* Evaluate RFID systems on the total cost of ownership basis, fully incorporating all productivity improvement and labor cost-avoidance savings. Don't simply compare barcode vs. tag costs!

* RFID will not always replace barcodes. Both shall co-exist well into the future.

* RFID is now well past the basic technology prove-out phase and is going through succesful pilot-runs, ISO standardizations and increasing maturity. It is close to an inflection point on the diffusion curve, indicating a truly rapid adoption and strong growth.

* Disposable, $0.05 tag inlets (not finished tags), in multi-million volume purchases, are at least five to eight years out into the future. However, costs are coming down the learning-curve as cumulative tag volume expands.

* RFID Solutions cannot be based on one-size-fits-all approach. Each application needs an unique reader, antenna, firmware, embedded software and control software set-up.

* RFID has the fastest payback on high-value item, or asset-tracking needs.

* RFID and wireless system design is not an exacting science; it is a black art! Performance achieved in the lab may not always be duplicated in the actual field.

* Deploy RFID through a limited pilot program first in an area of high-visibility and high-impact. Then expand out scope, scale, applications and functionality.

* An RFID solution’s security can be enhanced by using either a random-number, challenge-response or a public key/private key based crypto-algorithm. Bio-metrics, dynamic passwords, auto-rekey type options can also enhance the security.

* RFID systems can (and in some cases, should) dictate business-process revisions to realize their full impact, potential and promise.

* FCC, PTT compliance measures should not be an afterthought, but should be designed in!

* Always provide 30 % margin (over-design) for tag read/write range, speed; since all interference cannot be eliminated or corrected for. Murphy's law rules!

* Multi-protocol, multi-frequency system solutions may offer the best value, despite their higher initial cost. Diverse RFID brands and types can and should co-exist within the existing IT infrastructure assets.

* An open architecture approach, with open APIs, DLLs and communication interfaces offer the best RFID investment value, protection, migration-path and system capacity growth.

* Plan on judicial re-use and/or re-programming of high-end, high-performance, or active tags, whenever appropriate.

* Educate all stake-holders in the entire supply-chain on the merits of RFID/ADC to avoid NIH and other adoption issues. Streamline or revise the processes to maximize ROI for all entities. Be realistic and make it a "win-win-win" for all!

* Think globally, but act/adapt locally! A single solution may not fit diverse RF standards, spectrum availability, user-needs, or unique constraints around the world! Use common modules that can be personalized to fit the application profile.