By Jerry Banks and David Hanny, co-authors of RFID Applied

RFID implementations are becoming very numerous as they offer an expected benefit over the present way of doing things. Used in the proper situation, RFID can provide a better way of doing business or enable a much more convenient procedure for the consumer or user of a system. In some situations users of software systems may not even know that they are using RFID. Because RFID is being integrated into the way we operate both individually and collectively, there are fewer clear boundaries concerning what constitutes the components of RFID. RF system elements can be as unique as the purpose to which they are being applied. For example, the set of RFID system components that benefit Airbus during its assembly process will be different than the RF data processing needs at Carrefour’s retail operations. This article explores the typical elements that make up RFID components. It also addresses areas where RFID is having a positive impact outside of what are typically considered fundamental RFID components.