EPCglobal Inc initiates RFID pilot project to enable sea container visibility between Hong Kong and Japan
EPCglobal, the not-for-profit standards organization dedicated to driving global adoption of the Electronic Product Code for supply chain excellence, today announced that the Transportation and Logistics (TLS) Industry Action Group has initiated a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) pilot program. The Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan is an active participant in the TLS Action Group and is providing extensive support for this important pilot.
The first phase of the pilot, which is planned to be completed in February 2007, will assess the use of both passive and active UHF EPC/RFID tags for sea-shipment of cartons and containers between Hong Kong and Japan. Associated data will also be exchanged through EPC Information Services (EPCIS). The Hong Kong EPC Network developed by GS1 Hong-Kong will be used to communicate with other EPCIS networks in Japan. A second phase, scheduled for completion in September 2007, will be handled between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
“This truly multi-industry, multi-stakeholder initiative is a significant step toward standardizing RFID data,” said Chris Adcock, president of EPCglobal Inc.
“We strongly recommend EPCglobal as a reliable RFID standard to secure and facilitate global trade,” said Tetsuya Hamabe, Director of Distribution and Logistics Policy Division of METI.
Goals of the first phase include:
— Demonstrating interoperability among multiple trading partners and service providers in a global supply chain
— Utilizing EPC Information Services (EPCIS)/RFID technology components and EPCglobal standards
— Enabling visibility at critical events across the supply chain
— Testing and developing requirements for Active RFID and integration with associated technology
— Identifying standards opportunities for transportation and logistics providers
— Creating an environment of open results and sharing best practices with the EPCglobal member community.
The second phase will reinforce the EPC Information Services dimension. Information will be exchanged between potential end users, such as customs administrations for automatic customs clearance.
Pilot participants include several hardware and software companies, government bodies, and global supply chain providers including DHL, Maersk, NYK, Schenker and Schneider National.
About EPCglobal Inc
EPCglobal Inc supports the global adoption of the Electronic Product Code as a global standard to enable accurate information and visibility about products in the supply chain. More information about EPCglobal Inc can be found at http://www.epcglobalinc.org
