Marks & Spencer expands RFID trials

Marks & Spencer has confirmed that it will expand its Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) trial to 53 stores starting in the spring of 2006.
In the first phase of the M&S project, the RFID chips were contained within throwaway paper labels. In the next phase, the RFID chips will be integrated into the existing paper barcode label which details the size and cost of the item, and will have the words 'Intelligent Label for stock control use' clearly marked on it. M&S is trialling RFID scanners that can operate at a distance of up to approximately 0.7m.
The RFID project will test the ability of Marks & Spencer to check stock deliveries, and count stock more quickly in stores and depots. The scanned information is transmitted to the central stock database where an automatic comparison with the stock profile for the store triggers a replenishment order. The levels of product availability and sales in these stores will be compared with those in a statistically correlated group of stores.
Paxar EMEA is the exclusive RFID label supplier. A company spokesperson commented: ‘Through Paxar’s strong business relationships with chip and antenna manufacturers, we have been able to develop an antenna for the trial that ensures the finished tag is tuned to the correct reader frequency. In instances where this hasn’t been done, the antenna runs the high risk of detuning as a result of lamination, which accordingly reduces the read-range performance of the finished label.’