Like RFID in the late 90s, QR code technology has rapidly become very popular over the last decade. Everywhere we look, there are QR codes waiting anxiously to be scanned by our smartphones. This is not surprising considering the benefits that QR code technology has to offer.
Top reasons why QR codes are better than RFID
#1. Very obvious where a QR code is present
No one can ever complain that they were unable to find a QR code. The square code is distinct and easily visible on any surface that it is printed on. As a result, people do not have to be notified separately about the existence of a QR code; they can see it with their own eyes. However, the same is not true for RFID.
People have to be notified that a device is RFID capable or contains a transmitting RFID chip. This is the main reason why QR codes are preferred over RFIDs, except maybe for the espionage sector. If you are not James Bond, you are better off dealing with QR codes.
#2. Easier and cheaper to get QR codes out here
It is substantially cheaper and easier to get QR codes out to the public. For RFID, special RFID chips have to be deployed that transmit the relevant code. By contrast, all one has to do with a QR code is simply have it printed out on any surface that they wish. Even generating a QR code is a lot cheaper and is relatively hassle-free; one can generate a QR code on their smartphones.
This is a far cry from the amount of effort and the high cost that goes into generating RFID tags. For most small and medium-sized businesses, QR codes are a much more financially viable option.
#3. RFID requires specialized equipment
One of the things that make a real difference is the kind of equipment required by the end-user to decode information. For RFID, this usually involves an expensive piece of scanning equipment that is designed to do one job only – scan and decode RFID tags.
Comparatively, all one needs to scan a QR code is a smartphone. All smartphones can be equipped with a variety of QR code reading and generate apps, irrespective of which operating system they use.
This makes QR codes a lot more accessible and is the main reason why marketing campaigns make use of QR codes.
#4. QR codes are web oriented and more flexible
The sad truth about RFID is that you need a database for the technology to be really effective. Without a proper database, there is nothing for RFID scanners to decode, even if they have detected an RFID transmitting chip.
A custom QR code does not need access to any database in order to decode and provide the user with relevant information. QR codes are web-oriented and whatever information is not stored in the code itself is often provided via web links.
This makes QR codes a lot more flexible and practical than RFID.
The 4 reasons mentioned are why every business sector is trying to incorporate QR codes into every aspect of their business model and not just restrict it to marketing campaigns.
This article is authored by Mathew Ronald, a tech enthusiast, and blogger.
