Title: Critical management issues for implementing RFID in supply chain management

Authors: Bharatendu Srivastava

Addresses: Department of Management, Marquette University, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA

Abstract: The benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the supply chain are fairly compelling. It has the potential to revolutionise the efficiency, accuracy and security of the supply chain with significant impact on overall profitability. A number of companies are actively involved in testing and adopting this technology. It is estimated that the market for RFID products and services will increase significantly in the next few years. Despite this trend, there are major impediments to RFID adoption in supply chain. While RFID systems have been around for several decades, the technology for supply chain management is still emerging. We describe many of the challenges, setbacks and barriers facing RFID implementations in supply chains, discuss the critical issues for management and offer some suggestions. In the process, we take an in-depth look at cost, technology, standards, privacy and security and business process reengineering related issues surrounding RFID technology in supply chains.

Keywords: supply chain management; radio frequency identification; RFID implementation; SCM; supply chain efficiency; supply chain security; supply chain; standards; privacy; business process reengineering; BPR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2010.035437

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.289 - 307

Published online: 30 Sep 2010 *

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