The RFID Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Markets

Satisfying Drug Pedigree Requirements, Preventing Counterfeiting and Increasing Patient Safety

The pharmaceutical market began working with RFID technology in 2004. Fueled by endorsement from the FDA, the Wal-Mart mandate and impending state pedigree laws, this market is expected to grow at a very rapid rate. Compared to other supply chain management applications, pharmaceutical tracking has a more compelling reason to adopt RFID. This study examines the forces driving pharmaceutical companies to implement RFID systems as well as the benefits these systems will provide. Current market initiatives and key issues are discussed in detail. There are also healthcare initiatives in the life sciences market other than pharmaceutical tracking. These other applications are discussed as well and included in the market forecasts. A technology assessment is included for reference. Quantitative forecasts break down the hardware, software and integration markets. The forecasts are segmented by region and application for the forecast period, 2004-2011.