RFID and barcodes are often used for similar applications. Can both the technologies co-exist in the same application? Can you use RFID as well as barcodes to automate your business and make things manageable?
Many business owners find RFID to be quite an expensive technology to integrate into their business operations compared to predecessor technologies such as barcodes. So, while shifting towards RFID technology, companies use barcodes alongside RFID to gradually switch from one technology to the next.
Though RFID is much more advanced than barcodes, both technologies can coexist in the same system simultaneously. This article will take you through a few instances where RFID works alongside barcodes and the duo prove to be very beneficial and efficient.
Instance # 1: When Making the Switch Is Not Convenient for Everyone
Many departments work together to run a company such as the supply chain department, engineering department, human resource department, and so on. Sometimes, while making a huge switch from one technology to another, it’s not always convenient for every department to make the shift simultaneously. For instance, the supply chain department might be ready for switching from barcodes to RFID, while on the other hand, the engineering department might not be ready for this switch due to their own reasons. This is when barcodes and RFID need to exist at the same time. Some departments of the company would stick to using barcodes, while others would move to RFID technology.
Instance # 2: When RFID Doesn’t Fit in The Company Process
When shifting from barcodes to RFID, a major hurdle is that each process inside the company is different, and not all processes will welcome RFID with open arms. For instance, if there is a warehouse containing only metal objects, it would be tough for RFID technology to work in that warehouse because metal would interfere with the transmission of RF waves in the air. Therefore, in this case, it is better to use barcodes instead of RFID. However, except for the warehouse processes, other company operations can adopt RFID technology, leading to RFID’s coexistence and barcodes in the same company.
Instance # 3: When Companies Are Switching Gradually
Not all companies have the finances to shift their entire operations to newer technology. RFID is a relatively expensive technology because it offers many advantages over other technologies; hence, when companies leap of faith towards RFID technology, they need to invest a large amount of money.
Most companies prefer switching towards RFID gradually to invest in RFID readers and tags when they have enough money. They usually shift one process from barcodes to RFID technology and then work on the others after they have earned the capital for it. This is another example of when RFID and barcodes coexist.
Instance # 4: Using Barcodes as a Back-Up Plan
Once a company has fully shifted towards RFID technology, they need to have a plan B. In case RFID technology fails or gets corrupted, the company’s operations would be greatly affected. This is when they would shift towards their backup plan, i.e., barcode tags and scanners, and save their day-to-day operations from coming to a halt.
What companies can do is install barcode tags along with RFID tags on their products. This will allow them to scan their products even when RFID fails due to any reason.
RFID is a far better technology than barcodes; however, both can coexist when needed because it helps the company earn more profits and saves its operations from coming to a halt.
