HPCL Deploys RFID Tags on Cylinders
By CXOtoday Staff
Mumbai, Sep 04, 2008 1537 hrs IST

HPCL will leverage IBM s technology expertise to deploy an end-to-end tracking solution based on RFID technology at its Nashik plant.

Signed in March 2008, this $ 2.2 million deal it involves infrastructure services, business consulting services and middleware solution from IBM.

Under this agreement, IBM will design, deploy and integrate the RFID solution for tracking LPG cylinders from plant to the end-consumer. The solution will streamline the process of identification of LPG cylinders during bottling, distribution and supply chain, and is expected to cover 500,000 cylinders in the initial phase. HPCL intends to evaluate the technology and deploy the same in a phased manner to cover the entire supply chain from bottling plant, logistics, and distributors to the end-consumers, according to a press release.

G A Shirwaikar, executive director-LPG, HPCL said, Considering the magnitude of our operations which continues to grow significantly, it has become imperative for us to bring greater efficiencies in our supply chain. We expect to rollout this solution to other plants in India (additional 42) besides extending it to dealers for integrated supply chain.

The energy sector is seeing a tremendous growth in India and we believe that a unique solution like this will help market leaders like HPCL improve their operational efficiencies while strengthen their competitive edge in the market, said Nipun Mehrotra, vice president and general manager, Global Technology Services, IBM India/South Asia.