Barcode and Radio Frequency Identification are two closely related, but very different technologies. Many websites today promote and advocate RFID without acknowledging a few key factors we know are important to our customers.
Laser barcode technology compared to RFID technology
Line of sight, a negative for warehousing but a positive for access control.
BAi Laser Barcode Readers rely on line of sight to identify a vehicle. This is precisely what access control applications want -- see something and identify it. When reading online you may see that RFID is superior because it doesn't rely on line of sight which allows it to process 10s, 100s, or even 1000s of credentials at one time. This can be very useful in a warehousing or freight application but for access control its not needed. In fact, some may find calibrating an RFID antenna to only pick up the vehicle in front of it a difficult task.
RFID is relatively easy for hackers to access.
RFID is portrayed as uncopyable while Barcodes get portrayed as easily duplicated. This is not accurate. Standard barcodes are easily copied because they are standardized such as UPC codes. This is a feature of those specific barcode decals. BAi Decals do not use any standard open barcode symbology. Additionally, while many barcode readers today are done using image processing; ours uses real laser technology. This means attempts to copy an existing credential will be ignored by the reader. On the other hand RFID has proven to be relatively easy for hackers to access.
Barcode is more reliable than RFID
Barcode is the more reliable technology. True in warehousing applications the speed of RFID may outweigh the reliability, but for access control it can be very problematic. Say you have 95% accuracy with your RFID system, that means for every 1000 entries, 50 of them may fail. We don't believe this is acceptable and our system provides 100% accuracy.
One of the main issues with RFID is athermic glass. This is the technical term for windshields that prevent heat from entering the interior. In order to do this requires blocking energy wavelengths; including those used by RFID tags. BAi credentials are developed to go on the exterior of the vehicle so window treatments have no effect on them.
For gate entry systems, when is BAi better?
BAi readers and decals are the better option in most cases. They are more reliable, more secure, and are built in the United States. BAi readers and decals will be a better long term option.
For gate entry systems, when does BAi not work?
We do recommend 25 ft before a gate or barrier arm to position the BAi Reader. At times BAi Readers get installed closer or further away which may work but is not optimal. It is important for the decal to be able to pass the reader. If you have no set backs at all then our system may not be the best option for you.
Ready to learn more about how BAi improves access control?
BAi Readers and Decals are specifically engineered for the vehicle access control market.