In this discussion I would like to take a quick step back from RFID to acknowledge that there are still many other technologies used to control inventory within a supply chain. The most common is the one dimensional (1-D) barcode, but there are 2-D barcodes as well.
Essentially, the goal of any automated data collection (ADC) system is to provide required information as inexpensively as possible. For most tracking purposes, a 1-D barcode holds sufficient information to manage an item through a supply chain (manufacturer to retailer). This information usually only includes the item label allowing the user access to its information in a database. This is by far still the most common type of ADC.
A 2-D barcode can hold significantly more information including multiple languages and pictures. You may have seen these used by UPS on orders you have received. The benefit that both barcodes have over RFID is that they are inexpensive and require only ink to print onto a box or packaging; at this time 1-D is still significantly less expensive than 2-D (including scanner technology which will be discussed later).
For more information, see the links below.
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