With so much controversy present, the advocates and cynics will be busy delivering opinions on the model and strategy, during the development process and as the final strategy is revealed. As a supplement to the previous step, the go-forward firm should begin listing the functions and services that an RFID deployment can bring to the business and how it will augment the supply chain strategy. We recommend beginning with the functions and process steps in the supply chain that will be most affected by having greater visibility. A review of the current process map for the business provides a valuable assist in this regard, from which the firm can select its starter kit of potential improvements. We like to include:

• The customer order management process where RFID can improve the accuracy of incoming data and enhance the transfer of data from point to point

• Inventory planning and management where RFID can result in the need for less inventories (raw materials, work in process, subparts, and finished goods) by virtue of being able to quickly identify the quantity and location of all goods in the end-to-end supply chain network

• Purchasing, procurement, and strategic sourcing through lower costs generated through less embedded scanning, locating, expediting, and tracking costs on the part of suppliers

• Manufacturing, fabricating, and production because of lower handling costs, better tracking of supplies without calling for duplicates, and greater ability to perform under a...