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A barcode. I mean that RFIDs are functionally very similar for purposes of maintaining a database to something (barcodes) that is already very likely on most co
by delecti 11y ago
A barcode. I mean that RFIDs are functionally very similar for purposes of maintaining a database to something (barcodes) that is already very likely on most consumer goods.
- TeMPOraL 11y agoIndeed. Hell, any somewhat complicated product, like an electronic device, usually has several barcodes inside it, as they're also widely used in manufacturing - not just for automating things, but mostly for process control. A person who put the motherboard inside your computer most likely had to scan several barcodes at his station in order to report that those-and-those parts have been connected and passed forward. (Source: I worked on a software that reads those barcodes and controls the manufacturing process.)
- narrowrail 11y agoNitpick: Barcodes are not (generally) unique to a specific item, just a specific SKU. Whereas RFID chips are item-specifc, so there is a difference. In other words, barcodes won't allow one to differentiate between 2 identical bags of chips, but an RFID tag will allow one to differentiate between 2 identical tires.
- jschwartzi 11y agoWhen you're talking supply chain, be advised that there are more symbologies and more uses of them than the UPC or EAN codes used at retail checkstands. Most companies do use a unique or semi-unique number to identify a unit as it's moving through their processes. They also barcode the model number as well. Barcode would absolutely allow you to differentiate between any two cell phones, or cars, or computers.