RFID tags In Clothes

    Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in clothes at many clothes shops in a trial to improve stock accuracy and product availability.

    The trial of RFID tags in clothes began on 6th June in the shop, warehouse with RFID tags embedded in some men's suits, shirts and ties.

    RFID tags consist of a microchip and a tiny antenna that transmits data from the chip to a reader. The reader is activated whenever the antenna comes into range and the data can be used in retail to trigger an event such as ringing up a purchase or ordering more stock.

    RFID tags are expect to replace bar codes; but they have been the subject of concern over the privacy implications of leaving tags in goods once they have been purchased. In theory, if the identity of the purchaser is known, then that individual could be tracked using the data transmitted by the tag.

    RFID project was initially announced in May, has received funding from the Department of Trade and Industry and is designed for stock management only.

    According to the many clothes company, the tags have been inserted into removable clothing labels and hold only a unique serial number which identifies the garment. When a RFID tag is scanned the information is stored in a database giving manager a complete overview of stock management.

    This RFID tags in clothes will tell it the exact location of any garment in its supply chain, and thus increase the availability of the clothing to customers. This Intelligent clothing will also easy the task of stock taking the garments will be scanned as they enter the store, and mobile scanners will allow staff to locate particular types and sizes of clothing more easily.

    Crucially, as far as privacy activists are concerned, there will be no scanners at the checkouts, and therefore no way in which purchaser details can be connected to the garment number.