Authors: Bertolini, Massimo
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: In this paper, the performances of radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic product code ™ (EPC) Class1 Gen2 devices applied to commercial products are measured and analysed. In particular, a methodological approach is developed in order to measure the performance of the RFID system under item-level tagging in three different scenarios: (i) static case test, (ii) conveyor case test and (iii) pallet test. The tests assess the performance of RFID systems by means of commercial products, in a real production environment under typical working conditions. The combined influence of different parameters has been investigated. Results show that the RFID technology …has reached a satisfactory level of reliability, which allows its infield application. Show more
Keywords: RFID, EPC Class1 Gen2, benchmarking, tags and readers’ performance, testing procedure, logistics
DOI: 10.1080/17545730903321691
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 279-305, 2009
Authors: Bottani, Eleonora | Bertolini, Massimo
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: This paper aims to assess the economic feasibility of a technological solution, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, for asset management in the context of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Three case study companies are examined, respectively, operating as manufacturers of FMCG, pallet pooler and retailer, to be representative of an integrated logistics channel. Site visits and direct interviews are performed to detail the main processes assets are subjected to and the way such processes are currently managed, as well as to derive quantitative values concerning such processes. Based on the analysis, re-engineered procedures have been developed hypothesising RFID deployment …for asset management. Re-engineered procedures were validated by a panel of experts, whose members operate in the logistics, sales and information technology functions of about 15 companies, either manufacturers or distributors of FMCG. On the basis of the comparison between current and re-engineered processes, a detailed economic evaluation is performed for each case study examined to assess the economic suitability of the solution proposed. Results show that RFID deployment allows both manufacturer and pallet provider to achieve an economic profitability on a 5-year period; conversely, the investment is less profitable for the distributor, mainly due to the substantial costs arising for RFID implementation at all retail stores. Outcomes of the study could serve as a guideline for the implementation of RFID technology for asset tracking. Show more
Keywords: radio frequency identification, asset tracking, case studies, feasibility study
DOI: 10.1080/17545730903159034
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 169-193, 2009
Authors: Bertolini, Massimo | Ferretti, Gino | Vignali, Giuseppe | Volpi, Andrea
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: The paper shows how to leverage RFID technology in fresh fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, and, in particular, to optimally manage stock levels on shelves, shelves replenishment, and shrinkage prevention for fresh perishable products. We deployed a pilot project on a FMCG retail supply chain, encompassing a distribution centre and two stores of a major Italian retailer. About 60 products have been RFID tagged at case level. We real time tracked cases of products for 4 months, through the distribution chain all the way to the stores, where the RFID deployment made it possible to punctually monitor shelves stock …levels, backroom stock levels and product shrinkage. We demonstrate that the out of stock (OOS) problem is just one piece of a broader picture, that is shelves stock optimization. The higher the stock level on the shelves, the lower the need for shelf replenishment, and thus the likelihood of an OOS. However, the capital holding costs and the risk for product shrinkage increase. The latter issue is particularly relevant for fresh perishable products. This pilot demonstrates that a retailer could reduce OOS, shrinkage and capital holding costs all together, by means of efficient RFID data management. Potential savings for fresh products account approx 1.7% of sale turnover. This study is the first pilot project which assesses the impact of RFID technology on the supply chain of fresh perishable products; a full roll-out of the project is being planned for the next future. Show more
Keywords: RFID, out of stock, fresh perishable fast moving consumer goods, pilot study
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-120040
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 107-125, 2013
Authors: Bottani, Eleonora | Bertolini, Massimo | Montanari, Roberto | Volpi, Andrea
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: The implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) for product identification and electronic product code (EPC) for information sharing has the potential to generate a wide amount of data, and to make those data real-time available between supply chain players. However, data need to be interpreted to derive value-added information, which could generate economic benefits from the introduction of RFID technology. This paper aims at addressing the issue of how to exploit EPC data generated by RFID technology to provide value-added information, which could be usefully exploited to optimise supply chain processes. To achieve such aim, a panel of experts, composed …of information technology, logistics and supply chain managers of major manufacturers and distributors of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), has been involved in the definition of relevant value-added information to be derived from RFID reads. On the basis of the suggestions from the panel members, appropriate business intelligence modules (BIMs) were designed and developed. All BIMs are compliant with EPC standards, and could be in-field implemented to manage logistics processes through RFID technology. The whole work has been carried out inside the RFID Logistics Pilot project, an Italian pilot study aiming at exploiting RFID technology and innovative EPC Network tools, to enable track and trace and product flow plain visibility in the FMCG supply chain. Show more
Keywords: supply chain management, radio frequency identification, electronic product code, supply chain optimisation, Business Intelligence
DOI: 10.1080/17545730903321683
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 253-278, 2009
Authors: Bertolini, Massimo | Ferretti, Gino | Montanari, Roberto | Rizzi, Antonio | Vignali, Giuseppe
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: In this paper, we aim at analyzing and punctually quantifying the benefits of the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for a better management of shop floor operations and reduction of out of stocks (OOS). To this extent, we first selected a panel of about 100 products belonging to different consumer packaged goods categories (i.e. dry foods, fresh foods, frozen products, health and beauty care) and then we identified 30 retail stores to be monitored, including both hypermarkets and supermarkets. We audited availabilities by daily mapping the number of items on the shelves at store level. In the case …an OOS occurred, a store associate promptly provided the OOS root causes, chosing among 8 possible options. By combining pieces of information related to OOS magnitude, RFID impact on each root cause and customer behaviour in response to OOS, we quantified the potential benefits which could be generated by RFID adoptions, in terms of turnover increase for the retailer as well as for the manufacturer. Results obtained indicate that RFID technologies could be sustainable from an economical point of view for both the retailer and the manufacturer, when they are exploited not only for improving accuracy or efficiency of logistics processes but also for increasing sales through OOS reduction. Show more
