Mar 5, 2004 12:00 PM, from staff and wire reports

Albertson's Inc is launching a radio frequency identification (RFID) program and will be using the technology to improve efficiencies in consumer demand chain management. The Boise ID-based supermarket chain is in the testing phase using RFID technology with select partners at the case and pallet level. Albertson's expects its top 100 suppliers to be participating in the RFID program at the case and pallet level by April 2005.

Bob Dunst, executive vice-president and chief technology officer with Albertson's, said, "We'll be able to instantly locate products as they flow through our supply chain, making sure the right products are in the right place at the right time as we focus on making our customers' lives easier."

Albertson's is a founding member and an active participant in the EPCglobal standardization process for retail consumer demand chain management. EPCglobal will develop and oversee commercial and technical standards for the Electronic Product Code (EPC) Network.