Technology has become the backbone of the modern logistics industry. Robotics are found at nearly every layer of the warehouse floor. And they’re guided by AI-powered software that helps companies make data-driven decisions. But underneath both are the wireless communication technologies that relay product data to both hardware and software, making both automation and AI possible. Ultimately, it takes RFID and Bluetooth to do it.
This guide will explore the differences between RFID vs Bluetooth technology, and the applications for both. We’ll give an overview of how both RFID and Bluetooth work and compare the main features of each, as well as their pros and cons. We’ll also show how you can integrate both into your supply chain infrastructure, and how Surgere can make it happen.
What Is RFID Technology
Short for radio frequency identification, RFID involves the use of radio waves to transmit data without a barcode. The key components in a RFID system are:
- A microchip that contains product data
- A transponder that sends the data via radio waves to a reader
- A reader that converts the radio waves into useable information
- Endpoint software that receives, stores, and processes the data (i.e., ERP or CRM systems)
RFID systems can be passive or active. Passive systems don’t contain a power source, and the data stored on the microchip is only transmitted when activated by a reader. Active systems do contain a power source, transmitting data upon request. This difference impacts the transmission range, cost, and lifetime of RFID systems, as active devices can send radio signals a distance of roughly 100 meters. However, the cost of implementation is higher, and the lifetime can be cut short when the power source runs out.
What Is Bluetooth Technology
Unlike your earbuds or mobile devices, the Bluetooth systems found in supply chain management employ Bluetooth Low Energy technology (BLE). By transmitting over 80 different frequencies in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, BLE tech uses a technique called frequency hopping to ensure consistent data relays, enabling smoother and more frequent communication. The components in a BLE system are:
- A power source
- A transmitter that sends out product data
- A reader or beacon that requests and interprets the data
While RFID can employ either active or passive technology, BLE systems require a power source and therefore are always active. Between the active power source, low power consumption, and frequency hopping, BLE systems offer repeated monitoring and transmissions ranges of up to 1 km. Not to mention, the larger memory enables them to capture data on their environment too.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
The unique mechanisms behind the two systems are responsible for the differences between Bluetooth vs RFID technologies. These differences give both RFID and BLE tech unique features, such as:
- Range and Frequency. While active RFID systems can transmit data up to 100 meters, passive systems offer a signal range of up to a few meters. BLE systems can be impacted by obstacles or electromagnetic interference. But newer systems can travel up to a kilometer.
- Data Transfer Speed. It depends on the frequency, but RFID systems typically transmit data on the order of kilobytes per second. BLE systems transmit data on the megabyte scale.
- Power Consumption. While active RFID systems require some power, those that use passive technology consume no power at all. BLE systems have greater power requirements in order to transmit extra data at longer ranges and higher speeds. But their power consumption is still quite efficient.
- Scalability and Flexibility. Both RFID and BLE technology can easily be integrated into your current infrastructure. Growing facilities can simply add more units as their operations require. And both have the flexibility needed to meet a wide range of applications.
- Security Features. RFID tags can employ encryption technology to safeguard their data, while BLE tags can use secure communication protocols such as TSL or HTTPS.
More on their applications later, but the longer range and higher transfer rates of BLE systems make them well-suited to transmitting detailed product and environmental data. All while the low-cost, no-power simplicity of RFID systems are ideal for short-range applications across the warehousing floor.
RFID: Pros and Cons
All wireless technologies have their limitations, so understanding the pros and cons of each can help you choose the right one for your application. The pros and cons of RFID systems are:
Pros
- Longer lifetime
- No line of sight needed
- Immediate asset tracking, without the use of a barcode
Cons
- Short transmission range
- Limited data capacity
- Potential for signal interference due to environmental disruptions such as metals or liquids
Bluetooth: Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of BLE systems are:
Pros
- Longer range
- Larger data capacity
- More frequent monitoring
Cons
- Shorter lifetime, due to power source limitations
- Signal disruptions from obstacles
It’s important to note that when comparing RFID vs Bluetooth technology, the cost depends largely on the difference between RFID vs Bluetooth beacons. RFID tags themselves are quite inexpensive at only a few cents apiece. But the readers needed to install them make up most of the cost.
Similarly, the beacons that signal data from BLE systems can be cost-prohibitive to install on a large scale. So, comparing the cost of Bluetooth iBeacons vs RFID readers is important for determining the total expense of each system.
How RFID and Bluetooth Work Together in the Supply Chain
The most efficient supply chains integrate both RFID and BLE tech into their processes. For example, you’re most likely to find RFID in supply chain management in production and distribution operations, as they gather data for inventory management purposes.
BLE systems are more suited toIoT sensor technology, and are found in wearable devices, smart home devices, and shipping containers. Both provide cost-effective insights on your product data — and it takes both to make your supply chain succeed.
The Comparative Effectiveness of RFID and Bluetooth
Both RFID and Bluetooth technologies can benefit logistics processes, but they do so in different ways. RFID systems employ passive technology to deliver barcode-level product data without a direct line of sight, and are more cost-effective and longer-lasting.
BLE technology can transmit data across longer distances, especially across open spaces. It also has a larger memory capacity, allowing it to transmit more product data, and is better suited for applications requiring frequent or continuous monitoring.
At Surgere, we engineer both the software and hardware solutions that address tomorrow’s supply chain challenges today. RFID and Bluetooth technology are just a few of the tools we provide to track inventory across your supply chain. And our hardware integrates with our AI-powered software to equip our clients with the real-time intelligence that they need to make better logistics decisions.
If you’d like help deciding between RFID vs Bluetooth technology for your applications — or you’d like to see how our other solutions can benefit your operations — reach out to us today.
