EVALUATING AND OVERCOMING IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS AND DEFICIENCIES IN AN INDUSTRIAL PILOT PROJECT OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)

Abstract

Once the cost limitations are overcome, RFID technologies and applications are expected to turn logistics operations upside down, generating enormous benefits in aspects like inventory control, traceability or supply chain integration. However, the first implementation steps of RFID may instead result in a series of problems and operational deficiencies in the distribution centre, not only related to costs or information management, but also to the design and reliability of the system itself. These problems often cause significant performance reductions, which should be taken into account when considering the incorporation of this technology. We analyse here the problems that had to be faced when implementing a RFID pilot in a Spanish dairy product distributor, and measure them using the appropriate metrics.