Over the past 25 years, the barcode has been the primary tool to identify goods in supply chain. Barcodes have evolved and taken different forms, and have been improved since their original conception. However today’s technology market now offers a good rival option in RFID.
There are many differences between the two formats – and determining which is best for your company takes careful thought and consideration. Barcode scanners have come a long way, but still suffer certain limitations that RFID helps to fix. Alternatively, barcodes are a tried and true method for tracking inventory, scanning product and other implementations, while RFID is still viewed as an intimidating and flawed new technology. It’s important to analyze the needs of your business and weigh these against the pros and cons of both methods before making a decision on which method is right for you.
Key considerations you should make when you are comparing Barcode vs. RFID:
- Reading method: Barcode readers need a direct visual check. By contrast, RFID readers do not require line of sight to acquire information on the label. Signal radio frequency is able to travel through most materials.
- Speed of Readers: RFID tags can be read faster than barcode labels. They can often scan 1,000 labels per second, as opposed the reading level that barcode offers, which often varies depending on the scanner.
- Durability: To add protection, RFID can be inserted into a plastic material to guarantee more durability. Barcode labels are often exposed, which can make them vulnerable to weather, wear, and other factors that may damage them. So in both cases adhesive and protection is an important factor.
- Data Storage: The UPC code identifies the classification of a generic item, but EPC allows identification of an item individually through an assigned serial number. RFID tags contain high memory capacities – this increase in storage capacity allows the device to archive more information, which can be useful for companies with a higher volume of products or shipments.
It’s important to take in to consideration all of these aspects within the context of your specific company to determine what will best fill your needs. While RFID is typically more rugged and can increase the efficiency of your warehouse or business, it may not make sense for smaller businesses that can’t make use of all these perks. Barcodes won’t be going anywhere any time soon, but they’re no longer new or innovative either. Take a second to determine whether you need a refresh to a new technology, or whether barcodes are still serving your business best.
Co-Contributor: Liliana Ramirez