Omron Tags Wal-Mart Suppliers For RFID

"Omron Corp., a $5.5 billion Japanese manufacturer of automation and sensing products, is investing $20 million during 2005 and 2006 to seize a larger share of the global market for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The company is focusing on RFID label inlay and reader products for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. suppliers, specifically in the United States. Wal-Mart has already mandated that its largest 100 suppliers ship RFID-equipped goods. The company's next-largest 200 suppliers are required to comply in 2006. Wal-Mart is not the only retailer in the United States requiring suppliers to put RFID tags on goods being shipped to distribution centers. Best Buy Inc., Target Corp., and Albertson's Inc., as well as pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods companies, and the U.S. Department of Defense, have all established RFID mandates for suppliers. Omron is preparing to go up against companies such as Sun Microsystems, which released last month an RFID Industry Solution for Drug Authentication package for tracking the shipment and pedigree of pharmaceuticals." Source: informationweek.com