Kimberly-Clark has begun shipping Gen2 RFID-tagged cases of product to Wal-Mart.  This next step in the implementation of RFID technology is a result of K-C’s extensive research and testing on the compatibility of Gen2 hardware and software with conveyor, packaging, logistics and shipping systems in the company’s dedicated Auto-ID research lab in Neenah, WI, according to the company.

Leveraging the accuracy and up-to-the-minute information the Gen2 platform provides, K-C has shipped to Wal-Mart approximately 100,000 cases of Huggies brand diapers and other infant and child care products since March.  Using industry-leading Gen2 hardware and software, K-C encoded the RFID tags, placed them on the cases, captured and transferred product data into its supply chain system, and forwarded the data to Wal-Mart, letting them know their product order had been shipped.      

Kimberly-Clark has been a pioneer and proponent of using RFID technology to address and improve two of the retail industry’s greatest business challenges – out-of-stocks and global standardization of supply chain systems.  This initial roll-out and use of Gen2 hardware and software is K-C’s first step in fully incorporating the Gen2 platform

“We are delighted to see the leadership from Kimberly-Clark, and the other suppliers who have started to ship product tagged with Gen2 tags,” said Richard Ulrich, a spokesperson for Wal-Mart.  “Gen2 has provided a real step change in performance.  Both our suppliers and Wal-Mart will reap the benefits.”