SA to get RFID test centre

By Warwick Ashford, ITWeb London correspondent

Johannesburg, 11 Oct 2006

EPCglobal SA has inaugurated a project to establish the first African RFID test centre at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), in collaboration with several local and overseas partners and partial funding from the National Research Foundation.

Once established, the centre will be one of eight around the world aimed at helping retailers and manufacturers gain working knowledge of RFID and EPCglobal standards in a virtual supply chain environment, explained project chairman Eon de Koker at last night`s inauguration.

He said the test centre would provide assurances for local users of RFID technology by ensuring equipment complies with EPCglobal standards, is interoperable with other equipment, and performs reliably in real-world conditions.

EPCglobal is a global industry network that promotes the implementation of uniform electronic product codes (EPCs) and RFID standards to promote visibility of goods across international supply chains.

Boosting stock control

"RFID implementation provides benefits in tracking products, packaging and assets throughout the supply chain, creating improved efficiencies and limiting shrinkage, while boosting stock control," says Fiona van der Linde, EPCglobal SA unit leader.

According to De Koker, other objectives of the test centre include promoting industry and academic collaboration, providing support to local innovation, and developing a local RFID knowledge and skills base.

TUT vice-chancellor Errol Tyobeka, welcomed the fact that the RFID test centre project included a significant element of skills development and transfer. He said this would help address the critical skills shortage and achieve the economic growth targets set by government.

Commenting on the TUT`s role in the project, deputy vice-chancellor Prins Nevhutalu said universities of technology were strategically placed to contribute significantly to innovation through applied research and direct interaction with industry.