Supermarkets have already brought everything under the sun under one roof, and along the way been accused of denuding the High Street of butcher, baker and candlestick-maker.
Now they are introducing a new technology that some say threatens a fundamental invasion of our privacy.
We are all familiar with barcodes, those product fingerprints that save cashiers the bother of keying in the code number of everything we buy. Now, meet their replacement: the RFID tag, or radio frequency ID tag.
Alarm over shopping radio tags
Alarm Over Shopping Radio Tags
Trend Themes
1. RFID Technology - RFID tags represent an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the tracking and monitoring of products, assets, and even people.
2. Privacy Concerns - Increasing concerns about the invasion of privacy with the use of RFID tags present an opportunity for innovative solutions that address these concerns.
3. Alternative Tracking Technologies - The potential risks posed by RFID tags have created a demand for alternative product tracking technologies that provide similar functionality without the associated privacy risks.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - The retail industry is adopting RFID tags as a means of streamlining inventory management and improving efficiencies in the supply chain.
2. Security Industry - The use of RFID technology presents an opportunity for the security industry to offer innovative solutions that address privacy concerns and ensure the safe and secure use of these tags.
3. Technology Industry - RFID tags and the associated privacy concerns create opportunities for technology companies to develop innovative solutions that address the concerns and enhance the user experience.