Radio Frequency ID is poised to replace bar codes as the preferred tracking system. RFID tags are composed of a tiny chip and an antenna (transponder) which transmits data to a wireless receiver. RFID can store more data than barcode and the data in the tag can be changed as needed. While bar codes must be placed on an outer surface and directly scanned, RFID does not require line-of-sight access to transfer data. EPC - or Electronic Product Code is set to replace the familiar black and white bar code. The emerging EPC standard allows a unique serial number for every item in the system. RFID coupled with EPC promises to revolutionize logistic chain management, notably reducing costs and errors and providing real-time visibility of inventory.

Christopher Short is the Director of the Microsoft Technology Center, which recently committed to investments of 100 million USD to develop RFID solutions at their MTC in Taiwan in its first year of operation. Microsoft envisions a revolution in the tracking of goods and assets. The center will coordinate with the Microsoft Technology Center (MTC) in the United States and Microsoft India's engineering center and will be responsible for the integration of the resources of these three centers.

Andrew Houlberg, General Manager of Gillette, is also VP of the AmCham, as well as co-Chair of the Chamber's Environmental Committee. Andrew will present Gillette's recent hands-on experiences implementing RFID in their Boston logistics operations in a live program. Gillette has played a leading role with MIT, Wal-Mart and others in developing applications enabling RFID technology. The real-life experiences Andrew will share will be useful for participants to better grasp the future of this technology. Both speakers will comment on the broad range of applications for RFID and how the technology will be integrated with business management solutions. A Q&A will also allow you to better understand implications to your businesses.

Instead of doing stock counts in the warehouse, each item continuously broadcasts via RFID. In addition to knowing that the item is there, the inventory system may read other information from the RFID, including for example expiration date. Applications for RFID will be much broader in scope than those for bar code. RFID is already used to track livestock, library books, hospital patients, and control parking lot access, for example.

RFID links:

• RFID FAQ

• Andrew Houlberg, Gillette - RFID Case Study (PowerPoint - 2.4MB)
• Microsoft - RFID Industry Focus (PowerPoint - 1.2MB)