RFID@NEC to encourage SMEs

31 Jan '08

4 min read

Already, we have examples of enterprises and even SMEs adopting RFID to grow market share. MediaCart Asia, a local retail marketing company, will invest S$2.5 million into developing RFID-enabled shopping carts that will enable retailers to better understand consumer buying behaviour and reach out to their customers more effectively through real-time in-store advertising and promotions.

The project is supported by SPRING's Technology Innovation Programme, and A*STAR's Exploit Technologies, Institute of Microelectronics, SIMTECH and National RFID Centre.

RFID@NEC:
Today, I am pleased to launch a new platform that supports RFID innovation in enterprises. RFID@NEC Competency Centre is a collaboration between Republic Polytechnic and NEC Asia, leveraging on Republic Polytechnic's strengths in supply chain management and electronic design, and NEC's expertise in system integration and electronic hardware.

This centre plays an important role in encouraging companies to adopt RFID. While technologists and 'converted' users know the benefits of this technology, it is still a challenge to convince enterprises, especially our SMEs, that they will get a reasonable payback from the investment in RFID.

And this is where RFID@NEC comes in. It is a test-bedding facility which allows enterprises to explore the feasibility of adopting RFID. Companies need to invest significantly in RFID only after a workable, money-saving solution is successfully tested.

Aussino, a retailer for home fashion products, was amongst the first few companies to tap on this Centre. The company worked with RP and NEC to develop a prototype system to test RFID-enabled Inventory Management System for retail industry.

In phase one, RP and NEC have developed a web-based inventory management system incorporating an RFID network and linked it with the company's warehouse.

Next, Aussino is keen to extend the feasibility study of RFID-enabled inventory System to manufacturer and retail level. This is a good example of using RFID technologies to improve operational efficiency for businesses.

To encourage SMEs to tap on this new platform, SPRING's Technology Innovation Programme will provide funding support for projects jointly undertaken by the RFID@NEC Competency Centre and SMEs. In a couple of years, we hope to have more success stories.

SPRING Singapore

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