Getting the Word Out That RFID Works

Last week, we announced the finalists for the 2014 RFID Journal Awards, which were introduced eight years ago to recognize excellence in the use of radio frequency identification (see Finalists Unveiled for Eighth Annual RFID Journal Awards). The size and scope of several deployments submitted impressed me—but what really struck me this year is that many companies sent in entries to get the word out that RFID works.

Bechtel, a finalist for Best RFID Implementation, is using RFID to manage materials for the construction of three mega-size industrial projects off the eastern cost of Australia. In response to the question "Why do you believe this entry deserves an RFID Journal Award?" Bechtel wrote: "Because of the adoption and full implementation of RFID in an industry [construction] that has historically been unreceptive to work process paradigm shifts involving the implementation and innovative automated solutions. The overall construction industry is several years behind the likes of automotive manufacturing and hospitals when it comes to widespread utilization of RFID technology. We believe spotlighting the Bechtel successes at Curtis Island will... pave the way for more use of RFID technology on future construction projects."

In fact, the submissions for Best RFID Implementation were so strong this year that for the first time, we have decided to name four finalists. Marks & Spencer (M&S) is nominated for its use of item-level RFID to improve on-shelf availability at all of its stores (see Marks & Spencer Rolls Out RFID to All Its Stores). The retailer expects to attach 400 million passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tags to individual items this year. And Colcafé is nominated for an RFID solution that provides increased visibility—from raw materials through production and storage to shipping.

Skyview High School, a finalist in the Most Innovative Use of RFID category, also wanted to get the word out regarding the benefits of an RFID real-time location system (RTLS) to improve the safety of school children in the event of an emergency (see Idaho School Installs RTLS to Make Students Safer). Skyview's entry form says, "Generating awareness about the positive new uses for RFID in schools is a new story that showcases the best that RFID can offer and what's possible."