DHL, partners develop RFID tag for pharmaceutical industry

DHL, partners develop RFID tag for pharmaceutical industry DHL and partners have developed a radio frequency identification sensor tag designed to help the pharmaceutical industry better monitor temperature-controlled shipments.
   The sensor tag is a combination of temperature sensor and RFID radio chip which permits continuous monitoring and recording of a pre-defined temperature range as well as provides a read-out of the data at any time, without having to open the shipment, DHL said.
   DHL pointed out that fluctuations in temperature outside of the recommended range could have a negative effect on the lifespan of medical products such as vaccines.
   “The RFID sensor tag enables us to offer a new, sustainable perspective, not only for the pharmaceutical industry but for all industries looking for a solution to the sensitive logistical task of temperature-controlled transports,” said Keith Ulrich, head of technology and innovation management at Deutsche Post World Net, parent company of DHL, in a statement.
   DHL Innovation Initiative, a partnership between DHL, IBM, Intel, Philips and SAP, developed the tag.
   “This project demonstrates in an exemplary manner that RFID technology can do much more than just identify objects,” said Elke Preuss, IBM managing director for Deutsche Post World Net.