Technology Choices
Picking an RFID or Barcode solution that is right for your business

Should I use a barcode or RFID system?

RFID and barcode are two distinctly different technologies whose functionality can overlap in certain applications.  The two primary differences between RFID and barcode technologies are the elimination or reduction of human intervention and line of sight requirements. In order to read a barcode, a scanner must be positioned by a person for it to be read.   In contrast, RFID technology does not require line of sight because an RFID tag can be read as long as it is within range of a reader.  The RFID reader does not need to be activated by a human, thus errors are reduced and accuracy is increased!

What is the difference between RTLS and RFID?

The acronym RTLS stands for Real Time Locator System. A real time locator system uses RFID technology to transmit the physical location of RFID tagged objects. An RTLS requires some type of RFID tag to be attached to each object that needs to be tracked.  RF transmitters and receivers are positioned  throughout the facility to determine the location of each item being tracked and send that information to computerized tracking system.

While an RTLS system will use RFID technology to enable companies to track objects in real time, the implementation of an RTLS solution is based upon the need of an organization to track down an object to a pinpoint position.  This can be overkill for many applications including inventory, warehouse movements, and item package level tracking.