Newport Digital Sponsors Univ Arkansas RFID Research

Newport Digital Tech becomes Lab Sponsor to the University of Arkansas RFID Research Center. The company also has a sales and R&D office in the area, near Walmart headquarters. ...

... "The University of Arkansas RFID Research Center is committed to creating and extending knowledge in RFID utilization and to be an internationally recognized leader in RFID application research, said NPDT CTO and COO Weiling Tsao. Back in 2003, WalMart asked its top 100 suppliers to begin tagging products at the pallet and case level by January 2005. This program initiated an entire industry centered on production and application of RFID technology. The University and many industry-leading companies, now including NPDT, have joined forces to support a multidisciplinary, neutral, third-party research and testing facility, the RFID Research Center, a sub-unit of the Information Technology Research Institute(ITRI) at the University's Sam M. Walton College of Business. " ...

Via Newport Digital Technologies: Sponsors University of Arkansas RFID Research Center

WalMart RFID Manages Inventory Driving Sales

Walmart sees strong benefits from RFID program if inventory stock-outs are eliminated and the customer experience is improved. The key is improving inventory accuracy so that the right product is available at the right time. ...

... "The key behind it all is making sure RFID tags are installed on all products, and using a forklift with RFID equipment installed to show the driver exactly where merchandise is inside store warehouses. " ...

Via CIO: WalMart RFID Benefits

Reusable RFID Tag Recommendation from RPA Study with Supply Chain Representatives

Reusable Packaging Association study finds that reuse of single use RFID tags is feasible. The study involved many industry notable, such as Walmart. ...

... "The independent study concluded that RFID tags that are designed for single use could be used for multiple trips without any deterioration in performance if positioned correctly on reusable containers. The groundbreaking study, which included an extensive field trial that lasted over a year, was supported by a broad group of RPA members and industry leaders who collectively represent every facet of the supply chain. " ...

Via Reusable Packaging Association: RFID Study

Walmart Procter Gamble RFID Commitment

Walmart and Procter & Gamble work through their differing views on the application of RFID technology to business processes. ...

... "WalMart and the Procter & Gamble Co. of Cincinnati say they remain committed to advancing the technology. " ...

Via Northwest Arkansas: RFID chip project

Walmart RFID History

Historical perspective on the Walmart RFID program from 2003 to the present ...

... "August 2003: WalMart says it will require all of its suppliers to put RFID tags carrying Electronic Product Codes on pallets and cases by the end of 2006. " ...

Via Supply Chain Digest: WalMart Time Line

RFID Activation Fields in Seatlle

Beyond Walmart, RFID technology is being integrated into new processes for efficiency and to drive growth. Personal marketing strategies use RFID to trigger a user experience. Seattle debut of target marketing. ...

... "One example is Seattle's cafes and retail stores that use RFID technology for marketing products and services At the core of this new marketing advertisement system are the so-called activation fields ... " ...

Via CIO India: New RFID Ideas ...

Walmart RFID Beyond Tracking

RFID tags get more sophisticated with sensing capabilities and on-chip intelligence, as industry moves beyond Walmart compliance. ...

... "WalMart’s top 100 suppliers must use RFID on the palette level, and they are getting more and more down to the clamshell level, he said. Saxer said his RFID tags have a temperature sensor in them that measures the temperature throughout the food chain ... " ...

Via The Packer: Beyond traceability

Walmart SamsClub RFID Tagging Penalty Reduced

Sam's Club reduces the penalty cost for pallets that are not tagged with RFID labels by suppliers. ...

... "Even at these levels, some consumer goods vendors were considering accepting the charge rather than investing in RFID tagging capabilities. " ...

Via Supply Chain Digest: WalMart

Walmart RFID Standards Discussion

WalMart China Suppliers RFID Program

Walmart will implement RFID tracking with its Chinese suppliers starting in 2009. ...

... "He said the new standards would be put into effect in the apparel sector from November 2008 and gradually cover all products in its stores. " ...

Via ChinaRetailNews: WalMart Radio Frequency Identification

Walmart RFID Control Software Improves Supply Chain

Shop-Vac Corporation implements CYBRA Corporation's EdgeMagic RFID Control Software at its Williamsport, Pennsylvania manufacturing location to satisfy Walmart's RFID compliance requirements. ...

... "When I learned of CYBRA’s native solution I became convinced that EdgeMagic offered Shop-Vac a more fully functional System i implementation. We run Infor BPCS and Manhattan Associates Transportation Execution products on the IBM System i and EdgeMagic interfaces directly with these products. The EdgeMagic product supports Alien fixed readers, Symbol mobile readers, and Zebra RFID printers, the same hardware as WebSphere RFID Premises Server so by replacing the IBM product with the CYBRA product we gained a significant amount of flexibility particularly with regard to System i application software integration. " ...

Via CYBRA Corporation: RFID Software Solution at Shop-Vac

Alien RFID Growth Plans in ND

Alien Technology is growing but has not needed to fully utilize its RFID manufacturing capacity at its Fargo, North Dakota plant. Alien workforce total has lagged behind forecast. The Walmart RFID initiative was one of the key customers of this original capacity forecast. ...

... "Barring an explosion in the RFID market in the next four months, meeting that projection seems unlikely. Jay Tu, Alien’s senior director of operations, said it’s hard to predict how the employment picture will play out at the Fargo plant. Within the next year or two, Alien is looking at adding one or two high-speed tag assembly machines ... " ...

Via INFORUM: Alien Technology in Fargo, North Dakota

Walmart RFID Interoperability

For Walmart to realize the full benefits of RFID, it needs to support interoperability in RFID technology, so that suppliers can leverage their investments across their supply chains. Walmart needs to create a win-win situation to drive adoption. ...

... "It's in the interest of small suppliers that need the competitive pricing that interoperable RFID systems will allow. " ...

Via Computerworld: WalMart RFID Challenges

Walmart RFID Inventory Management Improves Accuracy

Airfreshener RFID-enabled inventory management study shows improved out-of-stock situations for Walmart stores. ...

... "The study's findings that RFID has a positive effect on inventory accuracy underscore the promise that the technology could streamline the supply chain. A more efficient and effective supply chain translates down the line to fewer out-of-stock items or excess inventory. " ...

Via Northwest Arkansas News: RFID improves inventory accuracy, study finds

SamsClub RFID Compliance Solution Enables Retailer Programs

Acsis introduces RFID tagging application for the consumer product value chain, called ProducTrak Compliance Edition. The solution jump-starts the compliance with retailer RFID requirements, such as Sams Club and Walmart. ...

... "With ProducTrak CE, manufacturers affected by the trading partner requirements for RFID tagged product cases and pallets are able to streamline and simplify the tagging of shipments through the use of RFID tag labeling. Several major retailers including WalMart, Target, Albertson's and most recently, Sam's Club, are calling for suppliers to provide RFID-tagged products to gain better inventory visibility and increase on-shelf product availability, as well as improve security and assure less shrinkage. In January, Sam's Club communicated several new RFID requirements and deadlines to suppliers. With over 580 stores and 47 million members in the US alone, its RFID tagging program will likely impact more locations, consumers, and products than any other initiative currently announced. " ...

Via Acsis: LOW-COST FULFILLMENT OF RETAILER RFID TAG REQUIREMENTS

WalMart Supplier RFID Policy

Walmart updates its RFID policy for suppliers to its Sam's Club stores. Walmart has developed a timeline to drive efficiencies into its supply chain. ...

... "The retailer says that beginning Jan. 30, it will charge suppliers a $2 fee for each pallet they ship to its Sam's Club distribution center in Texas that doesn't have an RFID tag. The charge is to cover Sam's Club's cost to affix tags on each pallet ... " ...

Via InformationWeek: WalMart Gets Tough

RFID Education to Enable Adoption and Growth

RFID use is growing, but full adoption is nowhere near. Walmart and other companies see benefits. But, for broader adoption across industries, education and awareness must be increased to drive innovative use of the technology. ...

... "The most important issues to address in RFID today are education and ROI (return on investment). RFID is a mystery to many industries at this point. As RFID matures and makes inroads into more industries, it will become easier to implement; " ...

