What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems consist of readers and tags. An RFID Tag contains a small antennae and can send an electronic code to an RFID reader using a radio signal.

There are two distinct types of RFID tag, active and passive. Passive tags must be charged with enough power to transmit a signal by the reading equipment. Active tags have their own power source and can transmit a signal continuously (or at preset intervals). Some tags can be written to many times.

The transmitter in an RFID tag can be programmed to contain a code that an appropriate reading and software system can use to uniquely identify an item, allowing it to be tracked and monitored.

RFID tags can be used in Asset tracking applications, and are also widely used in passport control and automated public transport payment schemes such as The London Underground Oyster card scheme.

What is Barcoding?

Barcodes are machine readable representations of information (typically text).

One dimensional barcodes differentiate between characters by using a combination of lines and spaces of differing widths. Barcodes are typically printed in black and white, but other high contrast colours are sometimes used.

Barcode readers shine light onto the barcode being read. The intensity of the reflected or ambient light is measured to determine the code being read.

Barcodes are widely used to identify products, goods and other items in almost all business areas.

Why use Barcodes or RFID?

Using an auto-id system such as barcoding or RFID speeds up data entry and reduces errors. Without a means of automatically reading a code, systems would rely on the user typing information, or entering it via some other interface device. Typing long strings of letters and digits is time consuming and very prone to human error. Using an automatic identification system such as barcodes or RFID eliminate the majority of these errors.

Barcodes and RFID with Generitrack

Generitrack can be used with both barcoding and RFID.

With the basic barcoding option, the Generitrack portable can be used to scan barcode labels that will uniquely identify assets and inventory items. Generitrack has a barcode printing program compatible with all MS Windows operating systems that will connect to your data and allow you to produce your own asset labels.

With the RFID option, BCS Coding will supply a portable device with a built in multicode RFID reader. This will allow you to read passive RFID tags to identify, create and process your assets. RFID tags can be fitted to items that might not have space for a barcode

Barcodes or RFID?

Factors to consider when choosing between barcoding or RFID include the following:

Barcodes

» Cost - whilst barcodes can be produced for a typical total cost of less than 1p, RFID tags typically cost between 30p and £1 each.

» Human Readability - RFID tags often contain no human readable text, whereas it is simple to produce barcode labels containing text (and pictures or logos).

RFID

» Line of sight - Whilst barcodes require a line of sight to read the data, RFID tags do not.

» Interference and Feasability Studies - There are many factors that can influence the readability of an RFID tag, including the type of material they are attached to and the environment in which they will be used. It is highly advisable to carry out a feasability study before choosing an implementation.