RFID tags offer benefits over bar codes.
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and offers an alternative to bar code technology. These two technologies are similar, but they are different when it comes to data collection and auto identification technologies, and their applications are also often different. Sometimes it is necessary to use both technologies, while other times one technology is superior to the other in certain applications.
Line of Sight Technology
When it comes to line of sight technology, advantage goes to RFID. In order for bar codes to be read, the scanner has to be able to actually see the bar code. On the other hand, RFID tags can be read without human involvement because RFID tags can be picked up and read only as long as they are within a specific range of the RFID reader. This also means that several RFID tags can be read all at once, which increases throughput as well as efficiency exponentially.
Read and Write Capability
Advantage also goes to the RFID technology here. RFID technology offers not only reading capabilities for tags, but also writing, modifying and updating capabilities. With standard bar codes, the technology offers the ability only to read the items and little else.
Durability
The durability of RFID tags is much higher in comparison to the durability of bar code tags. RFID tags tend to be protected much more thoroughly, and they can even be attached internally, allowing them to be read in the harshest of environments. On the other hand, bar code labels are not durable at all. They can be damaged or removed easily, and if they become greasy or dirty, they cannot be read at all.
Security
RFID tags offer improved security over bar codes. RFID tags cannot be replicated easily, and the data that they contain can be password protected or encrypted, or may even include what is known as a kill feature. The kill feature removes all data, meaning that the information stored in an RFID tag is much more secure. On the other hand, bar codes offer low level security and can be counterfeited or reproduced much more easily.
Event Triggering
Another advantage that RFID tags offer over standard bar codes is the ability for event triggering. RFID tags can be utilized in order to trigger specific events such as alarms or door openings. This is not an ability that bar codes offer at all.
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