An anonymous commentor has linked to an excellent review of the success Wal-Mart has had rolling out RFID in its distribution center and on a few large items in stores.
Wal-Mart is currently focusing on case and pallet tagging. However, in the initial test, there are three products in which the case is also consumer packaging. On the outer packaging of two HP printers and one scanner, an EPCglobal sticker next to the RFID tag notifies customers of its existence.This is worded ambiguously. Does WM plan to have RFID tags on inner packaging? On the items themselves?To strengthen customer notification during the initial roll-out in North Texas, Wal-Mart will be placing supplemental signage on the shelf and/or aisle where the tagged cases could reside. Information pamphlets are also available on shelf-mounted tear pads. These provide information on Wal-Mart's EPC implementation and explain that customers may choose to keep the tags or discard them after purchasing the product.
Future Bringing More Suppliers, More Products
Moving forward from this point, Wal-Mart expects the number of suppliers tagging cases and pallets to expand every few weeks. Accordingly, consumers may soon see additional products displaying the EPCglobal symbol.
It is expected that many of these will be electronic products or other large items such as bicycles or lawnmowers. In all instances, the cases will have tags only on the outermost packaging.
Posted by Kevin on May, 19 2004 at 04:41 PM
