Operations

Beaver Street Fisheries proves RFID isn't just doable for billion-dollar companies

In April 2004, IT giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) was one of just eight consumer goods giants that began shipping Electronic Product Code (EPC)-products to Wal-Mart's Dallas/Fort Worth distribution center.

Husqvarna Turf Care gets lean during its seasonal peak

The past year was one of struggle and experimentation in consumer goods companies' use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), with lingering standards, product immaturity, cost and return on investment issues clouding the ability to reach Wal-Mart's January 2005 mandate.

Are Mergers Good or Bad for the Consumer Goods Industry?

At 135-years-old, the Campbell Soup Company brings in nearly $7 billion in annual sales and touts more than 20 market-leading brands from a diverse product portfolio, which includes everything from the familiar red and white cans to Pepperidge Farm bakery to Godiva chocolate.

Technology vendors and consultants have made Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) overly complex and confusing.

It's an unfortunate fact of consumer goods manufacturing that not every bottle, tube or pack flows through distribution to a retailer's operations and, ultimately, to the consumer's home and stays there, satisfying the customer.