Location tracking, whether for parcels, goods, boxes, or vehicles, is a top priority in the logistics and supply chain industries. While RFID solution has been widely deployed for years, it now faces challenges in providing real-time location visibility in this era of high demand. On the other hand, BLE offers real-time positioning and high compatibility, making it a more versatile solution for projects requiring easy scalability and quick response times. This does not mean that RFID is a lesser choice, but the decision on which wireless connectivity to use should be based on your specific operational needs. Being clear about the differences between RFID and BLE will help you select the right technology to build the infrastructure for your project.
Understanding RFID
RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a wireless communication technology that uses radio waves to transmit data between RFID tags and readers. An RFID tag is typically a tiny device that transmits data about the assets to which it is attached. An RFID reader can receive the signals send by RFID tags within its coverage, and then communicate with a server that may be integrated with an ERP system to manage the tags and the information contained within them. RFID tags can be deployed in various settings to help locate and manage assets for use, especially for fixed assets within an organization. It’s worth noting that a passive RFID tag is powered by radio waves emitted from an RFID reader.
What is BLE and How Does It Work?
BLE, or Bluetooth Low Energy, is a relatively new alternative technology developed to provide more accurate geolocation and real-time insights than RFID. As a global connectivity solution, BLE enables wireless communication over short and medium ranges, up to about a hundred meters. It offers more accurate positioning with lower power consumption because it’s typically designed to be trigger-based, activating only when connecting to other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, another competitive advantage of BLE over RFID is its support for bidirectional transmission, enabling more flexible uses such as proximity marketing.
BLE works in the same way as the Bluetooth standard but with lower power consumption, enabling data exchanges between devices. This means that BLE devices can both transmit and receive data, leading to more flexible uses. BLE central devices can scan Bluetooth signals broadcast by BLE peripheral devices in the surroundings and then make connections to start data exchanges. For example, a BLE beacon deployed in a shopping mall can connect with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and provide navigation by sending signals to each other. Battery-powered BLE devices with ultra-low consumption represent a significant leap in the IoT industry, allowing an IoT network to easily scale more devices, such as smart wearables, asset tracking tags, and many others.
The Application of BLE
Asset Tracking
BLE technology can also be used for asset tracking projects, especially in logistics and supply chain management, due to its real-time insights beyond RFID. BLE asset tracking tag can be attached to a box or container to transmit real-time data about the goods or products to the gateway, which is then uploaded to the cloud for a comprehensive view and further analysis.
IIoT (Industrial IoT)
Based on the instant information offered by BLE technology, BLE devices can be used to monitor and control industrial devices and systems to boost efficiency instead of manual operation. BLE technology is highly compatible and can be paired with smartphones to easily achieve remote management, such as for production line machinery and HVAC systems.
Indoor Navigation
BLE beacons can be strategically deployed throughout a retail store to not only assist customers in locating specific products but also to enhance their overall shopping experience by providing real-time navigation, personalized offers, and detailed product information.
Proximity Marketing
BLE beacons can communicate with nearby smartphones, allowing businesses to deliver personalized messages, promotions, and offers to customers as they move within close range. This creates a more interactive and customized shopping experience for customers and enhances engagement between them and retailers.
RFID vs. BLE: Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages
Better know these two wireless technologies by a head-to-head comparison:
| RFID | BLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | One-way | Bidirectional |
| Range | Several meters | Hundred meters |
| Power Consumption | High power usage of active RFID tags | Low-power |
| Tag Cost | Low cost for tags, yet higher cost for readers and the whole system | A bit high cost for tags, but low cost for deployment |
| Compatibility | Private internal system, costly to integrate | Highly compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers |
| Scalability | High cost to scale | Easy to scale with global open standard |
| Lifecycle | Need frequent upgrades | Compatible at long-term operation |
Work with BLE, with real-time insights
RFID has been used on a large scale in logistics for years, but now BLE is the preferred solution due to its technical flexibility and real-time insights. Both technologies have their own specific features and functionalities, so it’s essential to choose the right solution based on the unique needs of your operations or projects. Minew is a seasoned leader in IoT devices and excels in BLE technology. Recently, a robust hardware solution—MTB06 BLE Printable Smart Label—was revealed, aiming to provide real-time updates throughout transit. It has an ultra-thin, compact, and sustainable design to ensure the most flexible use. With a plain label that can have any information printed on it, it serves not only as an asset tracking label but also as a visitor pass or event badge. Minew simplifies every project with innovative IoT hardware solutions.
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