RFID : OVERVIEW AND COMPARISON WITH BARCODES

Author Name: Ms. Rajula Shah

Faculty
METAS Adventist College, Surat
Email: rajulshah31@[Link]
Mobile no.: 09979981124
Ms. Papri Das
Faculty
AURO University of Hospitality and Management, Surat
Email: [Link]@[Link]
Mobile no.: 09825319849

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Abstract:
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an enabling technology, it doesn't provide much value on
its own, but it enables companies to develop applications that create value. RFID enables
companies to do many different things. RFID is used to identify objects or people. Main
advantage of it is that it requires no human intervention. The RFID data are of different size and
different characteristics. RFID data pose many interesting challenges in the current data
management systems. RFID and barcodes both are data collection technologies, they automate
the process of collecting data. However, they also differ significantly in many areas. Although this
comparison primarily focuses on the advantages of RFID over barcodes, RFID will not completely
replace barcode technology. Barcodes offer some advantages over RFID, most notably their low
cost.
Keywords: RFID, RFID Tags, Reader, Barcodes,

INTRODUCTION

RFID was first used over sixty years ago by britain to identify aircraft in world war ii and was part
of the modification of radar. It was during the 1960s that RFID was first considered as a solution
for the business world. The first commercial applications involving RFID followed during the 70s
and 80s. RFID started in 1998, when researchers at the Massachusetts institute of technology
(MIT) auto-id centre began to research new ways to track and identify objects as they moved
between substantial locations. This research, which has a worldwide outlook, centred on radio
frequency technology and how information that is held on tags can be effectively scanned and
shared with business in near real time.
RFID System Components
Modern RFID system has three major components.
 Tag –Transponder
 Reader –Interrogator
 Host Computer
Following diagram explain how RFID works:

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Tags
Tags are typically composed of a microchip for storage and computation, and a coupling element,
such as an antenna coil for communication. Tags may also contain a contact pad. Tag memory
may be read-only, write-once read-many or fully rewritable.
Broadly the tags have been classified in three categories.
Active Tag: An active RFID tag is equipped with a power source for the tag's circuitry and
antenna. The advantages of an active RFID tag includes readability from a distances of one
hundred feet or more as well as capability to have other sensors that can use electricity for
power. The major disadvantages of an active RFID tag are the limitations on the lifetime of the
tag (5 years). They are more expensive and physically larger and they add to the maintenance
cost if the batteries are replaced.
Passive Tag: Passive RFID tag does not contain a power source; the power is supplied by the
reader. The tag draws power from the inductive coupling with reader antenna. The major
disadvantages of a passive tag are that the tag can be read only at very short distances, typically a
few feet at most. However there are many advantages .The tag functions without a battery which
increases the life time to more than 20 years. The tags are less expensive (10¢) and much
smaller . These tags have almost unlimited applications in consumer goods and other areas.
Semi-Passive Tag: Like passive tags, semi-passive tags reflect (rather than transmit) RF energy
back to the tag reader to send identification information. However, these tags also contain a

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battery that powers their ICs. This allows for some interesting applications, such as when a sensor
is included in the tag so it can transmit real-time attributes, such as temperature, humidity, and
timestamp. By using the battery only to power a simple IC and sensor— and not including a
transmitter—the semi-passive tags achieves a compromise between cost, size, and range.

Reader
An RFID reader is a device that is used to interrogate an RFID tag. The reader has an antenna that
emits radio waves; the tag responds by sending back its data. A number of factors can affect the
distance at which a tag can be read (the read range). The frequency used for identification, the
antenna gain, the orientation and polarization of the reader antenna and the transponder
antenna, as well as the placement of the tag on the object to be identified will all have an impact
on the RFID system’s read range. The RFID reader provides the connectivity between individual
tags and the tracking/management system. Depending on the application and operating
conditions, there may be a multiplicity of readers to fully service a specific area.

