According to a new survey "RFID: How Far, How Fast?" sponsored by NCR Corporation  and conducted by Retail Systems Alert Group, the adoption rate of RFID is moving at a modest pace. Many challenges, both technical and cultural, continue to impede the growth of RFID. However, there is reason to believe growth may be on the way.

Results of the survey indicate that retailers are lagging far behind manufacturers in adopting RFID. Only 9% of retailers who responded to the survey have an RFID-implementation timeline, and the majority of retailers who responded positively estimated their organisation's overall revenue will increase to $5 billion or more. 44% of manufacturers have developed a timeline. Although fewer retailers reported a timeline for implementation, those retailers that have a timeline reported that they are spending more than in 2005.

Manufacturers are focusing their attention on one to 50 product lines, rather than across a broader range of product lines as was reported in 2005 and amongst those companies that have a timeline for RFID adoption, most respondents (both retailers and manufacturers) reported that they have pilot distribution centres up and running.

According to the survey, although there still may be several challenges on the horizon in the adoption of RFID, the outlook is cautiously positive. The awareness level of RFID among executives, directors and managers has significantly improved. In addition, many respondents are aware of the benefits their companies can expect within the first five years of RFID implementation.