 30 dollars. RFID readers are also about ten times more expensive than barcode scanners. To print and encode the labels, you will need a printer like the Zebra ZTR that is capable of doing both.

In addition to the cost of the tags and readers, RFID implementation is significantly more expensive and complex than a barcoding system. Deploying an RFID system requires careful planning, along with a clear understanding of the technology capabilities and limitations.

Most service providers, including Peak Technologies, require you to invest in a consultation and site survey to confirm whether an RFID solution will work for you. While RFID is a powerful technology, the implementation and use require careful planning. We have regular conversations with customers that think they need this type of system, but the complexity and expense is not feasible for their business.

Whether you choose barcoding or RFID depends largely on the security and durability requirements of your application and the time and money that your business is prepared to spend. Contact Us. November 21, What is RFID? What is barcoding? Low Frequency LF. Animal tracking.

Access control. High Frequency HF. Medical supplies. Quality control. RFID Disadvantages. Scanning single vs multiple items. Material limitations. Cost Comparison. Implementing Your Asset Tracking System.