Radio frequency identification technology, known as RFID, was hailed as a major breakthrough but is not likely to be in widespread use for another five to 10 years, according to the research firm Gartner.

Bar codes still remain the norm in most industries, and RFID still is an expensive and difficult alternative for many businesses. Unlike bar codes, RFID tags don't need to be seen to be tracked, and wireless technologies monitoring RFID-tagged items can provide unprecedented visibility into warehouse and retail store-shelf inventories.

According to CIO.com, some companies have used RFID technologies in strategic and cost-effective ways to track data center assets and to keep track of expensive laptops.

Companies such as Kimberly Clark have had varying degrees of success with the RFID programs, and the technology has been used in Mobil's Speedpass and in E-ZPass tollbooth transponders in the Northeast. There also have been some business-to-business applications.

ABI Research reported last month that the RFID market has had its share of challenges including bumping up against the global economic recession. But it predicted that there will be growth during the next five years in asset tracking and management, such as for spare parts and tools, IT and medical assets, and rental-item management.

ABI also projects growth in real-time location systems in health care, manufacturing, aerospace and defense, transportation and commercial services.

For more on RFID's future:
- see this CIO.com article

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