"Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is... being used by the Thai orchid-export industry to improve its supply-chain management system.
The technology allows each chain to control its process... and trace the flowers to their origin. ... Thailand is the second-largest exporter of orchids... National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec). Developed... the prototype of the system... RFID would be used to gather information from tissue cultures in the laboratory, such as the plant's age; the name of the farm; information from the greenhouse during planting; the lot number and orchid size during packaging; and information gathered during the logistics process. If there is a problem with the stems, the system will help follow the chain to the origin and find the defective lot... In the past, customers would reject entire lots if there was a problem, because it was nearly impossible to identify the problem products. ... the use of RFID technology would avoid such waste. The centre has already completed the adoption of RFID technology for use in supply chains. It is now in the process of developing the database and software, which will allow exporters to track information. Apart from RFID, the centre has also developed technology... which will allow orchid farms to control the growing environment. The farm will use sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, light and pH value. This information will be used to control the environment. ... Information from sensors can also help breeders predict plants' growth patterns and prevent the stems from becoming infected." URL : http://nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/21/technology/technology_30068755.php *************** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com