RFID Technology in Logistical Activities – How it Improves Inventory Control
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I. Abstract
As the world entered the era of digitization, more and more technological advancements allowed improvements to be made in the value chain systems of different organizations. Especially when it comes to logistics, companies are more focused on innovative technologies and their use so that their processes can be optimized. The same happened with the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification technology, more commonly referred to as the RFID technology. RFID technology was already being implemented in logistical activities back in the late 1990s. This paper will focus on the current use and role of the RFID technology, and how it is being utilized in logistics these days, along with the major benefits and problems associated with the use of this technology and the future that it holds for logistics.
Table of Contents
I. Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………..2
II. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………..4
What is RFID technology and how does it work?……………………………………4
III. Literature Review…………………………………………………………………………..5
Why RFID is better than barcode?…………………………………………………………7
IV. Results and Discussions…………………………………………………………………..9
Benefits of Implementing RFID Technology in Logistical Activities…………..9
Issues and Challenges Associated with RFID Technology………………………….14
Security threat to the system………………………………………………………………….14
Privacy Concern……………………………………………………………………………………15
Environmental Factors…………………………………………………………………………..16
Cost……………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
Lack of standardization…………………………………………………………………………..18
V. Potential New Solutions……………………………………………………………………….19
VI. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………21
VII. References…………………………………………………………………………………………23
RFID Technology in Logistical Activities – How it Improves Inventory Control
II. INTRODUCTION ENGL英语论文代写
Technological advancements are changing the way of doing business. No matter the industry or type of business, every company has realized the importance of altering their ways, because companies who failed to match the pace of technological development like Toys R Us have gone out of business. However, without proper research on any given topics, companies cannot take any decision regarding implementation of any technology in their business processes. This paper is one such attempt to identify what role radio frequency-identification or RFID technology can play in logistical activities.
Since for one research it is not apt to cover the application of RFID technology in the entire logistics operations, therefore, the study would focus on the specific angle i.e. how RFID technology can improve inventory control and enhance the overall logistical activities of any business. Despite the fact that RFID technology was developed in the 1950s, but its application in the business sector has recently been realized. Moreover, during the past few decades, RFID technology has also evolved greatly and improved a lot. Now researchers (Binh Doan, 2017) believe that RFID technology has become mature enough to replace barcodes, as they come with certain limitations that restrict the logistical activities to become more effective.
What is RFID technology and how does it work?
RFID is a remote data storage and retrieval system that uses devices called tags, cards, transponders or RFID tags. The basic purpose of RFID system is to transmit the identity of an object, which is similar to a unique serial number via radio waves. RFID technologies are grouped within the so-called automatic identification. The origin of RFID technology was to utilize silicon chips, which can – without physical contact – can transfer the data stored in those chips. This technology is similar to the technology that is being used to read barcodes. RFID tags can be attached very easily to any object due to their small size. Moreover, RFID tags are like stickers thus it becomes easier to attach the tags with any object (Angeles, 2005). RFID tags contain antennas that enable them to receive and respond to requests by radiofrequency from an RFID transceiver. Passive tags do not need internal power, while active tags do. One of the advantages of using radiofrequency is that direct contact is not required between emitter and receiver.
III. LITERATURE REVIEW ENGL英语论文代写
In the past few decades, the world has seen rapid technological development. The technological evolution, as Anderson (2007) calls it, has changed the way of doing business. Certainly, like every other sector it has been realized that effective utilization of technology can make logistics operations smooth and hassle free. Managing inventory manually was a daunting task, which got a bit easier when barcodes replaced the manual process during early 70s. The introduction of barcode technology in logistics have continued to evolve and became more systematic with the passage of time. Wolf (2007) believes that despite the advancement, managing inventory via barcode still has a lot of limitations, which reduces the overall efficiency of logistics operations. Since the way of doing business is changing and companies are facing intense competition, efficiency in everything has become the need of an hour.
