Conference Agenda
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November 4, 2008 November 5, 2008 November 6, 2008
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EPC Europe Conference
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Manufacturing/Operations •
Supply Chain/Inventory Management • Retail
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November 4, 2008
09:00 | |
12:00 | Preconference seminars open/working lunch Working Lunch: RFID Basics Speaker:Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal LLC |
13:15 | Preconference seminars continue in breakout rooms |
17:00 | Preconference Seminars End |
November 5, 2008
08:00 | Coffee Break |
08:30 | Welcome and Introduction |
09:15 | Opening Keynote: Metro Group is a leading user of EPC RFID in European retailing. In this presentation, Dr. Gerd Wolfram, managing director of MGI Metro Group Information Technology, will focus on multiple application cases for RFID in today's retail value chain. The insights offered will cover lessons learned from Metro Group's operative RFID deployment in logistics, as well as its pilot projects in warehouse management, apparel item-level tagging and quality control for fresh food products. Speaker:Gerd Wolfram, Managing Director, METRO Group |
10:00 | General Session: The BRIDGE program is a three-year, EU-funded integrated research project exploring ways to resolve the barriers to adoption of RFID and EPCglobal technologies in Europe. End users and solution providers have launched projects in the areas of anti-counterfeiting, textiles, pharmaceuticals, reusable assets, manufacturing and retail. In this session, Nestlé will present initial results of the implementation of EPC RFID in a production environment. The project's goal is to improve product quality, traceability and labor productivity, and to reduce waste. Speakers:Henri Barthel, Director Global Partnerships and Projects, GS1 |
10:45 | General Session: The Mojix STAR system, unveiled in April 2008 at RFID Journal LIVE!, has created excitement worldwide for its technological breakthroughs in passive RFID read range, distributed architecture and new capabilities for location and security. Mojix will showcase the system for the European market, demonstrating how new solutions and markets are being enabled by the system's economics and functionality, offering new possibilities for large-scale RFID deployments, as well as the application of EPC RFID to RTLS and markets previously thought unsuitable for passive RFID. Speakers:Roelof Koopmans, Managing Director, Mojix |
11:15 | General Session: RFID based on EPCglobal standards delivers value in numerous applications and industries across Europe. This session will explain the key hardware and software standards that have been created, and explore how companies are employing them to cut costs and boost sales. GS1 will also share its plans and activities on how to further drive adoption of EPC RFID in Europe. Speakers:Chris Adcock, President, EPCglobal Inc |
12:00 | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall |
| 14:45—Breakout Session | |
Honda has deployed an RFID system at its plant in Atessa, Italy, to monitor the traceability of critical components, work-in-process and inventory replenishment. By replacing its paper-based component tracking system with an RFID solution, the motorcycle manufacturer has reduced errors and improved production efficiency. Learn how the new solution was deployed, and how it improves Honda’s ability to quickly order new materials when inventory levels are low. Speaker:Angelo Coletta, RFID Project Leader, Parts Supply & Warehouse Manager, Honda Italia Takeaways:• How RFID can be utilized to improve parts replenishment and improve production | |
Earlier this year, TNT Express began the first phase of a project to automate the management and increase the visibility of roll cages used to house and transport high-value goods within and among various depots across Europe. The deployment uses Wi-Fi-based active RFID tags over a wireless infrastructure. Hear the early results of phase 1 and find out if the project eliminates the need for manual scanning of cages, improves efficiencies when managing cage resources among depots, and reduces the need for expensive replacement cages. Speaker:Sybren Tuinstra, Global Manager, Strategic Innovations, TNT Express Takeaways:• How to use active RFID tags to track and control inventory | |
At one upscale store in the Middle East, parents can drop off their kids at an indoor playground when they go shopping. Thanks to an RFID-based tracking system, the parents can then view their children’s locations in real time, at kiosks located throughout the Baroue superstore. This gives them more time to shop, which increases sales. Learn how the system was designed and implemented and what the implications are for other retailers. Speaker:Sami Ahmed, Director of Information Technology, Baroue Takeaways:• The benefits of providing an RFID-enabled child-care system in stores | |
15:25 | Movement from room to room |
| 15:35—Sponsored Sessions | |
15:35 | Global RFID Supply Chain—From Source to POS Learn how a top European retailer made the move from source tagging to source management. What were the key benefits in warehouse operation? How was inventory visibility managed on the shop floor? How did the company define KPI, and what were its results? Speaker:Torsten Strauch, European Sales Director of RFID, Checkpoint Systems |
Using RFID to Drive Business Value New technologies often enable early adopters to gain competitive advantage and drive shareholder value. Leading companies across Europe are gaining that advantage today by RFID to cut costs, improve customer service, enhance efficiencies and in some cases boost sales. This session will focus on how and where early adopters are deploying RFID to achieve real business value and why now is the time for fast followers to adopt proven applications. Moderator:Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal LLC Panelist:Ralf Sander, Senior Area Sales Director, Motorola | |
