OVERVIEW

Amid all of the controversy surrounding RFID technology and its deployment, a significant number of businesses remain determined to move forward, often in the face of limited data and documented financial results. An equal or greater number are still not sure enough of the possible results and continue to wait for further developments. Still others remain opposed to adopting the technology. To validate the potential advantages to be gained from RFID deployment, a number of pilot projects are under way in a variety of industries, a technique we strongly endorse.

From tests by automotive firms and brewers to consumer products, health care, logistics providers, manufacturers, and retailers, companies are attempting to come to grips with the promises and problems and to integrate RFID into a comprehensive supply chain strategy and business plan. Global consortiums of universities, interested companies, and dedicated organizations have been developing all sorts of infrastructures using RFID tags and Auto-ID systems. What these pilot efforts are proving is that using radio waves to track products and provide visibility and real-time access to status and location presents another means to make supply chains more effective and satisfying.

Typical of the conditions we have been describing, the investigations into how to apply the technology meet with differing opinions. Jonathan Byrnes, writing for the Harvard Business School Working Knowledge publication, positions the cynics' argument. "In the system envisioned by some consortium leaders," he states," literally everything would be tagged with chips that 'announce' identity when hit with a...