An assessment model for RFID impacts on prevention and visibility of inventory inaccuracy presence

Bullwhip effect has been considered as one of major research topics in supply chain management. Most of the studies disregarded the mismatch between the recorded inventory and the reality. However, it is shown that the inventory inaccuracy under uncertainty is a widespread phenomenon in both retail and distribution centers. Due to the propagation of information distortion along the supply chain, the financial impacts of inventory inaccuracy include not only the cost of direct inventory loss but also the increasing holding and shortage cost at each stage. The emergence of RFID technology offers a possible solution to alleviate the growing cost of inventory inaccuracy. By making full use of RFID technology, this paper attempts to compare the inventory inaccuracy impact on bullwhip effect in terms of order variance amplification and supply chain performance under two scenarios: (1) all members are aware of the inaccuracy and optimize their operations; (2) all members deploy RFID technology to reduce inventory inaccuracy. Informed order policy is used as benchmark to capture the true RFID value and differentiate two types of RFID impacts, prevention and visibility, to provide more manageable insight. In particular, the incentive of sharing information in supply chain is also provided by comparing the cost of two supply chain settings.     

Applying RFID to reduce delay in import cargo customs clearance process

The study explores the customs clearance process of import cargos in international air cargo terminals, and constructs a network to analyze cargo, information and human flows in the import cargo process. Then, the study formulates a mathematical model of the customs clearance process-delay, and analyzes delay propagation in subsequent cargos. Moreover, the network of the customs clearance process is reconstructed based on the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The performances of RFID are evaluated in terms of reductions in shippers’ inventory cost and operators’ labor cost. A numerical example of Taiwan Air Cargo Terminal (TACT) at the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) International Airport is used to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed model. The analysis of cargo processing at TACT shows that cargos arriving earlier at TACT take less waiting time and less clearance time than ones arriving later. RFID application can markedly improve the efficiency of cargo process, and can save the inventory cost and labor cost. A combined strategy that carries out a modified dispatching rule and RFID application at the same time brings the greatest benefit to TACT. The sensitivity analyses show that the total benefit of applying RFID increases as cargo delay cost, terminal handling capacity, and/or storage cost increase, indicating that RFID technology is appropriate for handling those cargos with high value of time.     

Does RFID improve firms’ financial performance? an empirical analysis

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is viewed as a technology that improves supply chain efficiency by enhancing inventory efficiency, optimizing logistics, and coordinating the flow of materials. Although RFID has gained great attention in many business applications, the financial gain that accrues over time from RFID adoption is not well understood. We examine the effects of RFID on firm profits while adjusting for self-selection of adoption choice. We find that firms self-select into a certain adoption mode on the basis of their organizational characteristics. Our results also show that RFID confers significant benefits for firms that have adopted RFID. Interestingly, improved inventory ratio and sales efficiency begin to play a greater role in shaping higher profitability over time for firms that have adopted RFID possibly due to time-consuming processes for them to reap the benefits from RFID. However, we find that the values of RFID that accrue to firms are not universal across firm. That is, our results suggest that RFID confers a significant value for certain firms while it does not for other firms with unobservable disadvantages. In sum, our study sheds new light on what drives firms to adopt RFID and on which firms achieve higher financial performance in a post-adoption period as a result of RFID adoption.     

零售商定价/订货决策下竞争/互补制造商采用RFID的策略研究

以一个零售商主导的两级供应链为研究对象,构建两个生产竞争性或互补性产品的制造商是否采用无线射频识别技术(radio frequency identification,RFID)时链上成员的收益模型,分析求解出各种情景下零售商定价/订货决策时制造商的最优批发价和RFID标签成本分摊系数,以及零售商的最优零售价/订货量,进...     

The impact of false-negative reads on the performance of RFID-based shelf inventory control policies

Effective retail in-store logistics are paramount to provide high product availability at minimal operating costs. Despite various efforts by retailers to lower out-of-stock rates on retail shelves, product availability remains insufficient thereby significantly degrading a store's performance. Currently, retailers consider the introduction of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to improve the efficiency of replenishment processes in stores. However, the possibilities of RFID are ultimately limited by the physical characteristics of RF communications. Tag detuning and the absorption of radio waves by the tag's environment may lead to so-called ‘false-negative' reads, i.e., RFID tags in range being undetected by the reader device. Retailers ignoring the impact of false-negatives on the performance of RFID-based inventory control systems run the risk of overestimating the benefits to be expected from RFID. We develop an inventory control policy based on shelf stock information generated by RFID, which specifically accounts for inaccuracies associated with false-negative reads. The mathematical model is optimized for operating costs and compared to a basic periodic review strategy in a numerical study. The results indicate that the impact of false-negatives on cost remains modest for medium to high read rates. However, the system performance is sensitive to a number of exogenous parameters that must be considered when evaluating the practical use of RFID.     

