RFID technology has been in use for quite some time in specific industries and busi-nesses, such as logistics, automobile industry or in retail stores as anti-theft devices. But despite pioneers such as Wal-Mart, the technology has so far failed to penetrate the market and has not taken off as expected. The reason for this is the still rather low level of reliability of RFID systems, which is causing a number of problems in the practical application of the technology.

The goal of this thesis is to assess the reliability of RFID systems and its components. It focuses on the technical aspects, but taking into account the interdependence of these components with human and organisational aspects as well. This paper concludes with a fault tree analysis of all system components as well as a rating of these components by means of a risk-priority-number. This allows the establishing of a relationship between the system?s components and their interdependence.

The biggest problems arise from the air interface and human error. These components do not reach a sufficient level of reliability in practice and require further improve-ments. On the other hand, tags and read/write devices can be rated as basically reliable and can be used in practice. The reliability of RFID systems can generally be improved through the use of redundant components and processes. With regard to the implementation of an RFID system, it is important to first carry out a pilot project to gain experience and knowledge, which will allow a well-founded assessment of the economic sensibility of the system.