Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is another POS technology that will be used in the future. This technology uses devices attached to objects that transmit data to an RFID receiver.
Advantages of this technology include the following:
- Radio Frequency Identification eliminates the need for UPC barcodes.
-
RFID tags can be embedded within packages.
-
RFID tags can be read at longer distances.
-
RFID has no line of sight requirements.
-
RFID has high data capacity.
-
RFID has read/write capability
Already in use for such tasks as livestock tracing and library book maintenance, RFID is appearing in many larger retail operations to identify goods on pallets and to track expiration dates on products. Because it eliminates the need for barcode scanning, RFID may eventually be used to replace the cashier at POS checkouts. For more information you may want to visit wikipedia.
Cost reduction and changes in conventional POS Systems will be needed before this technology becomes widespread in the future, but the groundwork has been laid. What will they think of next? Find out in my next blog!