The Five Countries Big in RFID Adoption (Case Studies)

Many countries are adopting RFID technology. The adoption is increasing at a very fast rate. Many sectors in the business world are taking to RFID. The adoption is across sectors, industry and market. There are so many success stories and failure stories as well. Some countries are at the initial stage of planning and testing. Some others are at the advanced stage. RFID technology is available at different stages as the need of the using country. Some countries are leading in this endeavor and some are lagging behind. Some countries are spending huge amounts in RFID technology, its testing and evaluation.

You will find that some advanced countries are eagerly adopting RFID. Unites States of America United States of America is one of the leading countries in adoption of RFID. You will find largest number of RFID adoption cases. Also the value is highest in RFID adoption investment and buying. Many companies across sectors, industries and markets in USA have adopted RFID in their business. The order for RFID tools, softwares, and equipments is higher here.

US retail giants are using RFID to improve the efficiency of the supply chain thereby improving the customer satisfaction. US has started even e passport system where RFID tags are used in the e passport. In 2005, US processed 10 million passports. United Kingdom Many UK companies have followed the path leaded by the US counterparts. You can repay in the public transport in the UK. This system uses RFID technology. These are called as “Beep cards” in the Nottingham city, which allows a passenger to travel by using these cards. In London, you will find "Oyster cards” which allow traveling as you like and are valid for certain time. Australia Australia as an advanced country in technology has also set foot on the RFID path. Many a sector is seeing the new adoption.

Retail and pharma sectors are the main participants. RFID has creped into other sectors also. In the libraries, books are tagged with RFID tags; humans are tagged in the hospitals with these tags, cattle and racehorses are tagged. The food industry was also doing tests like tests done for tagging fish, tomatoes and other foods. Like libraries, RFID is used in Financial sector, Safety sector etc. In tracking vehicles, criminals, in law enforcement also RFID is being used in Australia. Australia has also got RFID in passport and cards used for payments. On vehicles and animals they use RFID to track it down at real time and get information. There is legislation in tagging in Australia. This legislation is for protecting the vulnerable industries. Netherlands Netherlands is also ahead in using the RFID technology at different sectors of it. It is very active in using RFID technology. Netherlands is using RFID in different cards. It also uses this technology in football matches and such other leisure and recreational activities. Like Australia, Netherlands using RFID in financial, security, safety sectors.

You will find item level tagging is generally seen in Netherlands. You will find it in logistics and postal sectors also. Like Australia, it also uses High Frequency (HF) far more than any other frequency in RFID. Malaysia Malaysia is also leading among the RFID using countries. Malaysia issued the first RFID passports or the e passports in 1998. It helped to get information about the person, travel history of the holder and his positions. Malaysia also uses RFID in Malaysia Expressways payment system, which is also known as Touch 'n Go system. Transport payment system is available for the benefit of the passengers. ProblemsCountries are facing many problems in adopting RFID. It may be technological, financial, regulatory or human resource. RFID adoption needs huge investments and so is popular with the advanced countries. Adopting RFID needs change in the existing system of the country, which is a time taking and complex process.

Sometimes it does not fit well with the existing system. Some problem may arise, as the developers of this technology do not understand the need of the particular area or country. It is evident in the case when the technology is imported from outside. Prospects RFID technology can create a positive effect on the country, on its economy as well as on the sector where it is being used. It increases the efficiency and the effectiveness of the system and sector, thereby improving the profitability.

Bikash is an MBA who works as an freelance writer. He worked for on of the best private banks in India. He has been writing for the last 5 years. He has worked with many US,UK and Indian clients. Visit him at http://bikiassam.tripod.com