Title: Innovative information technology in the service sector: RFID technology applications in retailing and healthcare

Authors: Susana Garrido Azevedo, Joao J. Ferreira

Addresses: Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV – Edificio Ernesto Cruz, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal. ' Management and Economics Department, University of Beira Interior, Polo IV – Edificio Ernesto Cruz, 6200-209 Covilha, Portugal

Abstract: The spread application of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in business organisations only recently has come to the awareness of the public and academics. Its application is increasing in different kinds of sectors and used for different purposes mainly to add intelligence and to minimise human intervention in the item identification process and also to avoid shrinkage and thefts. This paper aims to highlight the potentials associated with the application of the RFID in general, and to the retailing and healthcare sectors in particular. The paper evidences the application of the RFID in a fashion retailer and also in hospitals integrated in an infant security system. The case studies focus on the main advantages, disadvantages and challenges involved in the deployment of the RFID in the two sectors being analysed.

Keywords: case study; healthcare technology; fashion retailing; RFID technology; service sector; radio frequency identification; infant security systems; hospital security.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCI.2010.032219

International Journal of Services Sciences, 2010 Vol.3 No.2/3, pp.105 - 132

Published online: 17 Mar 2010 *

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