Impact Of RFID On Manufacturing Analyzed
IndustryWeek (1/1, Blanchard) reports, "As manufacturers come to accept the inevitability of RFID (radio frequency identification), they are also discovering some tangible benefits." The article notes applications of the technology by retailers and manufacturers such as Wal-Mart and Boeing, and notes that in some situations a company's RFID "mandate led to various reactions remarkably similar to the classic stages of grief," including denial, anger, bargaining and depression. "It remains to be seen how many manufacturers will eventually reach the final stage, acceptance." Even so, "RFID has become a significant business," with many "consumer goods manufacturers...implementing or evaluating RFID 'to track assets, gain better visibility of manufacturing and supply chain operations, and improve product and service quality.'" The article notes the benefits and drawbacks to RFID use in different industries, and adds, "Ultimately, companies finding their own benefits from RFID tend to be well ahead of companies dragged kicking and screaming into mandated initiatives."
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