Recent internal analysis of our ongoing efforts, along with the launch of EPCglobal Generation 2 tags, reinforces the value of this technology for Wal-Mart, our suppliers and ultimately our customers, said executive vice president and chief information officer Rollin Ford.
Mr Ford noted that all Wal-Mart installations moving forward would only read Generation 2 tags. As the remaining pallets and cases with Generation 1 tags make their way through the distribution network, the retailer will convert all of its systems to only read the more recent version.
Wal-Mart continues to work with its next 300 largest suppliers, which are expected to begin shipping test cases in October. These suppliers will go live with their shipments in January 2007, bringing to more than 600 the number of supplier companies using RFID technology in concert with Wal-Mart.
