About barcodes, RFID and Bluetooth Low Energy and their respective advantages

Barcoding is the most common way to label Assets, but is not an ideal solution for asset/equipment management. Barcodes are easily covered by concrete, oil, or rubbed off. Once the barcode is worn, it cannot be read. However, the cost of using barcodes is the lowest, which is reflected in the low cost of self-adhesive stickers for printing barcodes and the low cost of barcode reading equipment.

barcode technology

RFID is radio frequency identification technology, which has been recognized by many industries. Can it solve the problem of asset tracking? The answer is yes, but as with any technology, it depends on the system itself, its pros and cons, and its implementation. How RFID works: It works via a tag that contains microdata on a small chip, and when that antenna receives a signal from a "reader" on the same radio bandwidth, it instantly powers the chip, Then send its data to the reader. The cost of using RFID will be relatively higher. Specifically, the price of electronic labels will be more expensive than the price of barcode stickers. RFID reading and writing equipment is relatively expensive. At the same time, the matching RFID management system also needs to be specially developed.

RFID radio frequency identification technology

Bluetooth is similar to RFID, but there are major differences. Both require a tag to be placed on each asset, and both rely on signaling from that tag, and that's the similarity. Low-power Bluetooth tags require power to work. Most low-power Bluetooth tags usually have built-in power batteries. Generally, these batteries can power the tags for 5 to 10 years. Therefore, the volume of low-power Bluetooth electronic tags will be larger than ordinary barcode and RFID electronic tags, and the cost will be much higher, but its reading and writing distance will be farther than the previous two. And the function of asset positioning can be realized on certain occasions.

Bluetooth low energy technology

Whether it is barcode technology, RFID radio frequency technology or low-power Bluetooth technology, these three ASSET MANAGEMENT technologies are widely used in various industries due to their respective advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended that each enterprise can adapt to local conditions when formulating and selecting asset management plans. Choose the appropriate method based on your own production and operation conditions.