With many companies comfortable using RFID technology, its use has become widespread and prompted many unique applications. For example, retailers like Walmart have tagged clothing items to track buying behavior and reduce theft. But it’s not just inventory that RFID can keep safe — tire manufacturer Pirelli installs RFID chips into wheels to assess road conditions and friction level; this information is relayed to internal car computers to ensure safe driving.

But these are just a few relatively ‘normal’ uses; some RFID applications are truly off-the-wall:  tags in clothing have been used to track amusement park visitors, while one Barcelona club injects VIPs with RFID tags connected to debit accounts for effortless drink ordering.

Self-service restaurants have also tagged plates with RFID transmitters so staff knows how long dishes have been on display; those considered no longer fresh are removed. One bar even allows remote ordering of beverages and taxis through RFID-equipped table-top touchscreens.

RFID can be used for more serious – but decidedly space age –applications as well; tagging military tanks can reduce the likelihood of friendly fire accidents, for example. Meanwhile, a school in Japan issues RFID-equipped bracelets to keep children from being kidnapped or getting lost and RFID-equipped passports help prevent fraud and improve travel security. RFID use in cargo ships can also limit terrorism risks, and hospitals use RFID-tagged surgical equipment to ensure none is left behind after surgery.

While some of the potential applications are controversial – tagging inmates and air passengers, for example – the message is clear: RFID is powerful and the only limit to its potential for application is your imagination. The technology is trust-worthy enough to secure human lives, so it can surely handle your inventory. Perhaps your company will be the next to pioneer a ground-breaking and soon-to-be ubiquitous application of RFID. For a professional and free consultation from TracTech, the leader in RFID jewelry systems, call to Tim Murphy@ 212-682-4172.