Today, the RFID tag is commonplace, but the technology has a confusing history often filled with urban legends and misinformation. Data privacy, costs, and limitations can still cloud perspective and prevent businesses from making informed decisions.
In this blog, we are going to dismantle the most common RFID tag myths and enlighten you about how RFID can serve your business operations in a positive manner.
Myth 1: RFID tags are just expensive barcodes
Reality: RFID tags may cost more on a unit-to-unit basis than barcodes, but they have much higher value over time. RFID tags are bulk scanned, reusable, and don't need line-of-sight. All of these things will ultimately pay for themselves in labor cost reduction and time savings. Also, RFID tags are becoming cheaper as RFID requirements expand, including the small business application.
Myth 2: RFID Tags Are for Only Big Companies
Reality: This is incorrect. Small businesses, libraries, schools, warehouses, etc. are using RFID tags to make their operations smoother. The nature of RFID systems allows them to be designed in a way that can support any size business's needs. Modular systems that are both cheap and flexible are being offered by firms like Poxo.
Myth 3: RFID Tags Are Easy to Hack
Reality: Any wireless technology can be compromised. However, RFID systems can be secured with encryption, authentication protocols, and secure access. Passive tags contain very little information, and secure applications usually use secure, high-frequency tags. Proper installation and usage, just like with all technology, are the guardians of the security of RFID systems.
Myth 4: RFID Doesn't Work in Harsh Environments
Reality: RFID facilities are useful for anything from deep freeze storage to hot industrial settings. Ruggedized and specialty RFID tags are manufactured to withstand moisture, heat, chemicals, and even metal interference. It is a matter of selecting the right tag for the right environment.
Myth 5: RFID Tags Track Personal Movement
Reality: This myth is a common point of confusion between RFID and GPS. RFID tags cannot continuously track your real-time location unless they are part of a system utilizing multiple readers. In general, RFID technology is used to identify an item or person at the point of scan, such as simply checking in at a kiosk or through a doorway.
Myth 6: RFID Systems Are Complicated to Install
Reality: Modern RFID systems utilize simple plug-and-play devices and can easily be incorporated into current infrastructure. There are plug-and-play solutions available for retail, education, and logistics. Poxo is one of the companies that specialize in turnkey RFID solutions, including installation, training, and ongoing support.
Myth 7: RFID Tags Are All The Same
Reality: RFID tags come in a multitude of styles- passive, active, NFC, UHF, HF, rugged, washable, embedded, etc. Each with an ideal application based on the range, the environment, and material compatibility. An excellent RFID partner will help you make the best decision for your application.
Conclusion
RFID tags are not mysterious tools- they are well-defined products with foundational uses and exponentially increasing value to industries. We can clear the unknown information on RFID myths, paving the way for improved automations, smart monitoring, and overall better operational efficiencies.
Poxo is empowering Indian industries to be super confident and ready to adopt RFID technology. From planning to execution, Poxo makes sure your RFID experience is based on reality—not fantasy.