by Parthajit

Jan 25,2007_Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ), NTT Comware, Oracle Japan and Verisign Japan will form the Japan Application Consortium (JAC) to construct an RFID system based on a jointly developed standard for use in the international logistics pilot programme that is being conducted by EPCglobal, the international RFID standards group, in January 2007.

IIJ noted the demand for advanced systems and supply-chain visibility in the logistics industry is growing, as is the demand for an international standard to facilitate the use, expansion and spread of RFID. To this end, several logistic service providers and EPCglobal established the Transportation and Logistics Services Industry Action Group in November 2005. This year, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry extended its support, and the international logistics RFID pilot programme was launched, with the first phase involving a test from Hong Kong to Japan expected to take place in February 2007, and the second phase involving a test from Shanghai to Los Angeles possibly to be conducted in October 2007.

Potential participants in the first phase include international logistics service providers, DHL, Maersk, NYK, Schenker and Schneider. The first phase test is scheduled to include interoperability over the RFID system. This pilot is intended to test the suitability of the RFID specification to the demands of businesses in the field, and to bring any operational problems to light so that they can be resolved.

The results of this pilot programme are expected to be used to promote an international standard, and provide practical experience in applying RFID technology to the logistics industry.

source:  www.digitalmediaasia.com