RFID vs barcode

So, you've made the decision to use Auto-ID to manage your assets, but how do you decide on the whether to use RFID or barcode technology?

4hSolutions' asset management solution, Assettagz is compatible with both Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and barcode technology for Auto-ID. However, careful thought and consideration should be applied when deciding on the best solution for your environment and your business.

Uniquely identifying products and assets in real-time using RFID offers greater productivity, accuracy and cost savings. For critical assets that require tracking, tracing, maintenance and user authentication, RFID tagging is a robust and reliable option. In comparison, barcodes can be more easily damaged, tampered with or obscured which can prove costly and time consuming.

In addition to being more durable, RFID tags are reusable, making them a cost effective choice.

• Robustness - RFID tags are much more robust and can withstand harsher environments than barcodes, operating in temperatures ranging from -25º C to 70º C. Special ceramic tags are also available for even harsher environments.
• Size – RFID tags range in size from a grain of rice to a paperback book making them more versatile than barcodes which are far more limited in size.
• Readability - RFID tags offer a read range which varies from inches to hundreds of feet and can be read through many materials including dirt, paint, grease and snow. In addition they do not require direct line of sight and are not affected by sunlight, unlike barcodes.
• Resilience - RFID tags can be encased in protective material for and are therefore much less prone to damage and tampering than barcodes.
• Fraud – RFID tags are produced with an identity code or serial number from the manufacturer. This is embedded digitally on the microchip and cannot be changed, therefore making them resistant to fraud. Barcodes can easily be duplicated and therefore counterfeited.
• Reusability - RFID tags can have a much longer shelf-life than barcodes and can be reused multiple times. Barcodes are not reusable and are subject to degradation with handling.
• Traceability - The unique identity of an RFID tag makes it possible to manage the entire lifecycle of a single asset. Barcodes are better suited to an entire class of items because a barcode does not need to be specially printed for each individual item.