BestBuy RFID Enables Customer Experience

Best Buy sees RFID technology as an enabler of business benefits in customer-facing business processes. ...

... "For instance, the company has already initiated pilot projects that use RFID technology to help customers more easily find items they are looking for in the stores. " ...

Via PC World: Best Buy RFID

BestBuy RFID: Customer Experience Improvement Potential

Best Buy CEO is an evangelist for RFID technology, who sees potential to enhance the customer experience. ...

... "The biggest potential of RFID is improving the customer experience, Willet said. The company is already proving it can keep products in stock better, which keeps more salespeople out on the floor helping customers. " ...

Via InformationWeek: Best Buy RFID Program

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 ...

RFID Case Tracking: BestBuy Compliance ...

NetGear complies with BestBuy RFID mandate through services of APL Logistics. ...

... "Global supply chain management leader APL Logistics has won the RFID tagging solution business of Silicon Valley-based NETGEAR, a leading provider of wireless networking equipment. Under terms of the agreement, APL Logistics will affix Radio Frequency Identification tags to cases of NETGEAR product sent to selected Best Buy stores in the U.S. The deal highlights a growing trend among major retailers who mandate that their suppliers use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on shipments. It also confirms APL Logistics' role as an innovative provider of the technology for supply chain management. " ...

Via APL Logistics: NETGEAR Turns to APL Logistics for RFID Mandate

HP RFID Plans Gen2 Transition ...

HP plans shift to RFID Gen2 tags ...

... "HP uses RFID technology to identify and track pallets and boxes of various products shipped to select Best Buy Inc., Target Corp., and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. distribution centers. " ...

HP RFID Plans Gen2 Transition: Via TechWeb: HP Readying For Gen 2 RFID Switch

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience

LG's RFID implementation was completed quickly and successfully certified to meet Best Buy's RFID compliance requirements. ...

... "The deployment was completed in less than two months and has been certified by Best Buy to meet the retailer's January 2, 2006 mandate. As a global supplier of televisions, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics, LG began investigating RFID technology when Wal-Mart and Best Buy issued mandates last year. In the initial deployment, LG plans to tag three SKUs to be shipped from their warehouse in Texas to Best Buy distribution centers. According to Sam Ismail, Director, Logistics Advanced Engineering at LG Electronics, this infrastructure gives LG the ability to tag and ship additional SKUs from the warehouse and manufacturing facility as more retailers mandate the use of the technology and as more business cases are determined to add value. " ...

Best Buy RFID Compliance: LG Experience: Via OATSystems: LG Electronics Goes Live with OATSystems: Implementation Completed in Record Time ...

OATSystems, Inc. is the recognized RFID framework leader with software that empowers businesses to achieve competitive advantage from radio-frequency identification (RFID). As pioneers in the development of RFID technology, OAT has been setting the standard in RFID for over half a decade and is responsible for industry firsts that include the largest scale and largest scope of deployments, as well as the most innovative approaches to providing enterprise-wide RFID solutions. OAT's multinational client base, which includes companies such as Hewlett-Packard and Gillette, consists of over 50 customers in retail, CPG, consumer electronics, manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense.

RFID Supply Chain Excellence Recognition ...

Supply chain innovators are recognized for their operational excellence. ...

... "OATSystems, Inc., the recognized RFID framework leader, offers its congratulations to customers who have been named to the AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25, which highlights companies that are excellent operationally and brilliant innovators. A third of the companies on the Top 25 list are using OAT's RFID platform to help optimize their supply chains. AMR Research analyzed the top retailers and manufactures on a variety of metrics and criteria including return on assets, inventory turns, trailing 12 months growth. According to Marc Osofsky, vice president of marketing and product management at OATSystems, RFID has become an increasingly attractive and realistic strategy for companies to track their products through the supply chain and gain operational efficiencies.

AMR Research's Supply Chain Top 25 for 2005 list includes:
Dell, Procter & Gamble, IBM, Nokia, Toyota Motor, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung Electronics, Wal-Mart Stores, Tesco, Johnson Controls, Intel, Anheuser-Busch, Woolworths, The Home Depot, Motorola, PepsiCo. Best Buy, Cisco Systems, Texas Instruments, Lowe's, Nike, L'Oreal, Publix Super Markets, Sysco and Coca-Cola. " ...

