NTPC : RFID & Collaborative Framework

With so many power plants already running, and a stiff target of achieving

50,000 MW and 75,000 MW by 2012 and 2017 respectively, NTPC needed solutions to

monitor and secure its existing assets as well as ensure that all future

projects were also on track. NTPC deployed a mix of multiple technologies to

make this happen.

RFID tags for instance, were deployed in their power plants along the routes

taken by their CISF personnel who were already carrying hand-held terminals.

This helped monitor their movements and ensure better security of the premises.

GPS devices have been deployed on locomotives that bring coal to their pithead

plants to track breakdowns, if any. RFID tags are also used to track truck

drivers who come to collect ash generated by their coal plants. The procurement

process has been automated by deploying SAP's SRM module and integrating it with

NTPC's SAP ERP deployment. The same has also been integrated with Indian

Railway's Freight Operations Information System solution (winner of PCQuest

Overall Best IT Implementation Award in 2006) to track coal supplies. Lastly, a

project monitoring center, PMC has been setup to track all NTPC's projects. This

contains video conferencing equipment to train users and suppliers on the new

e-procurement solution, as well as to keep track of project sites.