RFID Basics: Understanding the Difference Between Bar Codes and RFID

RFID and Automatic Identification Focus: Our Weekly Feature Article on Topics of Interest to those Using or Considering RFID or other Auto ID Technologies

- April 1, 2008 -

Each Auto ID Technology will Continue to have its Place, but RFID Offers a Number of Unique Advantages

SCDigest Editorial Staff

SCDigest Says:

It is hard to summarize RFID tag attributes, given that there are many different tag types and frequencies, each designed for specific types of applications.

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Perhaps surprisingly given all the news and hype around RFID the past few years, we still receive a number of questions about the real differences between RFID and bar codes, the more established automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) technology.

The graphics below provide a concise summary of the key differences among traditional “linear” bar codes, new “two-dimensional bar codes such as Datamatrix or PDF417, and RFID tags. The final graphic summarizes several of the key advantages of RFID.

(RFID and Automatic Identification Article - Continued Below)

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Again, we will note that it is hard to summarize RFID tag attributes, given that there are many different tag types and frequencies, each designed for specific types of applications. Nonetheless, at a general level, the charts above should provide a solid overview to the capabilities and attributes of each AIDC option.

What would you add or subtract from our comparison list of bar codes versus RFID? Do you agree both will have a place for many years? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback button below.