For the physical security industry, RFID is particularly useful for access control applications. RFID technology can be found in contactless smart cards or proximity cards, which communicate with RFID transponders through radio waves. While the technology has been used in the industry for several decades, RFID-based systems have traditionally been classified as a higher-end application than systems such as Weigand or magnetic stripe. Experts predict a boom in the commercial and retail markets for RFID technology, but security applications and RFID technology will continue to grow, as well. Many experts agree that an increased demand for RFID will drive lower prices and technological improvements, making RFID-based systems more commonplace in the physical security market.
RFID costs have decreased and many believe that interest from the commercial or retail markets are driving down costs and boosting technology – and will continue to do so.