Intermec, METRO Group, Procter & Gamble, DHL and IBM Demonstrate Retail Supply Chain RFID

Supply-chain technology leaders collaborate to demonstrate Gen 2 RFID at work

Five of the world's leading companies in the development, implementation and utilization of supply chain automation technology – Intermec Technologies, the METRO Group, Procter & Gamble, DHL and IBM – are jointly demonstrating RFID use in the retail supply chain in booth #1443 at the National Retail Federation's 95th annual NRF show, New York, Jan. 15-18, 2006.

A series of on-stand demonstrations, centered on the METRO Group's use of RFID in its supply chain, brings together five RFID pioneers, each of which has played a leading role in applying RFID technology in real-world applications. Booth visitors are able to see EPCglobal Gen 2-standard RFID technology at work in scenarios that recreate key stages in the retail supply chain from factory to consumer. Representatives from each of the companies are on hand to share their knowledge and experience in successfully applying RFID to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency.

Featured are fork-lift, portal and handheld systems that include a range of Intermec EPCglobal Gen 2-compliant RFID devices, including the Intermec IF5 intelligent reader, IP4 handheld reader, IV7 fork-lift reader and RFID-enabled PM4i label printer.

"This demonstration represents a milestone in the application of Gen 2 RFID technology in real-world scenarios," said Intermec President Steve Winter. "It shows how RFID will help to transform supply chains and proves that properly designed products are already being deployed to meet EPC Gen 2 standards."

"Verifying the business advantages of RFID has vividly illustrated how retailers can increase system-wide efficiency and inventory accuracy while at the same time increasing profits," said Dr. Gerd Wolfram, managing director of MGI METRO Group Information Technology GmbH.

"RFID has the potential to play an important role in improving value-chain efficiency," said Wolfgang Menzel, IT manager, Global Customer Business Development Team, Procter & Gamble. "We are working with retailers around the world to ensure we take advantage of this technology to benefit consumers."

"RFID offers an exciting potential for global logistics and requires truly global, workable standards," said Claus Garbisch, sector head, Consumer Products, DHL Solutions. "DHL is working very closely with vendors like Intermec to develop solutions for branded goods and industry and ensure that global logistics can realize the benefits of RFID technology."