Although much of the discussion on RFID within the EU seems to have been around privacy issues, there are some interesting initiatives underway. One of these is the SMART project, which is currently making progress on building a complete RFID application platform.
The potential applications could transform retailing, the EU suggests. For example, if one product is selling well at store A, but selling badly at store B, RFID-powered inventory systems could initiate the transfer of the product from one store to another.
The Sixth Framework Programme-funded SMART project will go into phase one of its testing from October where it will be running two test scenarios in two pilot phases for RFID retail applications. The first phase of the pilots will test the back-office functions, while the second will put more emphasis on consumer aspects.
The first test involves stock tracking and activity monitoring for promoted goods, such as bath foam. The supplier is able to monitor shelf and backroom inventory for the promoted product, sales location, consumer preferences for gifts and so on, making adjustments to promotion activities while the event is still running.
The second test involves an automatic discounting system for products - specifically, meat - that is nearing its expiry date.
Once the results are back from the initial pilot phase, SMART will integrate the indicated improvements in the system and then run a second pilot test in the first half of 2009.
Here are a couple of links for more information: