RFID or barcode? Make the right decision for your assets tracking!

Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. (Image source: Brady Corporation)

Brady Corporation showcases its latest RFID products, which include new technology to streamline processes and better ways to track assets

From consumer products and food packaging to pipe fittings and hazardous material containers, just about everything has some sort of label affixed to it that contains important information that buyers, sellers or manufacturers need to be aware of. Most of us are familiar with barcodes and QR codes, but the technology that goes into them may come as a surprise. Read more!

It’s essential to understand the differences between barcode labels (affixed to a surface) and tags (attached to an asset) and the devices that “read” them because how they will be used—the what, why, when and where—make a big difference. Both barcode and RFID readers are used in integrated intelligent manufacturing solutions. Barcodes often serve to identify the location of production orders, input inventory quantities of raw materials, and help signal the completion of finished goods. RFID can perform similar functions, but eliminates the human element, improving accuracy and automating the scan.

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The products allow better inventory tracking

Asset tracking

Before we get started, it’s important to note that we are talking about asset tracking, not inventory tracking. They are not the same thing. Asset tracking is the ability to locate an asset (where it is or where it most recently was) and use that information to perform a function or provide a notification. Inventory tracking is the monitoring of the volume of many of the same items, like the number of XL white T-shirts in stock.

In the blog made by Brady Corporation, you will learn:

• How asset tracking can be used
• Basic differences between RFID reader and barcode scanner technologies
• What to consider when choosing between the two
• Types of labels and tags used with barcode scanners and RFID readers + use cases
• Types of barcode scanners and RFID readers + use cases
• What barcode scanner and RFID reader software can do for your business

Read the full blog >>

Brady Corporation offers a wide array of asset tracking hardware, software and services, and one of our specialists can help you decide which system will best meet your needs.

Complete RFID Solution

With RFID, assets can be given unique digital identities that enable you to identify and locate them all at once, from a distance, in real time, without needing line of sight. As a manufacturer, we can realise the technology’s full potential in any unique workplace by fully customising our RFID solution and by making it work for you, in your working environment.

Brady offers a complete, fully customisable RFID solution that can generate considerable efficiency gains, both on operational and decision-making levels.

Download the free RFID guide >>