Retailer Wal-Mart is testing a system to integrate data
taken from radio frequency identification tags with automated
electronic data interchange information.
Wal-Mart is already a retail leader in the implementation of
RFID technology. In 2004 it mandated its leading 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 October 2005.
Wal-Mart's latest RFID effort consists of a trial it is
conducting with a small group of its suppliers and RFID standards
body EPCglobal.
Wal-Mart is planning for RFID tags to eventually trigger
advanced ship notices throughout the EPC Information Service
network.
In the meantime, suppliers can access the RFID information now
by logging on to 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.