Earlier I discussed how RFID technology can keep your pet safe and return them to you if they get lost. If you have multiple pets, then I’m sure you’re aware of one common problem; one pet always seems to get all the food! Well, now RFID technology can solve this problem as well.

There are now dog collars available that assign each pet to a particular bowl. When the animal eats out of his or her respective bowl, nothing happens. However, if they attempt to eat out of the other animal’s bowl, a high-pitched warning signal goes off. Check out this video for a quick demonstration.

This will eventually lead to behavioral conditioning of the animal and after awhile of receiving high-pitched signals, your pet will be trained to not eat out of the other pet’s bowl.

Although RFID tags for pets have been around for a couple of years, they have not become extremely popular in America. In contrast, about 25% of dogs and cats in Great Britain are tagged. There are two ways in which your pet can become tagged; one is to simply use an RFID chip embedded collar, and the other is injection. Either way, RFID technology could end up saving your pets life!

The Collar
The RFID Dog Collar is a long range RFID chip embedded in an ultrasonically sealed water resistant collar. With the proper software, the RFID collar can be used to open pet doors, or provide text alerts if your pet leaves the range of the reader.

The Implant
The RFID implant for pets requires a simple visit to the vet, and is similar to getting a shot or vaccination. After the RFID implant is inserted into your pet, you can register your pet into a database. Should your pet go missing and is found by an animal shelter or vet, they will be able to scan your pet and contact you so that you can finally be reunited. Check out HomeAgain if you are interested in having an RFID chip implanted in your pety.

If you care about the environment and want to profess your love of barcodes to the world, then look no farther; your solution is here! Ecoist.com features environmentally friendly gifts and one of their best-selling products is the barcode handbag. The barcode handbags are made from thousands of different barcodes, all patch-worked together seamlessly in various patterns and styles.

Currently, there are eight different types of barcode handbags, ranging from a small coin purse, to a wristlet, and even an evening clutch. Don’t worry men, there’s even something for you; a barcode portfolio which can prominently sit on your desk and keep all of your papers organized.

Puma, one of the world’s premier sporting goods brands, decided to increase the efficiency of its central Scandinavian warehouse by using Intermec handheld computers. Previously, Puma was using a paper based system of inventory tracking, but after taking their business mobile with Intermec handhelds, deliveries are now 99 per cent accurate.

Previously, synchronization between restocking from the buffer to picking was inefficient and the number of incorrect deliveries and complaints was unacceptably high. A lack of organization in handling this synchronization had a negative effect on all aspects of the company – from customer service and the returns department all the way up to the management team.

Now, Puma’s new warehouse management is completely automated. Picking of incoming and outgoing deliveries and inventory are conducted using barcodes and handheld computers synched with a wireless network via a central server. The change from paper to paperless has been extremely positive for all employees.

In order to pick the right solution for them, Puma invited a number of suppliers to present what they had to offer. Eventually, they were presented with the solution of the Intermec CN3, a compact, Cisco-compatible handheld computer. “The CN3 is incredibly flexible, easy to adapt in its design and also very usable in warehouse environments, where it is vital that the handheld terminals are able to handle a large number of items – both in terms of incoming and outgoing deliveries,” says Fredrik Lindqvist, Country Manager at Intermec Scandinavia.

Today, Puma employees work using personal handheld computers such as the Intermec CN3 that they have signed for, which also gives them a sense of responsibility for servicing and maintaining the devices. Thre’s no more worrying about paper asset tracking, and much less room for mistakes, keeping Puma employees, management, and customers happy. The Intermec CN3 revolutionized the way Puma does business and Puma is looking forward to further enhancing their system, possibly with other Intermec products.

If you’re a fan of social networking sites such as Facebook and are interested in QR (2d) codes, then this application is perfect for you. You can now purchase “Add to Friends” gear from a Facebook application that will allow you to place your very own personalized QR code on a t-shirt or tote bag.

Then, simply wear the t-shirt or carry the tote around. Those with mobile phones capable of scanning 2D barcodes will be able to scan your item and your facebook profile will appear, depending on your privacy settings. If you aren’t already friends with this person, then they will be able to send you a message or add you to their friends.

Although some may be concerned about privacy issues, as long as your facebook privacy settings are to your liking, there’s no way a stranger can have full access to your profile.

If you’re interested in having your own personal QR code t-shirt or tote bag, you can purchase them through the Facebook “Add to Friends” application.

Also, if you’d like to have 2D reader software on your mobile phone, you can download it at Snappr.net.

Disclaimer: The “Add to Friends” application was not developed by facebook and is provided as a courtesy. Facebook makes no representations regarding this application or any information related to them.