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RFID vs Walk-By Systems for Asset Tracking

June 05, 2022

As businesses continue to grow, asset tracking has become an integral part of efficient inventory management. And to make this task convenient, RFID technology and walk-by systems are two popular methods. We'll dive into the pros and cons of RFID and walk-by systems to help you make an informed decision.

RFID Technology

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a wireless technology that uses radio waves for tracking and identifying objects. It consists of a tag attached to each asset, which communicates with an RFID reader to transmit information. With RFID, tracking assets has become an automated and fast process.

Advantages of RFID Technology

  • Automated tracking: RFID technology automates the asset tracking process, which reduces the need for manual data entry, decreases the incidence of errors, and saves time.
  • High accuracy rate: RFID technology has a high accuracy rate compared to traditional asset tracking methods as it's less prone to human errors.
  • Faster asset tracking: RFID technology is faster than walk-by systems as it doesn't require the reader to be in close proximity to the asset to track it.
  • Better organization: RFID technology stores all asset data in a central database, making it easier to manage and monitor inventory levels.

Disadvantages of RFID Technology

  • Higher cost: RFID technology is relatively more expensive than walk-by systems, especially for small-sized businesses.
  • Maintenance: RFID tags and readers can wear out with time, and it can be challenging to identify and replace them as necessary.
  • Complexity: RFID technology involves numerous components and systems that require specialized knowledge for maintenance and troubleshooting.

Walk-by Systems

Walk-by systems are the traditional asset tracking method that involves manual tracking of assets using a handheld scanner. The scanner records barcodes or QR codes on assets, which are later decoded to obtain asset information.

Advantages of Walk-by Systems

  • Lower costs: Walk-by systems are comparatively cheaper compared to RFID technology, especially for small businesses that can't afford a costly asset tracking solution.
  • Ease of use: Walk-by systems are easy to use and require little to no training.
  • Flexibility: Walk-by systems can be customized to fit the specific needs of different businesses.

Disadvantages of Walk-by Systems

  • Limited tracking capability: Walk-by systems can only track assets that the scanner passes by, slowing down the asset tracking process.
  • Prone to human errors: Walk-by systems depend entirely on manual data entry, which can be prone to errors.
  • Time-consuming: Walk-by systems take more time to identify and record asset information than RFID technology.

Conclusion

RFID technology and walk-by systems have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to asset tracking. RFID is ideal for businesses that manage high-value assets, high-volume inventories, and require real-time information. On the other hand, walk-by systems may be more practical for small businesses that are starting with a smaller inventory or don't have the budget for RFID technology. Ultimately, the choice between RFID and walk-by systems will depend on individual needs, budgets, and priorities.

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