RFID

RFID is defined as data collection techniques that work in a different way than the rest of the computers. RFID tags are used to identify or track products, humans and animals by using radio waves. These RFID tags have been used through the organization of more massive sets of unique data, bar codes, and other types of data to track the required standard of product. In the previous week, we discussed reverse logistics that states companies are using the concept of reverse logistics to allow customers to reverse the products if it never meets with their needs. RFID help reverse logistics in the sense that RFID contains all real-life data of products that could be retrieved when the customer access store to reverse a product (Tanvi Agrawal, 2012). At first, RL is collected at the point of sale and then in collection points and later sorted by employees according to their knowledge. RFID is an advanced technique to manage collected data because it provides an advantage for the less labour work, no line of sight, bulk reading and full automation. To increase the value of products, these could be recycled, replaced and refurbished (Asif, 2011). Characteristics of RFID are unique and matched with the requirements of reverse logistics. Tracking and identification capabilities of RFID helps to track information about the quality of the returned product and also the decision that needs to be made regarding the recycling of these products. RFID based solutions in reverse logistics proved cost-effective, helps us to manage inventory management, theft detection and also help stores to receive real-time visibility in the different business processes.

Along with several advantages, RFID also negatively affects the industry in numerous ways. In many cases, issues occur in barcode scanners, and it became unable to scan multiple items at the same time. Barcoding and RFID scanning affect the authority and reliability of things and data collected. RFID technology also penalizes government in terms of cost, material, management and reliability. Some elements fall short of the quality of tracking signals. For example, the metal reacts negatively to RFID. Metal deactivate the RFID antenna, and then it would be unable to transmit signals and real-world data. Cost is another negative side of RFID. Some services of this technology are cheap, but some services cost much, and this variability is because of the tracking capability of tags and services (Seckman, 2017).

References

Asif, R. (2011). Reverse Logistics: RFID the key to optimality. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 4(2), 281-300.

Seckman, C. (2017). The Benefits and Barriers to RFID Technology in Healthcare. HIMSS, https://www.himss.org/resources/benefits-and-barriers-rfid-technology-healthcare.

Tanvi Agrawal, S. M. (2012). Role Of Rfid To Minimize Reverse Logistics: A Case Study Perspective. Journal of Business and Management, 40-47.