Wireless product identification: enabler for handling efficiency, customisation and information sharing

Abstract

More sophisticated customer demand chains and electronic business pose new challenges to supply chain management. Delivery sizes decrease as a result of more deliveries directly to the point of use. Customers are demanding products and deliveries customised to their specific needs. Also, the information concerning small, customised deliveries has to be shared in volatile supply networks. This article analyses the opportunities of wireless product identification technology in transforming supply chain management. A new concept of item level supply chain management and enabling steps to achieve the benefits are proposed. Innovative companies already use wireless product identification with great benefits in specific functional areas, e.g. manufacturing and warehousing. However, the biggest potential is in supply chain wide solutions, i.e. item level supply chain management.