METRO Group Future Store Initiative – shaping the commerce of the future

The METRO Group Future Store Initiative is a cooperation between the METRO Group and SAP, Intel, IBM, T-Systems and more than 60 other partner companies. The goal of this unique innovation alliance is to drive the modernization process in national and international commerce. Within the framework of the METRO Group Future Store Initiative, new technologies are tested and developed on real-life testing grounds. The METRO Group Future Store, a shopping center in Rheinberg, Germany, serves as a “workshop of the future”. In the long term, the cooperating partners want to develop globally uniform trade standards.

Key technology RFID – particular potential for logistics

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) plays a crucial role in the development of innovative concepts for commerce. The technology permits the contactless transmission of product and process data via radio waves. As the biggest sales division of the METRO Group, METRO Cash & Carry actively supports the introduction of the technology, which will initially take place in Germany.

Small chip, great potential …

At the heart of RFID technology is the so-called transponder, a tiny “Smart Chip” containing an antenna, that can be affixed to cargo and product packaging. The product number stored on this chip is called the Electronic Product Code, or EPC. Similar to the customary barcode, the number contains encoded information about the product, for example its place of origin. The EPC can be read with a special RFID reading device.

Seamless transparency along the supply chain

RFID opens up new possibilities in terms of efficiency, availability of goods and product safety. Here’s an example of how it could be used: An RFID transponder is affixed to a carton of eggs at an egg farm. The transponder contains information on the laying date, farming practices and feed type. The egg carton is shipped to a distribution warehouse. In the process, a delivery note is created automatically and transmitted electronically. A reading device records that the merchandise has arrived at the warehouse. The number of delivered eggs is automatically compared with the volume ordered.

The procedure is repeated at the market, and a database automatically documents the entire supply chain. Now a mouse click is all that is required to call up how many eggs are on which store shelf at any given time. Of course, the eggs can always be traced back to their producer.

Modern technology for more shopping convenience

In addition to Radio Frequency Identification, which is primarily used in warehouse management and for logistics applications, the METRO Group Future Store Initiative also tests technologies for tomorrow’s shopping. These include mobile scanning devices and innovative cash register systems. At the Self Check-out, for instance, it’s the customer who has the role of cashier, making long lines a thing of the past.
There are fresh opportunities for communicating with customers – applications such as Information Terminals or minicomputers that serve as Personal Shopping Assistants help customers find items and provide them with information on special offers and products.