Metro, the world's fifth largest retailer, is to take
radio frequency identification technology beyond the pilot stage
and has asked around 100 suppliers to affix smart tags to their
pallets and transport packages.
From November, the German chain will use RFID across its entire
distribution network. Metro said tests of the new tracking and
information technology carried out at its Extra Future Store in
Rheinberg proved successful.
Several IT companies, including IBM, Intel and SAP, and more
than 40 additional consumer goods and technology suppliers are
working closely with Metro as part of its Future Store Initiative,
which is also examining other new wireless and self-service
technologies in the retail sector, in addition to RFID.
Metro owns and operates more than 2,300 wholesale stores,
supermarkets, department stores and speciality retailers, such as
consumer electronics stores, mainly in Germany and the rest of
Europe.
John Blau writes for IDG News Service