Ever since Wal-Mart first announced its plans to require its suppliers to use RFID in the supply chain, technology vendors large and small have flooded the marketplace with new products and services aimed at fast compliance with the latest mandate from the world's largest retailer.

IBM today announced it has worked with METRO Group to implement Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve the availability of products in its stores, enhance consumers' shopping experience, and boost supply chain performance.

IBM and TAGSYS today unveiled an integrated offering to help pharmaceutical manufacturers rapidly pilot and use RFID technologies for item level serialization in their packaging operations. Serialization is the first step towards compliance with California's drug pedigree regulations and the basis for improved supply chain performance.