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1 – 10 of 29The paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's purpose is to show how product coding by radio frequency identification (RFID) can provide better benefits with respect to supply‐chain management than barcode reading, and to discuss important practical obstacles to adoption of the new technology, particularly the high set‐up and implementation cost.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses feasibility studies of RFID systems in relation to the structure and application of the technology in an industrial supply chain.
Findings
RFID technology offers the prospect of improved efficiency by more sophisticated inventory management, delivering lower costs and improved results. It also offers opportunities to reduce theft and counterfeiting. More accurate demand analysis furthermore improves marketing planning. However, a main disadvantage is the high set‐up and implementation cost. Other technical concerns are reliability and electronic interference. Perceived obstacles thus militate against adoption.
Originality/value
This paper evaluates the implementation of RFID from a managerial point of view, balancing benefits against challenges.
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Verena Raab, Brigitte Petersen and Judith Kreyenschmidt
An optimal temperature monitoring is a prerequisite for cold chain management and thus for the production and supply of high quality and safe products as well as for the reduction…
Abstract
Purpose
An optimal temperature monitoring is a prerequisite for cold chain management and thus for the production and supply of high quality and safe products as well as for the reduction of waste and economic losses. The aim of this paper is to identify and compare already existing temperature monitoring solutions in operation and novel temperature monitoring solutions with a view to their use for optimal temperature monitoring in meat supply chains. A special focus is placed on the identification and specification of challenges by the implementation of temperature monitoring systems which allow an optimal control of the temperature conditions in meat supply chains, as required by the new European food law.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a literature review of existing and novel temperature monitoring systems and challenges faced by the practical implementation of monitoring systems which allow continuous control of the temperature conditions in meat supply chains. First, the relevant literature relating to these aspects was examined and second, expert knowledge was applied with system developers of temperature monitoring and information management systems, participants in the meat supply chains and researchers
Findings
In the article different intra‐ as well as inter‐organisational challenges relating to the practical implementation of optimal temperature monitoring solutions have been identified and described.
Originality/value
The paper provides a holistic perspective of temperature monitoring solutions in meat supply chains. The challenges met when implementing temperature monitoring solutions have not been widely discussed in the literature. The proposed solutions to the specified challenges make an important contribution to developing guidelines for the implementation of optimal temperature monitoring systems in meat supply chains, resulting in improvements in food quality and safety.
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Roberto Brandín and Sepehr Abrishami
The emergence of new digital technologies in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a turning point that could change the fate of the traditional ways of designing…
Abstract
Purpose
The emergence of new digital technologies in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a turning point that could change the fate of the traditional ways of designing, build and manage asset data. Disruptive technologies such as Blockchain and theInternet of things (IoT) are one of the main pillars that are driving this revolution. The integration of decentralised networks and automated workflows has the potential to become a pivotal factor in construction projects, especially in supply chain ecosystems within the off-site manufacturing field. Obstacles related to fragmented information, interoperability, transparency and “big data” management are the main drivers for change that the industry needs to address. Whilst organisations and users can automate workflows and processes by utilising IoT technology to transfer data without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction, the interaction, storage and management of the data generated are not safe or reliable.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach outlined in this paper addresses the challenges that IoT and centralised networks present. Blockchain, a peer-to-peer distributed database, offers the possibility to support and maintain the asset information without interruptions in all the stages of the life cycle. The synergy between these technologies, along with other techniques, methods and platforms (such as building information modeling (BIM)), based on a single environment, will support information traceability from the strategic definition to end of life.
Findings
The framework of this study presents an excellent opportunity to apply new workflows and processes with the application of new technologies and protocols. It benefits from a well-established platform such as BIM to enable the coordination and management of digital assets as well as giving illustration and collaboration to the supply chain members. IoT and Blockchain are the other layers that work together with the third layer (BIM). This framework proposed the use of these platforms to ensure the information traceability of physical and digital assets, data automation and information management, in a dynamic supply chain ecosystem, bringing efficiency and transparency to stakeholders and users.
Practical implications
This study provides an exploratory framework to be used by the supply chain members in offsite manufacturing, and the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in general, to track asset information throughout their entire life cycle securely and transparently.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the knowledge of IoT, Blockchain technology and BIM use in offsite manufacturing under the AEC industry. It provides a basis for future research by professionals, experts and academics regarding these technologies and their workflows.
