RFID on the rise

More companies are adopting radio frequency identification (RFID) technology across various industries beyond supply chain management, according to a recent end-user survey by ABI Research, reports IT World Canada.

The study found that while open-loop supply chain applications have been the primary haven for RFID adoption, closed-loop RFID applications that provide internal tracking for companies - such as asset management and security access control - are now finding greater use. The results were gleaned from over 175 organisations across a variety of industries.

ABI Research director Michael Liard says more companies in areas such as manufacturing and healthcare are starting to see the value of RFID. However, he says with the right frame of mind, nearly any company can benefit from RFID applications.

The Japanese smart card market grew 30.5% in 2006, according to Frost & Sullivan's "Japan Smart Card Market" report published this month, reports eMarketer.

The Japanese government is encouraging the use of contactless smart cards to ease road congestion. More than half of Japanese vehicles had been fitted with electronic toll collection smart cards at the beginning of 2006.

Mobile phones are also coming equipped with smart cards. More than 30 million mobile wallet phones are already in circulation. Users can pay for goods and services with their phones - no cash or credit card required.

An EU-funded project has begun work on setting up a European infrastructure for the testing and certification of biometrics components and systems, reports Cordis News.

The systems are currently used by national governments for border controls, and the EU is looking to develop a coherent approach for Europe. The technology is used to detect illegal immigration, and to identify theft and security threats.

The BioTesting Europe project is seeking to establish European interoperability for large-scale cross-national identity management systems, such as passports, visas and ID cards. The project will also help to establish European centres for the testing and certification of these biometric components and systems.