RFID has received a great deal of press in recent years, especially since the first business applications emerged and the world's largest retailers
began to put the vision of smart items into practice. Although many companies have explored RFID technology's value for tracking materials throughout the supply chain, few have reported on how RFID supports their management and operation of assets and facilities. Europe's second largest airport in Frankfurt,
Germany, handled more than 50 million passengers and almost 500,000 aircraft arrivals and departures in 2004. The airport's operating company, Fraport AG, knows that the quality of its facility management processes is crucial in guaranteeing travelers trouble-free operations, maximum security, and convenience. Fraport
decided to test RFID's benefits in this area and started a pilot project in 2003. This article summarizes not only the technology Fraport tested at Frankfurt Airport but also the process-flow and facility-management changes it adopted.