Essay Example on the Benefits and Downside of RFID Technology

RFID is a technology that utilizes the use of radio waves to enable reading as well as capturing information on a tag that is attached to any object. The application of the system is associated with a vast range of pros and cons. One of the advantages is that it is known to be holistically convenient. It is because it can instantly release a single code that is utilized both by various business units and even people, unlike the use of scanners. The data processing rate is hugely faster, and at the same time, the essential information can be obtained instantly. It also enhances customer services since it facilitates a more straightforward determination of commodities from shipping to the delivery point. It allows for the portability of databases serving as a backup in the future.

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It is also known to be a provider of a vast range of inventory management solutions. The technology has ruled out manual counting that was done in the past, thus developing the capacity of saving resources and, at the same time, helps in the determination of the items that are in store. The tags are typically serialized, thus enabling the individual item that is present in the supply chain as well as the storage facility. The use of the technology in inventory is also vital since it reads at and counts many items in a second, thus known for reliability. The use of RFID enables the identification of items which are located some meters away behind an obstacle like a wall. Many businesses that have been employing the use of the method are known to have experienced accuracy and increment of sales. The tag is fitted both in small and large items like a vehicle.

Moreover, RFID is known as a rugged technology since it can work under all forms of environmental conditions since the chips portray the ability to perform in any given situation. It, therefore, paves the way for easy identification in case of an emergency. Initially, computer technology was in use; the verdict was that it couldn't serve as a reliable technology in all the environmental conditions. The chips are popularly known for their portability since they are small and tiny. Some are utilizing if for bet identification since it can cause merely no discomfort at all. The chip can be attached to a plastic or a metal; thus, at some point, it can cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, the solution can be obtained from the use of other materials.

The use of technology is accompanied by some disadvantages, such as an easier interception of data on the chips. It is possible since any person with the scanner can access all the information on the signal, thus obtaining a line of code in the broadcast. Thieves can thereby rob people by obtaining credit cards without their knowledge. The primary solution to that is the use of encrypted data in the provision of more security. The scanning range can be petite since the signals can be hindered by some obstacles in liquid or solid form. High costs could be incurred during its development stage, and as a result of that, not all the business can incorporate the use of the technology for its holistic benefit. Any interested business entity has to engage in a thorough launching of research from scratch.

Additionally, the technology is prone to hacking, making the information received unreliable for use. The verdict of that emanates from the application of the technology, which may either be for payment services or any other purpose. Viruses that may be present in the detectors could easily record theft-related data. The chips are easy to clone, transponders can be used in cloning the information. It paves the way for thieves to either steal the credit cards or any other personal details.

Furthermore, the introduction of new technology may make the use of RFID technology obsolete. The advantages of technology are slowly being engulfed by innovations which are less disadvantageous. New technologies are also more reliable since they are free from any virus and hinder hacking since security is well developed. Lastly, the use of technology is accompanied by several ethical questions that have to be resolved. Some of the people are concerned with personal ethics since, at some point, they may believe that they are being tracked and spied on. People must be informed fully before the use of technology is launched and incorporated into the new business.

RIFD technology is utilized in society for the retail sector. It is specifically used in the tracking of assets. It prevents any cases of burglary as well as monitoring of assets that could easily be misplaced and frequent movement. Some retailers can use in tracking commodities whenever they leave as well as entering the storage facility. It thereby facilitates better management of all the assets.

Likewise, in retailing, technology is useful in the management of stock. It enables the retailers to have all the information regarding the stock right at hand. It is made possible as a result of the automated scanning of items stored in warehouses. It thereby facilitates a reduction of labor costs since retailers need not employ people who specialize in checking items physically. It also levels off human errors through the availability of automated processes, which could enable easy scanning. Security-wise, the technology can be used both in protection as well as access control. Access control involves physical control, where the employees can and cannot enter. Moreover, in case of an emergency, it is easy to locate the members of staff in their respective positions. All the equipment belonging to the government, as well as the stock, is tagged to avert theft.

Retailers are using RFID technology, especially for performing interactive advertising, either in-store or even externally. Interested parties could readily access the tags by swiping through their smartphones. It thereby sends specific information regarding the advertised products. Furthermore, customers can receive extensive information on the product specs, life-span as well, as the information on the available stock. Besides, it is also useful in cashless payments since it shortens queues as well as speeding up all processes relating to checkouts.. Proper tagging of the items is known to promote product visibility, thus helping retailers in the easy determination of where the goods are in plastic containers creating a room of increased supply chain management. Readers installed at the entrance could be utilized by retailers in reading tags attached to delivery vehicles. Warehousing processes can thereby be made swift and, at the same time, more comfortable to execute.

The Healthcare domain has incorporated the use of RFID technology since it helps saving many lives. RFID sensors and tags are known to contribute significantly to saving lives, thus resulting in a fantastic move. Hospitals are utilizing wrist bands attached to the chips, thus promoting the safety of a patient facilitating instant retrieval of medication as well as meal scheduling. Besides, information on prescribed medicine and the general medical history can easily be acquired as a result of the RFID tags. Scanning contributes a lot to the mitigation of any errors.

The technology has also made it possible in the reduction of dangers that one patient may pose to the other in case of a contagious disease through the availability of the screening process. Maternal hospitals are also embracing the use of wrist bracelets embedded with RFID tags to connect newborns with their parents, thus helping in monitoring the safety of the infants. The technology is also assisting in ensuring that equipment is other useful devices that are available through advancement in inventory control. Through this, nearly all the medical facilities employing the use of RFID technology saves a lot of money through sustainable asset management.

References

Zhang, L. H., Li, T., & Fan, T. J. (2018). Radio-frequency identification (RFID) adoption with inventory misplacement under retail competition. European Journal of Operational Research, 270(3), 1028-1043.