Making the logistics operation more efficient, agile and profitable represents the main objectives of the entrepreneurs in the sector (Delen, Hardgrave & Sharda, 2007). Therefore, investments in innovation stimulate the development of new equipment and work methodologies. One of the tools in question is called RFID technology. To replace barcode, Hildner (2006) believes that RFID or radio-frequency identification is the apt technology everyone can bet on. As per Wolf (2007), RFID is likely to remove the limitations of barcode system and will improve logistics operations by making it faster, convenient, and accurate.
RFID is a remote data storage and retrieval system that uses devices called tags, cards, transponders or RFID tags.
The fundamental purpose of RFID technology is to transmit the identity of an object (similar to a unique serial number) by radio waves. RFID technologies are grouped within the so-called auto ID (automatic identification). The origin of RFID technology was to use silicon chips that could transfer the data they stored to the reader without physical contact, in a way equivalent to the infrared readers used to read barcodes. RFID tags are small devices, similar to a sticker, which can easily be attached to any product. RFID tags contain antennas that enable them to receive and respond to requests by radiofrequency from an RFID transceiver. Passive tags do not need internal power, while active tags do. One of the advantages of using radiofrequency is that direct contact is not required between emitter and receiver.
Budag (2017) in their study has made it clear that RFID is not a new technology as it was developed in the 1950s, but little attention has been given on the importance of this technology in logistics industry. Moreover, during that period RFID was also going under technological advances, which has given RFID the shape that it is available today. RFID technology provides companies that have integrated this system in logistics with the opportunity to eliminate waste, and improve production and assembly performance. The research conducted by Hellstrom and Wiberg, provides practitioners with experience of, and insights into how an automotive and plastic production and assembly plant improved its inventory accuracy by implementing the RFID technology. The research also provides a model which other companies can use in order to assess the actual impact of and benefits gained from the RFID technology (Hellstrom, Wiberg, 2015). ENGL英语论文代写
Why RFID is better than barcode?
According to Burke and Ewing Jr. (2014), the barcode requires that the labels come in direct contact with the laser. Thus, to read a barcode a company needs to have a direct line of the code in question. On the contrary, RFID does not require any visual line with the product, which makes traceability easier. Moreover, RFID does not place its trust in visual alignment to collect information, the product can also be randomly located, either on a pallet or in a warehouse.
Budag (2017) in their study argued that RFID technology makes it easy to read the label even when if the RFID tag is at a great distance or the tag is exposed to harsh environments. Depending on the technology used, the distance between the transponder and the reader can be from a couple of centimeters to hundreds of meters. As long as RFID tags are in range of RFID area, they can be traced easily.
An RFID reader is able to distinguish and interact with an individual label even though multiple labels are within the given reading range.
However, tag discrimination does not provide the absolute physical location of an item, a feature that comes with barcode because in barcode must come in physical contact with the laser at a specific point. The tags that do not respond for one reason or another require a manual search and a verification step, or failing that, the entire pallet is diverted to perform an analysis of the causes, whereas, RFID can perform multiple simultaneous readings, the barcode can only identify one product at a time. ENGL英语论文代写
RFID tags can be read faster than barcode labels at theoretical degrees of 1,000 per second or more. This greatly exceeds the reading speed at the level of each unit that has the barcode. The speed of RFID has great value in the applications of reception and dispatch of merchandise in large volumes, where a high number of items need to be counted quickly. For example, when a pallet of labeled boxes is received in a warehouse, an RFID reader can potentially identify all the boxes without having to unpack all the boxes and remove products individually.
Also, another difference is that the information that appears printed on a barcode is fixed and cannot be modified.
Contrary to that feature of barcode, some RFID tags have electronic memory and can be dynamically updated; which means the barcode is a reading technology, while the RFID tags come with reading and writing capabilities.
The RFID tag has no friction with the reader, so it does not wear out and its useful life is prolonged. The risk of an RFID tag is the junction point of the antenna with the chip. A cut that damages the point of union will make the label unusable, while the barcode would only be slightly degraded.
On the other hand, RFID requires investments in capital. The main cost is represented by the equipment (printers, readers, antennas and tags) and by professional services (surveys, project engineering, installation and commissioning, user training). The barcode has a price that can be insignificant. That is why there is a belief that RFID will not completely replace the barcode. ENGL英语论文代写
There are many companies that hesitate in implementing RFID technology throughout their value chain, and a study was conducted by Binh Doan to discuss the possible solutions for these.
