Abstract
Purpose of this paper
This paper examines the use of unique identities (through RFID technology, bar codes, and “human-readable” labels) on packages and load carriers in Swedish manufacturing industries. The purpose is to investigate drivers behind the adoption, and the perceived improvements and visions for the coming 2-5 years. It also covers the use of different methods for reading the identities, locations of identification in the supply chain and how the acquired information is utilised.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the survey method. The survey instrument was developed in co-operation with an expert group consisting of both researchers and industry representatives. The data were analysed using multivariate techniques.
Findings
The analysis shows that there are a number of distinct clusters of companies with similar drivers for unique identification adoption. Characteristics of companies in these clusters are described and compared. The analysis clarifies the essential roles of integration and information sharing to obtain potential improvements.
Research limitations/implications
To provide a more robust scientific justification of the survey results, in-depth case studies should be carried out and similar studies could be conducted in other countries and/or industries.
Practical implications
Managers can use the findings to estimate the potential of identification technologies and to benchmark their company’s results and level of implementation with other manufacturing companies in Sweden.
What is original/value of paper
The study shows that there are links between the drivers behind the adoption of unique identities and the level of integration and improvements achieved. It also provides the current status of different identification methods in Swedish manufacturing industries.
This paper examines the use of unique identities (through RFID technology, bar codes, and “human-readable” labels) on packages and load carriers in Swedish manufacturing industries. The purpose is to investigate drivers behind the adoption, and the perceived improvements and visions for the coming 2-5 years. It also covers the use of different methods for reading the identities, locations of identification in the supply chain and how the acquired information is utilised.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the survey method. The survey instrument was developed in co-operation with an expert group consisting of both researchers and industry representatives. The data were analysed using multivariate techniques.
Findings
The analysis shows that there are a number of distinct clusters of companies with similar drivers for unique identification adoption. Characteristics of companies in these clusters are described and compared. The analysis clarifies the essential roles of integration and information sharing to obtain potential improvements.
Research limitations/implications
To provide a more robust scientific justification of the survey results, in-depth case studies should be carried out and similar studies could be conducted in other countries and/or industries.
Practical implications
Managers can use the findings to estimate the potential of identification technologies and to benchmark their company’s results and level of implementation with other manufacturing companies in Sweden.
What is original/value of paper
The study shows that there are links between the drivers behind the adoption of unique identities and the level of integration and improvements achieved. It also provides the current status of different identification methods in Swedish manufacturing industries.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 16 |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2008 |
| Event | 20th Annual NOFOMA Conference, 2008 - Helsinki, Finland Duration: 2008 Jun 5 → 2008 Jun 6 Conference number: 20 |
Conference
| Conference | 20th Annual NOFOMA Conference, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Finland |
| City | Helsinki |
| Period | 2008/06/05 → 2008/06/06 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Other Mechanical Engineering
Free keywords
- Information sharing
- RFID technology
- Bar codes
- Survey
- Identification
- Packaging logistics