The EPC technology offers a broad range of applications and can be implemented by any industry seeking to improve existing business processes. Bar code and EPC differences rely on the fact that EPC is designed to provide a unique serial number for each item in the supply chain. In contrast, bar codes only identify a group of products. For instance all Coke cans have the same bar code whereas with the EPC technology, every single Coke can would have a one-of-a-kind identifier.

This one-of-a-kind identifier will provide greater visibility of items in the supply chain; this increased visibility comes with numerous benefits. Having more detailed and accurate information on products will improve movement of goods in real-time, inventory management and replenishment practices, resulting in a reduction of lost sales due to out-of-stocks. Retailers and consumer-goods companies think a one-of-a-kind product code could help them reduce theft and counterfeit goods. The EPC technology will also allow companies to juggle inventory more effectively and meet customer demand in a more responsive manner.

EPC can be linked to databases that can store much more information about a single product than a bar code does. Readers could also capture the EPC number stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and transmit and report the item's location, condition and status to an on-site information system or to a remote database via the internet.