Via CRM News: RFID

Printronix RFID Printer Compatible With Microsoft Biztalk RFID Solution

Printronix collaborates with Microsoft to create turnkey radio frequency identification (RFID) printing solution that is compatible with Microsoft's BizTalk RFID infrastructure. ...

... "Ready to meet global supply chain operators' RFID compliance needs, Printronix's SL4M is the industry's most economical, industrial-grade metal printer/encoder designed for global Class 1 Gen 2 as well as ISO compliant ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID applications. Synchronized with Microsoft's BizTalk RFID technology, it encodes and prints RFID chips and labels to meet retail, government and other supply-chain compliance mandates. It also is ideal for closed-loop UHF applications. Announced in June 2006, BizTalk RFID will incorporate Microsoft's vast technology expertise and developer network to provide an innovative platform solution that is enabling businesses to optimize RFID technology and create greater supply-chain efficiencies. Printronix worked with Microsoft as the company first announced its BizTalk RFID solution to improve greatly the customer's ability to experience all of the benefits of RFID. First to market with a UHF EPC printer, Printronix leveraged its RFID installation experiences with top suppliers to Wal-Mart, the U.S. Department of Defense, Target, Albertsons and Best Buy to create its RFID product and solutions portfolio. Printronix then shared its patented MP2 RFID Smart printing knowledge with the Microsoft development team and contributed SmartLine RFID printers to Microsoft's technology centers in Redmond, Wash.; Paris; Beijing; and Bangalore, India, among other locations. " ...

Via Printronix: Printronix Utilizes Microsoft BizTalk RFID Technology to Deliver Turnkey RFID Printing Solution to Supply Chain Operators Worldwide ...

WalMart RFID Challenging Rollout

Walmart is challenged to complete its full roll-out of RFID technology through its supply chain. ...

... "But so far it has installed the technology at just five, plus 1,000 stores. WalMart expects to add another 400 stores this year. " ...

Via Graphic Arts Monthly: WalMart RFID

WalMart RFID Compliance: Shaw Implements ODIN Tech ...

Shaw will implement ODIN's RFID technology solutions to comply with Walmart's RFID requirements. ODIN technologies is a leader in the physics of RFID solution design, deployment, and installation optimization software. ...

... "Shaw Industries Group, Inc., the world's largest supplier of carpets and rugs, selected ODIN technologies, the leader in the physics of RFID deployments, testing, and optimization software to design, and install an RFID system for supply chain optimization and to also comply with WalMart's mandate. Shaw is part of the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio and plans on leveraging RFID technology to solve multiple business issues. ODIN will be designing and deploying two RFID systems which will provide Shaw with supply chain visibility, efficiency and WalMart compliance. The initial deployment will take place in 3 facilities. " ...

Via ODIN Tech: Shaw Industries Selects ODIN for RFID Supply Chain and Compliance Pilots ...

RFID Podcast: Technology for CEOs ...

Podcast on RFID technology for CEOs ...

... "While WalMart, Target and other retailers have begun to require suppliers to use RFID tags on shipments, there have not been as many full-scale roll-outs of the technology " ...

Via Business Week: The CEO's Guide to RFID

Walmart RFID: Gen2 Tag Implementation ...

Walmart will continue its implementation of RFID technology as it expands the number of targeted stores and plans conversion to Generation 2 tags. ...

... "WalMart Stores, Inc. will bring another 500 stores and clubs online with its RFID (radio frequency identification) initiative by the end of this fiscal year, bringing the total number of its retail locations using the technology to more than 1,000. The company has more than 3,900 locations in the United States.

The benefits of RFID, especially with regard to reducing out-of-stocks, as well as reducing excess inventory, have been documented in a 2005 study by the University of Arkansas. Ford noted that all WalMart installations moving forward would only read Gen 2 tags. As the remaining pallets and cases with Gen 1 tags make their way through the distribution network, WalMart will convert all of its systems to only read Gen 2 tags.

As predicted by industry experts, the cost of the technology continues to fall while performance continues to improve. WalMart expects this trend to continue as users adopt the Gen 2 tags, which, as envisioned, are becoming the industry's global standard thanks to significant work by EPCglobal and its members. Ford said that WalMart continues to work with its next 300 largest suppliers, which are expected to begin shipping test cases in October. These suppliers will go live with their shipments in January 2007, bringing to more than 600 the number of supplier companies using RFID technology in concert with WalMart. " ...

Via Walmart Stores: WalMart Continues RFID Expansion

RFID Automated Application System Supports Supply Chain Strategy ...

Dairy Fresh implements Xterprise RFID automation system to support supply chain performance. ...

... "Dairy Fresh chose Xterprise to deploy the XARM 4000 solution on two manufacturing lines so that supply chain strategies and their customer mandates could be met in a timely manner, without the need for added labor to accomplish the RFID tagging requirements. The XARM 4000 is a fully integrated, automated, RFID application solution that enables Dairy Fresh to easily transition from non-tagged production line packaging to RFID tagged production line packaging. The XARM 4000, designed and built by Carrollton, Texas based Xterprise, is designed around a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) software platform that enables real-time monitoring and control of the complex production line material handling system and RFID printer applicators and verification readers. The system can accommodate full pallet single SKU tagging (case and pallet) and pallet only tagging for their various retailer’s requirements. In addition to using the latest technology to ensure maximum readability of RFID tags in the retailers supply chain, the Xterprise automated solution also provides the lowest cost per case application and the highest case per minute throughput in the industry. " ...

Via Xterprise: Dairy Fresh Deploys Xterprise RFID Source Tagging Solution: WalMart Beverage manufacturer chooses automated solution for RFID case and pallet tagging ...

Walmart RFID Out-of-Stock Impact

University of Arkansas researchers analyze data from Walmart RFID implementations and see significant positive impact on out-of-stock inventory situations for products with specific selling velocities. Those products with very high sell-through did not see any reduction in out-of-stocks. ...

... "RFID technology has the greatest impact on a critical category of products -- those that sell between 7 and 15 units per day -- according to further analysis by University of Arkansas researchers on the impact of RFID on out-of-stock products at select WalMart stores.

The study, sponsored by WalMart Stores Inc. and conducted by Walton College research faculty from Feb. 14, 2005, to Sept. 12, 2005, examined 24 stores, half of which were RFID-enabled and the other half of which were control stores. " ...

Via University of Arkansas: More Findings on Impact of RFID ...

Supply Chain RFID Impact ...

Article explores the impact of RFID on the supply chain ...

... "In the more than 500 stores where WalMart has integrated RFID, radio tags give insight -- they inform employees when supplies enter the storeroom, when they leave it for the sales floor and when empty cartons are taken to the trash. " ...

Supply Chain RFID Impact: Via Louisville Courier-Journal: RFID technology gets kinks out of supply chains

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader ...

Vehicle-mounted RFID reader will be presented at Walmart Supplier Forum. ...

... "LXE Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged wireless computers that improve the performance of supply-chain execution applications, announced that it will be unveiling its ultra-rugged RX2 lift truck mounted RFID reader at WalMart Supplier On-Boarding Forum and EPCglobal US Tech Expo, April 25 and 26 at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The RX2 is the second lift truck mounted RFID reader being developed by LXE, the first one being the RX1 announced last September. The RX2 addresses a need for a simple, easy-to-install, vehicle mounted RFID reader that can be used for standard RFID based forklift pallet move applications such as shipping, receiving, picking and put-aways where EPC RFID based identification of pallet loads and locations are used. The RX2's mounting solution requires no permanent lift modifications or lift truck downtime for installation. The unit is ultra-rugged and has been designed to operate in the extreme environment found on the business end of a lift truck. " ...

Walmart RFID: Vehicle Mounted Reader: Via LXE: LXE Inc. To Unveil RX2 Vehicle Mounted RFID Reader At Wal-Mart Supplier On-Boarding Forum And EPCglobal US Tech Expo ...

RFID KimberlyClark Gen2 Walmart Tags ...

Kimberly-Clark ships Gen2 RFID tags on products shipped to Walmart. ...

