Pundits and privacy activists alike have been closely monitoring developments in radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip technology in recent years. With prices falling, people are finding all sorts of interesting new uses for RFID chips, most of which are the size of a grain of rice.

But is the technology more bane than boon?

Companies and governments are finding ever more interesting uses for RFID technology, particularly when combining it with technologies such as biometrics, augmented reality applications and access control systems. It also has the potential to make things like shopping less tedious.

Retailers have been using RFID tags for inventory tracking and supply chain management for years, but have now started using them in stores to combat theft and to make the process of paying quicker and easier — rather than ringing up each item, RFID readers make it possible to ring up an entire basket or trolley of goods in an instant.

SA company RFIQ is combining RFID technology with biometrics for security applications and is enjoying interest from large-scale manufacturing businesses that want tighter control in factories and warehouses.

MD Conrad Taljaard says the technology is particularly useful in medical applications, such as ensuring that if there are a dozen items in an operating theatre prior to a surgery there are still a dozen after an operation.

Similarly, RFID chips can be paired to one another, further expanding their usefulness. An RFID bracelet, for example, could be given to a new mother, with another, paired bracelet, attached to her newborn, ensuring the right child goes to the right mother at feeding time or when the infant is discharged.

Because RFID chips can be assigned to certain zones, an alarm could be triggered — or doors locked automatically — in the case of attempted abduction.

Some pundits have even argued in favour of RFID implants in humans, which could prove useful in the case of an accident, where the chip could convey crucial information about allergies, next of kin, and so on. Understandably, however, there are many opposed to this idea. One of them is open-source software proponent Richard Stallman; others include privacy advocates and organisations like Caspian (Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering).

RFIQ deals specifically in products from a company called Alien Technologies. It also distributes Xerafy RFID chips, which are unique in their ability to be put on metal devices.

Each chip can store 512 bits of information and can be updated via a reader, meaning they are particularly well suited to tracking changes and cumulative data — for example, progress in a production line, movements or, in the case of companies like Boeing, aircraft parts, date of manufacture and installation as well as service history.

“Boeing now uses them in tagging parts. As soon as a part is fitted to a Boeing, it gets associated with that aircraft and it makes tracking maintenance much easier,” Taljaard explains.

He says the tags are proving particularly useful in asset tracking and each handheld reader is also capable of reading traditional barcodes and includes functionality like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular, making it easier to tie into accompanying software systems.

By adding a biometric element, items like vehicles and laptops can be paired with certain users, which can be a great aid to reducing theft, particularly from large companies where monitoring every movement is difficult.

So, what does an RFID implementation cost? Taljaard says it depends on volume. “If you’re buying 1m chips you’re looking at around R3/chip. If you’re buying 100 000, it’s closer to R5. For under R40 000 you can get four antennas and a reader for a basic implementation.”

Taljaard says US retailer Macy’s is using RFID in its stores. “Readers can read multiple items at once so you simply put your basket on the counter and all the items are rung up immediately.”

He says it’s also great for preventing shoplifting as it’s possible to tell security exactly which item has been stolen.

Although the notion of chips embedded in humans and the potential for tracking and data skimming are alarming, there’s no doubt RFID technology creates a variety of opportunities for useful applications. As the technology improves, it will become more ubiquitous. Legislation will have to keep up to ensure it’s used for beneficial rather than nefarious purposes. — Craig Wilson, TechCentral