RFID Supply Chain Excellence Recognition: OAT Customers Included in the AMR Research Supply Chain Top 25: List Identifies the Top 25 Global Supply Chain Performers for 2005 ...

RFID Technology WEEE Compliance

RFID technology may have a role to play in tracking products through their lifecycle in support of WEEE compliance. ...

RFID Technology WEEE Compliance: Via Process and Control Technology: WEEE Compliance: IS RFID Tagging the Answer? ...

... "The breadth of data required by the new Directive has led many companies to consider RFID tagging as the best means of documenting the entire life cycle of products. However, for this to be successful, waste treatment facilities must also buy into the technology and standardise on a particular tag type and tag frequency. " ...

Speed RFID Adoption: Compliance Software

Speed RFID Adoption: Compliance Software: Via IDVelocity: IDVelocity Makes Dramatic Move to Speed RFID Adoption: Company Licensing RFID Compliancy Software Effectively Free ...

... "IDVelocity, in a bold move to lower the costs of complying with RFID mandates from Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, and the Department of Defense, is offering its ComplianceNow software effectively free. For the same cost as IDVelocity originally charged for one year of maintenance and support, companies can license the software and receive their first year of maintenance and support to meet their mandates. The price is $5,500 per instance of software with no limit to the number of devices or users attached to the instance of software. In addition, the software is double byte enabled allowing the ComplianceNow software to be deployed in any single byte or double byte language, a tremendous advantage as organizations begin to push the tagging requirements to the point of manufacture. " ...

RFID QuickStart Kit Selected ...

Via Catalyst International: Uniden Selects CatalystCommand iRFID™ Software: The leading wireless consumer electronic products manufacturer will use Catalyst’s RFIDConfigure QuickStart Kit to integrate passive RFID technology into its supply chain ...

Uniden selects Catalyst's RFID QuickStart kit ...

... "Catalyst International, a global provider of supply chain execution (SCE) solutions, is now implementing its CatalystCommand iRFID™ software for Uniden America Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of cordless telephones, to ensure its compliance with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) requirement mandates set by Wal-Mart and Best Buy. CatalystCommand iRFID is an exclusive technology for integrating passive RFID technology into the supply chain environment. " ...

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 over 25 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.

Uniden America Corporation, the North American subsidiary of Japan-based Uniden Corporation, manufacturers and markets wireless consumer electronic products including cordless telephones, business telecommunications systems, networking and data products, scanners, FRS/GMRS radios, marine radios and other wireless personal communications products. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Uniden America sells its products through dealers and distributors throughout North, Central and South America.

RFID Compliance BestBuy Mandate: Accelerated Solution ...

RFID Compliance BestBuy Mandate: Accelerated Solution: Monster Cable Products Selects IDVelocity to Meet Best Buy RFID Mandate: IDVelocity - Tracking Material @ Light Speed

... "Monster Cable Products, the world's leading manufacturer of high performance a/v cables and power products, and IDVelocity, LLC, a global leader in RFID infrastructure and process management software, announced that Monster Cable has implemented the IDVelocity's ComplianceNow Accelerator Solution to meet Best Buy's RFID mandate. " ...

RFID Technology Event: Today...

RFID Tech Talk ...

... "RFID Event: May 23, 2005, RFID Tech Talk at the National Press Club, 6:30 PM, Call Jean at 202-662-7129 or e-mail opus@press.org

Sponsored by The National Press Club High Tech Committee, NPC Conference Rooms

TECH TALK on RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

Speakers
Mr. Alan Estevez, Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense Supply Chain Integration
Mr. Michael Meranda, President, EPCglobal Consortium
Dr. Sanjay Sarma, CEO, OATSystems, Inc.
Paula Bruening, J.D., Counsel, Center for Democracy and Technology
Dr. Robert Atkinson, VP, Progressive Policy Institute
Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm. D., J.D., Sr. Advisor for Regulatory Policy, Food and Drug Administration

RFID is a transformative technology that improves the delivery, safety and efficiency of how products get to consumers; RFID will dramatically improve in-transit visibility, the ability to see products as they move from point A to B, in the global supply chain costs the retail industry $180 billion-$300 billion annually, or 6 to 10 percent of total supply chain spending, and it is an important issue for the Department of Defense; RFID in US Passports and credit cards might be exploited by unscrupulous businesses and terrorists; How and why privacy advocates are attempting to curtail RFID deployment by raising a host of claims about the technology; Pharmaceutical drugs can be better tracked to prevent counterfeiting. Shipping containers that reach our ports can be checked for tampering. And best of all, products will be on the shelf when and where you want to buy them; " ...

