BusinessWeek.com
It wasn't too long ago that analysts were touting new technology to help companies like Wal-Mart and Target slice costs and monitor inventories by keeping tabs on products as they move from manufacturer to store shelf. But that method, known as radio-frequency identification, or RFID, was expensive and hard to put in place. This month's CEO Guide to Technology tells why that is changing and how companies are finding a slew of often unexpected ways to implement RFID. Dow Chemical CIO Dave Kepler explains how his company uses RFID and global positioning system (GPS) technology to reduce the risks of shipping hazardous chemicals. Learn why Ryder tapped tracking technology to help customers trim fuel costs and ensure trucks get to destinations on time. And watch a video with former Drug Enforcement Agency agent Aaron Graham as he describes efforts at Purdue Pharma to use tracking technology to fight drug dealers and keep pharmaceuticals safe. Asian countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea are hoping to harness RFID's benefits too, but the hurdles are especially high in China. To learn why and for more on location-aware technologies go to www.businessweek.com/go/06location
