RFID vs. Barcode
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RFID |
Barcode |
Read Rate |
High throughput. Multiple (>100) tags
can be read simultaneously. |
Very low throughput. Tags can only
be read manually, one at a time. |
Line of Sight |
Not required. Items can be oriented
in any direction, as long as it is in the read range, and direct
line of sight is never required. |
Definitely required. Scanner must
physically see each item directly to scan, and items must be oriented
in a very specific manner. |
Human Capital |
Virtually none. Once up and running,
the system is completely automated. |
Large requirements. Laborers must
scan each tag. |
Read/Write Capability |
More than just reading. Ability to
read, write, modify, and update. |
Read only. Ability to read items and
nothing else. |
Durability |
High. Much better protected, and can
even be internally attached, so it can be read through very harsh
environments. |
Low. Easily damaged or removed; cannot
be read if dirty or greasy. |
Security |
High. Difficult to replicate. Data
can be encrypted, password protected, or include a "kill" feature
to remove data permanently, so information stored is much more secure. |
Low. Much easier to reproduce or counterfeit. |
Event Triggering |
Capable. Can be used to trigger certain
events (like door openings, alarms, etc.). |
Not capable. Cannot be used to trigger
events. |
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The question that is most frequently asked is “when is RFID better than Barcodes.” RFID is not necessarily better than Barcodes. The two are different technologies and have different applications, which sometimes overlap. In many circumstances, RFID offers advantages over traditional bar codes. The big difference between the two is bar codes are line-of-sight technology. That is, a scanner has to "see" the bar code to read it, which means people usually have to orient the bar code toward a scanner for it to be read. One advantage of RFID is that the technology doesn't require line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. Bar codes have other shortcomings as well. If a label is ripped or soiled or has fallen off, there is no way to scan the item, and standard bar codes identify only the manufacturer and product, not the unique item. For example, the bar code on one milk carton is the same as every other, making it impossible to identify which one might pass its expiration date first.
