RFID technology has stirred up a hornets' nest since many commentators have gone on to interpret it as meaning "a retailer being able to track everything including the panty he has sold", and this has raised privacy issues. Yet the mega-retailers are unmoved by such concerns and are pushing forward with their plans to adopt the technology to improve their own efficiency and profitability.

The Chinese have been at the helm of the electronic and semi-conductor revolution. They may also be at the top of the radio frequency identification (RFID) revolution, thanks to the 2008 Summer Olympics and Wal-Mart.

The first is understandable. The Chinese government has plans of showcasing the Chinese achievements to the world through the Olympics in 2008. Hence no cost or effort is being spared to harness the very best in technology to the Olympian event. Yet having Wal-Mart driving technology in China is another matter. The mega-retailer has directed its suppliers to use RFID tags on cartons and pallets, in which the products are packed, supplied to them. Wal-Mart's RFID implementation (currently in the United States) is going to be in stages, but other retailers such as Tesco and Metro AG have given similar directions to their suppliers...

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/FH14Ad02.html

From Aftermath News Service
Top Stories - August 16th, 2004