A copy of Getting the Most out of RFID is available for download from the Department of Communication, Information Technology and the Arts Web site.

Unfortunately though, it seems only a small number of global businesses are adopting the use of standards for data exchange in relation to business transactions for RFID tagged goods.

Maria Palazzolo, chief executive officer of GS1 Australia, said business is maturing in the use of standards for e-commerce transactions, but warned many do not yet have the basic data standards correct.

"There are 1500 companies in Australia and only a small percentage is taking advantage of the existing standards [for business-to-business exchange]," Palazzolo said.

"We don't have the basics right yet and I would like to think of the 1600 companies currently involved that they are doing it right, but they are not. We have much more to gain from using basic global standards.