In logistics, RFID technology is mainly used to support the inventory management. All the logistics providers strongly agreed that the increase in information visibility and real-time data, better tracking and inventory control are the major benefits. The most significant concerns of RFID implementation are cost of implementation, global standard issues and data management issues (Binh Doan, 2017).
A study conducted by Burke and Ewing. Jr. (2014) encompassed costs for systems purchase, implementation, and integration. Their research addressed the advantages and disadvantages of a radio frequency identification system, which provides more autonomy to the system. At the same time, the study also linked the RFID technology with robotics to analyze how the two technologies combined together will affect the overall value chain process.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ENGL英语论文代写
Benefits of Implementing RFID Technology in Logistical Activities
FMCG or Fast Moving Consumer Good industries can become more efficient and smart by adopting RFID technology. FMCG companies have to manage a huge range of inventory, which can be viewed and monitored easily using RFID technology. According to Hildner (2006), the application of RFID technology will benefit every company greatly, as it will improve the inventory control. Many companies have a replenishment-based system in place to control their inventory. Downstream and upstream flow of goods is always there, which is why it is vital for companies to stay aware of situations in which their stock runs out.
With the application of RFID technology, out-of-stock like situations can easily be prevented, because this technology allows companies to set a certain limit for inventory and the system will automatically generate a request if the inventory level drops below the defined level. According to Wolf (2007), automation of the inventory is the best part of the RFID technology, as it will eliminate the need of manually check inventory periodically while also removing the embarrassment companies face when they have to cancel/delay orders due to out-of-stock inventory. RFID tags attached to every product lets companies identify the location of products and the number of products remaining in the inventory. The tags help in keeping the count, which removes the hassle of monitoring inventory manually and allows companies to fulfil the needs of their customers in the best way possible. ENGL英语论文代写
In any business that involves keeping a stock of goods, it is crucial for companies to comprehend the trend of demand at all levels but specifically at point of sale.
The success of any business – regardless of the industry – is directly connected to the customer satisfaction, sales, and demand trends. By using RFID technology, businesses can easily understand demand trends and can make business decisions on the basis of data. In a way, RFID’s implementation removes the guess work and allows businesses to take informed decisions. In almost every business, there always remain a possibility of theft and misplaced products, but Hildner (2006) in their study concluded that such problems that every business usually faces periodically has been avoided by many companies who have implemented RFID technology.
To measure inefficiencies in supply chain process, companies usually go with the bullwhip effect, which is a distribution channel phenomenon. The effect tells companies about increase in inventory swings in response to changes in customer demand as companies go further in their supply chain process. However, conventional barcode systems have technical limitations, which restrict a company’s ability to get actual data about sales. Moreover, the limitations also increase the likelihood of increasing the volume of the bullwhip effect.
RFID technology does not have such limitations and can provide actual sales figures to the companies that too in real time.
Implementing RFID technology in logistic activities reduces bullwhip effect as well as the increased cost of imbalances between supply and demand that happen due to bullwhip effect. However, Anderson (2007) believe that it’s wrong to dismiss the existing technology in place due to their limitations, because according to their study conventional systems and barcode technology do perform good tracking, but they also noted that RFID technology increases the accuracy of tracking. The accuracy is enhanced because RFID technology offers comprehensive visibility about the product’s location in the process of supply chain. ENGL英语论文代写
Receivers and suppliers can easily identify the dates of delivery and in case any interruption happens in the supply chain process, it will be easier for the management of any company to take a decision regarding inventory control. This control on inventory also enables companies enhance the shelf life of their products. Moreover, loading and unloading of products at every checkpoint is not needed if the products bear RFID tags, because the technology can read them from a distance – thus improving control over inventory in logistics activities. RFID technology not only saves time but also reduces efforts and lead to decrease in overall lead-time.
However, there always is a room for human and technical errors in conventional and barcode systems, which needed to be taken into account.
Burke and Ewing. Jr. (2014) believe that such errors can be avoided easily by strict monitoring and putting in place an effective risk mitigating strategies. But this would again require additional manpower and would exert extra pressure on the workforce. In manual as well as barcode systems, confirming the location, availability and other important information is a daunting tasks.