... "Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced it has begun shipping Gen2 RFID-tagged cases of product to WalMart. This next step in the implementation of RFID technology is a result of K-C's extensive research and testing on the compatibility of Gen2 hardware and software with conveyor, packaging, logistics and shipping systems in the company's dedicated Auto-ID research lab in Neenah, Wis. Leveraging the accuracy and up-to-the-minute information the Gen2 platform provides, K-C has shipped to WalMart approximately 100,000 cases of Huggies brand diapers and other infant and child care products since March. Using industry-leading Gen2 hardware and software, K-C encoded the RFID tags, placed them on the cases, captured and transferred product data into its supply chain system, and forwarded the data to WalMart, letting them know their product order had been shipped. " ...

RFID KimberlyClark Gen2 Walmart Tags: Via Kimberly-Clark Investors: Kimberly-Clark Begins Shipping Gen2 RFID-Tagged Cases Of Products To WalMart ...

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers ...

Zebra offers guidance on Walmart RFID compliance to the next 300 suppliers ...

... "To help the next 300 companies with their compliance mandates, Zebra offers the following article outlining the top 10 best practices based on successful RFID implementations featuring WalMart suppliers Pacific Cycle, the largest bicycle supplier in North America; Victory Land Group, a large furniture importer; and Beaver Street Fisheries, a distributor of fish and seafood products. " ...

RFID Walmart Next 300 Suppliers: Via Zebra: RFID Top Ten Best Practices

Walmart RFID Commitment ReAffirmed by New CIO ...

Walmart CIO, Rollin Ford, reaffirms committment to the Walmart RFID program, praising company innovations and the efforts of Linda Dillman. ...

... "The pioneering work at WalMart to mine the supply chain benefits of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will continue unabated under the Wal-Mart Information Systems Division's new leader. Rollin Ford, WalMart's new executive vice president and chief information officer, who previously served as the company's executive vice president of logistics and supply chain, strongly endorsed RFID technology at the biannual CIO summit, hosted by WalMart on Wednesday in Bentonville. Ford told the audience of CIOs he was thrilled to be in his new position and that both logistics and information systems were at the center of WalMart's competitive advantage. Ford said he intended to build on the success of his predecessor, Linda Dillman, who was named executive vice president of risk management and benefits administration at Wal-Mart. " ...

Walmart RFID Commitment ReAffirmed by New CIO: Via WalMart Stores: New CIO Confirms Wal-Mart Commitment to RFID ...:

Walmart RFID: Dillman Transfers ...

Linda Dillman changes positions for WalMart ...

... "WalMart isn't about to abandon RFID technology, but Linda Dillman is taking a step back from the world of RFID. Dillman, the force behind WalMart's initial RFID mandates, is leaving her position as executive vice president and chief information officer to oversee risk management and benefits administration for the giant retailer. " ...

Walmart RFID: Dillman Transfers: Via John R. Johnson's RFID Watch Weekly: WalMart shuffles RFID management team ...

Via WalMart Stores: WalMart Names Lawrence Jackson President and CEO of Global Procurement: Other senior leadership changes spread talent across the organization: "Linda Dillman, previously executive vice president and chief information officer, will become executive vice president of risk management and benefits administration. She will also lead the company's sustainability efforts. Last fall, Wal-Mart announced aggressive sustainability goals and has recently increased its offerings of organic products. Rollin Ford, previously executive vice president of logistics and supply chain, will become executive vice president and chief information officer, responsible for leading the company's global information systems division. "

Walmart RFID Payback ...

Walmart discusses the payback of RFID technology ...

... "Retailer WalMart Stores continues to build momentum around its radio frequency identification (RFID) tag initiatives, adding new uses for the supply chain technology and getting more suppliers and partners to comply with its RFID mandates. " ...

Walmart RFID Payback: Via Techworld: RFID pays for itself, says Wal-Mart

Walmart RFID: EDI RetailLink Integration ...

Walmart begins testing of RFID EDI business process integration through the RetailLink channel with select suppliers. ...

... "WalMart Stores Inc. is testing a way to share data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags through automated electronic data interchange transmissions (EDI). The trial is being conducted with a handful of suppliers and EPCglobal Inc., the standards group spearheading RFID adoption. " ...

Walmart RFID: EDI RetailLink Integration: Via TechWeb: advanced ship notices: WalMart Advances RFID Project ...

RFID Savings Program: Discounted Rates ...

... "The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) announced a new program designed to help member companies implement Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) and save money at the same time. AAFA has signed an agreement with Avery Dennison – Retail Information Services, a leading supplier of labels, tickets, and tags to the Apparel & Footwear industry, to provide sharply discounted rates for RFID labels to AAFA member companies. These rates are available exclusively to AAFA members who are producers and providers of apparel and footwear products. Under the agreement, Avery Dennison will provide Gen 1 RFID labels as well as the new Gen 2 AD-220 label. AAFA members that need to meet RFID requirements can use these labels for shipments to customers such as WalMart, Target, and the Department of Defense. Minimum orders can be as low as 5,000 labels. " ...

RFID Savings Program: Discounted Rates: Via American Apparel and Footwear Association: AAFA and Avery Dennison Launch New RFID Savings Program (RSP) for AAFA Members ...

Avery Dennison - Retail Information Services provides a global offering of information management, brand identification and solution-enabling products. Brand identification products include woven and printed fabric labels, heat transfers, graphic tags, integrated bar code tags, leather patches, sock bands, size stickers . . . and more. Among the company's Information management products are RFID and bar code price tickets, and carton and pallet labels; webenabled order entry systems; and the InfoChain Express supply chain management solution. Solution enabling products include RFID printers and print/apply systems, bar-code printers, heat-transfer bonders, molded plastic fastening and application devices, anti-counterfeiting and diversion tools. The organization operates ticketing centers and service bureaus in 35 countries and maintains mature, highly reliable global distribution processes throughout Asia, North and South America, Europe and Africa. Avery Dennison Corporation is a Fortune 500 company and member of EPCglobal.

RFID 3PL Walmart Cold Chain Solution ...

Ship2Save implements RFID in the third-party logistics (3PL) cold chain for Walmart. ...

... "Ship2Save has provided Atlas Cold Storage with a RFID system specifically developed to enable this premier Cold Storage Third Party Logistics’ provider to offer RFID services to its customers across North America. The first implementation at Atlas Sikeston, Missouri facility was driven by a request from one of Atlas largest ice cream customers to service WalMart's Texas D.C.'s. Atlas is currently working with another customer on a second RFID implementation in the Midwest and has more planned for the future as demand develops. The continued implementation of RFID Systems across the supply-chain is facilitating the use of more open-looped systems. These systems allow cooperation and data sharing amongst trading partners providing supply-chain visibility and improvements in supply-chain processes. The commitment to this technology by 3PL companies such as Atlas Cold Storage will encourage further RFID adoption amongst their customer base, and in turn pave the way for more open-looped RFID systems. " ...

RFID 3PL Walmart Cold Chain Solution: Via Ship2Save: Cost Effective & Innovative RFID Business Solutions: Pulling RFID out of the Freezer: Ship2save deploys RFID solution for Atlas Cold Storage ...

WalMart Dillman RFID Push ...

Walmart continues to grow and expand. Expect it to push further in the adoption of RFID technology. Linda Dillman keeps the pressure on. ...

... "Another 200 suppliers were to come on board the RFID train this month. As if to show how important the technology is to WalMart, Dillman recently said that the company won't invest any more time in those suppliers who drag their feet in complying with the RFID program. " ...

WalMart Dillman RFID Push: Via The Morning News :: Business Page: Expansion Always In WalMart's Future ...

RFID Reaches Tipping Point ...

Research suggests that RFID technology has reached the tipping point, driven by the efforts of retailers, such as Walmart, and technology vendors, such as SAP. ...

... "A research firm said Radio Frequency Identification technology, or RFID, has reached the stage of development where it would be widely adopted, despite some hiccups in its implementation. A report released by Dallas research firm Regan, Jacob, & Sydeny said successful RFID use by such large firms as WalMart Stores Inc. and German software-giant SAP AG suggested RFID use would grow. " ...

RFID Reaches Tipping Point: Via Philadelphia Inquirer: Business News in Brief ...

TI RFID Ships Walmart Tagged Cases ...

TI ships WalMart RFID tagged cases ...

