Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one of the most promising and anticipated technologies in recent years. Magazine articles, television shows, analyst papers and the like are frequently trumpeting the potential benefits to users of RFID. This white paper will help you to understand what RFID is, how it works, describe the current standard and compliance environment and some considerations to make sure that you have a successful implementation and get the most from your investment. The stakes for RFID implementations are high -- for both expenditures and benefits. Arming yourself with a good understanding of the technology and important considerations can ensure that the decisions that you make minimize any missteps and maximize your experience.

Manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers and government agencies are making unprecedented use of RFID technology to track, secure and manage items from the time they are raw materials through the entire life of the product. Manufacturers can especially benefit from RFID because the technology can make internal processes more efficient and improve supply chain responsiveness--for example, early RFID adopters in the consumer goods industry reduced supply chain costs between 3 and 5 percent and grew revenue between 2 and 7 percent because of the added visibility RFID provided, according to a study by AMR Research.