Market News

Canadian RFID Centre Opens Its Doors

More than 75 grocery and related industry executives attended the official opening of the new RFID Centre in Markham, Ont., on Sept. 21. Located within IBM's Solutions Delivery plant, the $1.7-million "lab" will enable the Canadian industry to better understand, experience, experiment with and test the latest RFID technologies and demonstrate the potential business case for tracking products. The centre was created by nine founding partner organizations. "IBM has created other RFID briefing centres and labs around the globe, and this facility is truly a first for Canada," said Shai Verma, RFID practice leader, IBM Canada. The centre is the first in North America to demonstrate the use of Generation 2 technology which increases its applicability and stability to operate in different industries and environments. Built as a permanent facility, the centre will act as a focal point for Canadian industry RFID discussions. In coming weeks and months grocery industry executives are expected visit the centre and familiarize themselves with the various benefits of the new technology. Source: Canadian Grocer E-Newsletter, Sept. 23, 2005.