An Assessment of Technologies with Wide Range of Impact. A Case of RFID

Abstract

Starting from the general concepts of communication, communication in organizations and in supply chains authors specified problem of distortions and noise that affects effective decision making in supply chains. Authors selected RFID technology as one of possible ways to eliminate discussed problems. Implementation of a new technology and RFID specifically, is problematic, because it disrupts status quo. Even if implementation is local, its effects are global and affect whole organization or even network of organizations. Organization should assess the scale of changes before making decision on implementation. An assessment and rationale for RFID implementation is difficult, so companies are aware. They are sometimes mandated by partners or governments, but always must rely on consultants. RFID is a technology that leads to automation of processes and limitation of simple human task. Authors proposed expert-analytic approach to challenge described issues. The approach was applied in several European manufacturing companies. It was confirmed that the scale of technology impact is exceeding pure area of RFID implementation. The approach is quick and constitutes a rationale of RFID implementation. The approach called ART (Assessment of RFID Technology) was positively verified. Results are satisfactory for rough comparison of pros and cons of RFID implemented in supply chain. Basing on achieved results, decision about further detailed analysis and design of RFID system, which is usually costly and time-consuming, could be made. The approach generates signposts for companies, if RFID should be considered. Assumptions of the approach are general and could be easily adjusted for other technologies. It is especially important when discussing technologies that are hardly comparable to other or reported case studies are very different, so company cannot rely on experiences of other organizations or fields of application. It is also a use case for evolved approach, when the scale of an impact of technology implementation is wide and not narrowed to the area of its physical implementation.