RFID projects risk failure if organisations continue to ignore data management issues and focus simply on the tag and reader technology, Ovum will warn delegates at the forthcoming Softworld Supply Chain & Logistics event (29 – 30 March 2006, The Pavilion, NEC, Birmingham).
"Data management is an area that has vital implications for RFID, yet has been neglected by many organisations who instead focus on the hardware" comments Alys Woodward, Senior Analyst at Ovum, who will lead a seminar on this subject at Softworld. "The main benefit of RFID is the information it can produce, the challenge for the user is to manage the RFID data and convert it into useful information. This in itself is a challenge, as organisations are not recognising the importance of this and need to be educated about this aspect."
Woodward's session at Softworld will focus on the challenges around managing data for RFID and will advise delegates on what they should do to address them, in order to gain the full benefits from their implementation project.
The session will also cover:
·Data management – why businesses need to address this now
·Managing data from RFID events – the volume information balance
·Rubbish in and rubbish out – the need for data quality
·The data management toolbox – MDM, PIM, GDI and how they can help
·Five recommendations for users
Softworld Supply Chain & Logistics is the essential event for the supply chain profession and comprises an exhibition of around 60 leading suppliers of supply chain and logistics solutions, such as Manhattan Associates, Savoye Logistics, Chess Logistics, SSA Global and ATMS Plc, showcasing the latest technology available on the market.
Ovum's session forms part of the free educational programme running throughout the event. Sessions are hosted by independent experts, and designed to offer delegates advice and information on the key issues and technological developments affecting them. In addition to Ovum, organisations such as Cranfield School of Management, CILT, BASDA and AMR Research will be participating. Philips Semiconductors, BT and Unipart will also be sharing their experiences of implementing RFID technology in the case study sessions.
Visitors arriving before 11am each day will receive a free cappuccino and pain au chocolat breakfast. In addition, there will be an email download facility on the showfloor so that visitors do not have to take time away from their businesses. All pre-registered visitors receive fast track entry and a free buyers' guide (worth £120) on arrival. Visit www.softworld.co.uk/sc for more information and to pre-register and to receive a free BASDA booklet on 'Selecting a Business System' upon arrival at the show.