TRENDS
Getting a Return on (Strategic) Investments
End-user companies are sinking tens of millions of dollars into RFID startups—and they're looking for more than a monetary payback.
COVER STORY
Europe Embraces EPC—Slowly
The European retail supply chain is unique—and so are the challenges of deploying RFID in Europe. While that has hampered some RFID pilots, companies remain convinced that the technology will deliver business benefits.
CASE STUDY
Metro Is Back on Track
The retailer planned a bold RFID deployment in 2004, which was derailed by a host of issues. But now the company is moving full-steam ahead to implement EPC Gen 2 technology in its supply chain.
BEST PRACTICES
Thinking Inside the Box
A new era of smart packaging—embedding RFID in boxes—is on the horizon. But first, technical challenges and cost concerns need to be overcome.

Departments

Editor's Note
What Metro Knows
Sometimes, I look at what's going on in a specific industry or market, or even within specific companies, and I just scratch my head.
Out in Front
An RFID Cure for Cold Feet
Thermal Solutions has developed a low-cost, heat-holding solution for ski boots that could keep toes warm for up to four hours.
Perspective
Alien's Failed IPO Fallout
The canceling of the company's plans to sell shares on the stock market isn't as bad for the RFID industry as some fear.
Perspective
RFID Funds Still Available
Will Alien's failed IPO impact fundraising efforts?
Product Developments
Interrogators Designed for the European Set
New ETSI-compliant firmware enables the listen-before-talk protocol.
Product Developments
Passive Aggressive
Passive RFID tags are increasingly being used for asset tracking, which has traditionally been the domain of longer-range-but more expensive-active tags.

Columns

Inside the Labs
A Network for Everyone
The Auto-ID Labs at MIT is working to create open standards that will facilitate the adoption of RFID.
EPCglobal Update
Getting Management Buy-In
If your RFID initiative is stalled in the executive suite, peer-to-peer support can help you move forward.
Public Eye
Act Now!
RFID providers and users can influence public policies that impact the RFID industry.
Ashton's View
The Fear Factor
Implanting RFID tags in people is just a bad idea.