RFID vs. Barcodes Comparison
RFID vs. Barcodes | Passive vs. Active RFID | RFID for Tracking Assets
RFID vs. Barcodes Comparison
RFID and barcodes are similar in that they are both data collection
technologies, meaining they automate the process of collecting data.
However, they also differ significantly in many areas. Although this
comparison primarily focuses on the advantages of RFID over barcodes,
RFID will not completely replace barcode technology. Barcodes offer some
advantages over RFID, most notably their low cost.
Comparison Statistics
- RFID is 15-20 times faster than manual and barcode processes for inventorying IT assets. (Source: RFID Journal)
- Some companies experience a 95% reduction in time using RFID (Source: Motorola)
- The #1 RFID application being deployed is IT asset tracking (Source: Aberdeen)
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RFID |
Barcode |
| Line of Site |
Not required (in most cases) |
Required |
| Read Range |
Passive UHF RFID:
- Up to 40 feet (fixed readers)
- Up to 20 feet (handheld readers)
Active RFID:
- Up to 100's of feet or more
|
Several inches up to several feet |
| Read Rate |
10's, 100's or 1000's simultaneously |
Only one at a time |
| Identification |
Can uniquely identify each item/asset tagged. |
Most barcodes only identify the type of item (UPC Code) but not uniquely. |
| Read/Write |
Many RFID tags are Read/Write
|
Read only |
| Technology |
RF (Radio Frequency)
|
Optical (Laser) |
| Interference |
Like the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), some
RFID frequencies don't like Metal and Liquids. They can interfere with some RF Frequencies.
|
Obstructed barcodes cannot be read (dirt covering barcode,
torn barcode, etc.)
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| Automation |
Most "fixed" readers don't require human involement to collect
data (automated)
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Most barcode scanners require a human to operate (labor
intensive)
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For additional information or to request a demonstration, please fill out our Information Request Form, contact sales at 770-427-0102, or send us an email at sales [at] inlogic.com.
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