Replacing Bar Codes?

The RFID device is changing technology in front of our eyes by making it easier and more efficient for customers to shop and buy products. Some people may say that this device is improving the bar code technology and may eventually replace the whole system. Not only is RFID replacing them, but its also innovating the system and making it a lot better and more efficient for numerous organizations.

The old UPC, or bar code can only read one tag at a time, making the process a lot longer. The picture to the left is a UPC or bar code that is used a lot today in retail stores. If you click on the image it will bring you to another web page that elaborates more on UPC and bar codes. The RFID device can now read more than one tag and they do not require direct face to face communication, they are easily read on their own through the wireless radio wave signals. They can be read through hard materials such as book covers or difficult packaging material, which is a great advantage for the workers using RFID in retail stores or organizations.

The RFID technology is so advanced that it enables each tag to uniquely identify which object it is attached to. These devices also include other software in addition to their tags and radio wave signals. The RFID-specific software is able to translate all the data from the object it is connected to, it is able to communicate back all the information and orders about the individual product. This information can then be transmitted to another database or application in order to further process the data.




Sources:

Nelson,M. What is RFID? Retrieved April 4, 2010, from the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility: http://www.aimglobal.org/technologies/rfid/what_is_rfid.asp

Stodart,J. (2006, January 23). RFID Technology. Retrieved April 4, 2010, from Privacy Commissioner: http://www.priv.gc.ca/fs-fi/02_05_d_28_e.cfm

Barlas, S. (2007, June). Pharma RFID Rolls Out. Retrieved April 4 2010, from Contract Pharma: http://www.contractpharma.com/articles/2007/06/pharma-rfid-8200rolls-out