Radio Frequency Identification Technology: An Introduction

Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags will likely replace barcodes in the future, and will provide additional security for items. Barcodes allow items to be tracked only at the sku level, while RFID tags allow tracking to the individual item level. This would allow manufacturers, distribution centers, and retailers much tighter control over inventory, and would also help prevent counterfeiting. While this is a positive advance in tracking technology, privacy concerns also abound. Customer concerns over invasion of privacy caused by the ability to track individual items is one problem with the expansion of this new technology. This paper describes the current technology and some current usage of this budding technology. It also explores issues related to privacy, along with both the positives and negatives in the adoption of this technology