RFID: Making things easier or invading our privacy

Nov 24 2006

There's been a lot of discussion about RFID. What is RFID? Start by understanding what the letters really mean. R -Radio F-Frequency ID-Identification. RFID uses radio waves to transfer information from a tag where data has been stored to a reader. Readers can be attached to things like loading dock doors, handheld computers, even mounted on forklifts. With a forklift reader the driver just has to get near the boxes to know what's in them. Plus the tags not another employee tells the driver where every pallet has to go. But isn't that what we use barcodes for? Yes but RFID readers don't have to be aimed directly at a barcode they just need to be positioned near the tags. So now the driver doesn't even have to leave his seat to scan stuff.

RFID technology can be used for many things. Practically everything that a bar code is used for now can be replaced by RFID. By doing this bar code technology and the problems that are affiliated with it can be greatly cut down and in turn can make things more efficient. For more information you should check out this rfid training video.

In the United Kingdom there was talk about using RFID technology in license plates. The makers of e-Plates boast that the e-plates can furnish access control, automated tolling, asset tracking, traffic-flow monitoring and vehicle crime and "non-compliance." The chips can be outfitted with 128 bit encryption to prevent hacking. Word was that this technology could hit the United States very soon. My friend Kevin works at a place here in Albuquerque that deals with this technology.

"The products I work on make the consumer's life easier. In Dallas, our tags are used for toll booths, parking garages, and can even be used at McDonalds. By using our tag, the consumer gets a discount on all tolls and parking garage costs, and they don't have to have cash on hand every time they go through one of these areas.

We are also working on a product that will replace the bar code in super markets. Simply fill your cart with what you want, wheel it past a reader and you will receive a total. No more individually scanning each item."

While I think this technology can make everyday life a little more efficient and convenient, I also think the technology can be intrusive. What is your take on it?