Wal-Mart Stores is testing a system to integrate data
taken from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with
automated electronic data interchange (EDI)
information.
Wal-Mart is already a retail leader in the implementation of
RFID technology. Two years ago it set deadlines of 2005 and 2006
leading suppliers.
In 2004 it mandated its top suppliers to put RFID tags on
products shipped to three specified distribution centres and 150
stores. This was expanded to cover three additional distribution
centres with 800 stores receiving products from suppliers with RFID
tags by last October.
Wal-Mart’s latest RFID effort sees a trial being conducted with
a handful of its suppliers and RFID standards body EPCglobal.
Wal-Mart eventually plans for RFID tags to trigger advanced ship
notices (ASNs) through the EPC Information Service (EPCIS)
network.
In the meantime, suppliers can access the RFID information now
by logging onto Retail Link, Wal-Mart's web-based database that
tracks inventory.
RFID information from shifted or sold products is added to the
inventory database every 30 minutes, so suppliers can plan for
further deliveries.