Barcode VS RFID - Learn why you should switch from barcodes to RFID labels

Both barcodes and RFID tags can be used for a wide range of applications such as inventory management and auditing, but why would you switch from barcodes to RFID tags and what makes RFID a better choice?

In addition to being able to monitor and secure production processes that are becoming increasingly important to businesses, RFID can offer businesses a long list of advantages that drive the transition from barcodes.

1. Speed

Multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously in a given area, speeding up auditing. By contrast, barcodes can only be read one at a time. For example, if there are 40 items in a shopping cart, the cart must be stationary when it is read, and each item must be scanned individually, which is time-consuming and expensive. By contrast, hundreds of RFID tags can be read in seconds, which means fewer employees are required to count items in inventory, because fixed readers can not only read the tags, but if an employee were to scan an item, They can scan the entire box in seconds.

2. Readability

RFID tags can be read from longer distances than barcodes, ranging from 0 to 100 feet. Line-of-sight is also not required to read labels, while barcodes must be within line-of-sight and within inches of the reader without interference. The orientation of the RFID tag also doesn’t matter, because the reader will still be able to pick up the antenna if the tag is upside down or oriented in the wrong direction.

3. Safe

Barcodes are easy to replicate because images can be reproduced, while RFID tags are more difficult to counterfeit. The data in them is encrypted, making them more secure. This means they can be used to help protect brands and verify the authenticity of items.

4. Durability

RFID tags are much more durable than barcodes. If the image of the barcode is tampered with, the barcode will not be read by the reader, and because the RFID tag is embedded in the item, the antenna remains intact and therefore lasts longer.

5. Automation

Using RFID tags means that processes such as recording asset movements or monitoring inventory levels can be easily automated by using stationary readers that detect the presence or movement of items in real time. This saves valuable resources and significantly improves data accuracy by eliminating the often error-prone manual scanning process. Access to real-time data enables organizations to react quickly to inventory or asset shortages.

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