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IBM teams with METRO to implement RFID technology
31 Jan '08
4 min read
Employees are using the system to find articles that shoppers are looking for and to monitor stock to ensure that popular items are always available. The store also features devices in the store's fitting rooms which recognize the tagged garments and display customer information such as price, fabric and care instructions.
A team of experts from IBM Global Business Services designed the system's software architecture and conducted an in-depth analysis of how to best execute the project. IBM also developed Galeria Kaufhof's Store Information System, which provides real-time information on inventory based on readouts of RFID tags. The system puts comprehensive reports on business-related performance indicators into the hands of store employees and managers.
The Galeria Kaufhof project is one of the first to use the EPCglobal architecture framework, which sets communication standards between hardware and software components while also defining data interfaces. Galeria Kaufhof can use the captured data to make better informed decisions on products it will sell in the future.
"Using RFID and Information on Demand software from IBM, METRO Group has enhanced the efficiency of its operations," said Martin Wildberger, vice president, RFID solutions, IBM. "With this project, METRO Group has proven that RFID technology is mature and reliable for use across a chain of retail stores at a reasonable cost, and with minimal effort for suppliers."
METRO Group began its move toward RFID in 2003 when it opened its "Future Store." In 2004, a first RFID pilot was run in 20 wholesale outlets. When the results proved the technology was reliable and easy to use, the company decided in 2007 to extend its use of RFID to all its Cash & Carry and Real stores.
A team of experts from IBM Global Business Services designed the system's software architecture and conducted an in-depth analysis of how to best execute the project. IBM also developed Galeria Kaufhof's Store Information System, which provides real-time information on inventory based on readouts of RFID tags. The system puts comprehensive reports on business-related performance indicators into the hands of store employees and managers.
The Galeria Kaufhof project is one of the first to use the EPCglobal architecture framework, which sets communication standards between hardware and software components while also defining data interfaces. Galeria Kaufhof can use the captured data to make better informed decisions on products it will sell in the future.
"Using RFID and Information on Demand software from IBM, METRO Group has enhanced the efficiency of its operations," said Martin Wildberger, vice president, RFID solutions, IBM. "With this project, METRO Group has proven that RFID technology is mature and reliable for use across a chain of retail stores at a reasonable cost, and with minimal effort for suppliers."
METRO Group began its move toward RFID in 2003 when it opened its "Future Store." In 2004, a first RFID pilot was run in 20 wholesale outlets. When the results proved the technology was reliable and easy to use, the company decided in 2007 to extend its use of RFID to all its Cash & Carry and Real stores.
IBM Corporation
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