RFID (radio frequency identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify objects. An RFID system consists of RFID tags and an RFID reader, where the tag transmits a radio signal containing identification data back to the reader when triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse. RFID tags can be active (with a power source) or passive, and store more data than barcodes. While RFID provides advantages like improved security and tracking capabilities compared to barcodes, its use also raises privacy concerns from consumers. RFID has growing applications in areas like asset tracking, inventory management, and supply chain management.