EXEL JOINS EPCglobal TO PARTICIPATE IN RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT

Exel, the global leader in supply chain management, today announced it has joined EPCglobal, a not-for-profit joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council.

EPCglobal is an organization that is controlling, developing and promoting RFID standards for the supply chain. Specifically, the group is a venture comprising major technology vendors, manufacturers and retailers that are working together to establish standards for the implementation and interoperability of RFID technologies.
"We are committed to understanding RFID's impact on the supply chain in order to generate better support and solutions for our customers," said Bill Meahl, Exel's Chief Executive, Contract Logistics, Americas. "We believe that driving toward global standards in RFID will facilitate efficiency and connectivity in the solutions our customers seek in a supply chain partner such as Exel."

A primary focus area for Exel within EPCglobal is to determine how the data extracted by this technology can best deliver value through real-time product visibility, enhanced demand planning, reduced inventory and improved stock filling rates, among other supply chain improvements. Through this effort, Exel expects to assist its customers in creating additional cost savings and increased service levels.
"In an attempt to bring value to our customers, we are investing time and resources in RFID testing," Meahl added. "As a result, we can bring our customers closer to the technology experimentation so that when standards are confirmed we are already positioned to move forward."

Exel's EPCglobal membership includes participation in regular meetings, access to other members and published research.

"The full benefits of RFID will only be achieved if end users adopt a common approach and this requires collaboration across industry sectors," said Steve Coussins, Chief Executive of e.centre. "EPCglobal is presenting a unique opportunity, which is seeing the development of global standards being driven by the end users, for the good of all. We welcome new subscribers and encourage active participation in order to shape the future of what promises to be a technology that will revolutionize supply chains."