Extended system design for RFID enabled supply chains with non-RFID technologies

Currently, the coordination between supply chain participants is normally organised via a scan packing system and communicated through electronic data interchange technology. However, the scan pack process is costly and time consuming. Using the electronic product code technology defined by EPCglobal, two national demonstrator projects have been developed to explore the suitability of RFID to the fast moving consumer goods supply chain. The projects show that two major issues must be addressed for RFID technology to be used effectively in global supply chains. First, small and medium enterprises using different RFID standards are unable to participate. Second, RFID IT infrastructures are rigid and costly. This paper examines the capability of two new mobile technologies in relation to current RFID system designs and experiences in the national projects. An extended RFID system is proposed to enable these non-RFID technologies to be used in conjunction with EPC-based systems so that links to non-RFID sites can be established and the cost of system implementation can be more affordable.