Improving Supply Chain
Execution through RFID
Tom Singer
Tomkins Associates
Few emerging technologies
have spurred as much interest in the supply chain world as Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID). Major retailers
and the Department of Defense have published mandates requiring their suppliers
to apply passive RFID tags to cases and pallets. These distributors are seeking to improve
distribution operations at their warehouses and stores through RFID. But can the technology deliver on the myriad
of promises that have been made by vendors, research institutions, and trade
journals? Can a supplier faced with an
RFID mandate improve their operations through application of the technology?
This presentation will
provide a brief overview of RFID technology, and explain current RFID supply
chain mandates and initiatives. In
addition, you will learn how RFID can improve distribution operations and how
these potential improvements impact supply chain systems, distribution
facilities, and warehouse personnel. It
will also examine the numerous challenges inherent in making the technology
work in a distribution center, and the process of implementing the technology
in a working warehouse. Finally, it will
identify key solution providers in the supply chain RFID arena.