IoT Barcodes and Identification (IoT Sensing Layer): Barcodes vs. RFID

Category : IoT Barcodes and Identification | Sub Category : Barcodes vs. RFID Posted on 2023-09-07 21:24:53

IoT Barcodes and Identification (IoT Sensing Layer): Barcodes vs. RFID
Introduction
The Internet of Things has changed various industries, including supply chain management. The ability to identify and track objects is a crucial aspect of the internet of things. Two popular technologies used for this purpose are the Internet of Things Barcodes and the Radio Frequency Identification. In this post, we will look at the differences between the two methods and their advantages and disadvantages.
The traditional method of identification with barcodes.
Barcodes have been used for decades and have proven to be an efficient method for product identification. A barcode is a series of parallel lines that represent different data The information is retrieved when scanned with a barcode reader. Businesses looking to incorporate the internet of things into their operations can use barcodes.
There are advantages of barcodes.
1 Barcodes are inexpensive to apply to products.
2 Barcodes can be quickly integrated into existing systems and require minimal training for personnel.
3 Barcode readers are ubiquitous and can be found in most businesses, making it easy to retrieve data using off-the-shelf equipment.
Barcodes have disadvantages.
1 It is difficult to barcode items in difficult to reach locations or when items are stacked because of the line-of- sight requirement.
2 Barcodes have limited storage capacity, making it hard to include additional details beyond basic product identification.
The advanced identification technology is called radio-frequency identification.
An innovative approach to object identification and tracking is offered by the use of radio waves. It uses radio waves to communicate between a tag and a reader, eliminating the need for a line of sight. Real-time tracking of objects is possible with eachRFID tag that has a unique identifier.
The advantages of radio waves.
1 Non-line-of- sight scanning uses the tags to read from a distance, making it more efficient for tracking objects in challenging environments.
2 With the use of radio-frequency identification tags, it is possible to include additional details such as batches, expiration dates, and even manufacturing history.
3 Real-time tracking is a technology that allows businesses to monitor the movement and location of objects in their supply chain.
There are drawbacks of radio identification.
1 Compared to barcodes, tags and readers can be more expensive, with the initial cost of implementation increasing.
2 Implementation complexity is when custom integration into existing infrastructure is required.
3 Data transmission can be affected by interference issues, which can be caused by metal surfaces.
Conclusion
Both barcodes andRFID have their merits when it comes to identification on the internet. Businesses with limited budgets and simpler identification needs can use barcodes. On the other hand, the advanced features of the radio-frequency identification technology make it suitable for industries that need comprehensive visibility throughout the supply chain.
The choice between barcodes and radio Frequency Identification depends on the requirements of the organization. Businesses can make informed decisions on which method best fits their needs, budget and long-term goals by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.