Radio frequency identification and food retailing in the UK
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to offer an outline of the characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and briefly discusses some of its perceived benefits and challenges for food retailers in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws material largely from trade and practitioner sources and illustrates general themes with specific retail examples.
Findings
The paper suggests that RFID has the potential to offer food retailers a wide range of benefits throughout the supply chain including tighter management and control of the supply chain, reductions in shrinkage, reduced labour costs and improved customer service while also facilitating compliance with traceability protocols and food safety regulations. At the same time food retailers will need to address a number operational and strategic challenges and consumer privacy concerns before they can fully realise these benefits.
Originality/value
This paper provides a brief and accessible outline of the RFID developments in food retailing which will interest non‐specialists working in and in association with this sector of the retail marketplace.
Keywords
Citation
Jones, P., Clarke‐Hill, C., Comfort, D., Hillier, D. and Shears, P. (2005), "Radio frequency identification and food retailing in the UK", British Food Journal, Vol. 107 No. 6, pp. 356-360. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700510602156
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited