Coverage Opportunity: UA RFID Research Center Forum & Dedication

May 24, 2005

 

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The University of Arkansas has created the first multidisciplinary, “supply chain in a box” RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Research Center devoted to examining the technology as used in retail settings, wireless and sensing contexts and beyond. On Friday, June 10, 2005, a unique convergence of market leaders — including key executives from select member companies — will discuss this emerging technology at a public forum followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception.

 

The media, public and campus community are invited to attend.

Schedule: Friday, June 10, 2005

10:00 a.m. — 11:30 noon  —  RFID Forum
                                           A unique confluence of market leaders in the use of RFID.
                                           A representative from every RFID Research Center Sponsoring Member (see below) will present their perspective on    RFID.  Includes opportunities for questions and answers. *Forum participants will include key executives from select member companies.

11:30 — 12:00 noon - Transportation to RFID Research Center Laboratory    

12:00 noon - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

12:30 — 2:00 p.m.- Reception and Facility Tour

For more information on these events:  http://itri.uark.edu/

About the Center:
 The RFID Research Center has attracted the support of 18 Sponsoring Members - a group of retail, market and industry leaders - to participate in the research.
 The center examines not only technical issues, but also questions of public policy. This not-for-profit center provides testing and research services to a

nationally arrayed group of sponsoring members and uses the testing environment to further research RFID applications and to train students at the baccalaureate and graduate levels.

 

Sponsoring Members:
. ABF Freight System, Inc. — Fort Smith, Arkansas
. ACNielsen — Schaumburg, Illinois
. Cisco- Eagle, Inc. — Dallas, Texas 
. Deloitte Consulting LLP — New York, New York 
. E. & J. Gallo Winery — Modesto, California 
. Hanna’s Candle Co. — Fayetteville, Arkansas 
. Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. — Jonesboro, Arkansas 
. Intel Corporation, Intel Solution Services — Santa Clara, California 
. J.B. Hunt Transport Services — Lowell, Arkansas 
. Microsoft Corporation — Redmond, Washington 
. Omron Electronics LLC — Schaumburg, Illinois 
. RFID Global Solution, Inc. — Rogers, Arkansas 
. Symbol Technologies — Holtsville, New York 
. ThingMagic — Cambridge, Massachusetts 
. Tyson Foods, Inc. — Springdale, Arkansas 
. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. — Bentonville, Arkansas 
. Weber Marking Systems, Inc. — Arlington Heights, Illinois 
. Zebra Technologies Corporation — Vernon Hills, Illinois

Research Center Mission:
 To create and extend knowledge in RFID utilization and its impacts on business and society.

Distinctive Research Center Features:
. The RFID Center aims to be an internationally recognized leader in RFID application research by examining its use and its related impacts on business and society. 
. An independent “live-environment” laboratory put together for creation and dissemination of RFID knowledge in the retail, consumer product goods and supply chain fields. 
. Strategically positioned in the epicenter of current RFID activity. 
. Multi-disciplinary expertise from across the University of Arkansas campus provides input into the research. 
. Graduate and undergraduate students trained in the center are already being pursued by companies preparing to employ this technology. 
. The center will serve as a clearinghouse for RFID information and as a conduit for participating companies to share information. 
. The center offers product testing for a substantially lower cost than a for-profit laboratory.

In Full Operation:  May 2005

Research Center Lab Size:
 7,800 square feet laboratory containing the latest RFID technology (tags, antennas, readers, and conveyance systems) from a variety of vendors

Research Center Staff:
 As projects require for flexibility and agility. Faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students and businesses from a variety of disciplines will be assembled for specific research.

Sam M. Walton College Collaborators:
. Information Technology Research Institute 
. Information Systems Department 
. Supply Chain Management Research Center 
. Center for Retailing Excellence

University of Arkansas Partnerships:
. Computer Science/ Computer Engineering, College of Engineering 
. Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering 
. Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering 
. Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering 
. Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 
. Department of Public Policy, J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences 
. Department of Food Science, Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food and Life Sciences 
. School of Law

Definition of RFID:
 A type of identification tag used on products, pallets, or trucks that employs radio frequency to track these items for the purpose of increasing efficiencies from manufacturer to the store shelf. RFID is similar to barcoding, but interestingly is an even older emerging technology.

Lodging for June 10:
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Inn at Carnall Inn, http://www.innatcarnallhall.com/ (800) 295-9118. Other area lodging options may be found here:

 http://www.uark.edu/admin/busaffrs/travel/hotel.html

Research Center Location:
RFID Research Center
Sam M. Walton College of Business
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas

Research Center Director:
Dr. Bill Hardgrave, Associate Professor, Edwin and Karlee Bradberry Chair and
Executive Director, Information Technology Research Institute
Sam M. Walton College of Business
University of Arkansas
bhardgrave@walton.uark.edu
(479) 575-6099 

Contacts

Brad Lawless, Information Technology Research Institute, (479) 575-5291, BLawless@walton.uark.edu

Laura H. Jacobs, University Relations, (479) 575-7422, laura@uark.edu
  
Dixie Kline, director of communications, Sam M. Walton College of Business, (479) 575-2539, dkline@walton.uark.edu

Melissa Blouin, University Relations, (479) 575-3033, mblouin@uark.edu

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