Reduce Errors and Eliminate Costs with Scanning Technology
Using Barcode and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology makes inventory control faster and more accurate. Barcodes and RFID tags help keep track of your inventory, reduce errors, and eliminate the cost of manual record keeping. Clear Spider incorporates the use of Barcodes and RFID tags to communicate updates on the status of your inventory directly to you.
Barcode and RFID Scanning Applications
Here are just a few of the ways that our clients use Barcode and RFID scanning in their inventory management solutions.
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- Shipping and receiving
- High volume transactions
- Time-sensitive shipping
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- Process monitoring
- Cycle counting
- Quick data entry
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- Electronic Kanban
- Asset management
- Tracking shipments
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Barcode Solutions
Barcodes are a printed image that can be scanned by a reader. It is usually a series of lines and numbers that represent a code. Barcode tags are less expensive than RFID, but the scanner must be held close to the barcode and each tag must be scanned individually.
Through the use of Clear Spider technology and 2D Barcodes (QR codes), you can record transactions and scan items using your smartphone camera. Our app is optimized for medium to light scanning with regular smartphone cameras. Scanner add-ons can be used to accommodate higher frequency scanning.
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RFID Solutions
An RFID reader can scan a product by waving the device in a general direction of the tag. The reader picks up the RFID tag using radio wave signals, giving the reader a significant amount of product information, such as the expiry date or product maintenance details.
RFID tags contain embedded data and are therefore more expensive to purchase. It’s quick and convenient to scan several RFID tags at once or in batches when they’re in the same room or area. It’s less cost-effective when there are multiple items spread out over several locations, with only one or two items per location.
| Barcode | RFID | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Inexpensive | More expensive |
| Line of vision | Directly on the barcode (up to 15 ft) | Near the RFID tag (up to 300 ft) |
| Range | Can only scan one item at a time | Can scan multiple items at one time (up to 40) |
| Usability | Small and easy to use | Larger and can be more difficult to use |
| Accuracy | Very accurate, and can be read on many types of surfaces | RFID tags are fairly accurate. Some tags cannot be read through metal or liquid containers. Tags may have trouble responding if a large number of them are scanned at the same time. |
| Automated | Not automated, and need to be used by an employee | Automated, and need little human interference |
| Reusable | Barcodes are typically not used more than once | Yes, RFID tags can be used more than once |
| Write | Barcodes can only be read, information cannot be added to them | RFID tags can have information added onto the tag. For example, expiry dates |
Need help finding the right scanners for your organization?
Learn more here.
Barcode and RFID Tag Example
Here is just one example of how your business could use Clear Spider’s RFID tags. In this same situation, the business could use barcodes (instead of RFID) and have employees scan the container when they remove it from the storage area.
