Recognizing RFID as a Disruptive Technology

Recognizing radio frequency identification (RFID) as a disruptive technology unearths interesting facts that could help managers decide how to approach their RFID projects. RFID for the supply chain (RFID/SC) has attracted global attention and the adoption pace is quickening. It has characteristics resembling that of a disruptive technology. To better understand RFID/SC, we use Christensen’s principles of disruptive technology and the motivation/ability framework to illustrate the uniqueness of RFID/SC. The principles provide valuable information for managers steering their RFID projects toward success. We provide cases studies as vignettes to support the applications of the theories. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to equip managers with the knowledge of disruptive technology in the context of RFID/SC, (2) to highlight the need to assess an organization’s motivation and ability for adopting RFID/ SC, and (3) to propose further research areas in RFID/SC in the IS field.