... "The Educational & Productivity Solutions (E&PS) business of Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced it is the first consumer goods supplier to ship RFID tagged cases and pallets based on the Generation 2 (Gen 2) Electronic Product Code (EPC) specification to WalMart. Starting with a dozen Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) shipped to five distribution centers, TI E&PS, a WalMart next 200 supplier, is tagging cases and pallets of its market-leading graphing, scientific and financial calculators using Gen 2 smart label solutions from Texas Instruments RFid Systems, NCR Corporation and Zebra Technologies. The dozen SKUs represent 100 percent of the calculator products E&PS ships to WalMart. " ...

TI RFID Ships Walmart Tagged Cases: Via TI: Texas Instruments Educational & Productivity Solutions First to Ship EPC Gen 2 Tagged Cases and Pallets to Wal-Mart

Walmart RFID: Next Wave 200 Suppliers in Jan 2006 ...

WalMart brings next wave of RFID-enabled suppliers on-line in January 2006. Anita French explores the highs and lows for WalMart in 2005. ...

... "WalMart proved one set of critics wrong when 100 of its suppliers met the company's January mandate for having radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags pallet- and case-ready. Some detractors said the suppliers wouldn't be able to meet the company's deadline. As of April, WalMart had RFID in use at 104 of its stores, 36 Sam's Clubs and three distribution centers, it said. The next 200 suppliers are to come on board by January 2006. " ...

Walmart RFID: Next Wave 200 Suppliers in Jan 2006: Via The Morning News: Wal-Mart Year A Mixed Bag ...

RFID Transformation Underway ...

Stephanie Irwin explores the transformation that is underway as the tiny RFID chip is adopted in industry by companies, such as Walmart. ...

RFID Transformation Underway: Via Dayton Daily News: Chip off the new block ...

... "Retailers like WalMart have laid out a road map for RFID, the track-and-trace technology that has turned into a hot research field. RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is considered by retailers and their supply chain to be the biggest retail revolution since the first UPC bar code was scanned in a Marsh Supermarket in Troy in June 1974. " ...

RFID Market Leaders: Walmart DOD ...

RFID Market Leaders: Walmart DOD: Via Dept of Commerce: David A. Sampson RFID Conference, U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...

... "According to industry sources, the RFID market for related consulting, implementation, and managed services is expected to reach between $2 billion and $4.2 billion by 2008. In addition, as much as 30% of all capital goods will carry RFID tags by 2008. There are many business reasons to use RFID technology: supply chain visibility, inventory management, ensuring product legitimacy, and shrinkage/loss prevention. It's therefore not surprising that WalMart and the Department of Defense are market leaders as both rely on extensive supply chains. RFID applications are also being tested in other parts of government for logistics support and for public safety and security. But the commercial sector will continue to drive innovation in this area. " ...

Pharma Industry RFID Opportunity ...

Via Line56.com: Pharma RFID Opportunity ...

... "The FDA has been active in promoting RFID and other forms of Auto-ID, the State of Florida will be a passing a new drug pedigree law in June 2006 to secure and verify the chain of custody of all drugs shipped into the state, and retailer WalMart's RFID mandate extends to suppliers of Class II narcotics. " ...

RFID Superior Supply Chains ...

Randy Weston and Robert Garf explore the superior supply chains of WalMart and UPS and how RFID technology is enabling world-class performance. ...

RFID Superior Supply Chains: Via AMR Research: Wal-Mart and UPS: Tales in Superior Supply Chains ...

... "Its well-publicized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) project isn't just about tracking goods from manufacturer to distribution centers. For WalMart, it's vital for letting store associates know if product not on the shelf is actually in stock. " ...

KimberlyClark Walmart RFID Program ...

Anita French reports on the community involvement of Kimberly-Clark, who is also a top Wal-Mart supplier and part of the Walmart RFID program.

KimberlyClark Walmart RFID Program: Via The Morning News; Kimberly-Clark Considers Itself Community Partner ...

... "The very first product scanned at the RFID testing program in Dallas was a Kimberly-Clark product, Dunning said. We're very involved with RFID and supplier-chain issues. " ...

WalMart RFID Implementation: 500 Stores ...

Walmart predicts significant RFID implementation accomplished by end of this month (500 stores). ...

Via MSNBC: WalMart boasts of radio tag benefits ...

... "As of Oct. 31, WalMart expects that 500 stores will be using RFID tags, Dillman said. " ...

Linda Dillman Walmart RFID Update ...

Linda Dillman, Walmart CIO, provides update on the Walmart RFID program. ...

Linda Dillman Walmart RFID Update: Via Carthage Press: Wal-Mart: Radio Tags Keep Shelves Stocked ...

... "RFID, or radio-frequency identification tags, has reduced out-of-stock merchandise by 16 percent at the company's stores that have begun to use the technology over the past 12 months, Linda Dillman, WalMart's chief information officer, said at the company's annual analyst meeting Wednesday. WalMart has been able to restock RFID-tagged items three times as fast as non-tagged items ... " ...

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking

On Novermber 14, the next wave of DOD RFID compliance goes into effect for suppliers. John Johnson explores the success of RFID technology implementation in the DOD to track supplies, reduce inventory, and increase fill-rates. ...

DOD RFID November14 Case Pallet Tracking: Via John R. Johnson's RFID Watch Weekly: DOD: RFID reduces costs, gets supplies to troops in Iraq faster ...

... "On Nov. 14, new contracts going out to bid require that certain DOD suppliers, like those for WalMart, start shipping cases and pallets of selected products to the DOD with RFID tags. " ...

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update

Linda Dillman shares interim results on the Walmart RFID program ...

Walmart RFID: Linda Dillman Shares Status Update: Via WalMart Stores, Inc.: WalMart Improves On-Shelf Availability Through the Use of Electronic Product Codes

... "WalMart customers found items they wanted in stock more often due to the retailer's use of electronic product codes (EPCs) powered by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology when compared to control stores. This is according to an independent University of Arkansas study's initial findings. Researchers at the University of Arkansas found a 16 percent reduction in out-of-stocks. Additionally, the study also showed that out-of-stock items with EPCs were replenished three times faster than comparable items using standard bar code technology. Equally important, WalMart experienced a meaningful reduction in manual orders resulting in a reduction of excess inventory. This is no longer a take-it-on-faith initiative, said Linda Dillman, executive vice president and CIO for Wal-Mart. This study provides conclusive evidence that EPCs increase how often we put products in the hands of customers who want to buy them, making it a win for shoppers, suppliers and retailers. ...

As part of its standard processes, WalMart has focused on driving improved product availability for its customers through a series of initiatives unrelated to RFID technology. The research was structured to isolate the impact of RFID to be able show the improvements directly attributable to the RFID process improvements. The study showed RFID-enabled stores were 63 percent more effective in replenishing out-of-stocks than the control stores, Dillman said. The WalMart RFID team knew that this technology would have a huge impact on out-of-stocks. Now we have an independent study that confirms RFID has a significant impact in retailing, Dillman continued. However, we are not stopping there. This is only one of many changes that RFID will bring. We are already working on initiatives and enhancements that will build on this success. The 16 percent reduction in merchandise out-of-stocks was determined by physically scanning out-of-stocks at the shelf every day. A baseline was established and this was then compared to the number of out-of-stocks in both sets of stores once the RFID technology was enabled in the pilot stores, explained Hardgrave. The net result of the impact of RFID, removing any other influences, was a reduction of 16 percent in the occurrences of products being out-of-stock on the shelf. " ...

WalMart RFID Program Expands in 2006

Walmart works with suppliers to expand scope of RFID program in 2006. Mark Roberti provides status update on the Walmart RFID program and their near term plans.

WalMart RFID Program Expands in 2006: Via RFID Journal: WalMart To Expand RFID Tagging Requirement ...

... "WalMart announced that it would continue its rollout during 2006, doubling the number of its RFID-enabled stores, as well as RFID-enabling the distribution centers servicing those stores. " ...

RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers ...

Walmart plans shift to EPC Generation2 RFID tags in January 2006, when it will expand RFID-compliance suppliers. Shea Van Hoy explores the realization of RFID technology benefits at Walmart and the next phase of suppliers, faced with RFID compliance in Jan 2006 ...

RFID: Walmart to Add 200 Suppliers: Via The Morning News: UA Says RFID Working For WalMart Study: Out-Of-Stock Items Drop 16 Percent At RFID Stores ...

... "WalMart will begin accepting Generation 2 tags in January at RFID-networked stores and distribution centers, the company said. That month, the company plans to add 200 more suppliers shipping products with RFID tags to its current roster of 100. " ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits ...

