Independent RFID Centre to open doors shortly

Intel, Microsoft and the DTI are prime sponsors of a new independent RFID Centre (radio frequency identification), due to open shortly in NW London close to the M25. It will provide conference facilities and a showroom for RFID demonstrations, workshops and simulations. Tours will be bookable and the content tailored to be sector- or company-specific, with industry experts adding to the knowledge and experience of those from the BRE and Cranfield. Richard Foggie, head of the e-services group at the DTI, says: “RFID is a key business technology set to transform the UK economy – retailers, distributors, logistics providers, manufacturers and their whole supplier base. “No organisation engaged in the production, movement or sale of physical goods can afford to ignore it… The good new is, Britain currently has a leading position, and at the DTI, we’re n no doubt how important it is we say at the forefront of the technology.” Ed Cowley, director of the RFID Forum events and also now the RFID Centre, sees it as a logical extension of the Forum, which runs every six months, “for those that want to understand more about RFID next week, and want information and advice from independent sources.” He says guest visitors will deliver some of the content. “That’s one of the aspects the DTI likes: we’re very open. Anyone in RFID can be included. We will save everyone a lot of time and money if they don’t have to tread the path on their own. We’ll help users to cut through the fog so they make the right decisions before they purchase and implement.” The centre will be run by Dr Carol Daniel, formerly of the London Knowledge Network, with marketing director Andrew Hagan and Ed Cowley as co-director, along with additional engineering and business staff currently being recruited. Intel is not only a sponsor of the RFID Centre, but will be supporting it through its professional services organisation Intel Solution Services – helping wannabe users to architect and design robust, scaleable and affordable RFID systems. Microsoft group director Mark Greatorex says: “We believe that many UK businesses could benefit from RFID, but recent research we commissioned with Benchmark Research shows the highest barrier to adoption is lack of education in this area.” He expects the centre to address that issue “and give businesses the information and practical product demonstrations that will allow them to build a business case for RFID.” Says Foggie: “An independent centre is vital for educating and assisting organisations in deploying the technology, and we are determined to work closely with the RFID Centre to make it a success.” Indeed, the RFID Centre will be also a focus for special DTI projects, such as evaluating the application of RFID in new areas. By way of specifics, the centre will accommodate up to 36 people at a time, and Cowley reckons it will play host to around 900 visitors in the first year, all of whom will get unbiased, informed consultancy and much closer to viable plans for their own businesses. Go to www.RFIDcentre.com and www.RFIDForum.com