Title: Challenges in piloting a RFID implementation: a case study of an aerospace and defence supply chain

Authors: Ashish Kumar Tewary, Parag Kosalge, Jaideep Motwani

Addresses: Infosys Technologies Limited, Plot No. 44 & 97A, Electronics City, Hosur Road, Bangalore, 560100, India. ' Grand Valley State University, 401 W. Fulton, #429C, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, USA. ' Grand Valley State University, 401 W. Fulton, #429C, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, USA

Abstract: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an emerging technology increasingly considered by organisations world wide to coordinate their supply chain in real time. We examined a pilot implementation of RFID at one of the biggest aerospace and defence manufacturers. Case study methodology was followed to collect data from multiple sources. The result of the pilot study support the business case for RFID adoption and provides a better understanding of the challenges at the RFID implementation stage. The contextual details of the pilot study provide lessons learned that can help other firms to better plan their journey of RFID implementation.

Keywords: RFID implementation; radio frequency identification; pilot; supply chain management; SCM; aerospace and defence supply chains; technology adoption; RFID challenges; logistics; electronic business; e-business.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEB.2009.023595

International Journal of Electronic Business, 2009 Vol.7 No.1, pp.3 - 20

Published online: 02 Mar 2009 *

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