Item Level RFID Initiative

The mission of the 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:

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

ILRI Facilitators:

• Patrick Javick—General Facilitation
• Gena Morgan—Getting Started
• JoAnn Fiordland—General Facilitation/ILRI Community Room
• Shannon Sullivan—Director of Public Relations