RFID lab tour today

About an hour from now, I'm going on a tour of the University's RFID lab.

RFID is Radio Frequency IDentification and it stands to be the biggest logistics/inventory innovation since the bar code.

I don't exactly know how it works, but that's ok...I'm not an engineer.

What happens with a bar code (example):
- bar code is scanned when an item is delivered to a store (everyone knows the store has it)
- bar code is scanned when an item is purchased (everyone knows that someone bought it)

What I think happens with RFID (example):
- the item's RFID tag emits a unique radiofrequency signal
- the store's RFID receivers can tell if it's on a shelf, which shelf it's on, how long it's been there, where it goes after someone picks it up (shopper traffic patterns), etc.

Many trucking companies, consumer products companies, and retailers (Wal-Mart) are very interested in developing this technology. With Wal-Mart, Tyson, and so many trucking companies headquartered within 30 minutes of here, it should come as no surprise that the U. of Arkansas is at the forefront of RFID research and development. But it does surprise some people.

So me and some of the other supply chain MBAs are going to check it out.

Things To Do......

I've been feeling pressurized lately with the piling up of all the stuff I need to do.
I used to say that every day I had to choose which class I would neglect.

But yesterday I noticed that I'm behind in EVERY class....I'm behind in my graduate assistantship work....and I don't feel like I've been taking care of my family very well either.
So where is all my time going? (obviously not to this blog, and definitely not to oversleeping!)
I have a strong suspicion it has a lot to do with my poor organization skills.
So last night I made a weekend To Do list, and I thought it would be the perfect subject for a blog post!

Things To Do This Weekend:
1. Make some major progress on data collection (my research assistant work)
2. Develope version B of exam 2 for TLOG 3613 (my teaching assistant work)
3. Read the Mobil case (Accounting class), answer the questions, attend group meeting
4. Read the Shell case (Log. Modeling class), try to answer something, attend group meeting
5. Read at least 2 articles for Transportation Strategies class (catch-up)
6. Read chapters 7 and 9 for Mgt. Accounting class (catch-up)
7. Figure out what I might want to put in my leadership philosophy memo (Management class)
8. Research at least 2 corporate HR plans (Management class)
9. BABY-PROOF THE KITCHEN CABINETS!!!
10. Start writing 1 Letter of Intent for PhD applications
11. At least look at my research paper coming due next month
12. Study at least 2 pages of calculus (I'm trying to teach myself calculus)
13. Visit my parents for at least 1 hour on Sunday afternoon
14. Post something on this blog
15. Read 1 Bible verse every day
16. Play with my daughter for at least 15 minutes (at one time) every day
17. AT LEAST ONCE A DAY, kiss my wife and say "I love you"

The last 3 are more of reminders than actual tasks.
And just because I posted this (#14) don't assume the previous 13 things have been completed!