Automatic identification is an important developing technology for the tracking of materials and products. New automatic identification technologies are beginning to find widespread use in industry and business. This book brings together in a single source all the information a manager requires to plan, select, and implement an automatic identification system. The book examines the technology, markets, and potential applications of radio-frequency tagging, IC ("smart") cards, and optical cards. The introduction of advanced automatic identification systems linked to computer networks will increase productivity and profitability and reduce inventory and waste.