Question

Compose a research report on Bar Codes vs. RFID. You work as an efficiency analyst at one of the largest retail companies in the world, with multiple stores in every state, as well as in many other countries. For the past 25 years, the company has used bar code readers at checkout counters that scan the bar code on products to determine from a database the price to charge customers and to keep a record of inventory. The company is considering replacing the bar codes and bar code readers with RFID. Analyze and discuss the impact such a change would have on the company, its suppliers, and its customers. Include in your discussion any security risks.

Find two examples of RFID readers and compare prices, user reviews, and features. Are handheld options for RFID readers available for store clerks to use on the store floor or for customer checkout? Compile your findings. List the advantages and disadvantages of implementing RFID. Include information about reliability and costs.

Answer 1

Radio-frequency identification uses electronic fields to automatically fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.
It has a tiny radio transponder, radio receiver and transmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader.

Comparing it to a barcode:

• Barcode are designed to be a scanned one at a time whereas many RFID can be scanned at once
• Barcode requires a line of sight to work while the RFID needs to be in a certain range depending on the signals it is emitting.
• Barcode are generally printed on an adhesive paper, so they are more prone to wear and tear while the RFID is implanted on a hard tough paper that can withstand more abuse.
• RFID can hold more volume of data than a barcode which is limted.

Which is better:
This again depends on how the industry wants to handle the products, there are times when the barcode remains the best choice to deal with being it a lot cheaper than RFID.
Firstly one must make sure these points-

• What are we tracking?
• We should be aware of the tracking process.

Considering these factors which can have a big affect on the customers-

• Speed: RFID is tremendously faster than barcode scanning- Since customers don't have to wait for each product to scan one by one. RFID reader can scan multiple RFID at once.
• Function: RFID allows for accurate inventory in adverse conditions-Because it uses near-field technology rather than laser-based line-of-sight, a box or pallet containing numerous tagged items can often be accurately scanned without being unpacked.
• Accuracy: RFID is more accurate than barcodes in most real-world situations-In hefty environment scanning large number of products becomes a difficult job and the accuracy decreases. RFID makes it more easy to read product data accurately even in hefty environement.

Security Threats

• Basic RFID tags Counterfeiting- Since basic tags are not encrypted hence,
  • They can modify the existing data in the basic tags and can make invalid tags into a valid tag and vice-versa. They can lower the price of an expensive item to buy it at reduced price.
  • The attackers can change the tag of an object to that of another tag embedded in another object.
  • They can create their own tag using personal information attached to another tag.
• RFID Sniffing-RFID readers always send requests to the tags to send back its identity information. Once the reader reads information sent by the tag, it verifies it with the data stored in a backend server. Unfortunately, most of the RFID tags do not have a way to discriminate between a request sent by a valid RFID read and a fake RFID reader. An attacker can use his own RFID reader to read the tags and use it for their own purposes.
• Tracking - By reading information received from RFID tag an attacker can track the location and movement of an object or a person. When a tag is attached to an object and the object enter the RFID reader’s field, the RFID read can identify the object and locate its position.
• DOS(Denial of Service)- When a reader request information from a tag, it receive the identification id and compares it with the id stored in the database server. Both the RFID reader and the backend server are vulnerable to denial of service attacks. When DoS attack takes place, the tags fail to verify its identity with the reader and as a result the service gets interrupted.
• Spoofing- In a spoofing attack, the attacker masquerade as a legitimate user of the system. The attacker can pose himself as an authorized Object Naming Service user or database user. If an attacker can successfully get access to the system with his spoofed credentials he can do whatever he wants with RIFD data such as responding to invalid requests, changing RFID id, denying normal service or even writing malicious code in the system.
• Insert Attacks- In this type of attack, an attacker tries to insert system commands to the RFID system instead of sending normal data.an example of RFID insert attack is that a tag carrying system command in its memory.

Zebra MC9190-Z

The Zebra MC9190-Z is a special RFID-reader version of the long-running MC9000/9100 handheld platform, one of the industry's single best-selling rugged mobile computers. Designed for medium- to long-range RFID read applications, the MC9190-Z provides speed, range and accuracy in an ergonomic, integrated device.

TSL 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader

Yes, handheld options for RFID readers are available for store clerks to use on the store floor or for customer checkout the above two examples are handheld devices and are expensive than the desktop reader where a machine in the form of box is setup at some place.Communication mostly takes place via USB to the computer which holds the information of the RFID reader.

RFID Advantages-

• High Speed
• Reduces Man-Power
• Higher Accuracy
• Manages Complex Duplication
• RFID reader can read multiple RFID at once
• Highly reliable.

RFID Disadvantages-

• Can cause problem in case of interference.
• High Cost
• Since these are electronic gadgets, at times overead failing can cause
• Security breach can happen if proper security measures are not taken.

I hope the points are cleared.
I could not get reviews on the products i guess RFID products are mostly bought offline. If you have additional information please feel free to share.

Let me know if i missed anything.
Thanks