In reference to "Alien starts production: Smart tag manufacturer operates out of temporary Fargo facility," (Forum, June 8), it is wonderful economic news for our area. It is an example of the forward thinking of our community. In my experience with economic development, I understand projects just don't happen. Congratulations to those who have had the foresight and perseverance to bring this development to our area.
Consumers will hear a lot about radio-frequency identification in the near future as tracking technologies have greatly evolved in the past few years. The RFID or smart tag is the next generation of barcodes. As the cost decreases, many industries will embrace and develop the technology, as they should, because the benefits are almost never ending.
For example, in the retail setting, the tag can record and store large amounts of data. Upon checking out at the register, a reader device will send a signal to the tag. The tag then will transmit a radio signal containing product information back to the reader device. The retailer will record the information in a database for further use.
One main difference from a barcode such as a UPC number, scanners will not have to "see" the tag as RFID tags can be read from a distance. In the future, as more powerful reading devices are developed, the ability to follow products beyond the store into our homes gathering information not only when the product was purchased but by whom it is being used.
Yes, just like any technology, RFID has a downside potential. According to the Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering, a test in the UK with the British company Tesco, a camera was hidden on the shelf taking photos of customers taking Gillette products off the shelf. As expected, this invasion of privacy caused quite a stir and was quickly discontinued.
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The purpose of my writing is not against utilizing this most needed technology as it will be helpful in keeping down overhead costs for manufacturers and retailers. The benefits include decreasing store theft, product shortages, and enhance recalls of defective items. However, we as consumers must be alert to the privacy issues and ensure that appropriate regulations protect us from having inappropriate information gathered about us. Don't expect retailers and others to self-regulate: It is up to us to monitor our personal information.
Chadwick is general manager of the Moorhead Kmart and a member of The Forum's Readers' Board. E-mail chadwick1019@yahoo.com