RFID: Verbraucherängste und verbraucherschutz

RFID introduction is a hotly debated public policy issue. The technology enables physical environments to become more interactive and supportive by tagging each item with a chip that wirelessly communicates with a service-enriched backend infrastructure. Based on a number of user studies at Humboldt-Universität and at the Auto-ID Center, this article presents the major fears associated with RFID introduction. We show to what extent these fears are justified and derive a number of system requirements for giving users more control over an RFID-enabled IT infrastructure. After presenting several recent technical proposals for privacy protection, we focus on the question of controlled access to RFID tags. We conclude with a proposal for an easy-to-use private password model.     

Analyzing information-enabled stockout management under vendor-managed inventory

We develop a mechanism under vendor-managed inventory (VMI) by which a manufacturer provides an incentive contract to a retailer to convert lost sales stockouts into backorders. An incentive contract is required since the retailer’s efforts are not directly observable. We first show that when there are no limits on order quantities or inventory levels imposed on the manufacturer, the manufacturer will push inventory onto the retailer. The manufacturer minimizes the possibility for lost sales stockouts by maintaining high inventory levels at the retailer rather than by paying incentives to the retailer. However, modern information systems (IS), such as radio frequency identification (RFID), allow the retailer to monitor inventory at its premises and to enforce limits on order quantities. With strict limits on order quantities, the manufacturer will provide incentives to the retailer to convert lost sales stockouts to backorders. We analyze the conditions under which these incentive payments are likely to be highest.     

RFID: a technical overview and its application to the enterprise

Radio frequency identification (RFID) offers tantalizing benefits for supply chain management, inventory control, and many other applications. Only recently, however, has the convergence of lower cost and increased capabilities made businesses take a hard look at what RFID can do for them. This article offers an RFID tutorial that answers the following questions: i) what is RFID, and how does it work? ii) What are some applications of RFID? iii) What are some challenges and problems in RFID technology and implementation? iv) How have some organizations implemented RFID?.     

基于RFID的校园快递物品管理系统

使用多个单片机结合PC机组成分布式系统,采用射频识别（Radio Frequency Identification,RFID）技术代替传统条码技术,实现了基于RFID的校园快递物品管理系统,提高了数据采集效率.该物品管理系统响应速度快、实时性强、操作简单,为快递点的包裹出入库、盘点、包裹位置引导提供了一种高效的解决方案.实验结果表明, RFID技术能够提高包裹出入库效率,实现快递点的快速盘点、包裹位置引导,解决货位变换频繁带来的问题,简化工作流程,降低人工成本.     

The impact of RFID on management of returnable containers

Inventory shrinkage is a common problem in the management of returnable containers. RFID-based container tracking systems have been proposed as a possible solution. Benefits of RFID-based tracking of returnable transport items such as pallets, kegs and boxes are documented in several case studies, but have so far hardly been analyzed from a theoretical perspective. In this article, we analyze the impact of RFID on container management using a deterministic inventory model. The analysis focuses firstly on inventory control for which we deduce changes due to RFID for the optimum policy. We then turn to the profitability of the RFID system and determine relevant relations of costs and benefits. Finally we analyze alternatives of implementing an RFID-based container tracking system. These alternatives are analyzed with respect to diffusion speed and profitability.     

基于分段搜索的多RFID标签抗冲突方法*

由于二元树抗冲突方法消耗的识别时间随标签数量呈线性增长,因而提高巨量（>100）标签的抗冲突识别的效率对于推动RFID的应用显得尤为重要。对此本文提出一种分段搜索清点RFID标签的抗冲突方法,通过减少清点过程中标签对阅读器回传数据的位数,达到减少传输耗时的目的。将其与现有的动态二进制搜索法对比,仿真结果表明,当标签突破一定数量,对于特定的分段方式,该算法能够显著降低清点过程的时间消耗。     

A real time process management system using RFID data mining

Recently, there have been numerous efforts to fuse the latest Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology with the Enterprise Information System (EIS). However, in most cases these attempts are centered mainly on the simultaneous multiple reading capability of RFID technology, and thus neglect the management of massive data generated from the RFID reader. As a result, it is difficult to obtain flow information for RFID data mining related to real time process control. In this paper, we propose an advanced process management method, called ‘Procedure Tree’ (PT), for RFID data mining. Using the suggested PT, we are able to manage massive RFID data effectively, and perform real time process management efficiently. Then we evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method, after applying it to a real time process control system connected to the RFID-based EIS. For the verification of the suggested system, we collect an enormous amount of data in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) database, analyze characteristics of the collected data, and then compute the elapsed time on each stage in process control. The suggested system was able to perform what the traditional RFID-based process control systems failed to do, such as predicting and tracking of real time process and inventory control.     