The Club shall provide people who gather and disseminate news a center for the advancement of their professional standards and skills, the promotion of free expression, mutual support and social fellowship.

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.

Wireless RFID Drives Customer Loyalty ...

Wireless RFID Drives Customer Loyalty: Best Buy EVP To Present Keynote At VICS/Retail Systems Super ...

Best Buy leader presents the use of RFID technology to transform to a customer-centric model ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... The Wave & Win program demonstrates how RFID, self service kiosks, wireless technology, and loyalty cards can be integrated to create an exciting customer ...

... Retail Systems Alert Group, organizers of the annual Retail Systems(R) Conference & Exposition, announced that Bob Willett, EVP, Operations, Best Buy Co., will present a keynote address at this year's VICS/Retail Systems Super Conference, held May 24-26, 2005 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, USA. Bob Willett will share his insights on how the $27 billion Best Buy, the nation's leading consumer electronics retailer, is creating a decentralized, customer-centric business. Bob will speak about IT Transformation and other innovative management initiatives as key aspects of this large-scale business change initiative. ...

VICS/Retail Systems Super Conference was developed in cooperation with the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards (VICS) Association. The mission of the VICS Association is to take a global leadership role in the ongoing improvement of the flow of product and information about the product throughout the entire retail supply chain.

RFID LifeCycle Issues: OFEE and EPA Host Meeting on Recycling Impacts of RFID Tags

From Office of the Federal Environmental Executive ...

... "OFEE and the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste co-hosted a meeting on the impact of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags on packaging materials reuse and recycling. Participants included representatives of the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, the industrial drum recyclers, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, and the paper, steel, aluminum, glass, and plastic packaging industries. The intent of the meeting was to provide the potentially affected recyclers and users of recycled materials with an understanding of what RFID tags are, what constituents they contain, and how they are and will be used. Wal-Mart is requiring its top 100 suppliers to place RFID tags on product cases and pallets by January 2005, beginning in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The use of RFID tags is intended to improve inventory control and logistics. The Department of Defense also will require the placement of RFID tags on specified products going to specified depots beginning in January 2005. Other users of the tags are Target Stores, Best Buy, and the Albertsons grocery store chain. RFID tags also could be used in the future to meet new Food and Drug Administration requirements to label medications." ...

Under Executive Order 13101, the Federal Environmental Executive (FEE) chairs the White House Task Force on Waste Prevention and Recycling. The Task Force works to provide clear national direction for federal agencies and track government's progress for waste prevention, recycling, and the purchase of recycled-content and environmentally preferable services and products, including biobased products. The Task Force is directed by a Steering Committee composed of the FEE, the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and the Administrator of the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Federal Procurement Policy.

The Task Force advises and assists the Steering Committee and the Federal agencies, makes recommendations concerning policy, facilitates implementation, provides a centralized focal point for assistance and direction, and helps educate and train people in the requirements of the Executive Order. The Steering Committee members are among the President's chief advisors on environmental and acquisition issues, underscoring that successful integration of environmental and energy considerations into an agency's daily operations requires close coordination by environmental, acquisition, and facilities staff.

Retail RFID: Best Buy Pursues Electronic Product Code Strategy to Increase ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... The company plans to leverage radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to drive the change. RFID allows retailers to easily ...

... Best Buy Co., Inc. today announced the rollout of an electronic product code (EPC) strategy designed to increase its supply chain efficiency over the next several years. The company plans to leverage radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to drive the change. RFID allows retailers to easily and efficiently track products as they move from the manufacturer to the stores. Since RFID systems rapidly and simultaneously read tags, Best Buy believes the EPC strategy can improve customers' in-store experiences and significantly increase the organization's efficiency by increasing product availability, reducing time spent on processes in distribution centers and stores, enhancing real-time product information capabilities, and increasing speed to market. ...

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is a Fortune 100(R) growth company that continually innovates to create superior customer experiences. Through more than 750 retail stores across the United States and in Canada, our employees connect customers with technology and entertainment products and services that make life easier and more fun. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services. A Minneapolis-based company, our operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com) and Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com). We support our communities through employee volunteerism and grants from The Best Buy Children's Foundation.