Running head: NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOMETRICS, AND RFIDS1

NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOMETRICS, AND RFIDS3

Management Information SystemsNanotechnology, Biometrics, and RFIDsIndividual Work Week TwelveLoraine J JacksonEverest University

Nanotechnology, biometrics, and RFIDsAfter reading this chapter and other sources, write a one-page paper that compares and contrasts RFID tags and QR codes. Mention three applications or situations for which each type is the more suitable alternativeA QR or quick response code is a matrix barcode consisting of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. It offers a larger storage capacity compared to UPC barcodes, and has been around for many years; however, recently, QR codes have grown in popularity, especially as a marketing tool. These codes are more useful than a standard barcode for the above reasons as well as the ability to scan URL links, geo coordinates, and text. Another key feature of QR Codes is that instead of requiring a chunky hand-held scanner to scan them, many modern cell phones can scan them. A good example of this technology is the Walmart application called savings catcher which can be downloaded to a cell phone (Bidgoli, 2014, p. 280). I personally use this application, and it which allows users to scan QR codes of their receipt and every price they pay for each qualified product is compared to other stores in the area for the exact product. Walmart then gives the customer back the difference in the form of an E-gift card. This is a great marketing tool to bring consumers into Walmart. Why shop all over town for the best price on a product, when Walmart will match the price? Another application of QR codes is used in getting information to the public. Static QR codes are used to disseminate information to the general public. They are often displayed in advertising materials in the environment, such as billboards, on television and in newspapers and magazines. The codes creator can track information about the number of times a code was scanned and its associated action taken, along with the times of scans and the operating system of the devices that scanned. McDonalds uses QR codes to display nutritional information, and Calvin Klein used QR codes for billboards in 2010 (Bidgoli, 2014, p. 281). An appropriate example of RFID technology is a soft drink dispenser that Coca Cola uses which permits consumers a plethora of different choices of soft drinks by permitting them to mix their own favor combinations. Valuable business intelligence that Coca-Cola can use to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its soft drink production and distribution is gained through the use of RFID technology. The dispensers contain cartridges that are tagged with RFID chips, and each dispenser contains an RFID reader (Bidgoli, 2014, p. 280). The system collects data on which drinks customers buy and how much they purchase, and this information is transmitted through a wireless network to a data warehouse system where Coca-Cola analyzes the data and generates reports on how new drinks are performing in the marketplace. Pros and Cons of Using Biometrics as Part of Network SecurityBiometrics as part of network security is beneficial because Benefits and Challenges of Using RFIDRadio Frequency Identification, or RFID, refers to the electromagnetic energy that we transmit for the sole purpose of electronically carrying the ID information from an RFID tag to its reader. RFID has the advantage of being able to communicate without direct line-of-sight contact with the data medium; the capability to transmit and receive information without wires. Various electronic devices such as television, radio, and wireless telephone use radio frequency technology to transmit or receive information. Advantages of using RFID include the fact that they are better than barcodes, because it is difficult to replicate, increasing the security on a product. In addition, RFID systems are vital in managing the updates of stocks, and during the transportation and logistics of the product. Walmart used RFID technology is and provides added value to customers, working with our suppliers to deliver collaborative benefits that allow people to save money and lead better lives. RFID tags are placed inside jewelry items in stores, and an alarm is installed at the exit doors. If an unauthorized attempt is made to move the jewelry items away from the premises, the alarm gets activated. This mechanism provides a much more robust type of security as compared to barcode scanners, as the barcode pattern is prone to being replicated. Other advantages include the fact that RFID tags can store data up to 2 KB, whereas, a barcode has the ability to read just 10 - 12 digits. This allows one to store a stronger encoded identification series within it. Additionally, a large number of RFID tags can be read almost instantaneously. This brings us back to the palletized load scenario where the load contains a large quantity of products, each with its own RFID tag. Though it may seem as though the tags are all read at once, they are actually read sequentially, however, this happens so fast that it is virtually undetectable (Piasecki, 2012). Some of the challenges of using RFID include cost, which is seen as the biggest hurdle to RFID tags and replacing bar codes for item-level tracking of low-cost products. You can produce a bar code on an item for less than one cent. RFID tags cost more to create. As a general recommendation, RFID is not yet practical for most businesses looking to automate their inventory related transactions Despite the hype over RFID, bar codes are not becoming obsolete and are still very effective at quickly and accurately identifying products, locations, and documents.