Keywords: Out of stock, shelf availability, RFID technologies
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-2012-019
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 159-180, 2012
Shrinkage reduction in perishable food supply chain by means of an RFID-based FIFO management policy
Authors: Bertolini, Massimo | Bottani, Eleonora | Rizzi, Antonio | Volpi, Andrea | Renzi, Pietro
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to point out how Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be used to improve the First In First Out (FIFO) policy of fresh products warehouses in the large-scale retail channel. The relatively short shelf life of fresh products forces to maintain a punctual control of the rotation of cases in the warehouse. The implementation of an RFID system enables to real time monitor the supply chain processes an item is subject to; in particular, the present work focuses on the process of shelf replenishment, by moving cases from the backroom to the shop floor. …By means of an accurate monitoring of this process, the errors caused by noncompliance with the FIFO policy were pointed out, and the economic savings resulting from the use of RFID technology in that context were evaluated. Results show that the deployment of RFID technology has potential to help manage the FIFO policy of fresh products, thus generating interesting savings for the food supply chain. Show more
Keywords: RFID, FIFO policy, shrinkage, perishable food supply chain, backroom management
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-130052
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 5, no. 3-4, pp. 123-136, 2013
Authors: Bertolini, Massimo | Bottani, Eleonora | Ferretti, Gino | Montanari, Roberto | Volpi, Andrea
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: This paper investigates the requirements of RFID solutions that should be used in the fashion industry supply chain. Specifically, this study attempts to fill the gap between the technical features of commercial RFID solutions currently available on the market and the characteristics required to RFID technology for its successful application in the fashion context. The analysis is grounded on two primary sources of information. First, 5 RFID technical providers are examined with the purpose of identifying the available RFID solutions designed for application in the fashion industry, and to assess their performance. Second, 6 end-users of RFID technology, operating as …distributors or manufacturers of fashion items, were asked to provide their opinions related to the technical features of RFID tags required for their successful application in the fashion industry supply chain. By comparing the findings obtained from those sources of data, it is found that RFID solutions currently available do not fully meet the requirements expressed by the fashion end-users; hence, the successful design of RFID tags for the fashion supply chain requires further efforts, and a close collaboration between end-users and technical solutions developers. Results of this study provide an exhaustive overview of the commercial RFID solutions designed for the fashion industry; moreover, our findings can be used as guidelines by practitioners, for the design of more efficient RFID solutions. Show more
Keywords: Radio frequency identification, tag requirements, fashion industry, product design
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-2011-016
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 39-65, 2012
Authors: Bertolini, Massimo | Bottani, Eleonora | Ferretti, Gino | Rizzi, Antonio | Volpi, Andrea
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present and quantify the business benefits that can be achieved through the deployment of Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the apparel and fashion supply chain. The goal is to provide quantitative results regarding logistics and store processes, as well as different areas and processes that could be affected by RFID, including both operational aspects (e.g. shipping and receiving, inventory counts, etc.) and strategic issues related to garments try-ons, store replenishment, inventory management, customer satisfaction and sales volume. Results presented stem from an experimental campaign carried out in Italy in 2010. We applied …RFID UHF gen2 tags to approximately 20,000 garments of the spring/summer and fall/winter 2010 collections, shipped from a distribution centre to a retail store of a major Italian fashion brand. We monitored the flow of goods through the logistics pipeline by means of mobile and fixed RFID readers, and collected the related data. Through proper elaboration of those data, we provided an estimate of the RFID benefits, both at operational and strategic levels. The main findings of our research have to be found in a punctual assessment of savings and increase in sales volume that can be achieved in the apparel supply chain through RFID deployment, with a special focus at the store level. Specifically, RFID is proven to provide benefits at operational levels through increased visibility of materials flows, labour reduction and higher accuracy of the store operations; moreover, it is demonstrated that the greatest contribution of RFID lies in its ability to provide new data, which allows consistently increasing sales and improving customer satisfaction. Show more
Keywords: RFID, apparel and fashion, supply chain management, pilot study
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-2012-028
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 257-282, 2012
Authors: Bottani, Eleonora | Bertolini, Massimo | Rizzi, Antonio | Romagnoli, Giovanni
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: This paper presents the result of the RFID logistics pilot III (RLP3) project, which has dealt with the deployment of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and the development of an IT infrastructure for the management of the real-time data collected in a fresh food supply chain. More specifically, we report the benefits achievable in that supply chain, with a particular focus on the processes of inventory management at the retail store (both in the backroom and in the store area), shelf replenishment from the backroom and store area activities. The supply chain considered during the RLP3 consists of two …distribution centres and three retail stores; the project targeted 145 fresh food items, belonging to the dairy and cold cuts categories. The real-time management of data relating to product history, through a specific dashboard, emerged as a promising tool to improve significantly some specific inefficiencies of the retail store, such as product traceability, amount of sales and démarque, out-of-stock occurrence, on-shelf availability and product freshness. Show more
Keywords: Radio frequency identification (RFID), pilot project, fresh food supply chain, retail store monitoring
DOI: 10.3233/RFT-171780
Citation: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 8, no. 1-2, pp. 33-55, 2017
