Compare bar codes and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags by placing a check mark in the appropriate box to indicate which technology is preferred, based on each of the criteria listedbelow.

Criteria Bar Code RAD Tag Need to be a geek to understand the concept. Need to see to read. Least expensive oldest. Currently necessary for logistics at UPS and FedEx Reading of data affected by laws of physics. Can require significant data storage. Can be read at highway speeds. Dominates supply chain Useful for tracking medicines. Protects privacy better. Tracks hospital patients and equipment.