I want to preface this section with an observation. "Wireless" means different things to different people. What interests me are RFID and business applications on devices like RIM's Blackberry, J2ME and, especially, Pocket PC devices built using the .NET compact framework. I plan on writing about all of these soon. For a more detailed and up to date introduction to RFID with special discussion about its applications in the supply chain see my new article on Demand Chain News called "Introduction to RFID in the supply chain." I also explain what a Smart Label is and show some pictures of one.

The most exciting trend in wireless has to be RFID. In the wide spectrum of opinions of RFID, I tend much more towards the opinion that it is an incredibly disruptive and exciting technology.

RFID tags are small, inexpensive tags, often presented as adhesive labels or capsules which either actively transmit an RF signal or passively respond to requests from, usually, fixed transmitter/ receiver devices. These devices communicate over relatively small distances and communicate small amounts of data, often GUIDs. They come in several flavors: Low frequency tags (between 125 to 134 kilohertz), High frequency tags (13.56 megahertz), UHF tags (868 to 956 megahertz), and Microwave tags (2.45 Ghrtz). The application and availability of these varies as spectrum use is inconsistent across the world.

This technology has been around for decades but the tags and related equipment have gotten good and cheap enough that the application of the technology is expanding rapidly. The low-frequency tags have to be actively scanned at short distances and are used to track things. Commercial animals and even pets are physically embedded with small, passive, RFID capsules. On the commercial side, they are used as a logistics tool but with Pets there is a service which RFID to return lost pets to their owners. In cars they are used in key-and-lock, anti theft systems.

High-frequency tags can be scanned at longer distances and are therefore better in higher volume work flows. They are widely used in ID badges as a replacement for magnetic stripe cards. They also are used by some libraries and bookstores and to track luggage at airports or pallets in warehouses. I suspect that the FastPass, toll collection system, used in Florida uses passive hi-frequency RFID, but have not confirmed that.

UHF RFID tags are a logistics tool with important applications in pallet and container tracking, and truck and trailer tracking in shipping yards.

The only application of Microwave RFID tags that I know of is in long range access control for vehicles. General Motors' OnStar system uses Microwave RFID.

Tied to a global system, like the Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID could be used to individually and uniquely track components and finished products through every step of the supply chain impacting manufacturing, logistics, storage, fulfillment, wholesale and retail.

For more information on RFID as well as headlines and resources please check out the RFID section of Demand Chain News