Even in a mostly paperless business model, hardcopies are inevitable and unavoidable. For legal, security and organizational reasons it can be important to keep track of what was printed when, where it went and if/how many/by whom copies were made.
If a printer could be set up to print (or encode
upon paper with RFID on it already) RFID chips, important papers could easily avoid getting lost. Also, with similar technology in office copiers, the copy number and total number of copies could also be encoded.
Faxes sent could also choose this option, to verify receipt by intended (final) party (to make sure it goes from receptionist to secretary to CEO).
This could also simplify processes requiring multiple copies and signatures of contracts etc. if the original signature includes a space for number of authorized RFID copies.
Some problems and solutions:
(P) Not cost effective to have paper that can be imprinted.
(S) Only limited number of people/printers/paper would have capability, but all copies could be able to make RFID copies if an original was supplied (they (normally) dont add color to b&w documents.
(P) If used in fax, privilege could be abused.
(S) Codes or passwords for intended parties given out as carefully as home phone numbers.
Your suggestions are appreciated. I am sure you will point out if baked, and where. A similar application for counterfeit proofing I have found, but not this particular use.