Realizing the Promise of RFID: Insights from Early Adopters and the Future Potential

Abstract

This chapter touches on some basics on RFID and covers business opportunities as well as some of the relevant challenges to be faced. Although it is a new technology, standard obstacles of organizational and technological barriers still have to be overcome and mediums crossed that were previously not traversed as on warehouse and distribution center floors yield for challenging environments from a business process as well as a technological adoption perspective. It provides a combined outlook sprinkled with key lessons from early adopters and service providers close to some of the emerging trends and implementations happening in the field. A range of benefits will evolve with the adoption of RFID within an organization and especially across the entire supply network. For now, the value is only slowing coming into focus. Various industry segments, like pharmaceutical and military applications, will provide a smoother supply chain trail for others to follow.