3 Ways RFID brings magic to your holiday season
This year, Americans will be spending an average of $2,000 per person over the holidays – with more than $600 on travel, and the rest on decorations, celebrations and gifts. For most of us, this translates to a lot of running around and spending money – and enjoying the holidays[1].
It’s good to know that in the background, little RFID elves have been busy keeping everything running smoothly to help make the holidays truly magical.
What is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)?
RFID uses radio waves to instantly transmit data.
RFID is virtually invisible and able to track just about anything, anywhere. Radio waves use virtually no power and don’t require line of sight. Additionally, multiple items can communicate simultaneously. It’s not magic, but it’s the next best thing.
Shopping
Holiday prep:
Factories need to buy their supplies in the right quantities so that they can keep producing the holiday gifts we treasure. This takes a solid supply chain and some technological magic. RFID instantly assesses both supplies and completed goods so issues can be quickly dealt with. Manufacturers and distributors that use RFID technology in their supply chain see an 90% improvement in receiving time.[2]
Stocked shelves at your favorite stores:
RFID labels automatically update store inventories as items are sold, making sure holiday shoppers magically find fully stocked shelves. (RFID also makes returning items quicker, providing instant item identification and verification).
Smart phone payment:
Credit card information stored on smart phones use the magical power of RFID to enable contactless payment. Wallets with RFID blockers protect plastic cards as well.
2. Travel
By car:
Just clip your toll fob (RFID tag) to the visor so you can magically zip through the highway toll lanes to smooth your trip home.
By airplane:
Many airlines use RFID to track luggage and some carriers also give you access to the data so you view your luggage location as you travel. It’s really simple and there’s no need to buy expensive tracking devices. Additionally, airlines enhance security by instantly flagging and investigating any unauthorized luggage movement. A bit of technological RFID magic makes it easy.
3. Resort and accommodations
Hotels:
Hotels use RFID-enabled cards to magically open doors to access rooms, exclusive areas and services.
Theme Parks
RFID wristbands grant access to the entire park, rides, concerts, shopping, and dining—no need for plastic cards or paper.
All throughout the holidays, RFID is key to smooth shopping, travel and enhanced security. It’s the technology that keeps on giving throughout the year by instantly delivering the information that supplies our needs.
InfraMarker RFID
InfraMarker RFID helps businesses manage products and inventory by instantly verifying location and identity of any asset - from livestock to buried pipelines. When used with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), InfraMarker is a powerful tool that benefits field staff and management.
Contact us to learn more.
Want to learn more about RFID?
How RFID was developed
How RFID is used in tracking dinosaur bones
How RFID helps disaster response
How RFID helps manage underground infrastructure
Footnotes