You confused RF and RFID - both have antennas that react to a wave that is sent to it, however, RF/EAS (anti-theft systems) do not contain chips where you can store the product data. This means it only works when passing through the EAS gates, and it just triggers a buzz or sound. An RFID tagged product can be tracked anywhere in the store, provided you have placed readers in strategic places in the alleys and shelves and that the product is placed at proper reading distance (between 30 cm and 1m for UHF).
RFID is really just a good way to track items, help stores making inventory in a short time (instead of closing for manual inventory, loosing business and getting approximate data due to human error), and also control stock and order only what they actually need, reducing stock costs. ultimately, and this is also what Tesco was willing to do, is helping stores understand customer behaviour and arrange their product offer and placement in the shelves accordingly. RFID just makes it easier for them, but don't think they haven't being doing it for ages, you learn these methods in any business school, it's called merchandise and sales strategy. You put a product somewhere, see if it sells better than in the old place, you have professionals coming and watching you buy, this is how it works. Ultimately, you get a better service because they understand your buying behaviour better. Privacy issues could have been discussed way back, before everyone of us got a loyalty card or accepted to answer consumer surveys in the streets or on the phone. Do you see any more invasive method than these ?
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You confused RF and RFID - both have antennas that react to a wave that is sent to it, however, RF/EAS (anti-theft systems) do not contain chips where you can store the product data. This means it only works when passing through the EAS gates, and it just triggers a buzz or sound. An RFID tagged product can be tracked anywhere in the store, provided you have placed readers in strategic places in the alleys and shelves and that the product is placed at proper reading distance (between 30 cm and 1m for UHF).
RFID is really just a good way to track items, help stores making inventory in a short time (instead of closing for manual inventory, loosing business and getting approximate data due to human error), and also control stock and order only what they actually need, reducing stock costs. ultimately, and this is also what Tesco was willing to do, is helping stores understand customer behaviour and arrange their product offer and placement in the shelves accordingly. RFID just makes it easier for them, but don't think they haven't being doing it for ages, you learn these methods in any business school, it's called merchandise and sales strategy. You put a product somewhere, see if it sells better than in the old place, you have professionals coming and watching you buy, this is how it works. Ultimately, you get a better service because they understand your buying behaviour better. Privacy issues could have been discussed way back, before everyone of us got a loyalty card or accepted to answer consumer surveys in the streets or on the phone. Do you see any more invasive method than these ?