Optimizing distribution strategy for perishable foods using RFiD and sensor technologies
Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing
ISSN: 0885-8624
Article publication date: 12 October 2010
Abstract
Purpose
Delivery of safe products while meeting customer demand is a critical marketing requirement for logistics. To meet this requirement, this paper aims to develop a decision‐making model for distribution strategies in cold chain network with the real‐time flow and quality information of perishable foods.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper first presents a real‐time monitoring solution for cold chain distribution by integrating radio frequency identification (RFiD), sensor, and wireless communication technologies. With the enhanced visibility of product flow and quality information, a multi‐stage planning model is developed to determine optimal distribution plans so that the overall cost of the entire cold chain network is minimized.
Findings
The proposed distribution‐planning model can capture the dynamics of logistics due to frequent update of product quality information during distribution. Therefore, the distribution decision will be adjusted at sequential stages to optimally preserve the product value and meet demand. The proposed solution and model can ensure an effective cold chain logistics and thus meet the marketing requirement.
Research limitations/implications
The current planning model cannot quantitatively capture all benefits, such as the social impact, due to the implementation of RFiD and other technologies.
Originality/value
The proposed solution to achieve complete visibility of the cold chain is innovative and addresses the urgent requirements for cold chain logistics from marketing perspective. For the first time, the economic benefits of real‐time information on product quality can be quantitatively evaluated by the multi‐stage planning model and this has been verified by a numerical case study.
Keywords
Citation
Shi, J., Zhang, J. and Qu, X. (2010), "Optimizing distribution strategy for perishable foods using RFiD and sensor technologies", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 596-606. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858621011088338
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited