<h1>Disadvantages of RFID Over Barcode</h1> <p>While RFID technology offers advanced capabilities, understanding its <strong>disadvantages of RFID over barcode</strong> is crucial for making informed decisions. From my experience managing inventory systems, I've seen projects where the allure of RFID led to significant, unforeseen challenges that a simple barcode system would have avoided.</p> <h2>Key Technical and Cost Disadvantages</h2> <p>My personal view is that the cost disparity is the most immediate <strong>disadvantage of RFID over barcode</strong>. An RFID system requires specialized tags, readers, and software infrastructure. For instance, a typical UHF RFID tag might cost $0.10 to $0.50 per unit, whereas a barcode label costs a fraction of a cent. When scaling to millions of items, this difference is monumental. Furthermore, implementing an RFID system demands a specific skill set; I had to leverage my aptitude for systems integration to navigate the complex setup, a hurdle not present with barcodes.</p> <h3>Technical Limitations and Interference Issues</h3> <p>Another critical opinion I hold is regarding reliability. RFID signals can be disrupted by metals and liquids, a common scenario in many warehouses. I recall a case where a shipment of canned goods rendered an entire pallet's RFID tags unreadable, causing major delays. A barcode, being optical, would have been scanned without issue. This technical vulnerability is a profound <strong>disadvantage of RFID over barcode</strong> in mixed-material environments.</p> <h4>Privacy, Security, and Standardization Concerns</h4> <p>From a security perspective, RFID tags can be read covertly from a distance, raising privacy issues barcodes do not have. There's also a lack of global standardization; a tag programmed for one region's frequency might not work in another. In contrast, barcode standards like UPC are universally accepted. This fragmentation is a significant hidden cost and operational risk.</p> <h3>Entertainment and Charity Sector Case Studies</h3> <p>Even in entertainment, these disadvantages surface. A major theme park tested RFID for access control and interactive experiences but faced guest privacy complaints and system glitches dur