The Impact of Automatic Identification on Supply Chain Operations

Duncan McFarlane; Yossi Sheffi

doi:10.1108/09574090310806503

Login

Welcome:
Guest

Search for:

Browse:

Product Information:

Resources:

International Journal of Logistics Management, The

ISSN: 0957-4093

Online from: 1990

Subject Area: Operations and Logistics Management

Content: Latest Issue | Latest Issue RSS | Previous Issues

Options: To add Favourites and Table of Contents Alerts please take a Emerald profile

The Impact of Automatic Identification on Supply Chain Operations

Document Information:
Title:	The Impact of Automatic Identification on Supply Chain Operations
Author(s):	Duncan McFarlane, (Cambridge University), Yossi Sheffi, (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Citation:	Duncan McFarlane, Yossi Sheffi, (2003) "The Impact of Automatic Identification on Supply Chain Operations", International Journal of Logistics Management, The, Vol. 14 Iss: 1, pp.1 - 17
Keywords:	Inventory, Process control, Radio frequency identification, Supply-chain management, Tracking
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/09574090310806503 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	Automated Identification (Auto ID) applications can provide corporate information systems with the identity of each physical item in the supply chain in an automated and timely manner. The real time availability of item identity allows other information, related to the item, to be drawn on in order to assess both the current state of the product and future actions required. In the context of supply chain operations, widespread introduction of such systems represents a major opportunity to overhaul and improve tracking and tracing systems, process control and inventory management. In the longer term, it is possible that Auto ID systems may enable a complete re-engineering of the supply chain, by removing a number of the constraints that limit today's supply chain structures. In this paper, we review some key challenges in supply chain operations and introduce the main elements of an Auto ID system. Using a simple categorization of supply chain operations, areas for short term deployment of Auto ID are identified and opportunities for longer term re-engineering of different sections of the supply chain are highlighted.