Host Computer
It processes the data from the tag that have been transmitted by the reader. Often, the RFID
reader contains a networking element such as wired Ethernet or wireless Ethernet that connects
a single RFID-read event to a central server. The central server runs a database application, with
functions that include matching, tracking, and storage. In many applications, an “alert” function is
also present (for example the re-order trigger, for supply chain and inventory management
systems, or an alert to a guard, for security applications).

COMPARISON OF RFID WITH BARCODE

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been developed as an alternative to

Barcode technology for tracking products and humans which can scan items from a far distance.
RFID technology is capable to overcome all the shortcomings of barcode technology such as data
inaccuracy, line of sight issues and excess time consumption. In addition, RFID readers can scan
several items simultaneously which makes the process much faster. RFID tags can usually be read

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even when a tag is not facing a reader antenna (tags can't be read through metal and some other
materials), and the information can be transmitted to computers in real time. Typically, when a
read reads a tag, it passes three things to a host computer system: the tag ID, the reader's own ID
and the time the tag was read. By knowing which readers are in which locations, companies can
know where a product is, as well as what it is.

Following table explains the comparison between RFID and Barcode.

BARCODE RFID

What is it? A barcode is a visual representation of Radio Frequency-Identification

data that is scanned and interpreted for technology (RFID) involves a tag
information. Each barcode contains a affixed to a product which
certain code which works as a tracking identifies and tracks the product
technology for products; and is via radio waves. These tags can
represented in a sequence of lines or carry up to 2,000 bytes of data.
other shapes. Initially this technology was
symbolized by the width and spaces
between parallel lines that were one
dimensional. This then evolved into other
geometrical shapes such as rectangles
and hexagons that were two dimensional.
This barcode technology can be scanned
by barcode readers along with newer
technology on devices such as
smartphones and desktop printer.

ADVANTAGES
Much smaller and lighter than RFID tags Can read RFID tags from a
and therefore easier to use. greater distance than barcodes.
information can be read from a
Less expensive than RFID tags; as
tag at up to 300 ft.
barcodes are directly printed onto plastic

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 or paper materials RFID tags don’t need to be
positioned in a line of sight with
Barcodes work with the same accuracy on
the scanner.
various materials in which they are
placed. RFID tags can be read at a faster
rate than barcodes; as
Barcodes are a universal technology in
approximately 40 RFID tags can
that they are the norm for retail
be read at the same time.
products; stores that own a barcode
reader can process barcodes from RFID tags are read/write devices.
anywhere in the world.
RFID contain high levels of
In many cases; barcode accuracy has security; data can be encrypted,
been said to be the same or even better password protected or set to
than RFID tags. include a ‘kill’ feature to remove
data permanently.
Today barcodes are found on almost
every item and there are no privacy RFID tags carry large data
issues involved with its use. capabilities such as product
maintenance, shipping histories
and expiry dates; which can all
be programmed to the tag.
Once these are set up; it can be
run with minimal human
participation.
RFID tags are more reusable and
rugged as they are protected by
a plastic cover
DISADVANTAGES
Barcode scanners need a direct line of RFID involves assembling and
sight to the barcode to be able to read. inserting a computerized chip;
which works out to be more
In order to read the barcode, the barcode
expensive.
scanner needs to be quite close; around
no more than 15ft. RFID readers struggle picking up
information when passing
Barcodes have no read/write capabilities;
through metal or liquid.
they do not contain any added
information such as expiry date etc. They Reader collision can occur where
only contain the manufacturer and two signals from different
product. readers overlap and the tag is
unable to respond to both.
They are very labour intensive; as they

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 must be scanned individually. Tag collision can occur when
numerous tags in the same area
Barcodes have less security than RFID; as
respond at the same time.
they can be more easily reproduced or
forged. RFID still has two separate chips
(read only and
Barcodes are more easily damaged; as
readable/writable), which
the line of sight is needed to scan, the
cannot be read by the same
printed bar code has to be exposed on
machine.
the outside of the product.
If a barcode is ripped or damaged there is
no way to scan the product.

