International Airport ( Atl ) Should Implement Radio Frequency Identification ( Rfid ) Tags

Given the facts in the case and as outlined in more detail in this case study, it is our recommendation that Mierdorf and Wolfram move to the case level RFID tagging process. The improvements up and down the supply chain in accuracy, inventory control, reduced labor costs are enough to at least continue with the RFID

One of Walmart’s most recent applications of information technology is the use of radio frequency identification or RFID. These tags can be used for all sorts of applications, but in the retail industry this they are used to track packages or individual products from the factory all the way to the sell. The tag itself emits a small radio signal that a server picks up and uses to identify the tag. These tags are placed on the product or package after assembly at the factory. The RFID servers tells the computers when the product has been shipped out. Warehouses do the same thing to determine then the package is entered and when it leaves for the store. At the store, computers use the tags to make inventory easier for clerks and are usually taken off once the package is sold. In some cases the RFID label is sometimes used to see exactly where the package is in route while shipping, provided they have the proper equipment. Information technology has been instrumental in the success at Walmart throughout its history.

As RFID technology evolves and becomes less expensive, there will be an increase in the number of companies and vendors using the technology. Eventually, new applications will be developed and these systems may even be able to solve common or unique problems associated with business in today’s market.

As mentioned above, we examined fob keys as a possible solution to JRI’s problem. This system would allow people to move uninterrupted through the facilities by using a special key that emits a specific radio frequency. By using fobs, wait times could be significantly decreased as there would be no need to take out and scan key cards. Although this system is similar to RFID, we found that while fob keys are expensive and difficult to program, RFID’s are relatively inexpensive, and much more versatile in regards to their possible usage.

The RFID is considered a significant improvement over the conventional barcode, which needs to be read by scanners in "line-of-sight" fashion and can be stripped away if the paper product labels get ripped or damaged. RFID can also facilitate inter-organizational E-commerce initiatives such as continuous replenishment or vendor-managed inventories (Smaros and Holmstrom, 2000).

First advancements in RFID technology coupled with decreasing costs have allowed RFID to gain greater prominence and therefore a higher level of adoption. The following are examples of the unique capabilities offered by RFID:

RFID data is visible and trackable across the supply chain and reduces scanning error, stockouts and the labour required to move inventory (Shin & Eksioglu 2014, p. 633). Importantly, as Concept2creation (n.d.) shows picking and scanning cartons from the cages is labour intensive and requiring audits. Alternatively, RFID transmitters on pallets and cages, can automatically be scanned upon receipt. Cartons without RFID can be placed in totes to be tracked internally (Michel 2014,

Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) have been used in the retail industry for more than fifty years as an inventory assessment application tracking product sales and distribution data for goods and services. Current trends of RFID for this industry have been favorable for hi-tech state-of-the-art industries, yet in the past years to 2014 device prices have fallen at an estimated average annual 5.3% primarily due to its characteristic as a "throwaway" inventory or control device. This market segment uses tags or labels, which are scanned and ultimately leave the store with the consumer, eventually disposing of the empty carton or used product. Retailer’s using this application method require multiple components and suppliers are

RFID has been around longer than the average American realizes. In World War II we start to see this new technology emerge in the form of a radar. A handful of nations used the radar to detect approaching planes from miles out. While this was handy, the problem with the radar

Most storage units today utilize the Radio Frequency Technology, an effective tool that keeps belongings secure. Tiny RFID tags are used in this security system to monitor your belongings effectively. These tags are attached to every item you store. Door scanners recognize RFID tags immediately and give you an indication about illegitimate shifting of merchandise. An alarm rings in case your goods are moved from one place to another

Radio Frequency Identification is the use of radio frequency waves to remotely identify material. It is primarily used in supply chain management but can be used in other areas. Used as a tracking tool, RFID keeps track of material in the transportation pipeline enabling users to have real time tracking information throughout the entire shipping process. Inventory management is another important logistics element that is enhanced with the use of RFID. The goal of an inventory manager is to maintain a 100% inventory and RFID makes the process more efficient. RFID allows the user to perform inventories with ease and accuracy while reducing the number of people needed to perform the inventory. In addition to assisting with inventory RFID

RFID was invented in Soviet Union in 1945 by inventor Leon Theremin. The main use for RFID during 1945, was to track audio information and sounds to identify if aircrafts was friend or foes of the Soviets in World War II. Once the World War was over, similar technology started to be developed such as IFF transponder, Automatic Identification and Data capture (AIDC), and Passive Reader Active Tag and much more. In modern times, RFID is used in many ways, for example in keep track of good in stores, collecting toll payments without contact, and keep track of bagging at the airport. Have you ever bought an item inside a store and wondering what happens when the cashier scans the barcode? This is RFID’s Active Reader Active Tag at work, it’s a system that use tags to transmit signals and reply once the information is received from the item scanned. In addition, Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) is often used in stores as well by overnight stockers and inventory staff. PRAT allows the user to scan barcodes to keep track of inventory in store, as well as order inventory. RFID has increased in applications outside of retail store chains many common ones such as badges need to access building doors, lock on newer vehicles car doors and commutation devices.

RFID, or radio frequency identification, is the new system that is replacing the use of barcodes. RFID tags allow users to more quickly obtain information from the object that the RFID tag

RFID technology is not only used at gas stations, restaurants, and department but also at

Some of the disadvantages of the RFID technology are that it is expensive to install. Small and medium scale enterprises find it costly to use it in their firms and offices. In the case of Harley Davidson, getting products from many different suppliers’ would mean that the tags may have to be installed in liquid and metal products. The problem is that the liquid and metal surfaces tend to reflect the radio waves, which makes the tags unreadable. The tags have to be placed in various alignments and angles for taking proper reading. This is a tedious task when the work involves a large organization like Harley Davidson. Another disadvantage of the technology is that interference has been observed if devices such as forklifts and walkie-talkies are in the vicinity of the distribution centers. The presence of mobile phone towers has been found to interfere with RFID radio waves. Wal-Mart, the retail sector giant, has installed billions of RFID tags in their products throughout the world and they have encountered such problems.