Passive vs Active RFID Readers: Which Is Right for Your Business?
436Confused about passive vs active RFID readers? Compare range, cost, and use cases to determine which system aligns with your business goals. Expert insights from Cykeo.
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Many businesses hesitate to adopt RFID technology because of one daunting question: “Will it work with our existing systems?” Legacy software and hardware—like ERP platforms from the early 2000s or barcode scanners still in use—represent significant investments. The good news? Modern RFID readers can integrate with older systems without costly overhauls or disruptions. In this guide, we’ll explore how to bridge the gap between cutting-edge RFID and legacy infrastructure, ensuring compatibility, continuity, and long-term efficiency.
Why Legacy System Integration Matters
Legacy systems remain deeply embedded in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Replacing them entirely is often impractical due to:
RFID readers, when integrated properly, extend the lifespan of legacy systems while unlocking modern capabilities like real-time tracking and automated workflows.
3 Common Compatibility Challenges (and Solutions)
Legacy systems often use outdated data formats (e.g., CSV files, fixed-width text) that clash with RFID-generated data (JSON, XML).
Solution:
Example: A warehouse using a 1990s-era WMS integrated Cykeo’s RFID readers by converting EPC numbers to legacy barcode formats, preserving existing workflows.
Legacy serial ports (RS-232), outdated firmware, or proprietary protocols can block RFID reader connectivity.
Solution:
Cykeo Insight: Our RFID readers support dual-mode communication (Ethernet + RS-485) to connect with older PLCs and controllers.
Older ERP or inventory systems may lack fields for RFID-specific data (e.g., location history, sensor metrics).
Solution:
Step-by-Step Guide to Integrating RFID with Legacy Systems
Prioritize readers with:
Cykeo’s CR500 Series readers, for instance, include RS-485 ports for PLC integration and HTTP/HTTPS for cloud connectivity.
Middleware acts as a translator between RFID systems and legacy software. Key features to look for:
Cykeo’s BridgeWare automates this process, ensuring seamless data flow without code changes.
Why Cykeo Excels at Legacy System Integration
We’ve integrated RFID with legacy systems spanning 20+ years, from AS/400 platforms to DOS-based databases.
Our readers support legacy protocols (RS-232, OPC) and modern IoT standards (MQTT, RESTful APIs) simultaneously.
Cykeo’s phased integration approach ensures continuous operations during transitions.
Client Success: A food distributor integrated RFID readers with a 2003-era SAP system, reducing shipment errors by 90% without disrupting daily workflows.
FAQs on RFID-Legacy Compatibility
A: Yes—but many businesses use both during transitions. Cykeo’s hybrid readers scan barcodes and RFID tags, easing the shift.
A: Simple deployments take 2–4 weeks; complex systems may require 3–6 months.
A: Middleware can batch RFID data into hourly/daily reports matching legacy system update cycles.
Ready to Modernize Without Abandoning Legacy Systems?
Don’t let outdated infrastructure hold you back. Contact Cykeo’s integration specialists at contact@cykeo.com to build a bridge between your legacy systems and RFID’s potential.
Confused about passive vs active RFID readers? Compare range, cost, and use cases to determine which system aligns with your business goals. Expert insights from Cykeo.
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