What is RFID?
Frequency Identification (RFID) is
a generic term that is used to describe a system that
transmits the “identity” (in the form of a
unique serial number) of an object or person wirelessly,
using radio waves. RFID is typically grouped under the
broad category of automatic identification technologies.
Auto-ID technologies include bar codes, optical character
readers and some biometric technologies, such as retinal
scans. The auto-ID technologies have been used to reduce
the amount of time and labor needed to input data manually
and to improve data accuracy.
RFID is designed to enable readers to capture data on
tags and transmit it to a computer system-without needing
a person involved. A typical RFID tag consists of a microchip
attached to a radio antenna mounted on a substrate. These
“chips” can store large amounts of data on
a product or shipment such as date of manufacturing, destination,
sell by date, color, and quantity.
To retrieve the data stored on an RFID tag, you need a
reader. A typical reader is a device that has one or more
antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back
from the tag. The reader then passes the information in
digital form to a computer.
Undoubtedly, RFID still has obstacles in its path since
it depends on the surroundings for the ultimate performance
of any system. But with lower tag costs, advancements
in reader, transceiver and antenna technology, RFID is
becoming more attractive in certain applications for the
ROI (return on investment) it will provide long term.
So, Barcode or RFID?
Integrated Barcode Technology can provide a total analysis
of your requirements and recommend the very best solution
for maximum ROI regarding your application from the site
survey to system definition, hardware acquisition, software,
tags, installation and maintenance of either barcode or