RFID tags are often seen as a replacement for UPC or EAN barcodes, having a number of important advantages over the older barcode technology. They may not ever completely replace barcodes, due in part to their higher cost but also to the advantage of more than one independent data source on the same object.

The new EPC, along with several other schemes, is widely available at a reasonable cost. The unique identity is, in any cases, a mandatory requirement for RFID tags. Their data capacity is big enough so that any tag will have a unique code, while current barcodes are limited to a single type code for all instances of a particular product.

The uniqueness of RFID tags means that a product may be individually tracked as it moves from location to another location, finally ending up in the consumer's hands. This may help companies to fight theft and other forms of product losses.

Moreover, the tracing back of products is an important feature that is backed up with RFID tags wich contain not just a unique identity, but also the serial number of the object. This may help companies to cope with quality deficiencies and resulting recall campaigns, but also contributes to concern over post-sale tracking and profiling of consumers.

Active RFID tags also have the potential to function as low-cost remote sensors that broadcast telemetry back to a base station. Applications of tagometry data could include sensing of road conditions by implanted beacons, weather reports, and noise level monitoring.

Below, you'll find some animations explaining what can be done with RFID in your field of work:

Crate traceability: how to trace your containers inside your chain?

Waste management: who is trashing what?

Vehicle: in and out of your building, who and when?

Safety: managing your security equipment?

Library: automating your library or archive?

Rental: renting equipment?

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