RFID tracking tags
Radio Frequency IDentification chips (aka tags) are used for inventory control. Embedded tags are read with a handheld device. This allows a worker to quickly find inventory in a warehouse or in a cargo hold.
History
RFID has its roots in WWII. British planes had an onboard system that reacted to radar signals to let the home radar bases know that they were seeing returning British planes and not Germans.
Function
RFID tags are embedded in crates of merchandise. A radio frequency signal from a special handheld device can detect these tags and the reflected signal can identify the item and its destination. RFID can also be part of an automatic routing system for package transport.
Benefits
RFID makes automatic handling of cargo possible--the container tells the system where it is going, how important it is, and if it is dangerous. It also makes it easy to find lost or misplaced cargo. It can also be part of an automatic inventory system.
Considerations
The U.S. Army was an earlier user of RFID chips. They have scaled back their use somewhat after discovering that the chips makes it easy to tell what is in a container that is in a foreign port. Full easy disclosure may conflict with some security considerations.
Potential
As RFID tags become cheaper and more ubiquitous, we may see a time when RFID tags are as common as bar codes. Someday you may be able to point your ipod at any object and open the manufacturer's web page.
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