News

Vendors testing RFID tech for self-checkout

September 24, 2003

DAYTON, Ohio -- NCR Corp. and Auto-ID Center are conducting field tests of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in retail store self-checkouts. The trials include "kill" options for use by consumers and retailers to address consumer privacy fears.

According to an article inTheWiseMarketer.com,the test has been designed to learn more about the potential for retail store check-out solutions based on RFID technology, with specific features like a kill switch built into each chip to let customers erase information on specific items.

RFID tags can store and transmit an electronic product code that provides a unique ID for any object in a supply chain, whether that object is a complete pallet, a case of goods or an individual product.

The tests will take place in a simulated store environment at the Auto-ID Center's Massachusetts Institute of Technology facilities, the article said.

NCR, which is a founding sponsor of the Auto-ID Center, is to supply the test facility with its RealScan "hybrid" scanner, which can read both RFID tags and bar codes. The firm will also install and support EasyPoint self-service kiosks and application software for the test, the article said.