RFID vs Vehicle Tracking System
As technology continues to advance, it has led to improvements in the transportation and logistics industry. Two technologies that have revolutionized the industry are RFID and vehicle tracking systems. Both technologies use tracking devices, but they differ regarding their features, functionality, and use cases. In this post, we'll compare the two technologies and help you choose which one is best suited for your use case.
What is RFID Technology?
RFID( Radio Frequency Identification) is a type of wireless technology used to identify and track objects or people. RFID systems consist of three parts: an RFID reader or antenna, an RFID tag, and a backend software system. The RFID tag is a small device containing a unique identification number, which is captured by the RFID reader when it comes in range. RFID technology is commonly used in industries such as inventory tracking, supply chain management, and retail.
What is Vehicle Tracking System Technology?
Vehicle tracking systems use GPS and other tracking technologies to track the location of a vehicle in real-time. The system consists of a tracking device installed in the vehicle, a GPS satellite network, and a backend software system to manage and analyze the data collected by the tracking device. The data collected includes the vehicle's speed, location, and movement history. Vehicle tracking systems are commonly used in the transportation and logistics industry to optimize fleet management, improve driver safety, and track goods' movement.
RFID vs Vehicle Tracking System
Here is a breakdown of how RFID and Vehicle Tracking Systems compare in terms of features, functionality, and use cases:
| Features | RFID | Vehicle Tracking System |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High |
| Range | Short | Unlimited |
| Accuracy | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
| Compatibility | Depends on tag and reader frequencies | Any GPS-enabled device/device with GPS tracking hardware installed |
| Use cases | Retail, Inventory management, Access control | Fleet management, Asset tracking, Vehicle theft prevention |
Cost
RFID technology is relatively inexpensive, with RFID tags costing as little as a few cents per unit. In contrast, vehicle tracking systems are costly, with hardware costs that can run into thousands of dollars.
Range
RFID technology has a relatively short range, typically between a few centimeters to several meters. In contrast, vehicle tracking systems have an unlimited range, enabling tracking devices to monitor vehicles' location and movement over long distances.
Accuracy
Both technologies are highly accurate, with RFID tags capable of identifying objects or people with high precision, and vehicle tracking systems capable of providing real-time updates on the vehicle's location and movement.
Maintenance
RFID technology is typically maintenance-free and has a long lifespan. In contrast, the vehicle tracking system requires frequent maintenance, such as battery replacements, software updates, and device calibration, to function effectively.
Compatibility
RFID technology requires compatibility between the RFID reader and the RFID tag, with frequencies needing to match. Vehicle tracking systems, on the other hand, are compatible with any GPS-enabled device or a device with GPS tracking hardware installed.
Use Cases
RFID technology is commonly used in inventory management, supply chain management, and retail, suiting scenarios that require asset tracking, people tracking, and access control. Vehicle tracking systems are commonly used in fleet management, asset tracking, and vehicle theft prevention, suiting scenarios that require real-time vehicle location monitoring, shipment management, and driver safety monitoring.
Conclusion
RFID and vehicle tracking systems are both highly effective technologies in their respective areas of application. RFID technology is suitable for asset and people tracking in limited areas, while vehicle tracking systems are suitable for real-time vehicle location monitoring over an unlimited range. Ultimately, the technology that you choose will depend on your specific use case and requirements.
References
- S. N. Mohitkar & Dr. V. C. Kotak, “Comparative study of RFID & GPS technology,” International Journal of Applied Research and Studies, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 44-47, 2017.
- R. Venkatesan, “RFID vs GPS for tracking goods in transit,” The Hindu Business Line, 24 July 2010, [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/rfid-vs-gps-for-tracking-goods-in-transit/article15466308.ece. [Accessed: 10-Jan-2022].
- “RFID (Radio Frequency Identification),” Techopedia, [Online]. Available: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/28412/radio-frequency-identification-rfid. [Accessed: 10-Jan-2022].
- “What Is Vehicle Tracking System? Track Your Fleet in Real-time!” GPSWOX, [Online]. Available: https://www.gpswox.com/en/comparison/vehicle-tracking-systems. [Accessed: 10-Jan-2022].