June 10, 2005
Target Begins RFID Rollout
Last week, 100 of Target Corporation's suppliers began sending goods in RFID-tagged pallets to Target's Tyler, Texas distribution center for shipment to 10 regional stores. Half of these stores have readers and antennas provided by ADT Security Systems, with the others from Symbol Technologies. According to observers, Target appears to be expanding its use of RFID slowly so as to accumulate accurate and useful data for future deployments. The current rollout follows a trial run Target conducted with 19 of its suppliers earlier this year. To enhance results, Target has organized a board of experts including physicists from RFID consulting companies. Consistent with Target tradition,the corporation has remained quiet about its current business strategy. Yet, many in the industry have their eyes on the big retailer. According to InformationWeek:
"If Target starts with a core group of RFID experts, and consistent methodology with a plan and a blueprint, they should be able to install the required RFID infrastructure to 40 stores weekly," says Peter Regen, VP of global visible commerce solutions at Unisys Corp., who is familiar with the project but not directly involved. "Target has about 1,500 to 1,600 stores, and they could finish the rollout in about a year."
Read more: Target and Suppliers Using RFID, Sources Say
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