RFID vs. other techniques (Bar Codes)

While Universal Product Codes (UPC) used with bar coding systems have provided many benefits, EPC’s used with RFID systems are poised to provide increased efficiency and productivity by way of automatic identification and tracking.

Unlike bar code systems, which use a reader and code labels that are attached to the object, RFID uses an electronic tag on the reader to acquire a RF signal at a RFID reader.  Information in transferred via optical signal with bar codes as apposed to RF signals with RFID.

Bar codes and RFID tend to be used for different applications.  The fact that RFID does not depend on line-of-sight, makes it particularly useful for applications, such as package management, in which the item must be handled many times.  Being that standard bar codes typically only contain information about the manufacturer or originator of an item and basic information about the object itself, RFID is particularly useful for applications in which the item must be identified uniquely.

Being that it uses radio waves rather than optical, RFID can penetrate non-metallic materials, allowing the RFID tag to be embedded or encased within an item or object.  In contrast, the bar code must be physically exposed to the surface of the object, and in the case of bar code labels, can fall off the object.

Generally speaking, RFID is a better choice for situations in which there is a need for a lot of handling, such as in a manufacturing and/or moving inventory situations.