RFID’s maximum communication range is 20-30m while barcode/QR code is a few centimeters.
For this reason, a barcode scanner needs to be very close to read a barcode/QR code.
In addition, barcode/QR code is easily smudged, and it cannot be read if a partial part of these codes is missing. However, for RF tags, unless the IC chip inside of the tag is broken, it can be used almost forever.
The biggest difference is that a barcode/QR code can be read only one at a time, while multiple RFID tags can be read once. RFID tags can be read or written even when they are in a corrugated box or unable to be seen, so operational efficiency is high. In addition, RFID tags are good for confidential information management, access card, and counterfeit prevention as they have higher security by using the designated reader/writer and , and their data can be rewritten, so they are used in various industries for inventory management, and they have gained popularity in the retail and logistics industries.
However, in terms of cost, a barcode/QR code is relatively inexpensive, while an RF tag is still expensive, so need to understand the pros and cons before implementing. Yet, due to more RFID demand from markets and technology advancement, it affected its cost as JPY10 for an Inlay tag and JPY100 for a metal type tag. If the cost and use of metal objects has kept you from implementing RFID in the past, it may be time to reconsider.
The comparison of difference between RFID and Bar codes is shown as follows.
（Comparative table）
| RFID | Barcode | |
|---|---|---|
| Communication distance | Long (tens of meter or more) | Short (several cm) |
| Simultaneous reading | ○ Possible | × Impossible |
| Memory capacity | Large | Small (in QR codes) |
| Write | ○ Possible | × Impossible |
| Dirt | ○ Strong | × Easily become dirty |
| Cost | △ High | ○ Low |
|
・Our RFID Tags (Product Lineups) |