UK firms slow to move on RFID

Despite the recent radio frequency identification (RFID) hype, 85 per cent of UK companies have no plans to introduce the technology in their organisations.

A survey of supply chain managers in medium and large enterprises conducted by UK supply chain standards association e.centre found that, while 88 per cent of respondents thought RFID would improve business efficiency, only eight per cent are using or piloting the technology.

The association called on companies to embrace the technology which, it claims, is "capable of dramatically improving supply chain efficiency".

A poll conducted last summer by e.centre among fast-moving consumer goods retailers found 40 per cent of respondents planning RFID deployments by 2005.

Steve Coussins, e.centre's chief executive, said in a statement: "The results of this survey show an alarming, widespread indifference to a technology that will bring significant benefits to business supply chains.

"RFID is here to stay. It will enable all trading partners in a supply chain, in any industry sector, to track and trace products in real time and manage stock more efficiently."

Although the UK has been leading RFID testing and development, the poll suggests that it is losing momentum. "We must not lose out when it comes to the final stage of implementation," warned Coussins.

"It is of vital importance that UK companies begin to devise strategies for piloting and implementing the technology."