IBM projects underscore possible RFID depth, reach

IBM Global Business Services is engaged in two RFID projects that give testament to the technology's growing depth in some industries, and breadth of unique application adaptability in others.

The first is a full implementation rollout at Honda Italia—a motorbike manufacturer based in Atessa, Italy—by which tags are being attached to a chassis to track production, and to critical components to ensure timely line placement.

The other is a pilot with Pliant Corp., a Schaumburg, Ill.-based flexible packaging products supplier that is testing tamper-proofing of shrink-wrapped pallets.

According to Sebastian Taylor, IBM Global RFID Services leader, the Pliant pilot is intriguing in its use of conductive ink printed directly on shrink-wrapped pallets. The ink connects to a tag assembly that can detect whether the wrapping has been cut or scratched during shipment. "The goal is to market to customers who want to ensure shipments aren't tampered with," Taylor says.