基于ARM的图书管理系统的研究与实现

本文采用无线射频技术(RFID),设计了基于ARM微处理器S3C2440A的手持式图书管理系统。重点介绍了该系统的硬件组成与软件平台的体系结构。该系统具有良好的人机交互界面,能够快速地与PC进行信息交换;减少了图书上架、分类和盘点的时间;实现了图书精确典藏,提高了图书的管理效率。     

基于零售商资金约束供应链采用RFID技术的决策及融资分析

为研究零售商存在资金约束和库存错放时,供应链成员采用无线射频识别(radio frequency identification,RFID)技术及融资决策的均衡问题,以单制造商和单资金约束零售商组成的两级供应链为研究对象,基于报童模型构建供应链成员采用RFID技术前后零售商是否融资4种情景下的收益模型,求解出相应的最优解并探讨供应链成员RFID采用决策与零售商的融资策略.研究发现:当零售商的自有资金适中时,供应链成员采用RFID技术一定程度上能够缓解零售商的资金约束;零售商选择融资时,供应链及其成员能够承担更高的RFID成本;零售商分摊RFID固定成本的比例对制造商、零售商和供应链能够承担的RFID标签成本阈值有决定性的影响.     

面向物流的RFID应用系统研究

本文介绍了两种基于RFID的可视化供应链管理模型,并且设计了一种基于RFID的可视化供应链管理的原型系统。该模型可以实现供应商和用户之间的货物追踪,同时可以实时监控库存情况,发出预警信息,并且可以结合上下游的库存历史进行实时的发货预测。本文的模型分析和原型系统设计对于利用RFID技术改善供应链上下游信息不明的现况,提高供应链管理的效率和水平具有借鉴意义。     

Privacy debate centers on radio frequency identification

The emergence of radio frequency identification (RFID) has brought with it a plethora of privacy concerns and experts are questioning whether the hoopla surrounding RFID is justified. Using RFID should trigger the same privacy concerns as other commonly used technology such as credit cards, cell phones, and the Internet. RFID's potential to revolutionize the retail industry by maximizing suppliers' ability to control inventory and reduce theft is widely recognized. In fact, some technology forecasters predict that RFID tags will eventually replace bar codes on almost all product packaging. The privacy debate centers around RFID tags themselves, which function like tiny radios, wirelessly transmitting information to network receivers. If RFID tags were to remain active even after consumers complete their purchases and exit stores, their wireless technology would let the stores track consumers' movement and behavior; or so goes the argument.     

RFID在库存管理系统中的应用

RFID是一门新兴的技术,使用电子标签有别于传统的条型码。它能够为用户提供物流供应链应用方面的库存管理优化。该类业务的特点是具有入库、检查、出库3个流程,且基于传统的手工操作方式,容易出现错漏。该文以中国邮政邮件发运业务为例．说明类似的应用如何用RFID优化业务流程。     

RFID在纺织企业仓库管理系统中的应用

介绍了一种基于RFID的纺织企业仓库管理系统的设计方法。该系统在现有纺织企业仓库管理中引入RFID技术,对仓库内各种纺织原料、坯布、面料、纺织品库存等多种货物进行到货检验、入库、出库、调拨、移库移位、库存盘点等各个作业环节的自动化数据采集,从而保证仓库管理各个环节数据输入的速度和准确性,确保企业及时准确地掌握库存的真实数据,合理管理物料库存。     

Benchmarking RFID profitability in complex retail distribution systems

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) can improve the performance of distribution systems in a major way by providing full inventory visibility. Before adopting a new technology, however, one needs to benchmark the new approach to alternative and possibly more traditional solutions—such as transshipments of product stock between retail outlets. In this paper we develop and demonstrate the use of a simulation framework for comparing the use of RFID with other means to improve the responsiveness of distribution systems in a comprehensive manner. In order to compare the combined effect of various inventory error sources (in particular shrinkage, misplacements, and transactions errors), we have conducted extensive simulations. Our results show that the performance gains achieved by different responsive supply chain practices, such as the use of RFID for increased stock visibility or transshipments, depend on the reliability of inventory data and can also be highly interdependent. The value of RFID can be significantly lower in more responsive distribution systems. A sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of the observations made. Our work confirms the need for more sophisticated methods to evaluate new supply chain information technologies and practices.     

基于RFID技术的资产管理系统设计与实现

RFID资产管理系统是充分利用RFID、传感器、GPRS等各种物联网技术来将资产纳入统一管理的信息管理系统。本系统可对机房设备资产进行管理,包含盘点、出入库自动化识别、图形监控等,从而实现企业资产信息管理的可视化,为企业决策、资产调配、资产盘点工作提供服务,从而提高企业的运营效率,减少企业运营成本,增强企业市场竞争力。