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Nadide Çağlayan and Sule Itir Satoglu
The purpose of this paper is to statistically assess the effects of the design factors including usage of data-driven decision support tool (DST), classification of patients…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to statistically assess the effects of the design factors including usage of data-driven decision support tool (DST), classification of patients (triage), prioritization based on vital scores of patients, number of ambulances and hospital selection rules, on the casualty transportation system’s performance in large-scale disasters. Besides, a data-driven DST for casualty transportation is proposed to enhance the casualty survival and ambulance transportation times during the disaster response stage.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors applied simulation and statistical analysis to evaluate the effects of usage of data-driven DST, classification of patients (triage), prioritization of the patients based on vital scores, number of ambulances and hospital selection rules, on the patient survival and transportation time of the casualty transportation system. An experimental design was made, and 16 scenarios were formulated. Simulation models were developed for all scenarios. The number of unrecoverable casualties and time-spent by the casualties until arriving at the hospital was observed. Then, a statistical analysis was applied to the simulation results, and significant factors were determined.
Findings
Utilization of the proposed DST was found to improve the casualty transportation and coordination performance. All main effects of the design factors were found statistically significant for the number of unrecoverable casualties. Besides, for the Time spent Until Arrival of T1-Type Casualty at the Hospital, all of the main factors are significant except the number of ambulances. Respiratory rate, pulse rate, motor response score priority and hospital selection rule based on available hospital capacities must be considered to reduce the number of unrecoverable casualties and time spent until arrival of the casualties at the hospitals.
Originality/value
In this study, the factors that significantly affect the performance of the casualty transportation system were revealed, by simulation and statistical analysis, based on an expected earthquake case, in a metropolitan city. Besides, it was shown that using a data-driven DST that tracks victims and intends to support disaster coordination centers and medical staff performing casualty transportation significantly improves survival rate of the victims and time to deliver the casualties. This research considers the whole systems’ components, contributes to developing the response stage operations by filling gaps between using the data-driven DST and casualty transportation processes.
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Bianca Bindi, Romeo Bandinelli, Virginia Fani and Margherita Emma Paola Pero
The purpose of this paper was to investigate what types of supply chain strategies (SCS) are implemented within luxury fashion companies, according to the drivers that regulate…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to investigate what types of supply chain strategies (SCS) are implemented within luxury fashion companies, according to the drivers that regulate competitiveness in this sector (brand positioning, distribution channel, type and line of product). Moreover, the objective was to define which key performance indicators (KPIs) should be measured according to the chosen strategy, and finally to evaluate the alignment of luxury fashion companies with the proposed indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature review was the first step performed. Thereafter, a case study was conducted and the sample, composed of six companies, was selected, a questionnaire was then developed to guide the interviews, after which the data were collected. From the data, a primary case analysis was conducted, from which cross-case patterns were also researched.
Findings
From the results obtained, it was possible to state that companies involved in the case study adopted different SCS within the same company according to the drivers that regulate the sector competitiveness. As a result, the product line was shown to be the only driver that affected both the alignment between the expected and implemented SCS, respectively, and the alignment with the selected KPIs.
Originality/value
The paper provides valuable insights to companies that are trying to align SCS and KPIs. The close link between these aspects had not yet been explored previously. In particular, there were no indications about the KPIs that have to be measured for a specific SCS.
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Suhong Li, John K. Visich, Basheer M. Khumawala and Chen Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the technology behind RFID systems, identify the applications of RFID in various industries, and discuss the technical challenges of RFID…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the technology behind RFID systems, identify the applications of RFID in various industries, and discuss the technical challenges of RFID implementation and the corresponding strategies to overcome those challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
Comprehensive literature review and integration of the findings from literature.
Findings
Technical challenges of RFID implementation include tag cost, standards, tag and reader selection, data management, systems integration and security. The corresponding solution is suggested for each challenge.
Research limitations/implications
A survey type research is needed to validate the results.
Practical implications
This research offers useful technical guidance for companies which plan to implement RFID and we expect it to provide the motivation for much future research in this area.
