Problems with RFID

Bleeding Edge Technology:

One of the primary issues to be concerned with an RFID implementation is the immaturity of the industry. Standards are only just being developed. Tags and readers are being modified and improved at a rapid rate. Competing technologies and non-crosscomplient systems still exist. This ongoing development could make equipment and tags obsolete, rendering investments in older equipment useless, and requiring expensive conversions and upgrades. This is especially concerning for multi-unit libraries that may implement one branch at a time over several years.

Costs:
The costs of the tags are still relatively high and not expected to drop significantly over the next few years.

Fragile Tags:
This problem appears to be in the process of being solved with new technology that makes for a smooth label with no bumps or other protrusions. The bumps and protrusions of the chip and antenna make the tags vulnerable to damage and vandalism. Older tags still have this problem but several new designs reduce protrusions very well and limit potential damage, in the near future tags may be as thin as paper.

One type of system provider's Libramation's RFID chips.
Image courtesy of Libramation Company

Dual Use Tags:
Using the tag for both circulation and security means that once the tag system has been beaten the security is also defeated.

Tag Interference Vulnerability:
Radio waves cannot be read through metal. Simply wrapping several layers of aluminum foil around an item can defeat the security system.

Placing two tags close together can interfere with the signal disabling the read capability of the scanner. Most suppliers have software systems in place to limit this possibility but the interference cannot be removed entirely at this time.

Tag Collision:
Readers can become confused when too many signals are received at the same time. System providers have developed complex algorithms to minimize this problem but the vulnerability remains.