The term Auto-ID actually is the correct term for bar code scanning and to include all the flavors of RF-ID. Just like bar scanning is now being displaced by the CCD (charge coupled device) imager.
I know this because I worked for Symbol Technologies in the earlier years of 2000 as one of their technical field guys. Just like in the WLAN space, you are seeing consolidation in this space.
The WLAN is just the transport, but where the rubber meets the road is automating the "point of care" space. This will include mobile computers that will have the user interface of the I-Phone/Android, but the difference will be IP-56 rated use and well as enterprise grade highly secure wireless. (wireless will low Power Bluetooth, 802.11a/g/n and 3g/4g.) Oh yes, incorporating the use of the CCD camera to decode 1D/2D/Matrix bar codes and eventually RFID. RFID still is trying to find it's home because of cost and not a universally accepted standard.
This is not to say that the Android consumer device and/or iPad/iPhone will not be used at the "point of care", but they were never developed for the harsh industrial use environment.
It will be interesting to see how the market plays out in the next couple of years. Motorola purchased Symbol to obtain the mobile computing platforms, heritage in bar code scanning and the WLAN products. Before Cisco even thought of "wireless", Symbol was firmly in this space.
Honeywell then purchased the HHP (Hand-held products), division to obtain their CCD imagers, scan engines, and POS (point of sale terminals). Next time you go to Lowes and swipe your card and sign...that is now a Honeywell POS terminal. Most recently Honeywell announced their intent to purchase Intermec. Intermec was a direct competitor to Symbol..but struggled to compete as the market changed. However they have an array of mobile computing platforms.
Integra Systems and the Founder have worked for Symbol, Motorola, Welch Allyn and Intermec.
www.motorola.com
www.welchallyn.com
www.intermec.com