Guest Column: RF Technology - The Future For Identification, Tracking, Payment Transactions And So Much More

By Tony Revis- Extech Data Systems

RFID tags have common characteristics, including: low cost, high volume manufacture, to minimize investment required in implementation; disposable, one-time use; minimal data storage (comparable to bar code); a fixed format, written once when the tag is manufactured; and finally, a read range optimised to increase speed and utility

RFID tags use a chip that typically stores a static number (an ID) and an antenna. When the reader comes within range, the tag is powered by the reader's RF field to transmit its ID. RFID middleware then provides the interface between the interrogating reader and existing company databases and information management systems.

There are many areas that benefit from the use of RFID. The technology is used in document tracking applications to improve the management of files in sectors such as insurance and the law, where the loss or misplacing of documents can be critical. For sports and music venues and all kinds of events, RFID systems streamline ticket issue and validation, minimising ticket fraud. Tickets can be created, on demand, with RFID-enabled bar code printers and then read remotely to increase throughput at entrances.