What will it replace?

The most talked about technology that RFID has the potential to replace is barcode technology. In many areas, rather than replacing bar code technology, the main thought is that the two technologies will work together, each having their own advantages and reasons operate simultaneously (RFID Technology). RFID wins out over barcodes in a few areas of operation. The main ways in which RFID is better is that it can handle extreme weather conditions, whereas barcode technology cannot, it does not require the RFID reader and RFID tag to be close to each other in order for information to be transferred, information can be added to and changed in RFID tags, while the information on barcodes cannot be changed, and RFID technology does not need line of sight in order to function properly, whereas the barcode and barcode reader does (2007). RFID tags can also hold larger amounts of data than barcodes and do not require a person to scan items, which can save time (Jessup, Valacich, and Wade, 2006, p. 172).

As mentioned in the section on the advantages of RFID, this technology will be able to reduce the amount of paperwork, and maybe even replace paperwork as a means for keeping track of spare parts in the aerospace industry. This reduction, and in some cases replacement of paperwork, could also be seen in the medical industry where great amounts of paper is used for patients charts. There are already hospitals that have begun to utilize RFID technology for the purpose of keeping track of charts and who are benefitting (Swedberg, 2006).

(2008, July 8)

(2007). Technology: RFID Advantages. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from Active Wave Web site: http://www.activewaveinc.com/technology_rfid_advantage.php

(2008, July 8). RFID News: RFID Versus Bar Codes On the Shop Floor – Who’s Ready for a “Smackdown?”. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from Supply Chain Digest Web site: http://www.scdigest.com/assets/On_Target/08-07-08-1.php?cid=1784&ctype=content

Jessup, L. M., Valacich, J. S., & Wade, M. R. (2006). Information systems today: why IS matters. New Jersey: Pearson.

RFID Technology. Retrieved November 17, 2008, from FILE Technology Web site: http://www.filetech.com.au/rfid.htm

Swedberg, C (2006, December 28). Wisconsin Clinic Opts for RFID Solution. Retrieved November 25, 2008, from RFID Journal: The World's RFID Authority Web site: http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/2937/