Tracking garments in high-volume laundry operations is essential. Two major technologies: Barcode and RFID, Each offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a detailed comparison:
✅ Barcode Pros
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Low Cost: Barcodes are cheap and easy to print.
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High Accuracy: One-by-one scanning ensures precise process control.
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Slim, Lightweight & Flexible: Making them less likely to be removed by customers as they cause minimal discomfort
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Customer-Friendly: No electronic components inside garments.
❌ Barcode Cons
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Requires Line of Sight: Scanner must “see” the code.
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Slower in Bulk: Manual scanning of each item.
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Vulnerable to Damage: Barcodes may fade during washing. But new ink materials can endure up to 40 washes without fading
✅ RFID Pros
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Very Fast: Can scan dozens of items simultaneously.
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Perfect for Inventory: Great for real-time location tracking.
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Reusable Tags: Temporary tags can be reused.
❌ RFID Cons
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Expensive: Tags and readers cost significantly more.
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Lower Accuracy in Complex Flows: Bulk processing can cause errors or double reads.
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Bulky Tags: Permanent RFID tags are often thicker and more noticeable, which may lead customers to remove them, especially in premium garments.
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Customer Concerns: Some clients don’t like having electronics in their clothes.
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Security Risk: Tags may trigger anti-theft or security gates.
Conclusion
If precision, cost-efficiency, and control are your top priorities, Barcode is your best friend. But for speed and inventory management, RFID could be a powerful tool especially in specific scenarios.
Caramel software supports both methods (barcode and RFID) as well as hybrid implementations combining the strengths of both.