October 14-16, 2008 • Donald E. Stephens Convention Center • Chicago, IL

Using EPC to Synchronize Private-Label Product Data
Retailers and suppliers will explain the challenges they have faced synchronizing data regarding the movement of private-label products through the supply chain, and how these differ from synchronizing data about branded products. Learn what can be done today through the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN), and what future enhancements are in the works to enable supply chain partners to share EPC data related to private label products.

Speakers:

Nadine Radomski, Manager, E-commerce Collaboration, Dean Foods
Michele Southall, Director of Community Development, EPCglobal US

Monitoring and Authenticating High-Value Goods
eProvenance, a startup company, recently introduced a service that tracks, authenticates and monitors bottles of wine through the combined use of semi- active and passive RFID tags, as well as specialized ink. This unique method utilizes a temperature-tracking tag that is placed within each case of wine. In this session, hear how passive tags can be employed to identify and authenticate items and link them to particular temperature-tracking tags, as well as to the shippers, distributors or brokers handling them.

Speaker:

Liz Churchill, Vice President of Solutions, eProvenance

Takeaway:

• The benefits of allowing supply chain partners to trace an item's chain of custody
• How to use RFID to identify problem areas, and to find ways to ensure products are stored and transported under optimal conditions

The Benefits of RFID in the Steel Industry
ThyssenKrupp Steel, a major German steel producer, and Accenture, an international consulting and outsourcing firm, are leading an initiative to align steel industry players around a common effort to use RFID to help steel makers and customers streamline business processes, harness automation more extensively and reduce costs. Learn where RFID can provide real benefits to the steel industry, and how to overcome problems reading tags on metal.

Speaker:

Christopher Weirup, Senior Manager, Accenture - Mobile Solutions

Takeaway:

• The benefits RFID can deliver to all players in the steel industry
• How to use RFID to track large steel assets
• Insights into the emerging standards for RFID in this industry

Case Study: Using EPC/RFID to Cut Costs for Reusable Transport Packaging
The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is conducting the largest, most widely supported industry field test to determine if multiuse tags on reusables can provide greater asset tracking and financial benefits. This project, supported by Frontera Produce, Georgia-Pacific, Stemilt, Tanimura & Antle, Wal-Mart and others, traces perishables from fields in Washington and California, where they are subjected to mud, varying weather conditions and rough handling, to Wal-Mart distribution centers, where produce is cleaned and containers and tags are subject to washing, handling, refrigeration and storage before being sent to stores. Hear the results of extensive laboratory tests conducted prior to the field test and an update on the field test itself.

Speakers:

Patrick Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, The Kennedy Group
Bob Klimko, Corporate Sales & Marketing Manager Norseman Plastics and VP, Reusable Packaging Association

Takeaway:

• How multiuse tags can be the financial catalyst to driving RFID technology integration, as opposed to one-way transport packaging
• The potential to employ RFID tags in other industries beyond perishables, including automotive, beverage and pharmaceuticals

EPC's Role in Loss Prevention
EPC technology is all about providing visibility into the movement of goods from manufacturing to the retail store. With visibility comes new opportunities to prevent theft, diversion and other problems. In this session, you will hear about a study into EPC’s potential to reduce theft in the supply chain and in retail stores, and you will get an update on standards being developed by EPCglobal for the use of EPC as a loss prevention tool.

Speakers:

Tim Fisher, Director of Loss Prevention and Safety, Best Buy
Bill Hardgrave, Director, RFID Research Center, University of Arkansas