We can all agree that RFID has grown constantly through the last few years. Such emerging technological advancements can always attract myths and cause confusion. It is crucial for any company or business to get clarity on such assumptions and grey areas. Otherwise, it may compromise the expected return on investment. This article addresses and clears major myths surrounding RFID systems.
Myth #1: “RFID tags are just an advancement to Barcodes”
The only thing common between an RFID tag and a Barcode is that both can be used to carry some predefined information, often for the purpose of identification. Apart from that, both technologies have their own role to play. Both of them are quite different in the way they work and the variety of applications they serve. The key factor here is that RFID can be programmed as per the application, while a simple barcode can just share the same 10-12 digits as information. An RFID tag is a distinct choice over a barcode for any application where information changes from time to time.
Myth #2: “RFID tags can be read anytime regardless of any conditions”
While RFID is among the most robust solutions and deserves the trust it has earned, it is important to understand that there are several limitations to it. RFID Tag Shadowing, the distance between the reader and the tag, environmental conditions, material/metallic interference when communicating with the tag are a few of the minor challenges that a successful RFID system has to address.
Myth #3: “There’s no scope for false information with RFID”
People often trust that the information from RFID tags is absolutely authentic and that there is no need to double-check it ever. It is true that RFID tags can carry and share the same exact information that is programmed in them. But, there’s room for human error in that programming part. Therefore, establishing a sequence to verify incoming data is always a good idea regardless of communication protocol, and that’s where a middleware can help.
Myth #4: “RFID is for inventories and warehouses”
RFID has been popular with its use for asset tracking, data logging, managing stocks, counting assets, and faster supply chains. However, this does not mean that RFID is only to be used for such applications. There are a lot of use cases of RFID across almost any industry that exists. From laundries to libraries and healthcare to fashion, RFID can serve any domain with the same perfect qualities.
Myth #5: “RFID tags embedded on items can invade privacy”
This one is a major misconception where users believe that having an embedded chip on a product can compromise their privacy by tracking or sharing personal information. It is not at all accurate as most of the tags are rendered useless upon being scanned at the billing counter; that is how security sensors at the door ensure that there is no theft. On top of that, RFID tags can not transmit any information without the reader in its range, nor can they record a user’s personal information.
These common myths are just the tip of the iceberg, and there will always be some source that may create some confusion. The key here is to learn from case studies of so many implementations from the same industry. RFID systems already have enough adaptations to set the right expectations.
