I was recently strolling through Target, as one does, and saw a suitcase that advertised itself as having “RFID-blocking” technology. What is RFID? Why are there suitcases built to block its technology?
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses radio waves to uniquely identify people, animals or objects. It also is what’s made contactless payment, or tap-to-pay methods, possible.
The information of the object, person or animal is stored on a chip within the tag and sends it right to your tag reader. Now that it’s becoming more mainstream, there are methods within iPhones built to help you access your tag information.
It may be common to initially fear the idea of combining identifying technology and money. However, according to Bankrate, financial crime related to RFID technology is nearly non-existent. This is because the information stored on a credit or debit card chip isn’t enough to complete a transaction – your name, address and three-digit security code are not included.
RFID technology has historically been used for livestock tracking, inventory management, supply chain coordination and vehicle tracking. However, as we progress into the future, RFID make its way into all different aspects of life. For example, loss-resistant golf balls, no-swipe ticket passes at amusement parks, no-waiting vehicle returns at car rental dealerships; the list goes on!
But why is this technology rapidly taking over the business world and becoming part of our day-to-day lives? It’s in part because of the opportunities within it; here’s a list of some benefits to using RFID.
Tracking Assets and Managing Inventory
If you’re a business owner, RFID is extremely beneficial when it comes to handling inventory. With RFID solutions, you can instantly see how many items you have, where they’re located, what stage of completion it’s in, and more.
Not a business owner? No problem. This software can be a timesaver for everyone! RFID can help you keep track of your pets, your possessions, and, if you’re a parent, it can give you peace of mind to help you track your children. No more worrying about if your child wandered off at the mall – RFID has got you covered.
Save Time with Automation
Sick and tired of filing and filling out outdated spreadsheet forms? Look no further. RFID software automatically tracks the movement of goods and instantly uploads the information to where it needs to go. It removes the need for any sort of manual labor, which means time and money saved.
Increased Security
One of the most-used ways that RFID has been used in the past 10 years is in our US passports. The tags used are sufficient enough to validate the reader, the passport holder in this context, and can prevent identity theft. And, to put the cherry on top, Homeland Security states that the RFID technology in passports can reduce the threat of undetected attempts to steal personal information.
Related Links:
What is Holding You Back From Retirement?
The Hidden Costs: What You Need To Know When Buying a Pet
Take Control of Your Credit Card Use to Better Your Finances
