Barcode technology is the abbreviation of barcode auto-identificationtech. It is a symbol automatic recognition technology which is produced and developed on the basis of contemporary information technology. The functions of symbol coding, data collection, automatic identification, entry, and storage of information can be integrated into one body, which can effectively solve the problems of the collection and automatic entry of large amounts of data in the logistics process.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless communication technology that can identify specific targets through radio signals and read and write related data without the need to establish mechanical or optical contact between the identification system and the specific targets. The signal of the radio is to transmit the data from the label attached to the item through the electromagnetic field tuned to the radio frequency to automatically identify and track the item.
In fact, before the application of RFID technology, the recording and transmission of information mainly rely on bar codes. The advantages of using bar code identification methods are flexible configuration and low system cost. However, it has the characteristics of easy contamination, breakage, and more complicated operations. Although RFID tags and barcodes Both are used to store product information, but there are seven differences between these two technologies:
1. Data storage capacity
The capacity of one-dimensional barcode is 50 bytes, the maximum capacity of two-dimensional barcode can store 2 to 3000 characters, and the maximum capacity of RFID is several M bytes. With the development of memory carriers, the data capacity also tends to expand. In the future, the amount of data that items need to carry will become larger and larger, and the demand for storage media to expand capacity will increase accordingly.
2. Anti-pollution ability and durability
The carrier of the traditional bar code is paper, so it is easy to be contaminated, but RFID is very resistant to substances such as water, oil and chemicals. In addition, because the bar code is attached to a plastic bag or an outer packaging carton, it is particularly vulnerable to damage; RFID tags store data in the chip, so they can be protected from contamination and prolong service life.
3. External form
RFID is not limited by the size and shape of reading, and it is not necessary to solve the size or printing accuracy of the carrier for reading accuracy. In addition, RFID tags can be further miniaturized and diversified to apply to different products.
4. Security
Since RFID carries electronic information, its data content can be protected by encryption technology, so that its content is not easy to be forged and altered, and bar codes are exposed physical information, and most of them use general coding rules, and data security cannot be guaranteed.
5. Tracing efficiency
Barcode scanning recognition frequency is limited, only one barcode can be scanned at a time; RFID reader can recognize and read several RFID tags at the same time.
6. Penetrating and accessible reading
When covered, RFID can penetrate non-metallic or non-transparent materials such as paper, wood and plastic, and can communicate penetratingly. The barcode scanner must be able to recognize the barcode at a short distance and without obstruction.
7. Reusable
After the current bar code is printed, it cannot be changed and cannot be reused, which virtually increases the cost of the enterprise, and the RFID tag can repeatedly add, modify, and delete the data stored in the RFID tag to facilitate the update of information.
