Lars Thoroe

Managing RFID data in supply chains

The implementation of RFID leads to improved visibility in supply chains. However, as a consequence of the increased data collection and enhanced data granularity, supply chain participants have to deal with new data management challenges. In this paper, we give an overview of the current challenges and solution proposals in the area of data collection and transformation, data organisation and data security. We also identify further research requirements.

The impact of RFID on management of returnable containers

Inventory shrinkage is a common problem in the management of returnable containers. RFID-based container tracking systems have been proposed as a possible solution. Benefits of RFID-based tracking of returnable transport items such as pallets, kegs and boxes are documented in several case studies, but have so far hardly been analyzed from a theoretical perspective. In this article, we analyze the impact of RFID on container management using a deterministic inventory model. The analysis focuses firstly on inventory control for which we deduce changes due to RFID for the optimum policy. We then turn to the profitability of the RFID system and determine relevant relations of costs and benefits. Finally we analyze alternatives of implementing an RFID-based container tracking system. These alternatives are analyzed with respect to diffusion speed and profitability.

Beyond EPC - Insights from Multiple RFID Case Studies on the Storage of Additional Data on Tag

In our contribution, we analyze case studies on the storage of additional data on tag in RFID applications. We identify four basic functions which are pursued by the data-on-tag concept. The results of our analysis provide insight into what benefits can be achieved through the use of data-on-tag applications, which technology is necessary and why a data-on- network approach would fail in most of the analyzed cases.

Real-Time Data Collection for Product Carbon Footprints in Transportation Processes Based on OBD2 and Smartphones

Calculating product carbon footprints (PCF) is a central function of Environmental Management Information Systems (EMIS). Collecting accurate data for EMIS in general and PCF in particular is a critical issue. Nowadays, emission data of transportation processes are mostly based on averages and estimations, as data on actual emissions of transportation processes are costly to collect. In this paper, we propose a cost-efficient system for real-time data gathering for PCF in transportation processes based on vehicle on-board systems and smartphones. We present the system architecture, outline the application logic and - based on a generic multi-echelon transportation network - we specify its application and integration into EMIS.

RFID and Barcode in Manufacturing Logistics: Interface Concept for Concurrent Operation

In this article, we focus on the migration from barcode to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in manufacturing logistics and point out the relevance of barcode for future RFID rollouts. We study the case of two RFID projects to derive a conceptual approach for managing the technological co-existence of barcode and RFID technology. We derive a multilevel framework for achieving gradual process and system integration and discuss potential implications for future project and rollout activities.

Impacts of item-level RFID on packaging waste recycling: exploratory study of the industry?s expectations in Germany

This paper deals with the implications of widespread item-level RFID tagging for the recycling of packaging waste. We first summarise possible positive and negative effects discussed in the relevant literature. We then present the results of an empirical study among organisations dealing with packaging production and packaging recycling in Germany. The results show that both packaging producers and recyclers acknowledge that widespread item-level RFID would have severe consequences for packaging recycling systems. Even though the respondents partly share the concerns raised in the scientific literature, they also appreciate the potential of RFID-based data for recycling processes. There was a remarkable similarity between these results for the two groups of respondents. However, there is no consensus regarding the overall consequences. Strong impacts are expected, but it is largely unclear whether these will overall be more positive or more negative. This demonstrates the need for future research in this evolving field.

RFID – Radio Frequency Identification

ZusammenfassungDer Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wurde sowohl in der wissenschaftlichen als auch in der populärwissenschaftlichen Literatur in der letzten Zeit viel Aufmerksamkeit eingeräumt. Es handelt sich dabei um eine Technologie, mit der Objekte der Realwelt über Funkwellen identifiziert werden können.

Green Ubiquitous Computing

ZusammenfassungUntersuchungsgegenstand der heutigen Green-IT-Forschung ist der Ressourceneinsatz für die Herstellung und den Betrieb von Rechenzentren und PCs. Die Vision des Ubiquitous Computing (UC) sieht eine Verschmelzung von realer und virtueller Welt vor, in der IT-Komponenten in Alltagsgegenstände eingebettet sind. Dies birgt völlig neue ökologische Herausforderungen: Kritisch zu sehen sind der immense Ressourcenverbrauch für den Masseneinsatz von RFID und anderen UC-Technologien sowie Probleme des Recyclings, da UC-Komponenten meist nicht wie anderer Elektroschrott getrennt verwertet werden und in andere Abfallströme eingehen. Allerdings bietet UC auch völlig neue ökologische Potenziale durch die Bereitstellung detaillierter und feingranularer Objektinformationen, die beispielsweise in Recyclingprozessen genutzt werden können. Diese ökologischen Aspekte werfen Zielkonflikte hinsichtlich der Anforderungen an UC-Systeme auf.