RFID vs Barcode

 

 

 

passive rfid tags
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Why should you choose an RFID tag over a barcode?

 

RFID tags and barcodes are both data carrying technologies that can inform the user of certain product details, however they have very different capabilities.

A barcode is a machine-readable code that visually represents data in the form of numbers and monochrome patterns either of lines or squares. It holds data that identifies the item it is adhered to which becomes known when the code is scanned by either a barcode reader, a smartphone or even a desktop printer. These barcodes can come in various shapes and sizes, yet all carry out the same job. 

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are composed of a microchip and a radio antenna which store and transmit unique data to RFID readers. They use electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects. There are two forms of RFID tags, active and passive. Active tags have their own power source to broadcast their data, unlike passive tags that require energy from nearby readers to be detected.

Advantages

 

Barcode

They are universal as stores that own a barcode reader can process a barcode that has come from elsewhere

They are cheaper as they are printed onto material (ink is the cost)

Generally, barcode readers are cheaper than RFID readers

Smartphones can also be used to read barcodes 

Barcodes are smaller and lighter than RFID tags

 

RFID

RFID tags can be read from a further distance

They don't need to be in the reader's line of sight

The mulitple tags can be read at once, speeding up the data capture process 

Contain high levels of security e.g. encrypted data

They can carry larger amounts of data and run with minimal human involvement if fixed readers are set up

They are more durable as they can be embedded into objects instead of being on the outside

RFID tags can determine product authenticity as they are harder to forge

active rfid tag

passive rfid tag

fixed rfid reader

 

Disadvantages

 

Barcode

Barcodes need be in the direct line of sight and within close proximity of the reader

Easier to damage as the barcode has to be exposed to be scanned

Contain very small amounts of data

Have to be scanned individually

Easier to forge which increases counterfeiting 

 

RFID

RFID tags cost more than barcodes do, but in the long run their durability and data capacity is a lot more valuable

More experience and technological knowledge is needed to ensure the required read rates are achieved

RFID signals can be obscured by fluids or metal which would impact the accuracy of readings

 

QR barcode

handheld rfid reader

passive rfid tag

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