ITM 490 SLP Spring 2009

Samuel L . E . Everett

Professor

ITM 490 SLP Spring 2009

March 23 , 2009

Socio-Technical Challenges of RFID

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID ) tags , which consist of silicon chips and an antenna that can transmit data to a wireless receiver could be used to track everything from toothpaste to sneakers . RFID can provide much more detailed information on what the product is , where it 's going , and how to handle it adding that the information could be critical for future regulatory compliance requirements . The basic RFID system consists of three basic

components : an antenna or coil , a transceiver (with decoder , a transponder (RF tag ) electronically programmed with unique information . Although it uses a very simple idea RFID involves a complicated process in translating or transmitting information . A reader /interrogator /scanner transmits an RF wave to a tag . The tag "hears " the RF wave , and responds with some data (Intermec 2007 . RFID enables pallets of products to pass through a stationary portal reader and the information is automatically captured . This automated process requires less human intervention in the data capturing process resulting in minimal human error . This however is faced with challenges of location and space . Improper positioning of the RFID devices lends difficulty in sending and retrieving information in RFID tags (Dennison , 2008

The implementation of RFID would affect all the components of the organizational socio-technical system . Technology-wise , the current information technology system including hardware , software programs designs and processes , and outcomes , most of which may not be compatible with RFID requirements...