Security in Motion—Taking RFID Beyond Its Borders There is the mighty RFID, and then there is global, real-time GPS…One is very effective within restricted areas, while the other has the power to track anything globally and continuously. What happens if we integrate the two seamlessly? Effective management of goods in transit leads to exceptional customer service, optimized safety of operations and increased profitability. "Utopia?" Certainly not! Speaker:Gail Onat, Director of Global Marketing and Business Development, EarthSearch Communications International, Inc. | |
16:15 | Movement from room to room |
| 16:25—Breakout Session | |
ThyssenKrupp Steel, a major German steel producer, and Accenture, the international consulting and outsourcing firm, are leading an initiative to align steel industry players around a common effort to use RFID to help steel makers and customers streamline business processes, harness automation more extensively and reduce costs. Learn where RFID can provide real benefits to the steel industry and how to overcome problems reading tags on metal. Speaker:Loďc Feinbier, Head of Competence Center RFID, ThyssenKrupp Steel AG Takeaways:• The benefits RFID can deliver to all players in the steel industry | |
Nortura, a Norwegian meat producer, is taking advantage of RFID’s ability to provide detailed product information, as well as increased visibility and efficiency. At the farm, young animals are tagged for identification and classification. At the production site, RFID tags identify the age and origin of specific animals. And on the cutting line, meat parts are identified according to their type, weight and nutritional characteristics. Learn how the system was designed and deployed and where the benefits are being achieved. Speaker:Geir Vevle, IT Architect, RFID & Industrial IT, Nortura BA Takeaways:• The benefits of tracking food products from farm to customer | |
The RFID Research Center at the University of Arkansas has been charged with evaluating the benefits of using RFID at the item level to track apparel, footwear, accessories and other high-end items. The center has been testing the ability to read tags consistently and how RFID data can be used to drive business benefits. Learn the results of this groundbreaking study and what it means for retailers around the globe. Speaker:Bill Hardgrave, Director, RFID Research Center, University of Arkansas Takeaways:• The benefits of tracking the temperature of products within a store | |
17:05 | Day 1 conference program concludes |
Manufacturing/Operations:November 6, 2008
08:00 | Coffee Break |
08:30 | Opening Keynote: DHL is tagging more than 1.3 million food pallets used for delivery to all 89 Metro Cash & Carry self-service wholesale stores in France. The company is equipping its five distribution centers with RFID systems. The pallet tags will be read as the pallets are loaded onto delivery trucks, and again when they are received at the retail stores. The data collected will be compared to the previously sent order and shipment information to verify delivery accuracy. In this session, hear how DHL is working with its retail partner to employ RFID to delivery to process and facilitate the collection of shipment data, as well as to provide managers with a better understanding of shipment flow and how to avoid delays. Speaker:Andreas Kruse, Division Manager, DHL Innovation Center |
09:15 | Opening Keynote: Airbus has taken an intelligent enterprise approach to RFID. In this session, learn what progress the company has made in the past year, where the technology is delivering value and how Airbus is employing RFID to help streamline business processes and reduce the cost of operations for all partners in the value chain. Hear how the company's integrated, company-wide approach has led it to adopt both active and passive RFID technologies, and how RFID is being applied to both ground-based and in-service processes. Speaker:Paul-Antoine Calandreau, Flyable RFID project leader, Airbus Resource Planning - OCR, Airbus |
10:00 | Refreshment break in Exhibit Hall |
| 11:15—Breakout Session | |
With the threat of terrorism and rising energy prices, securing potentially dangerous products has become a priority for many companies. Emco Wheaton, a U.K.-based manufacturer of petroleum tank truck equipment, has introduced an RFID security solution for liquid petroleum and fuel oil road tankers that also facilitates real-time tracking from terminal to delivery point. Hear how RFID can be employed to track, monitor and secure high-value cargo and hazardous materials. Speaker:Graeme Murphy, Managing Director, Emco Wheaton SBU Takeaways:• Best practices for using RFID to secure delivery of liquid petroleum, fuel oil, and other hazardous materials | |
CHEP has been working with auto parts suppliers to tag more than 150,000 large automotive containers. An RFID reader infrastructure has been deployed in eight countries across Europe. The system should deliver an ROI for CHEP based on more effective materials management, but the project is also expected to deliver additional benefits to all companies in the automotive supply chain. In this session, learn the business case for the project, the technology used, how the project is managed and the benefits being realized. Speaker:Floris Kleijn, Director RFID as a Service EMEA, CHEP Takeaways:• The benefits of tracking parts bins across the supply chain | |
The ITC Lifestyle Retailing Division of ITC, a major Indian retailer, has introduced one of the largest item-level RFID deployments to date. The RFID system has shortened the time it takes to receive one carton (holding 30 garments) into inventory from 5 to 8 minutes to 25 seconds. It has also reduced the time and labor required to dispatch merchandise to the store, reduced shipping errors, lowered time to market by 10 to 15 days, and contributed to the bottom line.
