RFID Tracking Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

RFID Tracking - Dissertation Example Originally developed in 1969, it was patented in 1973 (Granneman 2003). It is a system utilising microchips embedded in a product or item, which can be read by a non-contact reader. It is predicted that RFID will take over from the present-day Universal Product Code (UPC) bar codes in the near future. The problem with present-day bar codes is they are not able to fulfil every function well, they can be slow at the checkout and stocktaking as every item must be scanned and they do not always cover today’s security issues well, whereas RFID systems cover much more from tracking stock to instantly contacting a customers bank for funds at the point of purchase in a retail store by using a system embedded in a mobile phone (Bonsor, et al n.d) how will this develop? What are the good points and what are the negative problems with RFID tracking, there is a lot to be investigated yet with these systems. RFID Tracking Advantages The problems faced by many companies today is how to spee d up their processes, there are many retail stores where the customer still waits in line at a queue for their basket of goods to be read through at the checkout. Stocktaking is done item-by-item using the present bar coding system. With RFID tagging it is possible to have a zone set up whereby everything passing through is logged by the RFID radio reader, and not item-by-item as the tag can be read at a distance and through some materials. (RFIDAA 2006) saving time and effort with better accuracy. Another area covered now is where it has been difficult to have a decent system of tracking passports speedily and confirming the person carrying them. The American and Australian governments have decided to do just this; issuing e-passports where there is a microchip embedded into the passport, because of this there is an increasing amount of information held on the chip. The chip is read/write capable so it is possible to delete or add information on the person or product. A step up fro m the passports issued even by the Australian government. Embedded RFID tags are used for chipping pets and animals, placed just under the skin they can be read easily. Originally used for cattle, now helping with lost animals or with stock control in farms. (Granneman 2003) â€Å"On a smaller level, but one that will instantly resonate with security pros, Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia placed RFID tags in 80,000 employee uniforms to put a stop to theft. The same idea would work well in corporate PCs, networking equipment, and handhelds.† Assett tracking, security and biometric controls are all covered by RFID tagging, it has now got to the stage where it is possible for an indivdual to set up their own RFID tagging system by purchasing the tags and radio readers. There are some great examples such as a handbag designed by MIT students, it can tell if up to five items with RFID tags are placed in the bag. If one is missing then it starts a blinking LED on the outside o f the handbag (Varias 2011). Clothing is a great area for using tags, they can be used by retail stores to prevent loss, they are placed in the product label and are read as they leave the store. Used in this way by Gerry Weber International, a German-based women's clothing designer and retailer. From (Zaino 2011). Problems with RFID Tracking There are many people complaining that RFID and its associated systems are too much. Although this kind of complaint has been around since the first wheel was made