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.

Many drivers have seen RFID in action at automatic toll collection stations used at bridges, tunnels and turnpikes. In business, RFID will be commonly used to identify pallets, containers, vehicles, tools and other assets, monitor inventory, and route materials through production processes.

RFID can provide immediate and tangible benefits throughout the supply chain. Organizations who take the time to understand the technology's capabilities and limitations can increase their inventory visibility while streamlining their operations.