Microsoft Launches RFID Software Project

securitas writes "RFID Journal reports on the first Microsoft RFID software pilot project. Microsoft launched the six-month pilot in December with KiMs, Denmark's largest snack food producer. Microsoft plans to bring the new RFID-enabled supply chain management software (Axapta Warehouse Management) to market next year, targeting small- to medium-sized businesses. The news comes after Microsoft announced its Smarter Retailing Initiative, tools based on RFID and .Net Web services. More on this latest development at CNet and InformationWeek."

Comments

Re:first walmart

[grub]

well, with walmart and microsoft onside it's pretty much inevitable now...

It's only inevitable if you support the system.

Buy from locally owned stores.

Buy locally produced products.

Support companies owned from within your country.

Don't support the big multinationals. They view consumers as nothing more than cattle at the trough.

It's no suprise that Levi Strauss closed its last US manufacturing plant after getting in bed with WalMart to make cheap jeans so consumers could save a couple of bucks while putting their neighbours out of work.

Re:first walmart

[cgranade]

They view consumers as nothing more than cattle at the trough.

Strange thought: perhaps that's because many Americans are cattle at the trough... consider the inevitable stampeding over Friday-After-Thanksgiving sales. The sad thing about modern marketing? It actually works. People are, in general, so apathetic, that they are glad to be treated like cattle, insofar as they get shiny things.

Now, before I get modded flamebait, please consider what I've said, and recall that I am not ranting against any one person, but against the state of the society as a generality. Thanks.

Growing new market..

[nurb432]

Since the biggest retailer on the planet is mandating RFID, it only makes sense that the largest software company will get on board too..

Just good business sence in this case.. noting much to see..move along.

Re:first walmart

[Frymaster]

Cost overrides quality.

the real problem is factoring the total cost of the product. not just the price.

ask yourself if the "cheaper" product:

• has contributed to local unemployment by relocating offshore. higher unemployment means a slower economy and thus, greater cost.
• does not adhere to high environmental standards. you know who's going to pay for cleaning up the manufacturer's mess eventually, don't you? you.
• has a lower use life through negligence or design. if you buy 2 frying pans in your life at $50 each, it's cheaper than 12 at $10.
• what's the disposal cost of your shiny new widget? you'll pay it eventually through taxes. remember those 12 frying pans.

since there are viturally no laws demanding disclosure by manufacturers, calculating the real cost of products is a left to a lot of guessing and assuming.

my general rules: look for the union tag, pay too much, avoid dubious materials (pvc fr instance), dedicate yrself to buying one for the rest of your life when possible.