Walmart is beginning to accrue benefits from its investment in RFID technology. Laurie Sullivan provides update on Walmart's RFID-enabled stores and the inventory management benefits that they are measuring, which includes significant improvements in stock-outs ...

WalMart RFID Program Benefits: Via InformationWeek: WalMart RFID Trial: WalMart RFID Trial Shows 16% Reduction In Product Stock-Outs ...

... "Researchers found a 16% reduction in out-of-stock merchandise at WalMart stores equipped with RFID labels using EPC codes. The study also shows that out-of-stock items with RFID were replenished three times faster than items using standard bar-code technology. " ...

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility

SaviTrak RFID SourceTagging NestedVisibility: Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS LAUNCHES SAVITRAK WITH 1ST RFID-TAGGED CONTAINERS FOR MAJOR SUPPLIER OF CONSUMER GOODS FROM ASIA TO THE U.S. : Network-Enabled Active RFID Container Tags and EPC Compliant Carton Tags Offer Japanese CPG Manufacturer Source Tagging and Nested Visibility: Network Solution Designed to Help Major Consumer Goods Supplier Meet and Exceed RFID Mandates While Providing Logistics and Security Value ...

SaviTrak enables RFID compliance while adding value through source tagging and nested visibility of intransit container shipment ...

... "Savi Networks LLC, a provider of RFID-enhanced information services for global container shipments, today announced the operational launch of its SaviTrak information network with the first commercial shipments of consumer product goods from a factory in China to a distribution center in Southern California. Savi Networks and Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. (Mitsui USA) are providing real-time information and logistics services within the Network to a large Japan-based supplier of consumer goods to major U.S. retailers, including Wal-Mart. The shipments, currently on the water, are proving the commercial benefits the Network brings to major consumer goods suppliers in meeting and exceeding Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) compliance mandates while improving security, logistics data accuracy, visibility, and the operating metrics of containers and their contents. The information services, called SaviTrak, are provided on a per-container trip basis. " ...

RFID Software Service Leadership ...

Via Manhattan Associates: Manhattan Associates Secures RFID Leadership Position with 31.3% Market Share ...

Manhattan Associates emerges as an RFID software and services market leader, per ARC ...

... "ARC Advisory Group's recent Warehouse Management System Worldwide Outlook Summary listed supply chain solutions provider Manhattan Associates as the leading supplier of RFID, based on software and services, with 31.3% of market share. Leading supply chain solutions provider, Manhattan Associates, has provided RFID solutions for more than 60 companies in the consumer goods, life sciences, food and grocery, retail, logistics service providers and technology industries. Shire Pharmaceuticals, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, sought an RFID solution that would enable compliance with WalMart requirements. The company selected Manhattan Associates' RFID solutions. " ...

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform ...

Walmart RFID Compliance Using SAP Netweaver Platform: Via SAP: SAP RFID Rollout Signals Major Savings for Midsize Flag-Maker: Annin & Co. Gears up for Wal-Mart Requirement Within Three Months and Sets Cost-Cutting Course to Master Retail Market Challenges ...

SAP Netweaver Platform enables Walmart RFID Compliance for flag manufacturer ...

... "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Annin & Co., the world's oldest and largest flag manufacturer, has implemented the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology within the SAP NetWeaver platform to meet WalMart's RFID requirement for key vendors. Annin, a midsize enterprise that manufactures more than 10,000 different flags and flag accessories, implemented the pilot project within three months, which will allow the company to achieve Wal-Mart compliance by January 2006. Annin also anticipates that its investment in RFID technology from SAP will bring significant cost savings. The announcement was made at the EPCglobal U.S. Conference 2005, being held in Atlanta, Georgia, September 13 - 15. " ...

Annin & Co is the world’s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Starting from a sail loft in downtown New York City making signal flags for sailing ships in the 1820’s, Annin incorporated in 1847 and has since grown to four manufacturing locations. Annin now has worldwide distribution. As the official flag manufacturer to the United Nations, Annin’s international flags are the standards for exactness, followed by the rest of the world.

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits

WalMart RFID: Automation Benefits: Via The Morning News: More Than Meets The Eye: Automation Transforms Chicken Industry Quality, Safety, Efficiency ...

Shea Van Hoy writes about the benefits of automation, through technologies such as RFID ...

... "Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has its top suppliers, including Tyson, implementing RFID technology at some of its distribution centers and stores. " ...

Alien RFID Walmart Exec Joins Board

Alien RFID Walmart Exec Joins Board: Via Alien Technology: Alien Technology® Announces Election of Bob L. Martin, Retired Wal-Mart Information Technology Innovator, to Board of Directors ...

Walmart Exec joins Alien Tech's board of directors ...

... "Alien Technology announced the election of Bob L. Martin to the Board of Directors. Mr. Martin, a retired Wal-Mart executive and member of the Wal-Mart Executive Committee from 1985 to1999, is widely recognized for his leadership role in bringing innovative information technology to the retail segment. " ...

Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs. Alien is an active member of EPCglobal.

RFID Labels Second Generation ...

RFID Labels Second Generation: Via RSI ID Technologies: RSI ID Announces Production of Gen 2 RFID Labels ...

RSI ID begins production of second generation RFID labels ...

... "RSI ID Technologies (RSI), one of the nation's only vertically integrated providers of RFID technology, today announced that is now in the production phase of one of the industry's first batch of EPC compliant second generation RFID labels. Gen 2 RFID promises faster processing speeds and overall increased performance and is expected to drive the widespread adoption of RFID technology. RSI's labels will begin shipping immediately. RSI has experience building more than 20 million RFID tags, and expects to produce approximately 100 million Gen 2 labels in 2006, ramping total production to approximately 300 million labels per year by 2007. " ...

RSI ID Technologies is one of the only vertically integrated providers of RFID technology that enables customers to tag, scan and track information - resulting in increased productivity, reduced operating costs, streamlined operations and immediate ROI. RSI ID Technologies offers a full line of RFID antennas, inlays and labels as well as “smart” shelving and real-time location systems, portals, custom software development and middleware integration. In addition, the company provides a full range of support services, training and consulting. As a systems integrator specializing in process automation and optimization systems, the company’s applications also include asset tracking, warehouse management systems, wireless networks, inventory control, product marking, bar code scanning and thermal printing. RSI ID Technologies’ clients include more than 70 Fortune 500 firms, a dozen of Wal-Mart’s top 100 suppliers, along with hundreds of mid-range companies involved in industries including electronics, telecommunications, healthcare, automotive and aerospace.

Lowry RFID Uses TI Gen2 Inlays ...

Lowry RFID Uses TI Gen2 Inlays: LOWRY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FOR SMART TRAC™: EPC GEN 2 LABELS: Lowry is among the first label converters to offer EPC Gen 2 RFID labels ...

Lowry's RFID labels incorporate TI EPC Gen2 inlays to support Walmart and DOD RFID implementations ...

... "Lowry Computer Products, Inc., a leading provider of wireless, RFID-EPC, bar code, and data collection solutions, announced an agreement with Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), a worldwide leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Under the terms of the agreement, Lowry’s label conversion facility will integrate TI’s Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Gen 2 inlays into its Smart Trac RFID labels for retail and Department of Defense (DoD) RFID supply chain applications. " ...

Lowry Computer Products, Inc. is a synergistic organization made up of manufacturing, services, and systems integration, enabling the company to provide complete wireless, RFID, bar code, and data collection solutions in the vanguard of technology, equipment, and industry compliance. Lowry is a manufacturer of Print, Encode & Apply™ systems for case and pallet RFID labeling applications and Smart Trac™ RFID labels with tag inlays from leading suppliers, and a systems integrator of RFID printers, encoders, scanners and middleware from best-inclass partners. Lowry’s experienced professional services team has the skill set to conduct site surveys, recommend and install products, and determine optimal tag selection and tag placement for RFID supply chain applications. The company’s nationwide service network ensures that hardware is well maintained, whatever the location, and Lowry’s service team conducts authorized on-site and depot repair. Comprehensive service and media programs are available to customers. Lowry is a Founding Solution Provider of EPCglobal and a member of AIM Global, the organization for Automatic Identification and Mobility.

