VICS Item Level RFID Initiative

The mission of VICS' Item Level RFID Initiative is to establish a course of action for the adoption of EPC-enabled RFID technology throughout the retail supply chain.

Our vision is the evolution of a global supply chain, through the adoption of item-level, EPC-enabled RFID technology, which will foster innovation, improve business processes and enhance consumer experiences.

Our goal is to develop collaborative and measurable value propositions for retailers, suppliers, consumers and other stakeholders, and to continue to develop business applications and best practices around standards-based RFID that demonstrate the impact of EPC-enabled RFID technology on processes and products within the global supply chain. We want to define a strategy for the phased introduction of item-level RFID technology into the supply chain whenever appropriate.

Our plan is to publish and promote standards-based guidelines—and a roadmap—to support industry adoption and assure that RFID-related technology investments will be sustainable. What's more, we will reinforce the importance of the responsible use of the technology in protecting consumer privacy, and promote awareness of the benefits of item-level tagging with external and internal audiences—media, consumers, employees and policy makers.

Who We Are:

Co-chairs:

• Cynthia DiPietrantonio, The Jones Group
• Peter Longo, Macy's

Advisory Board:

• Joe Andraski, VICS
• Paul Arguin, Independent Consultant
• Farrukh Awan, Li and Fung
• Rick Blasgen, CSCMP
• Terry Brown, VF Jeanswear
• Myron Burke, Wal-Mart
• Bill Connell, Macy's
• Robert Carpenter, GS1 US
• Jonathan Gold, National Retail Federation
• Dr. Bill Hardgrave, Auburn University
• Chris Hobson, VF Corp.
• Mary Howell, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA)
• Sandy Kennedy, Retail Industry Leaders Association
• Chuck Lasley, Dillard's
• Mike Mirsberger, Jockey
• Sam Rogers, Levi Strauss
• Art Smith, GS1 Canada
• Pam Sweeney, Macy's
• Norm Veit, The Jones Group
• Bill Yetman, Retail Council of Canada

VILRI Facilitators:

• Joe Andraski—VILRI Leadership and Project Management
• JoAnn Fiordland—General Facilitation/VILRI Community Room
• Ron Margulis—Communications and Outreach/Public Relations/Getting Started