RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is often touted as the technology of the future which will gradually lead to the phasing out of barcodes. But barcodes are meant for a specific segment in the business world, and will continue to be used even as RFID technology makes inroads into myriad business applications. The two technologies are related but also use a different method of auto identification and data collection, with some overlapping in applications. If used together in applications, the two technologies are capable of providing the highest returns on investment for end users. RFID offers many advantages over barcode technology. The primary difference between the two is based on the line-of-sight concept. A barcode has to be seen to be read, that is, it has to be directly exposed to the scanner to be read, which also implies that the barcode has to be oriented towards the scanner. RFID on the other hand, need not even be visible. They only need to be within the range of the reader to be read, and do not require any orientation or human effort. Moreover, barcode scanning is a slower process with each barcode having to be passed across the scanner, whereas, multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously, leading to unparalleled efficiency, time saving and enhanced throughput.
Barcodes are prone to fading and damage and this can render them illegible. This will mean that there is no way the product can be identified since standard barcodes will only provide manufacturer and general product details but not those specific to the item in question. This also poses a problem in perishable goods like milk where the barcode will contain identical information but there is no way of checking which cartons have earlier date of expiry. RFID tags, make this possible since serialization is possible with each item having a distinct identification. This proves to be a big asset in situations requiring product recalls and also in product settings in the retail setup.
The following are the differences that highlight the advantages of RFID:
1. Faster reading of RFID tags- RFID technology proves faster due to the higher read rate with multiple RFID tags being read simultaneously and automatically once they fall within the range of the reader. Barcodes on the other hand have to be individually read and they need to be placed within the line of sight. This leads to a slower speed of reading barcodes.
2. Line of sight- Line of sight is not a prerequisite for reading RFID tags since they can be read when they are hidden from the reader, by just falling within its range. Barcodes have to be oriented specifically towards the barcode scanner and it is not possible to reading them if they do not fall between the line of sight of the scanner.
3. Read/write and modification of data- RFID tags can be used for reading and writing data on them, and it can also be modified or updated. This cannot be done on barcodes which once generated and printed can hold only that information which can only be read.
4. Human involvement- Once the system of RFID has been installed and implemented, it can function without any human intervention and involvement. However, barcodes need constant human support, are labor intensive, since the work force needs to bring the barcode within the line of vision of the scanner, and this must continue for every item.
5. Durable- RFID tags are highly durable and do not get damaged easily since they can be attached inside a protective layer and still get scanned. This makes them easier to use in harsh and tougher conditions. Barcodes have to be attached to the external surface and are prone to damage, can be torn easily and fade as well, making them illegible.
6. Security- RFID tags provide higher security to data stored on them, since they can be password protected and encrypted and can also incorporate a “kill” feature which will enable permanent erasing of data stored on it, if ever the need arises. Barcodes, however have lower security thresholds, and are easier to copy, reproduce and imitate or counterfeited.
7. As event triggers- RFID tags are useful as event triggers and can therefore be used for door opening, alerts and alarms. This function cannot be performed by barcodes at all.
Thus RFID technology can be used where barcodes cannot. But RFID does not need to be used as a replacement for barcode technology. Having a system that incorporates both RFID and barcode technology would lead to numerous advantages for businesses with their proper integration and leveraging the benefits of each for product identification and data collection. RFID experts are able to give the right advice about how to use the technology for maximum benefit to the business.
