You have likely noticed that RFID is all over the news lately. One of the most common applications of the technology is inventory management. RFID tagging and tracking enables companies to massively reduce the amount of time that it requires to take inventory of their assets, sometimes reducing the time from years to months! Unique ideas and uses for radio frequency identification pop up every day – it seems that the possibilities for the technology are virtually endless.
Disney, for example, recently rolled out their MyMagic+ program in Orlando, which provides radio-frequency-equipped wrist devices for all guests at their park. The colorful bracelets allow guests to swiftly enter the park, get FastPass access to attractions, make purchases, and open their hotel room door. Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, says of the technology, “What this all adds up to is our ability to manage more people at a time without in any way diminishing guest experience.”
The famous Comic Con in New York implemented an RFID system for their event management process. According to a recent article on BizBash, the technology enables businesses to easily manage a few important components of events, including:
- Access control: Scanning RFID badges helps New York Comic Con keep lines moving quickly, prevent fraudulent tickets, and monitor the venue’s capacity.
- Vendor benefits: RFID adds value for conference vendors by allowing them to easily connect and acquire information from customers who visit their booths.
- Photo stations: Attendees can choose to instantly post a photo to social media by tapping their badges.
Spanish footwear company Munich Sports installed an RFID system at one of its stores, in the form of an interactive display. When a customer brings a product near the device, a screen provides them information about what sizes and colors of that item are in stock, as well as similar products that they may like. The solution is relatively low-cost and easy to install, making it a good initial step for companies that do not currently employ RFID in a customer-facing environment.
These examples are just a few of the many innovative ways that companies are utilizing RFID in their day-to-day operations. Hopefully they inspire you to think outside the box to discover ways that this versatile technology can positively impact your business or organization.
Photo Credits: Eureka, Dad’s Guide, RFID Journal