RFID for Improved Fresh Item Quality by Bill C. Hardgrave, Ph.D., Director
of the RFID Research Center at the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas formally opened its RFID Research Center on June 10, 2005. The center is headed by Bill Hardgrave, the Edwin & Karlee Bradberry Chair in Information Systems and executive director of the Information Technology Research Institute (ITRC). With the backing of Wal-Mart and other corporate sponsors, including ACNielsen, Deloitte, E. & J. Gallo Winery, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Tyson Foods and the RFID Journal, the RFID Research Center has emerged as the preeminent RFID lab within academia.
RFID, in general, is providing unprecedented visibility in the supply chain. Key areas such as out of stocks and new product promotions are already being positively affected by RFID. RFID-based temperature sensors provide an equally unprecedented view into the perishables or cold supply chain when one considers the efficient nature of the technology – efficient in both cost and labor. Insights provided by sensors into such areas as temperature profiles within warehouses, trailers, pallets, and even within cases, help suppliers, logistics providers, and retailers provide a higher quality product to the consumer. Results of one or more research projects investigating the temperature of perishables from farm / factory to the retailer will be provided and discussed.
Bill will describe what the RFID Research Center has accomplished so far in its retail/CPG supply chain initiative and what projects the lab has in the pipeline for the next 12 months.
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- Does FIM deliver on the promise of increased fresh item sales with reduced spoils and discards?
- How quickly are FIM investments returned?
- What are the operational and merchandising impacts of FIM?
- How are emerging regulatory requirements including Trans Fats, Country Of Origin/Traceability and Allergens being met?
- Leading FIM Expert and Peer Supermarket Retailer Speakers
- Hands-on Technology Showcase area with vendor sponsors
- 'Ask The Expert' and Tech-Talk Sessions
- Roundtable Focus Groups
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest Fresh Item Management technology trends, to network with your peers who are developing, implementing and using FIM, and to make sure ADC's FIM technology development direction aligns with your own.
ADC holds this event annually, requiring only your valued participation. Your input and feedback is used to keep ADC's suite of applications on course with customer needs and to prioritize our development plans.
Kicking-off with a Welcome Lunch at 12 noon, to allow travel to the event that morning, sessions commence at 1 pm on Tuesday.
Wednesday afternoon stages the golf and deep-sea fishing tournaments, with prize-giving that evening. ADC's own band, the (almost-legendary) 'After Dark Crew' provide some home-brewed musical entertainment following the Thursday evening dinner.
The conference concludes on Friday afternoon with a tour of ADC's H.Q. and Development Center facilities, which are convenient to Tampa International Airport for your flight home. |
