Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Implementation Efforts at Four Firms: Integrating Lessons Learned and RFID-Specific Survey

Abstract

RFID has been touted by it proponents as an exciting technology application that will transform supply chains into more effective systems, by reducing costs and enhancing supply chain capabilities. Skeptics 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? Guided by a review of RFID-specific literature, field studies with firms at different stages of RFID implementation and structured interviews with senior-level supply chain practitioners were used to develop a survey instrument. This study compares actual RFID implementation efforts at four firms followed by a survey investigation of current and planned uses of RFID, and reasons that motivate the adoption of RFID. This research provides useful insights that will lead to better decisions about RFID adoption.