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Automatic Identification Technologies (AIT) have revolutionize the way the world conducts commerce, but many people do not really understand what these technologies do or how AIT is changing our lives. Automatic Identification Technology is comprised of numerous technologies such as RFID, OCR, 2D-bar codes, magnetic strips, smart cards, voice recognition, and biometrics.

What is Automatic Identification? The basic definition of automatic identification is it the machine identification of a container, parcel, product, etc., with automatic data capture technologies (Business Dictionary). Instead of a human entering data into a computer about a physical, movable object, automatic identification technologies collects the data about the physical object so that a software program can store and process the information. Automatic identification holds the promise of collecting data about a movable asset in the physical world with 100 percent accuracy in real-time.

Automatic Identification Technology Definition. The US Department of Defense (DoD) is a leader in the advancement of AIT. The DoD defines AIT as:

A suite of tools for facilitating total asset visibility (TAV) source data capture and transfer. Automated identification technology (AIT) includes a variety of devices, such as bar codes, magnetic strips, optical memory cards, and radio frequency tags for marking or “tagging” individual items, multi-packs, equipment, air pallets, or containers, along with the hardware and software required to create the devices, read the information on them, and integrate that information with other logistic information.

This DoD Automatic Identification Technology definition is just applicable for commercial use. Commercially, AIT is referred to as Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC). AIDC is also commonly referred to as “Automatic Identification,” “Auto-ID,” and “Automatic Data Capture.”

Different types of Automatic Identification Technologies are described below.

• Barcode Scanners. Scanners are used to read barcodes and transmit the translated data to a computer for processing. Traditionally, a barcode is a paper tag with printed black bars that are optical machine-readable representation of data. Almost, all retail items found in stores have either one-dimensional bardcodes with limited data or two-dimensional barcodes that can contain more data. There are also new types of optical-based barcodes called Bokodes. Unique Uses: Bar Codes and Web Advertising, Bar Codes and the Museum.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Optical Character Recognition technology takes written words and convert them into computer-readable form. OCR does not offer as high accuracy as barcodes because text-characters can be in different fonts and sizes.
• Magnetic Stripe Readers. A magnetic stripe reader is a hardware device that reads the information encoded in the magnetic stripe located on the back of a plastic card. Most credit cards and debit cards have magnetic stripes containing account number information. Also, many identification badges use magnetic stripes. This technology is beginning to be phased out in favor of smart cards.
• Smart Cards. Smart cards are plastic cards containing a computer chip and enabling the holder to purchase goods and services, enter restricted areas, and access sensitive computer information. The smart card is able to hold a lot more information than a magnetic stripe as well as have read-write capabilities. A smart card can also include a variety of storage and communications technologies. Uses: University uses smart cards as student ID and prepaid debit card, Privacy Concerns With Contaactless Cards.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). RFID tags use radio frequency (RF) to uniquely identify an object, animal, or person. An RFID system consists of three components: an antenna and transceiver (often combined into one reader) and a transponder (the tag). Passive RFID tags are cheap and have a short-communications range (a couple of inches to several feet). Active tags require expensive batteries and have a longer transmission range of over 90 feet. RFID tags are beginning to replace barcodes used for tracking shipping boxes, pallets, and containers as well as for gaining real-time visibility over assets. More on RFID Logistics – what it is, how to best use it, and the benefits of RFID.
• Speech Recognition. Voice or speech recognition is the ability of a machine or program to receive and interpret dictation, or to understand and carry out spoken commands. Speech recognition technology is starting to replace keyboard entry and display technology for real-time human-to-computer interactions. Example use of speech recognition technology would be in a warehouse operation where a warehouse person would interactive by voice with a warehouse management system to put-away a product.
• Biometrics Technology. Biometric technology is used to uniquely identify and authorize an individual’s access to a computer or physical location using distinguishing biological traits. Unique identifiers include fingerprints, hand geometry, earlobe geometry, retina and iris patterns, voice waves, DNA, and signatures. Uses: Federal ID Cards.
• Satellite-Based ID and Tracking. Satellite and Global Position System (GPS) technologies are becoming common place to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset. This technology is best used for tracking vehicles, trains, and ships. It can also be used for tracking the transport of high-value or sensitive cargo for real-time visibility and status information. Uses: GPS Panties, GPS Tracking Dart for High-Speed Pursuits, Lower Shipping Insurance With GPS Tracking

The Controversies With Automatic Identification Technology. Most controversies with automatic identification technology are related to where AIT is used to identify and track humans versus just tracking assets. Major AIT controversies include RFID tags and privacy, National identity cards, and the Biblical implications of AIT being the “mark of the beast”. See our posting on Controversies With Automatic Identification Technologies for more information.

Leaders in Automatic Identification Technology. Savi Networks (Active RFID Network) | Wal-Mart (RFID – Manufacturer-to-POS) | U.S. Department of Defense (RFID – Factory-to-Foxhole)