Albertsons Launches RFID Technology Program

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons Inc. announced on Friday that it is launching a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) program and will be using the technology to improve efficiencies in consumer demand chain management. Currently the company is testing the technology with select partners at the case and pallet level, but it expects its top 100 suppliers to be participating in the program at the case and pallet level by April 2005.

"We are confident that RFID technology will further enhance our service to customers by improving consumer demand chain management," said Bob Dunst, e.v.p. and chief technology officer. "We'll be able to instantly locate products as they flow through our supply chain, making sure the right products are in the right place at the right time as we focus on making our customers' lives easier. In the months ahead, we will be deeply involved with EPCglobal as we introduce RFID and help drive the direction of this exciting new technology."

"The improvements we are making in our supply chain management system will enhance our operational efficiency," said Gabe Gabriel, e.v.p., merchandising and supply chain for Albertsons. "RFID is a cutting-edge tool that will give us a win-win advantage with both customers and suppliers."

Albertsons is a founding member and an active participant in the EPCglobal standardization process for retail consumer demand chain management. EPCglobal, a newly formed not-for-profit organization, will develop and oversee commercial and technical standards for the Electronic Product Code (EPC) Network.

Dicki Lulay, president of EPCglobal US, said Albertsons' participation is a strong indication of the technology's importance to businesses and consumers alike. "We applaud Albertsons' commitment to partnering with us in the development of an open and standards-based commercialization of the EPC Network and RFID technology," he said. "The company's participation in EPCglobal US is a strong indication of its support of EAN and the UCC in commercializing this technology to ultimately help other companies in multiple industries view their consumer demand chains in real time, saving time, money and speed to market."