Harold Boeck

Redesigning the replenishment process of medical supplies in hospitals with RFID

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a hospital nursing unit that has evaluated and approved a two‐bin “e‐kanban” replenishment system based on passive high frequency radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology.Design/methodology/approach – The case study analysis is based on both qualitative and quantitative data that were collected using semi‐structured interviews, on‐site observations and experience from previous implementations. The data and simulation analysis presented in this paper were validated by key respondents thereby increasing their reliability.Findings – Results indicate that implementing the e‐kanban RFID solution in conjunction with the redesign of the ward floor and of the roles and functions can substantially improve business and operational performance. The most important benefits for the hospital are derived from the time saved from non‐value‐added activities that can be transferred to patient care activities and the significant reduction of on‐hand i...

RFID and buyer‐seller relationships in the retail supply chain

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to understand why a collaborative innovation, such as radio‐frequency identification (RFID) technology, engenders seemingly opposite buyer‐seller relationship reactions among members of a supply chain.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers carried out a three year exploratory multiple case study using the grounded theory approach through participant‐observation and collaborative action research. The research project culminated in a fully functional RFID proof of concept solution which involved multiple layers of a retail supply chain. The researchers chose the retail industry for the study because it provided the ideal conditions to answer the research question.Findings – The results highlight the role of supplier‐buyer relationships as both crucial antecedents that shape RFID infrastructure and the consequence of RFID implementation. Specifically, the impact on and of eight key dimensions was considered, namely communication and information sharing, cooperation, ...

RFID as an Enabler of B-to-B e-Commerce and Its Impact on Business Processes: A Pilot Study of a Supply Chain in the Retail Industry

The main objective of this pilot study is to improve our understanding of the potential of RFID in the context of warehousing activities in one specific supply chain in the retail industry. Empirical data was gathered from four tightly inter-related firms from three layers of the supply chain. Results indicate that RFID appears to be a disruptive technology as it supports a new business model, entails major redesign of existing processes and fosters a higher level of electronic integration between supply chain members.

Using RFID to Improve Hospital Supply Chain Management for High Value and Consignment Items

Abstract This paper presents a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled traceability system for the management of consignment and high value products requiring item level traceability in a hospital environment. The solution can be considered (i) as an alternative to RFID-enabled cabinets used in the replenishment of consignment and high value supplies in certain operating rooms, cardiac catheterization laboratories and interventional radiology departments, or (ii) as a complementary solution facilitating the tracking of medical devices removed from RFID-enabled cabinets. In short, the end-to-end traceability of medical products in the healthcare supply chain can be significantly enhanced.

RFID-Enabled Traceability System for Consignment and High Value Products: A Case Study in the Healthcare Sector

This paper presents a case study of a hospital operating room that evaluated a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled traceability system for the management of consignment and high value products requiring item level traceability. Results indicate that the traceability system in conjunction with the redesign of replenishment processes facilitates item level traceability, improves financial controls and case costing, upgrades service levels and reduces inventory shrinkage. Other benefits include time saved from non-value-added activities that can be transferred to patient care activities. The solution can be considered (i) as an alternative to RFID-enabled cabinets used in the replenishment of consignment and high value supplies in certain operating rooms, cardiac catheterization laboratories and interventional radiology departments, or (ii) as a complementary solution facilitating the tracking of medical devices removed from RFID-enabled cabinets. In short, the end-to-end traceability of medical products in the healthcare supply chain can be significantly enhanced.

Evolving B2B e‐commerce adaptation for SME suppliers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore a central issue in industrial marketing, namely the buyer‐seller relationship, by focusing on how its development influences and is influenced by the use of B2B e‐commerce strategies. More specifically, the paper aims at identifying what kinds of B2B electronic interactions are imposed by influential buyers; exploring the link between these electronic interactions and the buyer‐seller relationship; and seeing how influential buyers and SME suppliers adapt their own strategies in this online environment.Design/methodology/approach – The multi‐case study methodology was used to allow for rich data collection and analysis and to support the discovery of patterns.Findings – The results indicate that large buyers use specific e‐commerce processes and tools for the different relationships they have with their SME suppliers. The latter must adapt to these requirements to attain the next relationship level or risk forfeiting their established position. When a supp...

The effect of perceived intrusion on consumers’ attitude towards using an RFID-based marketing program

Abstract Purpose Several retailers are currently implementing marketing programs based on RFID. This paper questions in a general manner whether consumers are ready to adopt RFID in an everyday setting and if they are willing to interact with the technology during their shopping experience. Design Data from 388 respondents was collected through an experimental design with scenarios based on RFID programs currently being tested or used in retail stores worldwide. An ANOVA was calculated on the consumers perceived intrusion and a structural equation model was performed on the most intrusive scenario. Findings Findings reveal that a basic RFID loyalty program will not generate more perceived intrusion than a regular loyalty program which indicates that consumers are ready to carry RFID tags that identify them at a distance by retailers. However, by increasing the programs intrusion factor, a surprisingly elevated threshold is found beyond which the consumers attitude towards adopting the program will be negatively affected.

Proximity Marketing as an Enabler of Mass Customization and Personalization in a Customer Service Experience

More and more companies are adopting Proximity Marketing, an emerging form of marketing enabled through wireless technology. This chapter presents how companies can use Proximity Marketing to enhance their service experiences through a real-time mass customization and personalization of their promotions. Data collection was performed through a multi-case study approach of companies that are currently or have been using Proximity Marketing to enhance their services or the customer experience. Data analysis was performed to extract several variables namely the potential and actual benefits, how the offering is customized and personalized by Proximity Marketing as well as important issues relating to consumers. Our findings illustrate that very few empirical studies have been performed on the topic, which is consistent with an emerging field of research. Recommendations for further studies are addressed. Finally, managerial considerations and recommendations that will contribute to a company’s positive brand image and return on investment are presented.

Building theory from consumer reactions to RFID: discovering Connective Proximity

Academic research into RFID technology has largely neglected ethics. What scarce research was being performed has now dwindled despite having some consumers continue to express their ethical concerns. This article aims at reducing this apparent void by exploring the antecedents that cause the public to react when consumers are targeted by RFID technology. Through the analysis of 11 real RFID implementations used to target consumers, our research indicates that several factors can influence consumer response through the distinct nature of the technology, namely, (1) Customization of communications, (2) Imposition of tag use, (3) Segmentation and targeting, (4) Modified role of the sales representative, (5) Physical distance between the consumer and the tag, and (6) Security of transactions. The article then proposes a construct to determine the risk of raising consumer ethical concerns. The construct of “Connective Proximity” and its three components (physical proximity, exposure time, and information proximity) are defined. Our research highlights the need for further studies on the ethical considerations of tagging humans and specifically tracking consumers when performing marketing activities with RFID technology. Our article aims at invigorating research on this topic, which has a lot to contribute to both society and corporations.

Nature and Interactivity of Mobile Banking Applications: A Typology Based on the Canadian-American Industry

This research presents a first typology for mobile banking applications. Combining the dimensions of nature with the degree of interactivity, a four-cell matrix presents the following types: Transactive, Transpassive, Inform active and Info passive. A survey of existing mobile banking applications in Canada and the United was performed to validate the typology and to offer a picture of the current mobile banking market. Results indicate that the most widely offered applications contain active functionalities (both Inform active and Info passive). Additionally, most mobile banking functionalities are merely adaptations of functionalities already offered on the Web while some banks offer functionalities that reflect their brand image and service positioning.