Beacon technology that is a bit like RFID, only it uses Bluetooth wireless data transmission technology instead of electromagnetism. It’s a passive, one-directional system, and while it requires very little energy and is simple to set up, it provides very little in the way of security since it is incredibly simple to duplicate those beacons. What’s more, Bluetooth can offer a range of up to 100 meters, but metal and concrete in walls or shielding can stop the signal from penetrating, which may render the technology useless. BLE also requires readers, which can become expensive, and even antennas in settings where information will need to be tracked around the clock.
There are many different types of technology out there that can work with GPS tracking to provide automated asset tracking and security. However, QR codes still prove to be the simplest, least expensive, and most versatile option for most businesses that want to keep track of assets’ locations and information in a simple, unified manner.
QR Codes and Vital Information
QR codes work very well with GPS tracking because they store information in much the same way that a barcode does. With a simple scan, it’s possible to learn the item’s serial number, maintenance record, purchase price, depreciation value, and much, much more. That’s why so many companies these days have bypassed traditional barcodes in favor of QR codes with GPS tracking chips. They provide more information and better protection.
RFID and Its Role
RFID technology is what is being used in “chip” credit cards. It’s essentially a radio frequency system that uses an electromagnetic field to transmit data from a chip, called a “tag”, to a reader. These can provide some benefit, but they are far more expensive to implement than QR codes since they require more hardware and separate devices that can read RFID chips. Conversely, you can read QR codes with just about any smartphone equipped with a camera and QR code-reading software. Most smartphones manufactured today meet both of these requirements.