New ways to use RFID

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification technology, is generally used for tracking inventory. But in a recent article appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New Ways to Use RFID , it seems consumers are going beyond the initial intentions of RFID and finding new and creative ways to use the technology.

The WSJ article states: “Getting less attention are a host of businesses that are finding innovative ways to use RFID internally, to keep track of high-value items like computer equipment, for instance, or of things that get used over and over, like legal files—or sushi plates.”

RFID asset tracking may just now be picking up speed in the commercial environment, but with growing pressure in the corporate world for improved asset management and accountability, RFID has an important role to play. As its popularity increases, it’s easy to see that RFID’s possibilities are limitless.

Making Waves
RFID has been making waves for over a decade as organizations throughout the supply chain look to leverage unprecedented ease and accuracy of goods tracking to drive down costs and improve product availability. But, as yet, the technology has not achieved optimal results. This is particularly relevant within the retail environment where RFID tag costs make it impractical to take the technology beyond pallet level, undermining the vision of individual product tracking from the manufacturer to the store shelf.

However, the technology has gained significant traction in other areas here in the U.S. and abroad; most notably, new passports now include RFID tags and other transportation payment systems are utilizing the tags as well. Indeed, the technology has also been embraced by libraries, museums and higher ed institutions to track valuable assets. The result of this diversification of RFID application is a significant reduction in unit cost over the last few years.

With increased focus on organizations across both public and private sectors to improve asset accountability and traceability, isn’t it time more organizations considered the benefits of RFID?