How does RFID compare to Barcoding?

 

RFID

Barcode

Line of Sight

Not required

Required

Read Range

Passive RFID:
  - Up to 40 feet (fixed readers)
  - Up to 20 feet (handheld readers)

Several inches up to several feet

Read Rate

Up to 1000s simultaneously

Only one at a time

Identification

Uniquely identify each item/asset tagged

Typically only identifies the type of item (UPC Code) but not uniquely

Read/Write

RFID tags are Read/Write

Read only

Technology

RF (Radio Frequency)

Optical (Laser)

Interference

Limited only by RFID frequencies.

Obstructed barcodes cannot be read (dirt covering barcode, torn barcode, etc.)

Automation

"Fixed" readers don't require human involvement to collect data (automated)

Most barcode scanners require a human to operate (labor intensive)

 

 

My company’s made substantial investments in barcoding technology. 
Why should I add RFID?

RFID gives you key operational improvements over barcoding. There are no line-of-sight restrictions with RFID labels, a much greater read range and the ability to read thousands of RFID labels simultaneously.

RFID supports faster growth than barcoding. Fixed RFID readers require zero human involvement, unlike barcoding, which is labor-intensive and can’t identify unique items.

 

We’re in asset management.  What can an RFID solution do for us?

You can use a customized RFID people tracking solution to improve customer service for VIPs, with real-time tracking and database development of preferred amenities. You can also use RFID-tagged badges or RFID wrist bands to offer credit card promotions for loyalty programs, upgrades and merchandising. RFID 96-bit read/write capability supports automated upselling and prepayment options, too.

 

Who’s using RFID now?

Any company that needs a scalable, automated solution to improve inventory and asset management, QA and customer service.  The Beijing Olympics used an RFID solution for their opening and closing ceremonies.  The U.S. Department of Defense uses RFID technology for security.  Both Wal-Mart and Target have made RFID tagging a key vendor requirement.

 

What’s the advantage of a turnkey RFID solution, as opposed to working with my current IT vendors?

We offer turnkey RFID solutions, with one contact and a single point of responsibility for the customized RFID software, hardware, system integration, training and tech support. As a single-source vendor, we can offer improved QA and delivery, particularly compared to other IT vendors who don’t specialize in RFID solutions.

 

What’s the approximate timing on a customized RFID integration?

It depends on the number of plants or locations involved (although the more locations the RFID solution serves, the faster and greater the return on investment).  We generally plan for six to eight weeks for on-site assessment and evaluation, application engineering and coding, installation, testing and training.  It can take longer than that, but only because our clients have other responsibilities to manage.