A new global consortium has been organized to promote the use of RFID and other Auto-ID technologies in the construction industry. The RFID in Construction Consortium plans to offer educational programs which will assist construction firms in choosing the right RFID solutions to streamline and improve their business operations, with an eye toward cost savings and growth strategies.

The consortium consists of representatives from technology and construction companies and some experts from academia. The group was founded by Harry P. Pappas, who will also serve as its chairman. Pappas is also founder and CEO of another RFID industry group, the International RFID Business Association.

“With the current state of the global economy it is imperative that proven, advanced technologies are widely utilized during construction to increase efficiency and reduce cost,” says Ed Koch, the consortium’s vice president of industry adaptation and strategic planning, and a representative of Bechtel Construction Operations Inc. “RFID technology will provide an opportunity to significantly increase the availability of accurate information for material management as well as other field work processes, leading to better decision-making during project execution.”