Business uses of RFID:

1. Improved Checkout: RFID allows retailers to streamline the checkout process. The
advantages of RFID checkout apply to both retailers as well as consumers. For customers,
RFID technology reduces wasted time spent waiting in checkout lines and streamlines the
fee process. for store owners, this electronic checkout helps to lower labor costs.
2. Theft Reduction: In a retail marketing environment, RFID technology can help to reduce
the quantity of theft.
3. Improved Stocking: RFID, Also enables decision makers to predict how many products to
order to meet projected demand .
4. Supply Chain Management: RFID technologies to transform supply chains by providing
end-to-end visibility of goods and enabling improved inventory management. Includes:
Supply Chain Mgmt using RFID for Warehousing, pallet/goods tracking, Inventory
Tracking, Track & Trace, Sensor/ sensing applications.
5. Work In Process Manufacturing (WIP): Apply RFID technologies to the in process
manufacturing processes to enable effective inventory tracking and management, product
line efficiencies, and JIT manufacturing advantages. Includes: Automation of assembly,
Component production, Production of vehicles.

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 6. Asset Management: Companies have physical assets (plants, truck fleets, PCs etc) that are
needed to make, and to deliver products and services to customers - knowing where an
item/ vehicle is on route, and also tracking of depreciating good – tools, HW, equipment,
leased items. Includes: Equipment tracking, Fleet management, Vehicle maintenance
management, Track & Trace, Military and defense tracking.
7. Security & Access Control: Monitor the movement and use of valuable equipment and
personal resources. Includes: Access control and tracking, Animal tracking, Automobile
ignition security, Baggage handling systems, Inventory control, Parking lot security and
access, Shoplifting prevention, electronic article surveillance, Vehicle security, Sensor/
sensing applications.
8. Consumer Applications: Monitoring peoples movements, personal security, convenience
and Point of sale applications. Includes: Personal identification and authentication,
personal security and safety, Patient ID and tracking, Maintaining shelf stock, Innovative
payments, Return management, Purchase maintenance.

Examples: Real World Business Applications of RFID Technology

1. Hong Kong airport has the world's largest RFID deployment, with around 500 read points
to check that passengers' bags are going into the correct containers.
2. RFID asset tracking may improve OH&S (Operations Hazard & Safety) by removing the
need for people to enter hazardous areas.
3. Air Canada has employed RFIDs to track its in-flight service carts.
4. The US Army is using RFIDs to track supply containers overseas.
5. Dolly's Splash Country (a water park in Tennessee, US) lets its patrons track each other's
whereabouts throughout the park; thus, parents can quickly locate their children on an
electronic map of the park.
6. The Vatican Library in Italy — home to nearly 2 million books, manuscripts and other
priceless items — has adopted RFID tags to identify and manage the collection.
7. Indian defense is working on deploying RFID to integrate its supply chain across the
country.

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 8. In November 2001, Jacksonville International Airport, Florida US became the first airport
to begin constructing and implementing the world’s first all-radio frequency baggage
tracking and identification system.
9. Running races or marathons in the streets, use shoelace RFID tags to get race results of
runners as they cross the start and finish lines. These technologies are also being used to
track athletes to verify that the path traveled is the same as the course defined by the race
officials.
10. RFID is also a burgeoning technology for wildlife and livestock tracking with more than 50
million pets and 20 million livestock already tagged with RFID chips worldwide. Majority
of sheeps are tagged in Australia.

CONCLUSION
In this work, we have provided how RFID technology works, component of RFID systems and its
comparison with Barcodes. Hence, in this fast era of computer technology the use of RFID tags
provides good applications in various areas, which helps peoples to save their much more time,
provide higher security with more efficiency.

REFERENCES:
1. RFID Implementation By Dennis E Brown, President RFID Runner, Mc-Graw Hill
Communication.
2. Management Information Systems, By Kenneth Laudon and Jane Laudon, By Prentice Hall
India.
3. International Journal of Scientific Research in Computer Science Applications and
Management Studies IJSRCSAMS Volume 2, Issue 2 (March 2013) [Link] :
Smart Billing in Supermarket Using RFID Tags.
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rfid_vs_barcodes_advantages_and_disadvantages_comparison

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