RFID on display

How to deploy RFID technology successfully is the focus of RFID JournalLive!, March 29-31 at the Chicago Hilton. The organisers claim that this is the only event that offers an in-depth look at the current state of RFID technology and its future direction, writes Anthony Fletcher

The conference, now in its second year, features more than 80 speakers from global companies and government agencies. Speakers from a cross-section of industries will share insight into the major issues surrounding RFID deployment, including data integration, business process re-engineering, and privacy in a conference program that includes nearly 60 sessions.

Event highlights include an end-to-end supply chain demonstration from Accenture Technology Labs. The company's Silent Commerce prototype relies on tagging and tracking technologies such as RFID, sensors and continuous Internet connectivity. The supply chain solution makes individual items 'smart' and traces them from the manufacturing floor to the retail shelf.

"This prototype demonstrates an end-to-end solution built on RFID that enhances every stage in the supply chain," said Joseph Tobolski, associate partner, Accenture. "In almost real time, the solution delivers information about inventory, product flow, shipping and receiving.

Its tracking capability, for example, allows manufacturers, distribution centers, or retailers to immediately identify inventory status. And, because RFID gives items unique identifiers, even items in a case can be traced."

In addition Michael Raynor, director of Deloitte Research, will explain the 'Impacts and Benefits of Disruptive Technologies,' and provide insight on how companies can remain competitive and sustain growth when faced with new innovative technologies such as RFID.

In total, more than 40 companies will be showcasing their RFID technologies and solutions. There will be new product and service announcements from Acsis, GlobeRanger, Intermec, Matrics, Oat Systems, Odin Technologies and Xterprise. Unveiled at the conference will be new RFID reader protocols, FAS-D software architecture, software solutions for data collection and solution bundles.

RFID Journal Live! will be preceded by two concurrent day-long pre-conference seminars: one that focuses on the fundamentals of RFID and another created for investors interested in RFID start-ups. For more information about RFID Journal Live! 2004 visit www.rfidjournallive.com