The testing and piloting of RFID technology applications by leading European retailers, with particular emphasis on the supply chain environment, is now at 35% and set to reach 89% by 2006, according to the second Printronix study into RFID adoption among European retailers.

     One year after the first such study, Printronix again commissioned independent market research firm Vanson Bourne to investigate the use of RFID among leading retailers in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. This year''s research also coincides with the launch of the company''s new SmartLine product range which includes an RFID printer for Europe and a thermal printer that is RFID-upgradeable. 116.30.147.133 This article is copyright 2004 UsingRFID.com.

     The research revealed a strong uptake of RFID technology over the past twelve months, with 35% of European retailers now experimenting with RFID in their supply chain. The trend of adoption is also set to continue, with nearly half of all retailers planning to conduct an RFID pilot in the next six months and 89% planning to use RFID to some degree by 2006.

     However, barriers still persist. The research found that, despite the recent encouraging RFID uptake, there remain a number of barriers to widespread adoption with one third of retailers having concerns about the cost of implementing the technology, and 30% lacking a firm knowledge of it.

     In its attempts to address this problem, Printronix has formed partnerships with RFID integrators to help educate retailers and increase their understanding of the technology - and how best to implement it. Printronix now has many partners worldwide, with the most recent addition being Oracle Corporation.

     The research also revealed that there is no dominant standard and that retailers are pursuing different directions that suit their needs best. According to Printronix, this technological diversity places an emphasis on partnering with integrators that understand the retailer''s needs and can implement the most effective and appropriate solution.

     "The research shows that European retailers are hungry for RFID and that uptake is in line with our predictions from a year ago," commented Anne Sharp, EMEA marketing communications manager for Printronix. "But there are still obstacles to overcome. The confusion over protocols and frequencies must be addressed by working closely with specialist integrators. Overall, the industry must continue building a general understanding of RFID and how it can be implemented."

 

 

 

                                                                                                                  Extract From Using RFID