Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been in existence since approximately 1920 and has gained popularity, particularly in the field of asset tracking . Despite this, there are several misconceptions about RFID technology and its capabilities which we will explore the most common ones today.

#1 RFID is expensive

One of the common misconceptions about RFID is that it’s expensive. While it’s true it requires certain hardware such as dedicated readers and printers but those are one-time purchases. Also, the cost has been steadily decreasing over the years as usage increased. In addition, RFID technology has several benefits such as time and labor savings which result in significant cost efficiency over time.

#2 RFID removes all human errors

Unfortunately, no. While RFID technology can decrease the occurrence of human errors by relying more on technology, it is not foolproof as it still requires human labor, and thus can still be susceptible to human errors. For instance, if a store is not adequately prepared for inventory counting, some items may not be properly scanned even though they are tagged.

#3 RFID tags can only be used once

Some believe that once RFID tags are attached to an asset, they cannot be reused. However, this is not true. There are two types of RFID tags: passive and active. Passive tags do not have their own power source, are powered by the RFID reader when they come into range, and can be used multiple times, and sometimes may be retagged for different applications. Active tags, on the other hand, have their own power source and can transmit signals over a longer range. They can also be reused multiple times.

#4 RFID can replace human workers

There are those who think RFID technology can replace human workers in asset tracking. While RFID can automate certain aspects of asset tracking, such as inventory management and data collection, it cannot replace human workers entirely. People are still needed to oversee and manage the asset tracking system, troubleshoot problems, and make decisions based on the data collected.

#5 RFID reveals private information about individuals

RFID technology is widely believed to be capable of divulging private information about individuals. It is not true, since RFID tags only contain an identifier that links to a database of additional information. Without access to this database, the RFID tag alone cannot reveal any personal information about an individual. Moreover, RFID systems can be designed with security measures such as encryption and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the database. Additionally, many businesses erase the tag’s data as soon as the item is sold. Thus, RFID technology does not pose a threat to individuals' privacy when properly implemented.

#6 Implementing RFID requires rebuilding your entire workflow

The idea that an RFID solution would require a complete overhaul of a company's workflow is a common misconception. In reality, RFID technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), point of sale (POS), and warehouse management systems (WMS), with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.

#7 RFID’s only purpose is to track inventory

Many think that RFID is suitable solely for inventory management, especially in the retail industry. Despite RFID's success as an inventory management tool for retailers, it can accomplish much more. A few examples are tracking work in progress (WIP) in manufacturing plants, tracking deliveries in logistics, using RFID for maintenance, tracking  healthcare supplies , sports events, and more.

#8 You have to work with GS1 Barcode to implement RFID

Many give up on the idea of implementing an RFID solution believing you must work with GS1 Barcodes, but many do without GS1.  Chainlane specifically provides the ability to generate Electronic Product Code (EPC) for non-GS1 barcodes by using Chainlane's unique encoding method called Rcode.

#9 RFID is very difficult to deploy and use

Although many believe that deploying and operating an RFID solution is challenging, it is pretty straightforward. Companies now offer an uncomplicated deployment process that assists businesses with implementation, training, and ongoing support. Additionally, simple platform solutions like Chainlane make it easy for anyone to use RFID without prior experience.

In conclusion, RFID technology has several benefits for asset tracking, but there are also several misconceptions about its capabilities and limitations. By understanding the true value of RFID, organizations can make informed decisions about whether or not it is the right solution for their asset-tracking needs.

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