Retail Supply & Demand Chain

Having just returned from a conference, Item-Level RFID: Road to ROI, sponsored by VICS and CSCMP, we have fresh perspective on the value of RFID in  specific retail categories including apparel, footwear and furniture. Early analysis of the carefully measured results of trials show that retailers can tackle improving the real thorns in their side regarding item level accuracy -  that is both the problem of theft and in store execution.  While many retailers may minimize the size of these problems, retailers at this conference attested to the truth that is revealed once item level visibility becomes a reality.

Last year, I wrote that RFID Journal Live 2009 was "refreshingly pragmatic and busy". This year, it was less frenetic, perhaps a little smaller, with fewer vendors and end users in attendance, but very well grounded. Solid examples of really good business cases shined, while real technological progress and maturity was evidenced everywhere. After walking the trade show floor and meeting with many vendors and end-users, I have drawn several very important conclusions, including:
 
1)      End-user expectations have matured significantly. End-users are seeking packaged configurable applications that can be implemented and supported easily. Science projects are not acceptable nor are hefty upfront custom development costs.
 
2)      Industry focused basic RFID education is necessary. A new set of interested end users requires continuous industry-based education. Vendors need to refresh a variety of messages to meet the needs of end-users who have just initiated RFID explorations and those who have a more mature understanding. Vendors should take their messages to end-user focused events to engage a broader audience.