RFID creeps into retail

Radio frequency identification (RFID) was an overhyped technology. Eventually Wal-Mart and the US government stopped bullying their suppliers over its use. Wal-Mart dropped their mandate earlier this year, and a federal court overturned government`s edict, reports InTech.

The Wall Street Journal reported despite its initial promise to revolutionise the supply chain, RFID technology never took off in line with the wild projections made by many analysts and venture capitalists.

However, the technology has begun to make a slow resurgence, with wireless devices that track the physical location of assets, such as expensive manufacturing equipment or hospital beds, within a company or hospital.

Handleman Company, an innovator and distributor of home entertainment products to major retailers, will demonstrate how the use of RFID can solve the last 100 feet from the retailers` back room to its` store shelf. This is critical for the success of product promotions, new product launches and store merchandising, says CNN Money.

In 2005, Handleman acquired REPS, a supplier of in-store merchandising services to over 70 000 retail outlets in the US.

REPS worked with the supplier to make sure each display was moved from the retailers` back room to the proper store location, and was available to consumers at the proper time.

Alpha Retail, a developer of retail enterprise management solutions, announced today the achievement of Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, states Ad-Hoc-News.

Demonstrating proficiency with Microsoft technologies, Alpha Retail is recognised for its expertise and development in the technology industry.

In attaining Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, Alpha Retail reaffirms its ability to consistently produce industry-leading retail solutions using Microsoft platforms.