Texas Instruments is the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders and reader systems. Capitalizing on its competencies in high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics packaging, TI is a visionary leader and at the forefront of establishing new markets and international standards for RFID applications.

Gen2 RFID inlay references:

Texas Instruments (TI) recently announced a delivery milestone of pre-production samples of Gen2 UHF inlays and straps to label converter and printer customers. TI will begin ramping to volume production in the millions beginning in July 2005, starting with its ultra-high frequency (UHF) EPC Gen2 inlays.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology (distributed in Australia through Electro-Com), today announced a delivery milestone of pre-production samples of Electronic Product Code™ (EPC) Generation (Gen) 2 inlays and straps to label converter and printer customers.

Walmart RFID Integrator: 100Pct Track Record ...

Walmart RFID Integrator: 100Pct Track Record: Fibergrations and SATO Partner to Provide RFID Solutions: Fibergrations - Your RFID Solutions Integrator

... "Fibergrations management has been a leader and innovator in RFID project testing, integration, and installation for several of the initial top 100+ WalMart vendors that were scheduled for January 2005 compliance. These projects were managed and executed to deliver on time go-lives with 100% compliancy. " ...

Fibergrations LLC is a privately held industry leading company and a supply chain management specialist in software development, deployment and RFID implementations and integrations in the manufacturing, Logistics, Retail, pharmaceutical/healthcare and food industries. Software capabilities include a warehouse management system with an available RFID integrated tracking package that allows near 100% visibility of inventory. In addition Fibergrations provides experienced project management for ERP, WMS and SAP solutions. Fibergrations offers system deployments that track inventory, assets, and people.

RFID RealTime Performance TimesTen Oracle ...

RFID RealTime Performance TimesTen Oracle: Fast database technology from TimesTen - real-time infrastructure software for the finance, telecom & network industries.

... "With the advent of RFID, applications across the supply chain, from manufacturing to retail, will have the opportunity perhaps the imperative to become more real time. ... As real time has made a subtle but steady progression from think-tanks to Wal-Mart, the underlying technologies have moved from proprietary to standard. The need for custom-built real-time infrastructure software has passed. It is now a competitive disadvantage to waste internal resources on non-core software development, rather than on the business logic that creates distinction. TimesTen is focused on enabling these real-time applications where events, transactions and data must be processed instantly, hundreds or thousands of times every second. TimesTen's real-time infrastructure software has been at the heart of many of these applications, since 1998. " ...

RFID Middleware Market Upswing

RFID Middleware Market Upswing: Mandates Impact Dynamics of RFID Middleware Market

... "The radio frequency identification (RFID) market is likely to grow rapidly following mandates issued by retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Albertsons and other major entities including the U.S. Department of Defense. The mandates insist on suppliers becoming RFID compliant, compelling most suppliers to integrate existing systems with new RFID systems. As a result, the market for RFID middleware is witnessing an upswing. " ...

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.

Europe RFID Test Labs

Europe RFID Test Labs: Manhattan Associates Launches Network of RFID Demonstration Labs across Europe: Labs to Provide Setting for Customers to Evaluate Deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology ...

Manhattan opens RFID test labs in Europe to support demonstration and evaluation of RFID technology configurations and representative business process simulations ...

... "Manhattan Associates®, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, has today announced the opening of five RFID demonstration labs across its key European markets. The labs will showcase Manhattan Associates' award-winning RFID in a Box® solution and provide a representative customer environment in which Manhattan Associates can evaluate various RFID technologies and equipment with clients' products. The opening of the labs has been made possible with the help of Microsoft and several of Manhattan Associates' key alliance partners. The labs, located in Paris, Sophia Antipolis (France), Munich (Germany), Utrecht (Netherlands) and Bracknell (UK), will provide companies with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in RFID and understand how to deploy and begin benefiting from this technology. Suppliers will learn how to meet RFID-compliance mandates including those issued by Metro, Tesco, Wal-Mart and others. " ...

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply execution and optimization solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions™ leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

RFID Market Blooming Stage: Large-Scale Business Opportunities

RFID Market Blooming Stage: Large-Scale Business Opportunities: OMRON Starts Delivery Of EPC Global-compliant Products To US Customers: OMRON RFID Global Website

... "OMRON, as a leading RFID products vender, is striving to promote sales by drawing on its excellent track record, accumulated expertise and advanced technology. Following Wal-Mart implementations, other large retailers are planning to deploy RFID systems to manage their supply chains. This movement will bring large-scale business opportunities. In the North American market the RFID business is expected to quickly develop from the initial market cultivation stage into a substantial business, expanding significantly during fiscal 2006 to 2007 to enter the blooming stage. " ...

Advanced RFID Implementation: Walmart Compliance Experience ...

Advanced RFID Implementation: In today's world of rapidly evolving technologies, quatreD is equipped to assist in implementing advanced touchless technologies such as bar coding, radio frequency (RF), and radio frequency identification (RFID) ...

QuatreD is launched to provide advanced RFID implementation ...

... "Mr. Doyon continues to design, develop, and implement advanced technology solutions for national and international clients. He was at the forefront of the Advanced Technology revolution of the eighties (Radio Frequency, Bar Coding, Fax/ Voice Integration, EDI, etc...) and is currently working on implementing Radio Frequency (RF-also referred to as wireless), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and integrated warehouse/plant floor solutions for his clients. His recent efforts have been focused on implementing RFID at one of the top 100 Wal-Mart suppliers mandated to provide RFID tagged products in 2005. " ...

RFID Equipment and Services ...

RFID Equipment and Services: Packaging Equipment ...

Kolinahr offers portal, pallet labelling solution that offers integrated RFID technology in the packaging equipment ...

... "Designed for easy installation and flexibility, the Kolinahr RFID Portal is ideal for meeting Wal-Mart’s requirements for EPC-compliance in 2005. The singe- or dual-post, four-antenna system is designed to allow for adjustable antenna movement and orientation to achieve the best possible read rates of numerous RFID tags on a unit load. ... The SA2200-RF Dual Panel RFID Pallet Labeler is Kolinahr’s existing SA2200 Dual Panel Pallet Labeler fitted with an RFID-enabled printer. The SA2200-RF labeler can read, write, and print and apply an RFID tag-embedded barcode label onto one or adjacent sides of a pallet load. " ...

... Packaging systems will integrated RFID will make compliance initiatives, such as Walmart and DOD RFID compliance, more efficient.

Kolinahr Systems, a privately owned, Cincinnati, OH-based company, is a manufacturer of print and apply labelers and specialty pallet handling equipment. Kolinahr's engineers have a vast background in finished goods material handling. This experience provides the knowledge base to design and integrate equipment specifically for the manufacturing warehouse environment.

WalMart RFID: 100Percent Readability

Wal-Mart Stores: Wal-Mart Begins Roll-Out Of Electronic Product Codes in Dallas/Fort Worth Area: Eight Manufacturers Participating in First Phase of Implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology at the Case and Pallet Level ...

... "Wal-Mart is targeting 100 percent readability of pallet tags through dock doors and 100 percent readability of case tags on distribution center conveyor belts. At seven pilot stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex - specifically in the communities of The Colony, Decatur, Denton, Hickory Creek, Lewisville and Plano, RFID readers at dock doors will replicate the process from the distribution center by automatically confirming that this particular shipment is now in the store's back room. Individual products will then be stocked as needed. During the initial test, tagged cases and pallets may be distributed to stores throughout North Texas and South Central Oklahoma - the geographical area served by the Sanger, Texas distribution center. As suppliers expand their efforts to meet the requirements of multiple retailers, it is possible that tagged cases and pallets will arrive at Wal-Mart stores around the country. However, readers will not be installed in stores outside the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex so those cases and pallets would be handled as usual. " ...

WalMart RFID Program: June 2005 Through January 2006

Wal-Mart Stores

... "June 2005: Live in up to six distribution centers Live in up to 250 WalMart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations; October 2005: Live in up to 13 distribution centers Live in up to 600 Wal-Mart stores and SAM'S CLUB locations; January 2006: Next top 200 suppliers begin tagging cases and pallets; The retailer is currently working with suppliers to determine in which geographical region the expanded EPC implementation will occur. Wal-Mart launched its initial implementation on April 30 in the North Texas area. Cases and pallets of 21 products from eight suppliers are being shipped to Wal-Mart's Sanger, Texas, distribution center and then onward to seven local Supercenters with radio frequency identification, or RFID, tags attached. This technology allows retailers greater inventory visibility from supplier to distribution center to a store's backroom. Wal-Mart initially announced its EPC initiative in June 2003. " ...

