Effects of RFID technology on logistics and supply chain management: Current status and directions for future research

RFID (radio frequency identification) technology is developing at a rapid pace. During the last few years, it has been widely discussed in logistics research, as well as in other scientific fields which also approach and contribute to the development of RFID technology. In both logistics and related fields there are findings regarding RFID technology which influence logistics. However, an overall status of contributions in academic literature is lacking. The purpose of this paper is thus to review academic literature regarding RFID technology on a broad basis, in logistics and related fields, to analyse findings which impact on logistics or supply chain management.
A general search for articles containing the search phrases radio frequency identification or RFID in the database called ABI Inform is conducted. An initial analysis of articles found resulted in sixty-four relevant articles. These are analysed from a logistics and SCM perspective.
The literature review categorises and structures literature regarding RFID technology which influences logistics or SCM according to area of focus. The paper analyses developments reported in various industries, methods used, contexts covered, and main logistical and supply chain issues and areas dealt with as well as those which are omitted.
The paper is valuable as it presents a comprehensive picture of the current status of findings which affect logistics and supply chain management and which have been reported within RFID technology. Based on a detailed analysis, the paper suggests directions for future research.