ARMONK, N.Y.—IBM and Maersk Logistics, a subsidiary of the A.P. Møller-Maersk Group, have developed a wireless container-tracking device and an architecture for data-sharing networks—without using radio frequency identification (RFID).

The system, called Intelligent Trade Lane, is made up of two technologies: Tamper-Resistant Embedded Controllers (TREC), the tracking device that's attached to containers; and the Container Information System (CIS), which allows the components to communicate with each other.

Unlike RFID tags, TREC devices have processing power that enables them to instantly send and receive data. They detect container intrusions by collecting information about location and sensory readings, such as radiation, temperature, humidity, and vibration. "The data from TREC tags can be correlated to enhance the risk profile and reduce false alarms," says Project Manager Stefan Reidy. "With the ability to receive data on several hundred parameters, disturbance of containers can be better monitored and more accurately pinpointed."

Intelligent Trade Lane does not require special readers and thus the initial investment is lower than that for RFID systems, Reidy says. TRECs also provide visibility throughout a container's journey, not just port-to-port segments. "A percentage of high-tech goods are stolen while the container is in the supply chain," says Reidy. "TRECs can increase security from the loading dock to the retail store."

Field tests of Intelligent Trade Lane will begin this month, followed by a commercial pilot in March of 2006. The developers believe the time is ripe for this kind of security product. "Someone has to start the snowball for an open-system solution," says Reidy.