Barcode RFID

Basics of RFID

RFID, a relatively new technology compared to Barcode, uses radio frequency waves to detect and identify a particular item. The technology essentially involves a small tag or chip which can be mounted or attached on the item which needs to be tracked. The tag holds data which identifies the item and may also give some basic description of it. The other part of the system is the Tag Reader. Tag transmits information in form of radio waves which are read by the readers. Transponders, Antenna and computer software forms other parts of the whole system. RFID tags are available in two varieties; Active tags and Passive tags.

Basics of Barcode technology

Barcode technology is much older then RFID. It is based on the fundamental science principle that black color absorbs light n white color reflects. A Barcode is a series of closely placed vertical black lines on a white background. Instead of white even a light color background like glass can be used. A barcode scanner throws light on this group of lines called barcode. The thick black lines absorb the light and the thin lines or the white space reflects it partially or fully. The scanner reads the reflected light and identifies the item on which the barcode is marked. Some barcodes only have numeric information whereas some have both alphabets and numbers stored in them. A typical barcode system involves a barcode printer which prints barcode on the item to be tracked. The barcode then becomes the unique identifier for the particular item or group of items. To read this barcode, there are various types of readers. There are mainly 3 types of bar code readers. This are fixed, portable batch and portable RF. In the first two one, the reader is wired to the host computer which stores the barcode plus various other description about each item. Once the barcode is scanned, the host computer tries to identify the read code and match it with its database. This matching can be also done on the reader itself by using its inbuilt memory and then transferring information in batch mode to the host computer. In RF type of readers, the barcode reader communicates with the host computer through radio frequency waves.

Comparing Barcode and RFID technology

The two technologies have its own pros and cons. Specific advantages and disadvantages of RFID and Barcode will vary depending upon the environment in which they are used. Both can be compared on following parameters

• Reliability

Barcode requires that the item to be tracked should clearly carry the barcode. Often due to adverse weather conditions, the barcode gets soiled and unreadable. Tags don’t get soiled like barcode. But if not properly attached, they can fall off the item. Also they are prone to damage caused by humans. Many shop owners in US have complained that some customers exchange tags of high cost item with low cost ones thereby getting the high cost item at low price. This results in financial losses to the shop owners.

• Cost

RFID tags, especially Active tags, are currently very costly. This has hindered the wide scale acceptance of the technology. Hence, it is limited to certain high value item. Barcode on other hand is a low cost technology and is used on thousands of products.

• Ease of use

For reading a barcode, the item should be kept closed to the barcode scanner. Also the item should be kept in certain angle and unobstructed by any other object so as to get properly read. However, RFID doesn’t have this line of sight requirement. Also there are no issues with angle or obstruction. However, if there are too many solid obstructions then even RFID can fail. Another important difference is that multiple RFID tags can be read in a single stroke unlike barcodes which cannot be read together.

• Power requirements

RFID tags have a fix battery life. A battery life of a tag is around 10 years. However, once it expires then the tag becomes unreadable and the item to which it is attached cannot be identified.

• Information storage

Barcode can have only identification information. However, a RFID tag can store more then just identification information. It can also store details like instructions of use, shipping details, etc.

• Interference with other systems

RFID readers work on radio frequencies which can interfere with other transmitting devices. For example, in airports, a RFID reader might potentially interfere with the communication systems at airport. Such issues are not encountered in Barcode technology.

Many government agencies like US FDA have shown use of both the technologies. State governments like California government too are keenly interested in these technologies. Both these data collection technologies, if properly used, are a boon for any organization. Otherwise, they have potential to become a curse for your company’s bottom line.