Response from: Chris Kapsambelis

Lynne: I hope the rest of Thom's book is more real than the examples you describe about Wal-Mart and UPS. UPS is still studying the use of RFID. In 2005, when Thom's book was published, Wal-Mart was just going live with the initial pilot that involved less than 100 of their top vendors. There is no way that Thom could have observed the operation if either behemoth. More than likely he just repeated the rose colored hype that was running rampant in that time frame. Wal-Mart and its vendors are still trying to cost justify the use of RFID.

Response from: Anita Campbell

Well Lynne, don't be too quick to assume that Friedman bought into hype. I have the book and Friedman clearly outlines that Wal-Mart was in the early stages of working with 100 customers. He mentioned the technology on perhaps 2 or 3 pages, in a matter-of-fact way.

The hyping which is well-explained by the Gartner Hype Cycle, has to do with the speed and ease of implementation -- it's neither easy nor fast, but as with most emerging technologies, initial reports made it sound as if it would be. I still believe in the eventual promise of RFID -- it's just now we know it will take longer to get there. To me it's not a question of "if" companies are going to use RFID in their supply chains, it's a question of when.

Anita

Response from: Chris Kapsambelis

Well Anita, Spoken like a true believer. Not all Technologies that enter the Hype Cycle emerge and surpass the initial hype. Of those that failed, three that come to mind: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Voice Recognition. I believe that UHF Passive RFID is destined to join them.

Response from: Lynne

Thanks, Anita. I can't help but think about job losses if/when RFID really takes off. With so many rapid changes, constant upgrading of skills is the only way to survive. We Baby Boomers and younger college grads typically take these things in stride and adapt. However, idividuals without that degree may initially take in on the chin. While they may have educational options available to them, it has to be intimidating if they haven't upgraded their knowledge/skills in years. 'Twas always thus.

Response from: Anita Campbell

Hi Chris, yes, I make no apologies: I am a true believer.

As always, I deeply appreciate your comments. You have been a loyal reader and guest contributor, and you have opened my eyes to new ways of looking at RFID. I feel you have contributed to my understanding of this technology a great deal and made me look at it in a more realistic way. You have influenced my thinking more than our opposite positions may suggest.

Best,
Anita