Speaker:OP Bansal, Divisional CIO, ITC Takeaways:• The benefits of tracking unique items with RFID | |
11:55 | Movement from room to room |
12:00 | Sponsored Breakout Sessions |
12:40 | Lunch in the Exhibit Hall |
| 14:30—Breakout Session | |
Preventing workplace injuries and minimizing health hazards are top priorities for construction companies. U.K. construction firm Carillion is using RFID to gauge the safety of employees at risk for overexposure to heavily vibrating equipment. Researchers at Lancaster University are halfway through a four-year pilot that examines both the technical and psychological aspects of tracking an individual’s exposure to vibration. Hear the results of this groundbreaking study. Speaker:Dr. Gerd Kortuem, Senior Lecturer, Computing Department and Program Director, MSc on E-Business and Innovation, Lancaster University, Computing Department, Infolab 21 Takeaways:• The benefits of using RFID with built-in sensors to measure vibration in tools, as well as how long each tool is in use | |
JOKE, an owner-managed, full-service agency for live communications, rents event interior furnishings and multimedia equipment. The firm recently began employing radio frequency identification to track its rental equipment and streamline its business processes. Learn how RFID can cut costs associated with tracking rental equipment, as well as simplify billing and improve the way rental companies do business.
Speaker:Christian Seidenstuecker, CEO, JOKE Event AG Takeaways:• An understanding of the technical challenges of tagging various types of rental equipment | |
At its newest location, European retailer Byblos is applying EPC Gen 2 tags to 250,000 books, games and videos to help customers locate and learn about their products, and to provide inventory and security applications. Learn how the tags are applied, where they are read and why the system is cost-effective and will deliver a return on investment. Speaker:Rui Gaspar, COO, Byblos Takeaways:• The benefits of tracking books, video tapes and other items at the item level | |
15:10 | Movement from room to room |
| 15:15—Breakout Session | |
AGC Flat Glass Europe, a maker of coated, laminated, and patterned glass, has introduced RFID on a packing line, enabling it to work in an almost fully automated environment. The system has increased worker safety, eliminating waiting times for trucks, and assured the complete traceability of glass entering or leaving the packing area. Learn how the system was designed and installed, and how it is delivering a return on investment today. Speaker:Eric Deneye, IT Program Leader, AGC Flat Glass Europe Takeaways:• The benefits of using RFID to automate shipping | |
Euro Pool System, a provider of reusable transport items (RTIs) used primarily for fruit, vegetables and other fresh products, is implementing a passive UHF RFID system to help improve its overall logistics and inventory processes. Unlike other warehouse applications, RTI pools do not have redundant control mechanisms. With only one chance to count complete pallets, Euro Pool must rely on the count of the RFID reading. The company will explain the pros and cons of using RFID to track RTIs and share what it has learned. Speaker:Mark Roelofs, Manager Engineering & Development, Euro Pool System International B.V. Takeaways:• How to streamline overall logistics by using an RFID system designed to work specifically on distribution centers. | |
The Karstadt Warenhaus chain of premier German department stores has successfully deployed an item-level RFID system for apparel inventory management. At its 30,000-square-meter (323,000-square-foot) Düsseldorf store, small RFID tags were successfully attached to 50,000 men’s jeans, sweaters and shirts from six suppliers at its hub. Learn how store management can determine, in real time, where each apparel item is located, and which styles and sizes are selling best. Speaker:Helmut Weinekötter, Director of Processes and Logistics, Karstadt Warenhaus Takeaways:• How to employ RFID to improve overall store efficiency while enhancing the customer experience through complete stock visibility • How to track individual clothing items from receiving to the point of sale, and how to ensure customer privacy | |
15:55 | Movement from room to room |
| 16:00—Breakout Session | |
RFID can be used in almost any industry to trace material through the supply chain to improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge. But harsh environment conditions or production processes that feature heavy vibrations or shocks create challenges for manufacturing companies that need inexpensive and durable tags. This session showcases the results of the Indisputable Key project, a 12 million euro project in which 29 partners from Estonia, Finland, France, Norway and Sweden developed a complete system for using RFID to enable companies to trace boards, planks, window frames and other products back to their original logs and to analyze the actual environmental performance of their supply chain. | |
Finnish log house manufacturer Honkarakenne has deployed an RFID system to track individual logs and ensure they get to the right place at the right time. The company applies more than 2,000 EPC Gen 2 ultra-high frequency tags each day to logs after they are cut. The tags communicate instructions to readers along the production line, which activate automated equipment as necessary. Learn how applying RFID tags to production material allows manufacturers of all types to increase speed and efficiency. Speaker:Reijo Virtanen, Vice President of Production, Honkarakenne Oyj | |
RFID has the potential to impact every phase of the fashion industry’s supply chain, from fiber-making at the factory to the point of sale. FashionGroup RFID is a new consortium focused on the RFID activities of European clothing manufacturers and fashion dealers. Hear how its members are using the latest RFID technology to expedite payment, improve product availability, simplify the location of clothing and help save time when consumers are shopping. Speaker:Andreas Schneider, Managing Partner, GCS Consulting and Founder, fashionGroup RFID Takeaways:• The advantages RFID technology offers manufacturers | |
16:40 | Conference Adjourns |
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RFID Journal LIVE! Europe 2008 is produced by RFID Journal, the World's RFID Authority.
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