Greetings, Five cents for a RFID tag is said to be the tipping point for its adoption. "We've been talking about the mythical five-cent price point for years," notes Mike Liard, RFID practice director for Venture Development Corp. "Is it possible? Yes. But it may not necessarily be the type of tag you're looking for." Indeed, makers of RFID chips know this, which is why most haven't rushed to put nickel tags on the market. Instead, they've been content to cut prices at a steady rate of about 5 to 10 percent per year since 2000, while simultaneously improving the technology. As a result, users of the tags are already employing them in applications undreamed of a decade ago, despite their inability to reach the elusive nickel price point. The bottom line is that while RFID vendors have been lowering their prices and improving their technology, they've been carving out new niches for themselves. Increasingly, RFID tags are being used on pallets, cartons, garments, luggage, DVD cases, pill bottles and library books. And in the future, experts foresee more use in low-cost everyday items, from lipstick cases to cereal boxes. While they won't replace the bar code any time soon, they nevertheless offer non-line-of-sight capability, which means they can gather information of their whereabouts without being individually handled. As a result, they're capable of deterring theft and counterfeiting. Why does adoption of RFID always seem to lag behind forecasts? Experts say there are good reasons, including: - Benefits aren't always easily understood by potential users. - Process changes take time, especially when people must be re-trained and machines must be re-programmed. - Developing the infrastructure for RFID calls for major capital investment. Read the full article at: http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6324161.html Regards, Saiful -- Saiful Amin Information Specialist Edutech India 2/2, Union Street Off Infantry Road Bangalore 560001, India Tel: +91 80 4112 3437 M: +91 93438 26438 Fax: +91 80 4151 7801 www.edutechindia.com "Enhancing knowledge and skills for success, lifelong."