Impinj and German retailer Metro Group have announced that they will jointly develop a comprehensive UHF Generation 2 item-level RFID technology solution for tagging high value garments and accessories.

     Impinj - itself a member of the METRO Group Future Store Initiative - will work with Metro to use its existing GrandPrix UHF RFID system to provide real-time visibility into Metro''s retail garment operations. 116.30.192.184 This article is copyright 2007 UsingRFID.com.

Platform basis
     The platform comprises Impinj''s UHF Gen 2 Speedway readers with application-specific near-field antennas and item-level tags powered by Impinj''s Monza UHF Gen 2 silicon chips.

     "Metro recognises the importance of adopting a single, global RFID standard for tagging pallets, cases, and items, and we anticipate a significant return on investment for tagging high-value garments," said Dr Gerd Wolfram, Managing Director, MGI METRO Group Information Technology. "Given Impinj''s pioneering work in developing UHF Gen 2 RFID solutions, particularly for item-level tagging, and given Metro''s role in adopting RFID to improve and streamline retail operations, it is natural that we work together to develop a UHF RFID solution for tagging garments."

Looking for the ROI
     According to Chris Diorio, chairman and CTO for Impinj, item-level tagging has the potential to significantly improve the retailer''s operations by providing immediate visibility into the location and status of each and every garment. In this retail setting, as in all other applications for item-level tagging, Impinj and Metro are also to focus significant attention on the ROI of the project.

     Already deployed in distribution centres and retail stores worldwide, Impinj''s GrandPrix solution addresses the most important deployment criteria for supply chain and item-level environments: high inventory reliability.

     Impinj''s Speedway reader and Monza chips carry EPCglobal''s Gen 2 Conformance Certification and Interoperability Certification marks, ensuring conformance to and interoperability with worldwide RFID standards. The Speedway reader, certified for operation in Europe under the rules of the European Telecommunications Standard Institute (ETSI), also carries the CE mark, indicating its compliance with all relevant health, safety and environmental regulations in Europe, and also complies with the EU''s Reduction of Hazardous Substances guidelines.

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