As we have progressed into this digital age, our day-to-day lives have adopted technology in a number of different ways. From contactless payments on transport services, to advanced attendee tracking at events, the ways in which we adopt RFID technology each day is ever-growing. It has been reported that the RFID range will be worth an estimated $13.4 billion by 2022, emphasizing the global potential of this innovative technology. So, with such financial capability, how and where can the different types of RFID tags be used?
Entertainment parks
Having physical cash at entertainment parks has proven to be an issue, particularly at water-themed parks. The introduction of cashless payments has allowed attendees to use a waterproof wristband to make payments throughout their day without worrying about damaging their phone or money. This is also beneficial as most parks offer locker services to keep your belongings locked away on amusement rides. The simple use of an RFID wristband keeps your goods safe, as there is no need for your wallet or mobile device.
Food and drink festivals
Similar to entertainment parks, carrying valuables around festivals can be a security risk. However, the powerful duo of an RFID reader and wristband can eliminate those risks in an instant. Cashless technology is very valuable at festivals, which host food and drink stalls, as it reduces queuing time with its speedy tap-and-go process. In addition, event organizers can offer discounts and incentives by loading attendees wristbands with tokens for free food and drinks, which can help with pre-event promotions.
Transport services
From tubes, to buses, to trams, RFID payment systems are starting to become a popular way for commuters to pay for their travel on transport services across the globe. This has been proven with Transport for London (TfL) seeing 17 million contactless journeys every week. With the ability to reload transportation cards online or at transport stations, commuters can eliminate the need to queue for paper tickets. In addition, transport companies save money and time on operations such as ticket machine paper replacement.
Educational institutes
The ability to use a wristband and student top-up account to make payments for educational services is proving to be popular with both guardians and students. However, this is more than just an exciting piece of equipment for children. The RFID system reduces accidental money loss and creates a smooth payment process within educational institutes. Using this payment method can reduce queuing times for students and allows parents to feel confident that their money is stored securely in their account.
Sports tracking
The sporting industry has seen the implementation of this technology across several areas. One of the most popular ways is race timers. They can now be made small enough to fit into clothes, shoes, or sport objects using an RFID tag, which can be used to collect accurate data on speed and race times. The tag can also be used for access control such as season passes, memberships, and locker storage, where users can enter a venue, open a locker and play sports all on one RFID wristband. All the data collected from these wristbands can then be used for customer experience optimization and future marketing communications.
Conferences and lead capture
Event organizers now have the ability to analyze important real-time data to encourage accurate decision making before, during, and after the event. Once attendees enter, they can access different areas with a quick tap or get involved with multiple activities. The data captured helps staff track traffic flow and see where people are spending their money. RFID applications are also a great way to capture leads, as attendees can sign up for more information and future marketing communications with a quick tap of their badges or wristbands.