This article was originally published by RFID Update.
July 18, 2007—Wealth and asset management firm Robert W. Baird & Co. has released its RFID Monthly for July. Baird has given RFID Update permission to reprint the Key Developments section (below), which offers the report highlights. For those wanting more detail, the complete 14-page document is available free here.
The standard matrix of primary RFID providers is on page 11, and following are the Key Developments:
- Several Metro RFID Suppliers Announced. As we highlighted in the May edition of RFID Monthly, Metro is moving forward with pallet-level tagging requirements for all suppliers into roughly 220 Germany-based stores. In the last month, several RFID vendors announced that they will be providing RFID equipment, including readers from Intermec and Sirit, and reader and data management devices from Reva (see METRO Moves RFID Pilot to Production, Taps Reva). Checkpoint will provide hardware integration services. Intermec announced that Metro has approved two of Intermec’s starter packs for use in the rollout (see Investor Analysis of Intermec RFID Deal with METRO).
- Wal-Mart Externally Quiet, But Progress is Underway. Most industry participants, and certainly most external observers, believe Wal-Mart has curtailed their RFID efforts, particularly given little in the way of new communication from the retail giant. However, we believe the primary reason for the lack of communication is the transfer of RFID responsibility to logistic operations within Wal-Mart from IT. Such a transition, along with the continued implementation of readers, is likely requiring some digestion. We view this transition as a natural progression, and are encouraged that Wal-Mart views RFID importantly enough to make it the responsibility of their day-to-day operators. We further understand that Wal-Mart has recently sent a series of letters inquiring of some vendors their lack of compliance, suggesting that their external communication efforts are targeted.
- Mainstream Press Commenting on RFID, Again. The mainstream press coverage of RFID in the last six months has largely been nonexistent or has been outright negative on RFID. However, in the last several weeks we saw several mentions of unique RFID applications in Business Week and in multiple local publications. These RFID mentions cover a wide variety of applications, including contactless payment, retail assistance, and asset management. We are encouraged to note that RFID was viewed in a positive light.
Download the full Baird RFID Monthly (pdf)
