QR
Codes, barcodes and RFID (radio frequency identification) are all
systems for conveying large amounts of data in a small format. They
offer speed, labor savings and cost savings, among other benefits. But there are distinct differences between all 3 — and differences in the purposes they are best suited for.
QR CODES
A recent trend among small businesses is the growing use of QR codes. QR codes are similar in one sense to bar codes, in that they contain information which can be read by a QR code reader.
QR codes can be scanned and read by a camera-equipped smartphone when you’ve downloaded a scanner app, such as i-nigma for the iPhone. What this means is that the average person can now de-code (read) a QR code, without special equipment. You could walk into a place of business, see a QR code on an item, scan it with your smartphone, and immediately have access to a lot of information electronically.
BARCODES
Barcodes have been around for decades. They are versatile with a large variety of uses — especially in retail and manufacturing settings, and in transport and shipping.
We’re used to seeing the common barcode printed on packaging at the grocery store or in other retail outlets, when items are passed over the barcode reader at the checkout counter to ring up a sale. Barcodes not only are valuable at the point of sale, but also for managing inventory and raw materials internally, so that you know what you have in stock.
Barcodes are relatively inexpensive, and help drive speed, efficiency and profitability.
RFID
RFID (radio frequency identification) has likewise been around for decades. However, RFID tends to require more technological hand-holding. RFID involves applying RFID tags to items or boxes or pallets. Tags vary greatly in size, shape and capabilities, but one example is pictured below. The tag with its small antenna emits a radio frequency signal that is picked up and read by a special wireless RFID reader, conveying information from the tag about the item it is affixed to.
RFID is adaptable to many of the same uses that barcodes are good for. But RFID is especially useful in situations where vast quantities of goods must be moved or tracked, or where tracking of item-specific information is necessary. RFID has been mandated by some customers, such as Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense, to track the vast quantities of items they require in their supply chains and to supply much more detailed information. In such situations, RFID maybe able to do it more quickly, effectively and efficiently than barcodes.
RFID, barcodes and QR Codes all have their place for different purposes and under different circumstances. As with most technology, the cost to acquire and use it keeps coming down with each passing year. All 3 of these data management systems also have gotten much easier to implement in the past few years
QR CODES
A recent trend among small businesses is the growing use of QR codes. QR codes are similar in one sense to bar codes, in that they contain information which can be read by a QR code reader.
QR codes can be scanned and read by a camera-equipped smartphone when you’ve downloaded a scanner app, such as i-nigma for the iPhone. What this means is that the average person can now de-code (read) a QR code, without special equipment. You could walk into a place of business, see a QR code on an item, scan it with your smartphone, and immediately have access to a lot of information electronically.
BARCODES
Barcodes have been around for decades. They are versatile with a large variety of uses — especially in retail and manufacturing settings, and in transport and shipping.
We’re used to seeing the common barcode printed on packaging at the grocery store or in other retail outlets, when items are passed over the barcode reader at the checkout counter to ring up a sale. Barcodes not only are valuable at the point of sale, but also for managing inventory and raw materials internally, so that you know what you have in stock.
Barcodes are relatively inexpensive, and help drive speed, efficiency and profitability.
RFID
RFID (radio frequency identification) has likewise been around for decades. However, RFID tends to require more technological hand-holding. RFID involves applying RFID tags to items or boxes or pallets. Tags vary greatly in size, shape and capabilities, but one example is pictured below. The tag with its small antenna emits a radio frequency signal that is picked up and read by a special wireless RFID reader, conveying information from the tag about the item it is affixed to.
RFID is adaptable to many of the same uses that barcodes are good for. But RFID is especially useful in situations where vast quantities of goods must be moved or tracked, or where tracking of item-specific information is necessary. RFID has been mandated by some customers, such as Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense, to track the vast quantities of items they require in their supply chains and to supply much more detailed information. In such situations, RFID maybe able to do it more quickly, effectively and efficiently than barcodes.
RFID, barcodes and QR Codes all have their place for different purposes and under different circumstances. As with most technology, the cost to acquire and use it keeps coming down with each passing year. All 3 of these data management systems also have gotten much easier to implement in the past few years
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