BENGALURU, INDIA: IBM announced that it is implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based solution for Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL). HPCL will leverage IBM's technology expertise to deploy an end-to-end tracking solution based on RFID technology at HPCL's Nashik plant.

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 5,00,000 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.

Commenting on the project, GA Shirwaikar, Executive Director—LPG, HPCL said, "RFID-based cylinder tracking project is the first of its kind in India. 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 aim to achieve this with RFID-based tracking solution. We are happy to partner with IBM, as their global expertise in deploying such solution would help HPCL strengthen its supply chain of LPG cylinders end-to-end, and finally result in significant operational benefits for the organization. We also expect to rollout this solution to other plants in India besides extending it to dealers for integrated supply chain."

"We are very excited about the RFID implementation at HPCL and especially the fact that this solution covers the entire supply chain of HPCL's very significant LPG business. 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, VP and GM—Global Technology Services, IBM India/South Asia.

IBM also has 13 worldwide RFID solution centers, which offer a combination of RFID technical expertise, practical assessment and implementation services, and industry-leading innovative solutions that place.