2003-12-22

Radio-frequency Identification for Item Management (JTC 1/SC 31/WG 4) [campaign closed]

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is seeking interested parties to participate on the Canadian subcommittee JTC1/SC31 "Automatic identification and data capture techniques" and represent the following membership categories: consumers, industry, regulators and manufacturers.

The scope of JTC1/SC31 includes defining the future direction of RFID standards.  The subcommittee JTC1/SC31/WG4 has a specific mandate focused on Radio-frequency Identification for Item Management.  Subcommittee  JTC1/SC31/WG4  is to provide standards for interoperability of wireless, non-contact omni-directional radio frequency identification devices capable of receiving, storing, and transmitting data while operating at power levels that are in freely available international frequency bands in the area of item level identification and management across the supply chain such as finished good asset management, raw material asset management, material traceability, inventory control, electronic article surveillance, warranty data, production control/robotics, and facilities management. The proposed RFID Item Management work would align, without duplicating and co-exist with the approved work of other International Standards Committees.

This is your company's opportunity to be part of the process, to contribute and support the Canadian position.  There is an urgent reality of change in our industry resulting from the implementation of new technology.  This has been elevated by the recent announcements made by Walmart and the United States Department of Defense (US DOD) mandating their vendors  to use EPC and ISO compliant RFID technology by 2005 for the marking of product at the pallet and carton level.

Labeling product and system solutions that are not compliant by the deadline will be locked out of many large accounts, such as the Department of Defense and Walmart.  If you are a vendor of the US DOD, Walmart, a large retailer or a logistics service provider you need to be informed of the coming standards and their impact on your business.

The SCC is looking for technical experts from the various Canadian companies that have a stake in the implementation of this technology to participate in the review and drafting of standards.

Benefits of Participation:

    * Membership in the Canadian committee
    * Mailings of draft standards for your information and comment
    * Participation in sub-committees
    * Ability to submit your own initiatives through the Standards Council of Canada
    * Attendance of selected events and committee meetings

What is Expected?

    * Possess the technical knowledge and or experience related to the subject matter
    * Active participation, commitment and a willingness to undertake committee work and prepare required reports and meeting documents in an electronic environment.
    * Ability and willingness to meet and respect deadlines and follow SCC procedures, directives and committee terms of reference.
    * Ability to travel and attend meetings internationally may be required (typically 1-3 times per year)
    * Represent stakeholder groups and views. Consult with your constituency and bring their concerns to the table.

Individuals are invited to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a statement outlining interests and ability to contribute to the work of the JTC 1/SC 31 and/or JTC1/SC31/WG4.   Please submit these by e-mail to [email protected] at Standards Council of Canada (SCC) by January 24, 2004.

Should you have any questions please contact Roz  Waddell, Program Officer, JTC 1 by telephone at 613-238-3222 ext. 451 or by email at the above-listed. The committee Chair, Don Ferguson can be reached at: 905-501-1533 (221).