Join Deanah Baker and Michael Graen as we take you behind the scenes of Walmart’s RFID efforts in 2019. Learn about the behind the scenes discussion of Walmart implementing RFID.

Dr. Bill Hardgrave, President of the University of Memphis, discussed his journey from founding the RFID lab at the University of Arkansas to leading the lab at Auburn and now Memphis. He emphasized the importance of inventory accuracy in omnichannel retail, noting that only 17% of retailers display in-store quantities online. He highlighted that 74% of consumers research products online before buying in-store, underscoring the need for accurate inventory data. Hardgrave stressed the evolution from traditional retail to omnichannel, where customers demand seamless experiences across channels, and poor inventory accuracy can lead to lost sales and customer dissatisfaction.

The discussion focused on innovative inventory management solutions, including computer vision, RFID, and algorithmic approaches, to improve on-shelf availability (OSA) for retailers. Key points included the importance of accurate inventory tracking, with on-hand accuracy often around 50-60%. RFID's expansion across retail, manufacturing, and healthcare was highlighted, emphasizing its role in meeting FSMA 204 requirements. The conversation also covered the challenges of managing new product introductions and promotions, and the need for collaboration among retailers, CPGs, and technology providers to enhance OSA and meet customer expectations.

Mike Graen moderated a panel discussion on retail on-shelf availability, featuring solutions from bops, Pensa Systems, Badger Technologies, and Zebra Technologies. Jorge Risquez from bops highlighted their algorithmic approach to detecting and addressing out-of-stocks. Pinar Kaprali from Pensa Systems discussed their computer vision and AI technology for in-store inventory digitization. Jamie Woods from Badger Technologies presented their autonomous robots for shelf scanning and risk mitigation. Eric Garland from Zebra Technologies emphasized RFID's role in providing accurate inventory visibility and loss prevention. The panel underscored the importance of timely, accurate inventory data for retail success.

Mike Graen and Jonathan Gregory discussed the challenges and opportunities in RFID technology. They highlighted the importance of accurate tire DOT number tracking and proposed RFID tags with extended attributes to streamline data entry. They addressed the potential impact of the FCC's consideration to reallocate the 902-928 MHz frequency band, which could degrade RFID performance. They also discussed the EPCIS standard's role in sharing serialized data across supply chains, emphasizing its use in pharmaceutical and food industries. Finally, they explored the future of RFID in consumer devices, such as mobile phones, for enhanced inventory tracking and authentication.

Mike Green and Jonathan Gregory discussed the emerging use cases for RFID in retail, particularly in food. Jonathan highlighted the significant waste in the food industry, citing a UN report estimating 363 million tons of food waste annually. RFID's role in improving inventory management, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance was emphasized. The conversation covered the benefits of RFID tags with embedded attributes like expiration dates and batch lots, which can enhance efficiency and reduce waste. They also discussed the integration of RFID with QR codes for better consumer engagement and supply chain visibility. The potential for RFID in perishable goods and the need for standardized data encoding were also noted.

The discussion focused on the challenges and solutions in the retail supply chain using EPCIS and serialized data. Key issues include claims, counterfeit products, and shrinkage. EPCIS, a standard for visibility systems, helps track and verify product shipments using RFID tags and barcodes. The conversation highlighted the importance of data integrity and the potential of blockchain and APIs for data exchange. Examples included Hanes and Walmart using serialized data to refute claims and improve inventory management. Resources from GS1 were recommended for further guidance on implementing these standards. The future of 2D barcodes and RFID integration was also discussed.

Gena Morgan, Vice President of Standards at GS1 US, discussed the evolution and future of barcodes, emphasizing the transition from 1D to 2D barcodes by 2027. She highlighted the benefits of 2D barcodes, which can carry more data, including serial numbers and expiration dates, enhancing inventory management and consumer engagement. Morgan explained that GS1 Digital Link standard transforms barcodes into web-resolvable identifiers, linking products to detailed information. She noted ongoing lab tests and small-scale pilots, with real-world implementations expected by next year. Morgan encouraged retailers and brands to start planning now to leverage these advancements

Justin Patton continues his discussion with Mike Graen and explores topics including the evolution and benefits of RFID technology in various industries, emphasizing its role in improving inventory accuracy and management. He highlights the importance of focusing on data handling and cleaning rather than just tag and reader performance.

Patton also mentions the potential of RFID in space operations and the need for standards in this emerging field. He addressed the challenges of inventory accuracy in retail, stressing the importance of serialized inventory and the need for retailers to adapt to this strategy. Patton announces the Auburn RFID Lab's expansion to a new 100,000 sq. ft. facility and plans for major events in 2025, including a supplier summit and a board meeting.

Justin Patton, Director of Auburn University's RFID lab, sat down with host Mike Graan and discussed the evolution and future of RFID technology in retail and other industries. He emphasized the importance of proper item setup, technology readiness, and execution for accurate inventory management.

Patton highlighted the challenges in achieving serialized inventory and the need for multi-sensor systems. He mentioned initiatives like the chip and integration pilot and the executive committee involving Walmart, Delta Airlines, UPS, and McDonald's to drive technology adoption and knowledge sharing across verticals. Patton also stressed the importance of open standards and the need for mature technology solutions to improve supply chain visibility and efficiency.