The Adoption and Implementation of RFID: A Literature Survey

INTRODUCTIONRFID is being used for a wide variety of applications ranging from building access control proximity cards to supply chain tracking, toll collection, vehicle parking access control, retail stock management, ski lift access, library books tracking, theft prevention, vehicle immobilizer systems, and railway rolling stock identification and movement tracking. This paper reviews the literature on the use of RFID in library management and service through an innovation decision framework. We provide a brief introduction to the RFID technology, current challenges faced by libraries, and how the use of RFID technology can address these challenges. Next, we analyze the specifics of RFID technology in different areas of library management and services before examining the potential benefits of RFID, and identifying barriers to its acceptance. Finally, we propose a critical success factor framework for RFID implementation based on the publications reviewed and provide guidance for librarians.RFID technology is widely used in libraries. However, the number of published papers on the use of RFID technology in libraries lags behind the number of papers on its use in supply chain. Mehrjerdi (2011) reviewed the implementation of RFID technology in libraries, and suggested developing RFID technology for library search. RFID has revolutionized library management and practices. According to the Singapore National Library Board, most libraries in Singapore are aggressively using RFID technology, resulting in 9 million books, videos and DVDs being embedded with antitheft chips and allowing for self-checkout. In Australia, Brisbane City Council's libraries have used an RFID system at their Wynnum branch since June 2001 (Cadoo, 2004). Successful implementation and use of RFID technology is also evident in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand.OVERVIEW OF THE RFID TECHNOLOGYRFID is one of the Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies. The purpose of such technologies is to identify objects, automatically collect data about the objects and update the data into a computer system without human intervention (Potdar, Wu & Chang, 2010). RFID is an electronic information technology that utilizes wireless radio waves to transmit, identify, trace, sequence and confirm various objects (Liu & Chen, 2009; Roberts, 2006). It can be characterized as an electromagnetic proximity identification and data transaction system (Roberts, 2006). Two components in RFID are the tag and reader. RIFD tags are used to tag objects or assets, and an RFID reader gathers the tag information. RFID technology is a replacement for barcode technology in terms of non-optical proximity communication, information density and two-way communication. Compared to barcode technology, RFID technology possesses powerful properties which include being waterproof, having a magnetic scratch-resistant protection layer, being heat resistant, being long lasting, transmitting data transmission over long and short distances, data encryption, and relatively large memory capacity (Bi, Cao & Sheng, 2011). RFID technology is also more powerful than other AIDC technologies such as cameras, magnetic cards and identity card because of its data read and write functions, easy miniaturization and diversification of the shape, environmental resistance, reusability, data penetration, data memory capacity, system security and data security.RFID uses several common methods of identification, but the most common method is the association of the RFID tag unique identifier with an object or person. The basic concepts in RFID diagram typically comprise the following (Ramanathan, Ramanathan, Wan & Ko, 2014):1. An RFID device (tag)2. A tag reader with an antenna and transceiver3. A host system or connection to an enterprise system.RFID devices can be divided into two categories:1. …