1. Radio-Frequency Identification MBUS 626 IT Seminar Group 5 Kevin Frei Stephen Grant

2. What is RFID? RFID uses radios waves to exchange information between an electronic tag and a reader. Tags can vary greatly in size. Most RFID tags are passive.

3. History of RFID Technology Predecessors of RFID technology was used by the Allied Air Forces as far back as WWII Early radar technologies could detect aircraft, but could not identify them Encoded radio transponders would broadcast identification codes when activated

4. Benefits Decreased cost of equipment and tags Decreased labor costs Increased reliability Real time tracking information Improved logistical efficiency

5. Current Uses for RFID Product tracking Biggest user of RFID technology today is the US Department of Defense Animal identification Electronic Passports and other important documents Rapid-pay systems (EZ-Pass, Smartrip)

6. Use of RFID in Automobiles Zipcar Parking Passes Tolls Traffic Management

7. Mandates Wal Mart and Target require that all primary suppliers use RFID for their products. The US Department of Defense requires that all packages be marked with RFID tags.

8. Potential Problems Skimming Eavesdropping Privacy Concerns

9. Costs and Challenges of RFID Implementation High initial investment for broad applications Marginal cost per tag is more than some alternatives Security of sensitive information The benefits over traditional barcode technology may not be great enough