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RFID in the Supply Chain
Excellent article. You covered the general concepts well. However, like all books and articles I usually see on this subject, the best face is presented. Normal problems and how to handle them are not usually presented ... although IBM has an excellent and inexpensive book on RFID that does mention potential problems. See Amazon and query RFID. The Idiots Guide is also surprisingly good. With respect to barcode substitution, signals do not go through liquids well. Placement of the label and readers can be essential for error reduction. The cost of the initial implementation and pilot programs is often not mentioned. Nor is the need to frequently bring in consultants for an annuity relationship. Finally, there is often no mention of recovery and restart or error recovery concepts. For example, how do you deal with bad reads or even know you had one? The systems aspect and the day-to-day issues are usually downplayed in favor of the technology sale. This is not to say RFID is bad. Just that the barcode substitution aspect still has problems that affect the economics of the technology. On the other hand, active and semi-active transponders such as tollway transponders are fantastic. RFID at this level of implementation has a future that is only limited by economics and imagination.
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