Even for barcode systems a person is needed to putting the barcodes in an appropriate manner and this also takes a lot of time. With the implementation of RFID technology, companies can get rid of such problems, stresses, and errors. Moreover, RFID while enhancing the efficiency of overall logistics operations will also reduce the manpower cost as it can easily trace location, check product availability in the warehouse or retail store and provide other valuable information. Moreover, RFID can read products from a distance – regardless of the position – thus automatically improving the inventory control process.
For perishable goods stored in warehouse or retail stores, there is time limitations, which should be handled carefully by the company. This situation is being faced by a lot of companies these days who are using even the barcode technology. Conventional inventory control methods and barcode systems as per Binh Doan (2017) demand more time to check the inventory, contain the possibility of misreading the information, lack the process of updating information thus increasing the chances of delivering faulty or expired products to a customer. Placing perishable goods or keeping a record using barcode or other inventory control method also pose the risk of spoilage. ENGL英语论文代写
For a business – small or large – these mistakes are costly and can affect the image of a company.
Moreover, it is also a task to find the spoiled or damaged products in less time, which could certainly ease the financial burden but surely what’s damaged is not going to get better. Similarly, this is a scenario with an “if” – if a company can find spoiled products on time before they reach the end customers. Timely recording of inventory becomes easier with RFID technology because when the expiry date of any product is near it automatically updates the information in the system.
Moreover, tracing location is also effective with RFID system and the companies can put the right product, in the right place at the right time. Keeping records does not require movement of products or scanning them, thus reducing the human involvement in the process, which reduces the chances of goods getting damaged. Hellstrom and Wiberg in their study noted another interesting advantage of RFID technology i.e. the likelihood of updating information about the products on tags dynamically.
By using RFID technology in logistics activities, companies get exposed to new opportunities to expand their business. Burke and Ewing. Jr. (2014) specifically identified the advantage that RFID system enhances and unites customer services. RFID technology makes movement of products easier and smooth without making companies worry about the availability of inventory in warehouses. The new trend of self-checkout stores that is gaining momentum these days, RFID technology can add great value to businesses. It acts as a base for the stores and can provide digital information to customers about the products they are going to purchase.
Ropraz, (2008) in their study identified that various cost associated with logistical operations get down when a company starts using RFID technology.
The most notable among all the cost is the cost of labour. RFID technology removes the need of manually scanning every product at various check points. For instance from manufacturing process till a product reaches customers, if a product bears a RFID tag then there’s no need to scan the product manually as everything will be done automatically (Hellstrom, Wiberg, 2015). RFID technology helps companies keep record of inventory in a simpler manner and automatically within ideal time limit.
By saving time companies can enhance their overall efficiency, whereas by saving labor cost companies can reduce their overall expanses. Burke and Ewing. Jr. (2014) mentioned that the growing trend of self-checkout stores would warrant companies to rely on RFID technology if they don’t want to affect their reputation and profit. RFID is secure, thus removing the fear of theft completely. Other than labour cost, RFID technology also reduces many indirect cost associated with managing human resources like training, security, insurance, etc.
The advantages of RFID technology mentioned above clearly explains how by implementing this technology companies can gain competitive advantage and lower their cost. Poojary and Kumar (2014) mentioned that RFID technology helps companies get ahead of competition while at the same time smoothens the overall logistics activities. Certainly, there are other factors at play which also needed consideration to make a business successful, but as Budag (2017) mentioned until every part of a business is integrated and works like a well-oiled machines, no idea or product can become successful. ENGL英语论文代写
Issues and Challenges Associated with RFID Technology
RFID technology, like every computer based system, comes with certain risks of being attacked by hackers or cyber criminals. Moreover, RFID technology is not in good books of civil liberties group because the system has been blamed for violating the right to privacy of people and extracting information without consent of people. Due to its vulnerability to hacking, cyber-attacks, and invasion of privacy, RFID technology has been a subject of criticism. This also makes implementation of RFID technology in businesses on larger scale. There are various concerns that may arise with RFID technology, including:
Security threat to the system
There are different types of RFID tags available from which a company can choose the preferred type. The tag types include tags with public keys, tags with symmetric tags and basic tags. If a company wishes to go with basic tag then the threat to system are higher because they don’t come with any encryption and can easily be replicated. Basic tags are an easy target for cyber criminals as they can change the information of the tag and can use to their advantage. Moreover, they can also gain access to the system by changing the code of the tag.
