RFID or Radio frequency identification remains a new concept, and commercialization is happening on the same trajectory that the barcode did over 40 years ago.

That said, RFID technology has become a more important investment. Many businesses realize they do not know how to commence with RFID technology.

To help you out with this issue, we have generated a step-by-step guide to help you easily integrate RFID into your operations.

Figure 1.1 Taxonomy of warehouse communication systems

Step-By-Step Guide On Moving Beyond Barcode With RFID Technology

Step 1: Raise awareness of RFID technology

It’s critical to research initially to see if people have specific knowledge of RFID technology. Many are confused about barcode and RFID technology. You might not know this, but both might be utilized for trace and track, inventory management, and other uses that might be overlapping. However, it does not make them the same technologies.

RFID technology is a wireless system including two components of tags and readers. Meanwhile, barcode tech refers to data representation in a visual and machine-readable form.

Step 2: Seek an experienced integrator of RFID technology

It is best to work with an expert conducting solutions in the vertical. Instead of going to the retail-oriented integrators for an RFID solution package. For example, when you run drug stores, it is advisable to choose staff with both pharma/healthcare and retail experience.

You had better remember that RFID solutions are all about data. The encoder/printer needs to ensure tag data is efficiently and accurately encoded.

Step 3: Test the proposed solution to gain trust

Case studies are great to learn, yet they are surely not your own story. The reason is that the competitor uses the RFID technology specifically does not mean it is the right method for you.

Meanwhile, the implementation process, solution design, and development are all exceptionally tailored to you. That’s the reason why you should:

• Ensure the integrator can draw the best past experiences and practices yet prioritizes your special challenges, change management requirements and system architecture.
• Validate with your industry bodies.

Tips On How To Move Beyond Barcode With RFID

Here are some tips for you to remember to move beyond barcode with RFID:

• Ensure to follow tag data standard
• Tag memory is quite limited, which follows the data standard to help you to make the most of it.
• Remember current operational ambitions and requirements are temporary
• You can consider the future scalability when researching and designing the RFID solution.
• Do not force you to utilize RFID if the barcode-based solution is the most suitable. It is best to keep in mind that RFID technology is not a replacement for barcodes.

You can ask difficult questions of the RFID expert and yourself to get all answers before making final decisions. As you might know, RFID tech introduction is a big and long-term investment.

Wrapping Up

Above is all the information about moving beyond barcodes with RFID technology. For better deployment, consider the process mentioned above carefully. That said, it is best not to force yourself to stick to the RFID technology when your business gets used to using barcodes.