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Is RFID or barcode scanning more cost-effective for inventory control?

Cykeo News RFID FAQ 3160

Choosing between RFID and barcode systems depends on your operational scale, budget, and long-term goals. Here’s a detailed cost comparison:

1. Initial Investment

  • Barcode Scanners:
    • ​**50–500 per handheld scanner**
    • Labels cost ​**0.01–0.05 each** (thermal/paper).
    • Ideal for small businesses due to low upfront costs.
  • RFID Systems:
    • ​**1,000–5,000 per fixed reader** or ​**500–1,500 per handheld**.
    • Passive RFID tags cost ​**0.10–0.50 each** (metal-mount/EPC tags).
    • Higher initial cost but scalable for large operations.

2. Long-Term Costs

  • Barcode Drawbacks:
    • Manual scanning requires labor (20–30/hour per worker).
    • Labels degrade, requiring reprints (5–10% annual replacement rate).
  • RFID Savings:
    • Automated scanning reduces labor by 70% in warehouses.
    • Tags last 5–10 years, minimizing replacement costs.

3. Efficiency & Error Reduction

  • Barcode Limitations:
    • Line-of-sight scanning; 1–2 seconds per item.
    • Error rate: 1–5% due to misreads or damaged labels.
  • RFID Advantages:
    • Batch scanning 100+ items per second without direct visibility.
    • Error rate: <0.1%, saving $10k+ annually in lost inventory.

4. Scalability & Use Cases

  • Barcode Best For:
    • Small retail stores, libraries, or low-volume warehouses.
  • RFID ROI Champions:
    • High-volume logistics (e.g., pallet tracking), manufacturing (WIP monitoring), and healthcare (medical equipment tracking).

Pro Tip: Start with barcodes if budget-constrained, but invest in ​UHF RFID systems when scaling to 10,000+ items.

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