RFID in libraries, in shops and on the slopes

Sheela Braganza, a university student, is constantly late for her 3 o'clock lecture. Today, she has to pick up a book from the library as well. Thanks to RFID, the book she needs is on the right shelf and she doesn’t have to wait in a queue to check it out. The student swipes the book over a reader at a checkout stand and returns her other books at a self-service terminal.

Libraries were among the first institutions to embrace RFID as part of their anti-theft systems and to track and trace their materials in house. Now, many libraries have expanded their use of the technology to allow self-checkout and to facilitate the collection of fees for overdue items. For patrons, all of this means faster service and increased availability of the library materials required, such as books, CDs, DVDs and maps.

Of course, almost everyone will benefit from RFID checkout lanes at supermarkets. Instead of waiting for a sales assistant to scan every item, you can push your trolley through a portal, check out in one go and head straight on home to enjoy your evening!

Maximising your free time, too

And there’s more: sports fans on ski slopes around the world can speed past the queues using the RFID tags integrated into their lift tickets. They simply ski across an RFID reader that scans the pass to make sure it is still valid for another downhill run. The RFID pass can also be used to rent skis, poles and boots.

Travellers in Europe benefit from an RFID-based tourist pass that allows speedy, cashless access to key attractions and mass transit systems. In short, RFID can help you save time and simplify your life so that you can concentrate on the things that matter most to you.