If you've been following along with the progression of RFID, you already know that Wal-Mart is probably the largest retailer that is making practical use of the technology. And a new study from the University of Arkansas indicates that their customers are more likely to find the items they want in stores using RFID tags than in locations that do not. Key findings include out-of-stock items with RFID were replenished three times faster than items using standard bar-code technology, meaning fewer total out-of-stock items and fewer occurrences of empty shelves when the merchandise was in the backroom.
Wal-Mart says the successful application of RFID will lead them to equip over 1,000 of their stores, clubs, and distribution centers with the technology by the end of next year.