Automated RFID Clothing Industry ...

Automated RFID Clothing Industry: Garan Inc. reaches for positive ROI with Accu-Sort® FAST Tag™ automated RFID labeling system ...

... "Accu-Sort Systems, Inc., announced it has installed a FAST Tag™ In-Motion automated RFID and bar code system for clothing manufacturer Garan Inc. FAST Tag In-Motion will help the company’s distribution center in Jena, Louisiana; meet the RFID compliance standards outlined by Wal-Mart® and other retailers. Garan® is a leading manufacturer of children’s, women’s and men’s apparel bearing the private labels of its customers as well as several of its own trademarks, including Garanimals®. FAST Tag In-Motion automates the process of applying and verifying RFID tags on cartons. At the Louisiana facility, a tag applicator places tags only on cartons that require RFID tags, while all cartons processed on the line receive a retailer-compliant shipping label and an option carrier parcel label. An outbound verification system screens for inaccurate tags and incorrect labels; it sends those boxes to a subsystem for verification and relabeling. On the other side of the line, the cartons are loaded on pallets for shipment. Accu-Sort’s FAST™ Suite software controls the process and seamlessly provides data aggregation, filtering and reporting to Garan’s WMS system. " ...

Garan produces the popular Garanimals line of apparel, which encourages children to match shirts and pants themselves by using special animal-themed tags on the clothing. Garan also produces brand apparel for girls and women and sells garments featuring college and university marks and pro-sports emblems for boys and men. In September 2002, Garan was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway®.

Accu-Sort Systems is a pioneer in reliable auto ID and high-speed compliance solutions with more than three decades of experience deploying and supporting scanning and tracking solutions in distribution, warehousing, manufacturing, and retailer environments. The company is also an established provider of convergent RFID and bar code systems with more than 50 RFID installations.

RFID Antenna Production: Secure Printing ...

Creo and XINK Laboratories Announce World's First Security Ink for High-Volume Flexographic RFID Antenna Production: New Covert Taggant Formulation Prevents Counterfeit RFID Tags ...

... "Creo Inc. (NASDAQ: CREO; TSX: CRE) and XINK Laboratories Ltd. presented a new class of secure flexographic radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna printing inks at the PISEC 6th World Product & Image Security Convention (www.pisec-world.com), held in Vienna, Austria recently. These new covertly tagged flexographic ink formulations target manufacturers and converters producing RFID-tagged smart packaging for use in supply-chains. This type of smart packaging has been mandated by Wal-Mart and, more recently, was recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pharmaceutical counterfeit protection. This new class of flexographic security inks and RFID tags is available exclusively through XINK and its worldwide authorized printing and manufacturing partners. Until now, one of the main concerns of the RFID industry has been the ability of counterfeiters to copy RFID tags by duplicating RFID numbering schemes. The new XINK antenna inks eliminate this possibility by integrating Creo Traceless covert tagging technology, elevating Traceless XINK-printed RFID tags into the same league as currency and security instruments. " ...

XINK advanced conductive and resistive ink formulations allow printing of complex electronic circuitry, including flexible paper sensors (package security), sensor grids (smart pharmaceutical packaging), keypads (electronic paper diaries), and UHF RFID antennas.

Walmart RFID Testing ...

RFID technology is making its way into people’s everyday lives in a number of areas ...

... "Wal-Mart and Procter & Gamble have tested RFID tags on Max Factor Lipfinity lipstick sold at the Wal-Mart store in Arrow, Oklahoma. Store shelves equipped with Webcams allowed Procter & Gamble researchers in Cincinnati, Ohio, to watch customers as they picked up and looked at the lipsticks. In a separate trial, Wal-Mart and Gillette have tested the usefulness of placing RFID tags on Gillette razor blades sold at Wal-Mart stores. RFID antennas on store shelves tracked when customers picked up razors, when they put them back on the shelf, and when they carried them to the register. The tests were designed to give insight on shopping behavior, prevent shoplifting, and to alert employees when shelves needed to be re-stocked. " ...

Partnership Drives RFID Data Integrity ...

RFID Data Integrity: Inovis and Kewill Partner to Deliver Global Data Synchronization Across Europe

... "With large retailers driving advanced initiatives like RFID and Vendor Managed Inventory, which rely on data integrity to deliver the business benefit, the issue of data accuracy and accessibility has become paramount. Furthermore, the retail industry is becoming more global, which has led to the formation of a variety of data standards, means of communication and synchronization requirements, making it increasingly complex to ensure data accuracy. " ...

Inovis is a leading provider of business-to-business solutions for global trading relationships. With more than 20 years of experience, Inovis enables collaborative business processes and solves the complete B2B integration challenge for more than 20,000 customers and their trading partners. The company’s comprehensive line of B2B software and managed services help companies speed transaction flows, synchronize product information ...

New RFID Business Processes ...

Retail Distribution Centers: How New Business Processes Impact Minority Labor Markets

... "Starting in 2005, Wal-Mart will require major suppliers to use radio-frequency identification (RFID) on cases and pallets. Unlike bar codes, RFID allows hands-free scanning without a direct line of sight. One of the biggest motivating factors for people looking at RFID is the elimination of labor, says Melling (a RFID specialist at Symbol Technologies). They want the ability to know where everything is without having to pay a warehouse guy to constantly go and scan it, which is too expensive and too time consuming. " ...

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions ...

Walmart EPC RFID Compliance Solutions: Deluxe Media Services Achieves Operational Flexibility and Retail Compliance with Manhattan Associates' RFID Solution ...

Deluxe achieve Walmart RFID compliance using Manhattan's EPC-standard supply chain solutions that integrate RFID capabilities ...

... "Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq: MANH), the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimization solutions, and Deluxe Media Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY) and a world leader in technology and media services for filmed and home entertainment, completed implementation of Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID. With this solution-the heart of Manhattan Associates' award-winning RFID in a Box-Deluxe now meets EPC compliance guidelines for the top U.S. retailers such as Wal*Mart and Best Buy. Manhattan Associates' Integration Platform for RFID integrates with Deluxe's existing ERP software, eliminating much of the time and custom development typically required for integration of RFID. " ...

Deluxe is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Rank Group, plc (Nasdaq: RANKY), offering a broad range of entertainment industry services and technologies to an international client base. Services include DVD software and content production, large volume DVD and videocassette manufacturing and packaging, physical and digital asset management, content repurposing and conversion, digital intermediate production, film laboratory services and release printing and worldwide distribution and fulfillment services.

Manhattan Associates, Inc., is the global leader in providing supply chain execution and optimisation solutions. It enables operational excellence through its warehouse, transportation, distributed order management, reverse logistics and trading partner management applications, as well as its RFID, performance management and event management capabilities. These Integrated Logistics Solutions™ leverage state-of-the-art technologies, innovative practices and our domain expertise to enhance performance, profitability and competitive advantage. Manhattan Associates has licensed more than 900 customers representing more than 1,600 facilities worldwide, which include some of the world's leading manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

CPG Walmart RFID Compliance Solutions: Business Process Transformation ...

CPG Walmart RFID Compliance Solutions: RedPrairie Introduces Scalable, Pre-Configured Solutions for RFID Compliance Labeling: Leading Supplier of Supply Chain Execution Systems Introduces Low-Risk, Pre-Configured Systems for Achieving RFID Compliance ...

... "RedPrairie Corporation, a global leader in technology solutions that enable business process transformation, announced today at D/C Expo the introduction of scalable, pre-configured compliance solutions to support clients in addressing various retailer RFID mandates. The solutions provide total packaged capabilities from simple slap-n-ship to highly automated encode on the fly functionality using RedPrairie's RFID IgniterTM solution; these pre-configured solutions offer a low-risk, easily to implement alternatives for RFID compliance. RedPrairie offers three pre-configured solutions developed in conjunction with leading Consumer Packaged Goods manufacturers that have met mandates from Wal*Mart and other retailers. All solutions are based on RedPrairie's RFID Igniter software, combined with off-the-shelf hardware configurations and service options. " ...

