Radio frequency identification technology, commonly referred to as RFID, uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects. More recently, the technology moved into mainstream applications, improving the handling of manufactured goods and materials by attaching RFID tags to them. Though its prominence began in 1970, use of the RFID technology dwindled due to its cost and limited practical applications, except for recently.

The 1980s became the decade for full implementation of RFID technology, though interests developed somewhat differently in various parts of the world. Personnel access, transportation and animal tracking were some of its earliest uses. Today, we use it in public transportation, passports and advertising.