RFID technology and the EPC network as enablers of mobile business: a case study in a retail supply chain

The main objective of this study is to explore the impact of integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and the Electronic Product Code (EPC) network into one specific supply chain in the retail industry and investigate their potentials as enablers of Mobile Business (m-business). Based on empirical data gathered from three layers of a supply chain, several scenarios integrating RFID and the EPC network have been developed and tested in a laboratory setting. In the context of warehousing activities, the results indicate that (a) these technologies can improve the 'shipping' and 'receiving' processes and allow 'in transit visibility'; (b) they offer opportunities for optimisation through business process redesign, (c) allow the emergence of new 'smart processes'; (d) facilitate information flow between supply chain members; and (e) they enable supply chain members to leverage their existing IS investments