Title: RFID: the state of the union between promise and practice

Authors: Pedro M. Reyes, Gregory V. Frazier, Edmund L. Prater, Alan R. Cannon

Addresses: Baylor University, Hankamer School of Business, Waco, Texas 76798, USA. ' The University of Texas, College of Business Administration, Arlington, Texas 76019, USA. ' The University of Texas, College of Business Administration, Arlington, Texas 76019, USA. ' The University of Texas, College of Business Administration, Arlington, Texas 76019, USA

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been touted by its proponents as an exciting technology application that will transform supply chains into more effective systems, by reducing costs and enhancing supply chain capabilities. Sceptics view RFID as little more than upgraded bar codes that are unreliable and costly, lack common industry standards and raise serious issues regarding consumer privacy. Given the views of these two camps, to what extent is RFID actually being embraced and adopted in industry? This study investigates the current and planned uses of RFID, and the reasons that motivate the adoption of RFID. We also investigate the reasons that the companies choose when not adopting RFID. A survey was developed and distributed in spring 2005 to 5,000 supply chain professionals, primarily in the USA. The results indicate that a large majority of companies seem to be in a |wait-and-see mode|. This research provides useful insights that should lead to better decisions about RFID adoption.

Keywords: radio frequency identification; RFID; supply chain management; SCM; technology adoption.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISM.2007.011976

International Journal of Integrated Supply Management, 2007 Vol.3 No.2, pp.192 - 206

Published online: 07 Jan 2007 *

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