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From Concept to Reality: EPCglobal Network to Make National Debut at Upcoming Fall Conference

The First LIVE Technology Demonstration Showcases the EPCglobal Network and Marks a Year of Significant Industry Progress in the Commercialization of the EPC


LAWRENCEVILLE, New Jersey – September 16, 2004 – EPCglobal USTM will present the first public demonstration of the EPCglobal NetworkTM, a transformational technology that will reshape the global supply chain, at the EPCglobal US Fall Conference 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. Scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 29, attendees will witness a live demonstration of key supply chain transactions between multiple global trading partners using the EPCglobal Network.

The demonstration will illustrate two scenarios for how the EPCglobal Network can be used to effectively solve common supply chain challenges, including:

  • Product authentication – how the EPCglobal Network allows companies to positively establish identity and change of custody of a product, ensuring that products arrive at the right destination.
  • New product launches – how trading partners can use the EPCglobal Network to determine how much product is located in a store's backroom and on the selling floor, enabling greater collaboration about where product may be needed for a new item launch.

A hands-on version of the demonstration will be available to conference attendees on the exhibit floor at specific times during the day.

EPCglobal US is an affiliate of EPCglobal Inc, a not-for-profit joint venture between the Uniform Code Council and EAN International. Established in 2003, EPCglobal and its subscriber community worldwide are developing and implementing global standards to commercialize EPC technology for use in the supply chain.

The EPCglobal Network harnesses the power of radio frequency identification (RFID) by using globally unique product numbers, the Electronic Product Code (EPC), to allow trading partners in many industries to connect with each other and securely manage important supply chain processes with a speed and accuracy not available until now. Businesses and consumers alike benefit from the use of this technology in the supply chain with fewer out-of-stock items, fresher produce and safer drugs, among others.

"Seeing the simplicity and power of the EPCglobal Network is key to understanding how companies will more efficiently use and share information about how items move through the supply chain," said Mike Meranda, president, EPCglobal US. "This demonstration, for the first time, will illustrate how the EPCglobal Network will allow trading partners to connect with each other and share information about goods in the supply chain more efficiently and securely using the unique functionality available only through the EPCglobal Network."

The live demonstration of the EPCglobal Network is one of several general session events at the EPCglobal US Fall Conference 2004 being held September 28-30 at the Baltimore Convention Center. More information on the conference can be found at www.EPCglobalUS.org.

Fall Conference Marks a Year of Industry Progress
The EPCglobal US Fall Conference 2004 marks a significant milestone as EPCglobal nears its one-year anniversary. Since the transfer of the research technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and the Auto-ID Center, EPCglobal and its subscriber community have been driving the creation, adoption and implementation of industry standards for EPC technology and the EPCglobal Network.

Accomplishments have included:

  • Development and ratification of first generation standards, EPCglobal Class 0 and EPCglobal Class 1 – September 2003
  • Creation of landmark intellectual property policy uniting the solution provider community – December 2003
  • Implementation of standards development process – January 2004
  • Formation of industry working groups to focus on specific hardware, software and business issues of subscribers – February 2004
  • Finalization and agreement on UHF Generation 2 specifications – May 2004
  • First EPCglobal US Healthcare Industry Summit on RFID – May 2004
  • Last call working draft of UHF Generation 2 specifications produced – June 2004
  • Interoperability tests results announced as first phase of Certification Program – September 2004
  • First proof-of-concept demonstration of the EPCglobal Network – September 2004

EPCglobal US Conference Overview
Key speakers and session events taking place at the upcoming EPCglobal US Conference include:

  • Industry Perspectives and Commitments – Senior executives from government agencies, aerospace, automotive, grocery and technology sectors will discuss their implementation strategies, business case models and the long-term vision of EPC technology. The session will be chaired by FORTUNE Magazine senior editor David Kirkpatrick
  • Financial Analyst Roundtable – Leading financial analysts will discuss what the development and deployment of EPC technology may mean to companies and the investment community. The panel will be moderated by Baltimore Sun business editor, Andrew Ratner.
  • The Future Supply Chain – Early adopters of EPC technology in the consumer packaged goods, retail, technology and government sectors will share their perspectives on the value of the EPCglobal Network. The panel will be hosted by CNBC's Ron Insana.
  • Industry-Specific Information – Educational tracks will provide information on what's happening within specific vertical markets and how to begin the pilot implementation process. Markets include: aerospace, apparel, automotive, hi-technology, pharmaceutical and retail. Vertical market sessions will be held throughout the conference led by a variety of industry figures, including Mark Roberti, founder and editor of RFID Journal.
  • Hands-on Learning Lab – A "Learning Lab" will offer attendees an opportunity to touch, see and learn about EPC technology in different supply chain scenarios. This area will provide information and hands-on experience with goods and services from more than 80 exhibiting solution providers.

Other tracks and sessions will provide the latest information on standards development progress, implementation hurdles, systems integration, public policy and other areas.

About EPCglobal Inc
EPCglobal Inc, a joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization entrusted by industry to establish and support the EPCglobal Network as the global standard for real-time, automatic identification of information in the supply chain of any company, anywhere in the world.

EPCglobal US is an affiliate of EPCglobal serving subscribers in the United States to help foster the adoption of the EPCglobal Network and related technology.

The EPCglobal Network combines Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, existing communications network infrastructure, and the Electronic Product CodeTM (a number for uniquely identifying an item) to enable accurate, cost-efficient visibility of information in the supply chain. The end result helps organizations be more efficient, flexible, and responsive to customer needs. For more information about EPCglobal or EPCglobal USTM, visit: www.EPCglobalINC.org or www.EPCglobalUS.org.