Using basic tags while implementing RFID technology is not really a good option since it’s prone to being compromised. According to Burke and Ewing. Jr. (2014), basic RFID tags are vulnerable and should never be used by any company thinking that it will improve the inventory control process. Using these tags would put a company’s reputation in danger as any data breach would break customer trust on the company. Cyber criminals can also rewrite the code about the product to get an expensive item in cheap prices.
Basic tags are easily replaceable so there is a possibility that any individual with mala fide intention can cause harm to the company.
Moreover, many RFID systems lack the capability to differentiate between a fake and real RFID tag and thus this limitation poses another challenge known in the digital world as sniffing. Moreover, the use of basic RFID tags can lead to attack on database through spoofing technique, which can make compromise the entire system of a company. ENGL英语论文代写
Viruses and physical attacks are two more major risks that come with RFID technology. Any person with mala fide intentions can easily remove the tags or damage them by using magnets or other material to hamper a company’s logistics operations or destroy the data in RFID tags. The risk of being attacked by a virus like any other IT system is also very high. Companies need to put in place proper infrastructure should they need to avoid attacks through virus which can disrupt the entire operations of a business.
Privacy Concern
The reason due to which many civil rights groups oppose the use of RFID technology is because of the consumers’ right to privacy. Because RFID tags attached to any product make them traceable even after they reach customers, thus they compromise the privacy of customers. If a customer buys a product that contains RFID tag, then that customer’s movement and physical location becomes traceable – thus raising the privacy concerns in the process.
However, if the customer leaves the area covered by RFID area only then that person becomes untraceable. According to Hellstrom and Wiberg, a certain type of RFID tag – the one that comes with RFID tag reader – can tell the exact location of the consumers without their notice. The concern of civil liberties group and privacy enthusiasts revolve around the fact that collecting such information without the consent of a customer is wrong and any illegally obtained information can be used for wrong purposes. This is an open invitation to hackers and cyber criminals as well, because as mentioned above they can easily manipulate the encryption of RFID tags to use it to their advantage.
Environmental Factors
According to Ropraz (2008), RFID tags work well in extremely low temperature, but they may not transmit proper signals if the product is stored in a place where ice layer is thick. However, Ropraz (2008) believes that it is still not known how effective RFID tags are when they come in contact with water or other form of liquids. Radio energy signals can easily be absorbed by liquids, which can affect the overall performance of RFID tags. ENGL英语论文代写
However, many people are still doubtful when it comes to the performance of RFID because of the nature of liquids, especially water. Liquids have the unique ability to absorb radio signals, which eventually affect the range of RFID and can even affect its ability to read and write operations simultaneously. Due to the environment, especially weather changes, many materials, especially those of labels, and adhesives end up absorbing moisture, which affects the ability of the tags to stick together. This may result in the tags coming partially or entirely off from the products, which thus, affects the effectiveness of RFID sensors and tracking systems.
Cost
Research has been conducted by many organizations, which specialize in logistics, and waiting to see the effectiveness of those processes in other organizations before implementing it themselves in their mainstream business. DHL, one of the world’s most renowned and top logistics company, has used the application of RFID in their uniform management operations, as well as temperature monitoring system; two completely different operations (DHL, 2008). When asked about why only certain areas of the operations implemented with RFID and not others, the primary reason DHL stated was the costs associated with implementation. In order to apply RFID technology into their mainstream business, costs were taken to me a major cause for concern (DHL,2018).
The system setup for an RFID technology and its implementation is considered to be a huge investment and the cost of a single RFID tag is also considered to be extremely high. This is why, many companies refrain from implementing their mainstream business, and rather identify those areas which need RFID monitoring and thus, only implement the application in those core areas of interest. An active RFID tag can cost as much as $25/ tag, whereas, passive RFID tags can cost as much as 10 cents per tag. While it is true that the rates of these tags differ, depending on the volume of tags being bought, yet at the same time, these prices take up a huge chunk out of the company’s budget, which most organizations would like to spend elsewhere, such as marketing and direct selling (RFID Journal, 2016).
