The use of Radio Frequency Identification technology for managing the global supply chain: an exploratory study of the Korean logistics industry

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is intended to complement or replace traditional barcode technology to identify, track and trace items automatically. It is able to add intelligence and to minimise human intervention in the item identification process by using electronic tags. In particular, RFID can be useful for tracing a shipment, locating inventory, managing transportation equipment, authenticating data requests and securing logistics infrastructure. Despite such application potential, many logistics companies and government authorities still have not fully explored the possibility of utilising RFID for global supply chain operations. Through an exploratory study, this paper identifies a multitude of factors that facilitate or hinder the usage of RFID in the Korean logistics industry. Also, this paper determines its role in global supply chain operations and assesses the managerial benefits of RFID from the perspectives of both private and public sectors.