Not for some period of time. Bar codes are well established. RFID will be complementary to the symbologies currently used in the EAN.UCC System, and elsewhere, which includes U.P.C., Reduced Space Symbology (RSS), and UCC/EAN-128. Even with large-scale adoption of RFID, there will be a continued need for bar coding to co-exist with RFID into the foreseeable future. The unique attributes of RFID make it an enabler of new applications, especially where the technical fit and operational benefits of the technology make it a better solution than what is in use currently. Bar codes are inexpensive and very effective for certain tasks, so it is probable that RFID and bar codes will coexist for a number of years. However, it is expected that bar codes will ultimately be phased out of the majority of inventory and asset control environments. |
