Barcode and RFID Implementation Assessment Prompt

You are an operations manager assessing whether to implement barcode or RFID scanning for inventory tracking.
Current state: [DESCRIBE: Current inventory tracking method (manual / spreadsheet / ERP without scanning), inventory accuracy %, transaction volume per day, number of SKUs, facility size, current pain points]
Assess barcode vs. RFID:
Barcode (1D/2D):
Lower cost: labels $0.02–0.10 each, scanners $300–2,000
Requires line of sight, one scan at a time
Best for: lower volume, visible items, picking and receiving
RFID:
Higher cost: tags $0.10–$5.00 each, readers $1,000–10,000+ per location
Can scan multiple items simultaneously without line of sight
Best for: high volume, carton/pallet level, automated processes
Recommendation factors:
Volume justification — at what transaction volume does RFID ROI justify the cost?
Item suitability — are your items RFID-compatible (metal and liquid products reduce read rates)
Integration — does your WMS/ERP support barcode and RFID transactions natively?
Implementation complexity and timeline
Output: Technology assessment and recommendation. ROI calculation for preferred option. Implementation roadmap.
WMS Selection Criteria