Intermec Releases RFID Addon For 700 Series Pocket PC

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.allnetdevices.com/wireless/news/2003/06/12/intermec_intros.html">http://www.allnetdevices.com/wireless/news/2003/06/12/intermec_intros.html</a><br /><br />"Hoping to capitalize on the growing popularity of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Intermec Technologies this week introduced an all-in-one package for retailers, a suite of consulting services and an RFID tag reader attachment for one of its handheld computers."<br /><br /><a href="http://news.com.com/2100-1020-1015058.html">Microsoft has gotten behind RFID technology</a> and will work to incorporate it through out its backoffice servers that go in its customers supply chain. The real push for RFID though <a href="http://news.com.com/2100-1022-1013767.html">is from Wal-Mart</a>. The last time Wal-Mart jumped on board with an emerging technology and demanded its suppliers used it was the mid-80's. UPC adoption by its suppliers jumped 500% to 75,000. RFID is coming and the Pocket PC is ready to serve!

[iPaqDude]

RFID holds a lot of promise, but it has a long way to go, and not just from a technology perspective, but more from a human process direction.

There have also been numerous articles discussing privacy issues in relation to RFID.

I believe this technology will help in the logistics behind pallet/container movement and tracking, and may very well help in working with patients in areas like hospitals and nursing homes.

But there is still much to be done.