Tracking systems using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology are an important component of any proactive security systems for global sporting events such as the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
This is the view of UK-based IBM sensor and actuator services leader Doug Clark, who was reflecting yesterday on lessons learned from the Wimbledon tennis championship. He was speaking in the security track of this week's Connect IT: Joburg 2010 conference in Sandton.
"RFID is ideal for tracking people and assets at events like the Soccer World Cup because it can provide near real-time information, enabling organisers to be highly proactive," Clark said.
RFID-enabled ticketing already proved to be an efficient way of validating tickets at the 2006 Soccer World Cup to reduce counterfeiting, monitor the flow of spectators into venues, and help ensure quick and safe access for valid ticket-holders, he said.
In addition, Clark said RFID tagging of event officials and players would ensure only the right people have access to restricted areas. It will also enable event co-ordinators to anticipate the arrival of key players at events and know the location of security and other staff at all times.
"As countries are eliminated from the competition and service provider contracts expire, the system can be updated to ensure only authorised people are allowed access on any given day in the competition," Clark explained.
Another advantage of using RFID is that all movable assets can be tracked and traced. This means hired equipment can be located at all times within an event venue. RFID can also be used to ensure only qualified staff uses specialised equipment.
According to Clark, the information from RFID-enabled systems can be cross-referenced with information from databases of known soccer hooligans or terrorists, as well as video surveillance and other monitoring systems to help prevent any threats to public safety.
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