Lack of standardization
With the passage of time, RFID technology not only became popular among the consumers, but also the producers. There are so many producers of this technology in the global market, that the companies can’t really be sure which one is the best and where to buy the technology from, and there is no standardization in terms of the quality of RFID tags and the overall technology. This makes it difficult for the companies to decide which manufacturer to choose from, and thus, they start from implementation in one or two operations, instead of their mainstream operations system. Additionally, different types of RFID systems have also been introduced, which means that the manufacturers produce multiple types of RFID technologies, which are designed and developed as per the demand of the customers, and the requirements of their operations. ENGL英语论文代写
For a manufacturer, the RFID technology in itself, is a new concept, especially for the ones who are introducing them for the first time, and when they have to deal with various types of the same technology, the entire process becomes extremely challenging, and at times stressful, since the employees have to deal with a new change and learn how to operate it. If one company installs a different technology and its retailers use a different type of technology, then the implementation and use of that RFID technology can become extremely complicated. Not only is it extremely expensive, it is also difficult to work using the different types of RFID technologies.
However, since the issue is extremely common, therefore, two of the most renowned organizations of the world are working on this issue and trying to standardize the technology;
namely, The International Standard Organization (ISO), and The Electronic Product Code (EPC). Since both the organizations have different standards for maintaining RFID technology, therefore, these need to be resolved before an agreed upon standardized setup can be introduced on a wide scale. However, since it is currently unresolved, both the manufacturers as well as users are confused regarding which standard to accept, and hence, the prevailing issue.
However, once this issue is resolved and the RFID technology is implemented in a standardized manner, it will make the cost of installation decrease immensely, and the entire process will become highly cost effective to install. It will also allow companies to better track their products and keep a tab on their entire logistics system, from third party trackers, to receipt at the end user, everything can be tracked. In turn, that data will help companies in better developing their strategies and using the gathered data to identify gaps in the system and address them, along with deducing consumer insights and basing their strategies on that.
V. POTENTIAL NEW SOLUTIONS
There have been many discussions which have led to potential new solutions for the issues being faced in the implementation of the RFID technology. What is interesting to note is that even with all the issues, companies are implementing this technology in their respective operations, which they deem require the application of the RFID technology. So, when new solutions are implemented in the aforementioned issues, then the implementation of the system is expected to be applied to the mainstream processes as well. ENGL英语论文代写
One of the issues that was discussed was that due to the material of the labels, and cartons, tags can come off. A possible solution for this could be the installation of metallic proof tags, which remain stuck to the product no matter the environmental condition. This will enable to tags to remain with the product and hence the errors with tracking will be marginally reduced. It will also make the entire process of asset tracking much smoother while transmitting accurate data to the company.
When it comes to issues with the RFID technology at the time of being scanned, then there can be two possible solutions.
The first can be smoothing filers which correct the anomalies when the tag is read, and the second may be the development of a new algorithm which detects any errors in the database and irons them out.
RFID technology when coupled with cost reduction in other processes, especially manufacturing helps in making this technology extremely dynamic to the point that it improves both spatial and temporary properties of the technology (Darcy, Pupunwiwat, Stantic, 2018). Whereas, RFID can save money for firms in short term, the long term consequences also need to be understood. Once a standardized format for the utilization and implementation of this technology is introduced then it will not only make it easier for companies to adopt them, but the likelihood of the technology being implemented in mainstream processes will be increased.
RFID makes the supply chain systems and the logistics become more competitive in the long term, and the data gathered through this technology is able to allow the companies to make informed decisions.
An RFID system solution can increase corporate ROI while at the same time improving retail supply chain communication. Implemented properly, this technology can bring velocity to certain markets by serving more customers faster and increase customer loyalty. RFID has the real potential to increase accuracy and reliability, enhance service and reduce costs (Attarn 2012).
