RFID and Bar code used in FIFA
I had posted an introduction to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and was mentioning that there would be lot of scope for this new technology soon. Well it has already done a good job in the FIFA world cup. FIFA used RFID and bar codes to authenticate and validate the visitor tickets to enter the venue. A tiny paper thin RFID chip was part of the ticket that recorded the information necessary (like passport number, name, match venue, timings and so on) to authenticate the visitor. This would have saved lot of effort to stop the anti-social elements to get into the venue by mal practice. If the visitor lost his ticket, he could call up the authorities and a new ticket could be issued. So there is no way someone could steal the ticket and enter the venue. Bar code was also used along with RFID in case the RFID chip is damaged because the visitor folded the ticket and the chip got corrupted.
The local newspaper “The Hindu” today had a column titled “Bar codes: smart symbols that speak” on the science and technology section that talks about use of RFID and Bar codes in FIFA. As you can see IT and networking companies collaboratively achieved this. I think the future is more about interconnecting and using the core strength of different organizations rather than trying to do everything from scratch.
