Retailers Sign Up To RFID Anti-Crime Drive
Woolworths, Asda, Dell trial product tracking technology
May 24 2002
Compact discs, laptop computers, and consignments of clothing are to be fitted with a sophisticated tracking technology being promoted by the Home Office.
High profile retailers are working in partnership with the government and suppliers to trial the new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The Chipping of Goods initiative aims to protect consumer goods at risk from theft with electronic tags that carry information about n their origin, current location and final retail destination.
Crime reduction minister John Denham said: “I am delighted that such major industry players as EMI, ASDA, Dell and Woolworths have joined this unique project to defeat crime. As criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods so we must harness the latest technology available to us if we are to catch them.”
EMI will fit RFID tags on individual CDs to track their movement through the supply chain. This will help to identify whether the product has been stolen and whether it is genuine or counterfeit. This project will involve EMI Distribution and ASDA, along with distributor providers Handleman UK and systems integrator Microlise.
According to the British Phonographic Industry high-quality counterfeit CDs, manufactured in Russia and the Ukraine and exported to Western Europe, have been found mixed amongst genuine stock delivered to small retail outlets.
Dell will embed the anti-theft tag in each of its LatitudeTM C610 laptops, to enable police to scan a suspected stolen computer. Any attempt to remove the chip will render the laptop unusable.
The third scheme will see RFID tags fitted by Woolworths to consignments including clothing, CDs and mobile phones. Merchandise will then be tracked through the supply chain from the distribution centre through to its delivery to a store.
Woolworths will conduct the project in partnership with Integrated Product Intelligence, Microlise and Savi Technology.
Geoff O’Neill, Head of Central Logistics for New Sales Channels at Woolworths, said: “Woolworths are pleased to be associated with this prestigious, forward-thinking Home Office initiative. This is more than simply a supply chain security measure as it also has the potential for better stock management and improving on-shelf availability for our customers, which has historically been an issue for Woolworths.”