According to a study conducted by Masum, Buiyan, and Azad, Wireless technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Global Position System (GPS) play important role as value added services in communication systems and mobile commerce these days. When paired with supply chain it significantly improves the information gathering and dissemination process, which allows companies to make informed decisions.
VI. CONCLUSION ENGL英语论文代写
RFID technology will eventually become the backbone of companies, where more and more people will rely on this technology to transmit accurate data. In logistics, it plays a vital role as it allows the process to become more efficient, and companies can improve the entire value chain system, by identifying any gaps that may be present. At the same time, it also allows companies to better track their products and thus, keep a tab on their third party logistics service provides, and vendors/ any other intermediaries who might be present in between them and their customers.
A strong market for RFID technology has been created with the need for optimization of total cost and accurate asset tracking and monitoring (Attaran, 2012). More and more companies are looking for ways to implement this technology in their supply chain system, however, it has not been applied on a mainstream level yet. The primary reason for this is because of the costs associated with it along with other issues, however, the longer term benefits are immense, which is why many companies have implemented this technology partially in their systems. In those processes which they feel are extremely important, companies have chosen to implement the RFID technology, which allows them to track their products and ensure timely monitoring is being done.
With the passage of time, competition is increasing and companies need to evolve and adopt the latest technology in order to maintain their position while competing with their rivals.
However, this has also given rise to a lot of confusion, and RFID technology is that one solution which has allowed companies to make sense of this fast paced changed. They are not only able to implement this technology for tracking their systems, but it also allows them to obtain data with which they can make strategies for future directions of the company. It can also be noted that this data, enables organizations to tap into and identify newer consumer insights, and eventually, use them to attract more customers, thereby, growing their business. ENGL英语论文代写
Improvement in inventory control will allow companies to deploy a proper system, reduce waste, and ensure that their delivery system is optimal. This will help the companies in reducing their costs associated with damaged or lost inventory, and also, help them in quick delivery of their products and services, which would make their customers happy. RFID technology eliminated the need to check the inventory manually, which takes up too much time, and requires man power, which again increases the costs of production for the company.
With the introduction of this technology in the supply chain network, companies can now reduce their costs by a large scale, and this cost saving initiative allows them to invest that money elsewhere.
RFID tags when attached with every product, allow companies to identity and track the location of the product while ensuring that the inventory is maintained at a specific level. It also helps companies understand demand and supply patterns, and conduct a proper trend analysis. The instances of theft are also marginally reduced as the inventory can be tracked and monitored at all times, thereby, allowing companies to keep a close eye on their products.
RFID technology provides real time sales figures to companies, which allows them to keep a strong check on how well a product performs. Buyers and suppliers of the inventory can easily specify the date on which it would be delivered, and in case of any mishaps, it becomes easier for the company to make quick decisions regarding inventory control. ENGL英语论文代写
While many companies still haven’t been able to install RFID technology on a mainstream level, they are still being utilized in the most important areas of the supply chain process. This is because of the fact that the technological development is not yet standardized which is making it difficult for companies to decide whether or not to go forward with it on a large scale implementation. However, once the technology does become standardized, it is expected that the adoption and implementation of this technology would be on a very large scale. No doubt that the benefits obtained by this technology for organizations are immense, and once the issues that have been discussed in this paper are addressed, the technology’s demand will increase.
RFID technology has seen to remarkably improve the companies’ performance. The literature that has been covered in this paper consists of those studies and researches that have been carried out on the subject matter, and proves how effectively the technology helps companies in improving their processes. Therefore, it can be concluded that in the upcoming years, the technology will likely gain momentum in terms of usage and would be widely applied by companies all over the world.
VII. REFERENCES ENGL英语论文代写
Anand Poojary, Dr. R. Satish Kumar, (2014). RFID Application to Improve Inventory Management, IJMBS Vol. 4 (4), pp. 29-33
Angeles, R. (2005). RFID technologies: supply-chain applications and implementation issues. Information systems management, 22(1), 51-65.
Burke, E. M., & Ewing Jr, D. L. (2014). Improving warehouse inventory management through RFID, barcoding and robotics technologies. Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA Graduate School Of Business And Public Policy, retrieved from: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a621276.pdf
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