A post‐retail consumer application of RFID in medical supply chains

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the feasibility of using radio frequency identification (RFID) total asset visibility technologies for post‐consumer monitoring and ordering of medical supplies.

Design/methodology/approach

A laboratory experiment in a consumer context was designed. This involved the application of RFID tag technology for glucose monitoring and supply management.

Findings

It was found that embedded RFID monitoring of blood glucose levels can be used to effectively monitor and help manage patient care. An integrated system of monitoring and management with an effective medical supply chain information system is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The laboratory study provides initial validation of the merits of the approach. Extensive human field‐testing would still be required prior to any strong inference about the viability of the technology in this application.

Practical implications

The findings provide a directly relevant system design template for home managed patient care settings where self‐administered medication protocols are required. The findings may also be extended into consumable consumer products like food and beverages where the management of home‐based supplies are a critical component of supply chain effectiveness and consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results extend the use of RFID as a total asset visibility tool for enterprise resource planning in a supply chain. Post‐consumer consumption monitoring, tracking, and automated re‐ordering have not been extensively addressed in the literature.

Citation

Swartz, S.M., Vaidyanathan, V. and Raman, H. (2010), "A post‐retail consumer application of RFID in medical supply chains", Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 607-611. https://doi.org/10.1108/08858621011088347