For over 30 years RedPrairie has enabled leading global companies to create competitive advantage through supply chain excellence. RedPrairie’s comprehensive technology solutions provide rapid and sustainable return on investment by optimizing the performance of people, places and processes. RedPrairie provides industry-tailored solutions for diverse markets, including consumer goods, direct to consumer and traditional retail, food and beverage, high tech / electronics, third party logistics, industrial / wholesale, automotive and service parts, and pharmaceuticals.

RFID Walmart Compliance with SAP RFID Infrastructure ...

SAP - Pacific Cycle Seizes Business Process Gains from RFID Automation with SAP

SAP customer, Pacific Cycle, demonstrates Walmart RFID compliance with SAP RFID infrastructure powered by the Netweaver platform ...

... "SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that Pacific Cycle, a division of Dorel Industries (NASDAQ: DIIB; TSX: DII.MV; DII.SV), has successfully implemented SAP's leading radio frequency identification (RFID) capabilities within its SAP NetWeaver platform. With its go-live on March 31, 2005, the Madison, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of such name brand bicycles as Schwinn, GT, Roadmaster and Mongoose is now surpassing the Wal-Mart mandate, which requires the retailer's top 100 suppliers to tag pallets and cases shipping to select Wal-Mart distribution centers. The SAP technology is enabling Pacific Cycle to reap the business gains of an adaptive business network automating warehouse activities, creating newfound data transparency across the supply chain and helping ensure the right shipment to the right place at the right time. Pacific Cycle chose the SAP solution with the aim of reducing total cost of ownership by scaling its RFID pilot project targeting immediate benefits through supply chain automation and leveraging its existing SAP software investment for further gains across its global operations. The RFID capabilities of SAP NetWeaver contain several preconfigured components that help reduce implementation time while maximizing value, including SAP Auto-ID Infrastructure, a key component of the SAP NetWeaver platform, which controls the RFID process while simultaneously converting raw RFID data into actionable business information; " ...

Pacific Cycle is the leading supplier of quality bicycles in North America and a division of Dorel Industries Inc. The company designs, markets and imports a full range of bicycles and recreation products under the brand names of Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Pacific, InSTEP, Pacific Outdoors, Roadmaster and Dyno. Pacific Cycle is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin with offices in Olney, Illinois and Lake Forest, California. The company has distribution centers in Olney, Illinois, and Vacaville, California.

SAP is the world’s leading provider of business software solutions*. Today, more than 27,000 customers in over 120 countries run more than 91,500 installations of SAP® software—from distinct solutions addressing the needs of small and midsize businesses to enterprise-scale suite solutions for global organizations. Powered by the SAP NetWeaver™ platform to drive innovation and enable business change, mySAP™ Business Suite solutions are helping enterprises around the world improve customer relationships, enhance partner collaboration and create efficiencies across their supply chains and business operations. SAP industry solutions support the unique business processes of more than 25 industry segments, including high tech, retail, public sector and financial services.

RFID 2005 Conference UCLA: What's Next

RFID 2005 - What's Next

... "In the year 2005, RFID is being applied to a variety of applications including supply chain, logistics, warehousing, security, brand protection, asset management, shipping, etc. These applications are finding their way into a variety of industries including retail, aerospace, automotive, airport management, pharmaceutical, medical/healthcare, etc. Major organizations have been carrying out trials over the last couple of years and have gained experiences including Walmart, Target, DoD, TESCO, IBM, HP, Albertsons, Fedex, UPS, etc. UCLA-WINMEC is hosting a forum to discuss where this industry is today with respect to actual usage, the successes failures, standards, how RFID projects are justified, how RFID is actually being implemented, deployment issues.

October 25 - 26, 2005 at UCLA. " ...

50Million EPC RFID Tags Milestone Reached ...

50Million EPC RFID Tags Milestone: Alien Technology® Announces Milestone of 50 Million EPC Class 1 RFID Tags Shipped ...

Alien breaks the 50Million RFID tag milestone through active deployment at Walmart and the DOD ...

... Alien Technology announced that the company has now shipped 50 million EPC Class 1 RFID tags. The Alien® RFID tags, which are manufactured using Alien’s patented Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®) technology, are widely deployed in a large percentage of Wal-Mart and DoD-related RFID implementations. Alien continues to lead the market in delivering reliable, high volume, low cost EPC tags. ...

Alien Technology Corporation is a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products for global customers in government, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, transportation, and other industries. Using its patented manufacturing process, Fluidic Self Assembly (FSA®), Alien manufactures EPC tags in very high-volumes and at low cost. The company provides a family of RFID readers for a variety of applications including supply chain management, logistics, and anti-counterfeiting, to improve inventory management and reduce operating costs. Alien is an active member of EPCglobal.

Scalable Affordable RFID Solutions ...

Scalable Affordable RFID Solutions: Catalyst’s New, Affordable RFID Solutions Enable Companies to Quickly Comply with Mandates Set by Retailers and the Department of Defense ...

Catalyst International introduces standards-based RFID solution kits that scale to the customer engagement and support compliance with RFID programs, from industry leaders such as Walmart and the DOD ...

... Catalyst International, a global provider of supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, has introduced a full complement of scalable RFID QuickStart kits that enable users to quickly comply with RFID standards mandated by major retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense. The new kits, which include bundled software, hardware and implementation services, let customers implement RFID according to their specific needs, budget and timetable. ...

Catalyst International delivers software and solutions that enable companies to optimize the performance of their enterprise supply chains. Catalyst is the only resource that combines 26 years of industry leadership in warehouse and logistics software development with an in-depth understanding of ERP systems. Catalyst has provided successful SCE solutions for customers around the world, including Boeing, Brown Forman, Reebok, Office Max, Panasonic, Rayovac, Subaru, and The Home Depot. It is headquartered in Milwaukee, WI and has offices or representatives in the UK, Italy, Mexico and South America.

RFID EPC Drug Imports

Comments for the Task Force on Drug Importation: Secure Symbology, Inc. is offering comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Task Force on Drug Importation as charged by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson to study what it would take in terms of oversight and resources to safely import drugs ...

... "We recognize that the ultimate goal of RFID, through its data carrier, the Electronic Product Code (EPC™), is to serialize every manufactured product down to the item level. But because of the huge infrastructure costs, high tag costs, questions concerning ISO standards, hacking and privacy concerns, implementation to the items level is, by most standards, 5 – 10 years away. The ability to track, trace and provide an electronic database and an electronic pedigree cannot wait 5-10 years for item level serialization while U.S. states, counties and it’s citizens bring pharmaceutical products in from Canada and other foreign countries. DOD and Wal-Mart driven mandates may elicit some success in the next few years at the container and/or pallet level, but even at this level, data synchronization still is a major issue." ...

RFID Enables Strategic Supply

Strategic Supply

... "In today's global economy, in-transit visibility is vital. Just-in-time manufacturing and assembly operations require firms to know sometimes to the minute when a key part or component will arrive from a supplier. Technology such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and automated identification technology (AIT) can provide this information to all firms in the supply chain. Customers increasingly demand the capability to use the Internet to track their package from the time it is shipped to the time it arrives at their home or office. FedEx provides world-class tracking capabilities for items shipped through its network of airborne and ground-based transportation channels. Wal-Mart's move to implement passive RFID tags may accelerate the spread of this technology throughout the retail sector given the huge volume of goods moved through Wal-Mart distribution channels. The payback from implementing such programs can be substantial. For example, Savi Technology's implementation of DoD's Ammunition AIT project produced a 98% cost avoidance in the inventory/reconciliation of category I ammunition. Scanning labels and reconciling inventories used to take 40 man-hours per building. It now takes 30 minutes per building, yielding a cost avoidance of over $860,000." ...

Simon Langford WalMart RFID Strategist ...

ProMat 2005 ||| attendee

... "Simon Langford, Manager, Global RFID Strategy, Information Systems Division, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Simon Langford serves as the principal architect of Wal-Mart's systems implementation of electronic product codes (EPCs). His responsibilities include leveraging EPC benefits, improving supplier implementation strategies, and working with standards groups and technology providers to develop global standards to facilitate the revolutionary potential of RFID. " ...