Originality/value
As the infancy of RFID applications, few researches have existed to address the technical issues of RFID implementation. Our research filled this gap.
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MOHD KAMIR YUSOF, Andrew Abel, Md Yazid Saman and Mohd Nordin Abdul Rahman
The purpose of this paper is to first review the implementation of automatic identification and data capture) technologies in library/information science, focusing on barcode…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to first review the implementation of automatic identification and data capture) technologies in library/information science, focusing on barcode technology, radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC). This paper then presents S-Library, a new android-based application, to enable users to perform a wide range of information science-related transactions, such as borrowing, searching, returning and viewing transaction records.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the design process and the database and software components. For analysis, the authors used application testing, and also usability testing, with a questionnaire distributed to 343 users.
Findings
The implementation of NFC technology means that S-Library has a number of technical advantages over other approaches. It was also shown with user acceptance testing that there was a high degree of user satisfaction with S-Library.
Research limitations/implications
Although the findings combine technical assessment and usability testing and are extremely positive, further user evaluation could be performed. In addition, S-Library does not currently read existing RFID tags, which would improve the application further.
Practical implications
The system proposed here shows that S-Library is a feasible approach taken to improve the library transaction experience and that it can replace and improve upon older technologies.
Originality/value
This paper provides a first successful demonstration of a functioning and tested android and NFC-based library transaction system and shows that this approach generates a high degree of user reliability.
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To provide practitioners of management a sense of the importance of strategically leveraging the current and historic development of radio frequency identification (RFID) in order…
Abstract
Purpose
To provide practitioners of management a sense of the importance of strategically leveraging the current and historic development of radio frequency identification (RFID) in order to find inexpensive applications of radio frequency‐based (RF) technologies in many areas.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of the applied literature on RFID, as well as from practical experience, resulted in a basic model of viewpoint to understand the nature of the emergent RF‐based industry.
Findings
Wal‐Mart and other cost sensitive and value chain progressive companies' usage of RFID‐based technology should revolutionize the method that companies' track inventory. However, some of the disadvantages include costs, training, product label and supplies, and privacy infringement. One asset to companies like Wal‐Mart is pallet tracking because it improves on‐time inventory delivery. This helps Wal‐Mart since they rely on just‐in‐time ordering.
Research limitations/implications
RFID is currently used in many industries such as transportation and distribution, manufacturing and processing, and security and law enforcement. The advantages RFID gives to companies are the following: enhanced record management, customer behavior patterns, and accurate inventory tracking.
Practical implications
This paper describes RFID and its implementation process in an academic manner, some disadvantages of RFID, and examples of how the technology can improve customer relationship management (CRM) are discussed. Originality/value – This form of identification can be used in large stores like Wal‐Mart to receive real time information. By implementing RFID, companies will create a fully integrated supply chain system. Traditionally, many supply chain management (SCM) research has simply viewed RF‐based technology as a technological innovation, not a transformational event as this paper presents.
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Sadanand Y. Bansode and Sanjay K. Desale
The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Pune University Library.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system in Pune University Library.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a brief overview of background of the project, barriers faced and changes that have been experienced after the implementation of the technology.
Findings
At the initial stage the library is facing problems with regard to the lack of availability of technology experts in the library for the RFID system and also for the software. Later on the library applied some solutions and tried to minimise the problems and now it has proved to be a boon for the library.
Originality/value
The paper provides insight for other academic libraries wishing to implement an RFID system.
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Qiongwei Ye and Baojun Ma
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insight and analysis into E-commerce in China and how it has revolutionized and continues to…
Abstract
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insight and analysis into E-commerce in China and how it has revolutionized and continues to revolutionize business and society. Split into four distinct sections, the book first lays out the theoretical foundations and fundamental concepts of E-Business before moving on to look at internet+ innovation models and their applications in different industries such as agriculture, finance and commerce. The book then provides a comprehensive analysis of E-business platforms and their applications in China before finishing with four comprehensive case studies of major E-business projects, providing readers with successful examples of implementing E-Business entrepreneurship projects.
Internet + and Electronic Business in China is a comprehensive resource that provides insights and analysis into how E-commerce has revolutionized and continues to revolutionize business and society in China.