RFID Technolgy
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses wireless electromagnetic fields to transmit data, generally used for the purposes of identifying and tracking tags attached to objects. The tags contain electronically stored information. Unlike a traditional barcode, the tag does not have to be within a line of sight of the reader, and can be implanted in the tracked object.
RFID tags are used in various industries. For instance RFID tags are attached to automobiles and Pharmaceuticals to track progress through the supply chain. Livestock and pets and even humans sometimes have RFID tags implanted, allowing for tracking and identification.
The RFID world market is estimated to surpass US$20 billion in 2014
Since RFID tags can be attached to cash, clothing, possessions, or even implanted within people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns. [1]
RFID tags are used in various industries. For instance RFID tags are attached to automobiles and Pharmaceuticals to track progress through the supply chain. Livestock and pets and even humans sometimes have RFID tags implanted, allowing for tracking and identification.
The RFID world market is estimated to surpass US$20 billion in 2014
Since RFID tags can be attached to cash, clothing, possessions, or even implanted within people, the possibility of reading personally-linked information without consent has raised serious privacy concerns. [1]
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Walmart has grown to the world’s largest retailer by becoming the masters of supply chain management. This in turn, allows them to bring the lowest possible price to customers.
With this in mind, Walmart has endeavored to become a leader in the area of implementing supply chain technologies to achieve the kind of operational efficiency that make these cost savings possible. Using RFID to identify and track inventory through the supply chain is ideal because this technology allows for fast and easy real-time transfer of data stored on tags on a product or pallet. RFID tags can also transfer much more information than bar codes traditionally used for this purpose. Walmart continuously boasts numerous benefits of using RFID technology for effective inventory management, reducing the Bull-whip effect and reducing excess inventory across the entire supply chain. In 2010, Walmart announced plans to place RFID tags on individual items of clothing. Important to note here is the growing conversation and concern over privacy issues, and the retailer using this technology to track personal information and meta data. [2] |
References:
[1] Angell, I., Kietzmann, J. (2006). "RFID and the end of cash?" (PDF). Communications of the ACM 49 (12): 90–96. doi:10.1145/1183236.1183237. Retrieved 9 November 2013.ovember 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification#cite_note-Angell-1
[2] By University Alliance
http://www.usanfranonline.com/resources/supply-chain-management/rfid-technology-boosts-walmarts-supply-chain-management/
[1] Angell, I., Kietzmann, J. (2006). "RFID and the end of cash?" (PDF). Communications of the ACM 49 (12): 90–96. doi:10.1145/1183236.1183237. Retrieved 9 November 2013.ovember 2013.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification#cite_note-Angell-1
[2] By University Alliance
http://www.usanfranonline.com/resources/supply-chain-management/rfid-technology-boosts-walmarts-supply-chain-management/
