IBM opens new RFID test centre

Radio frequency identification or RFID is one of industries' latest fads, but it is essential that any new RFID implementations are fully tested before going live, otherwise companies open themselves up to potentially costly and reputation damaging project failures. To address this issue, IBM has opened a new RFID test centre in La Gaude, Nice, France to help companies conduct thorough and realistic testing.

There’s been a great deal of attention recently on RFID’s role in the supply chain, with the US Department of Defense as well as giant discounter Wal-Mart and Europe’s Metro and Tesco embracing the technology. RFID allows tracking of merchandise and other material through small tags that transmit information to an electronic reader. That information is in turn stored on a host.

“By utilising the RFID Testing and Solution Centre in La Gaude, companies will see real examples and demonstrations to guide their decisions. In addition, to ensure different scenarios can be tested at the centre, IBM has built prototypes for a number of industries, including pharmaceuticals, retail, logistics, manufacturing, electronics, government and transportation. When the customer has decided on the best way to use RFID, IBM will work with the customer to deploy the technology on location," said Guido Bartels, vice president pervasive / wireless e-business for Europe Middle-East & Africa at IBM.

The test centre in France complements similar IBM RFID facilities in Gaithersburg, MD, and Tokyo.

•Date: 6th July 2004 • Region: W.Europe •Type: Article •Topic: Logistics sector
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