Ygal Bendavid

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 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...

B-to-B E-Commerce: Assessing the Impacts of RFID Technology in a Five Layer Supply Chain

This paper attempts to track key performance indicators in order to assess the impacts of RFID technology in a five layer supply chain in the utility sector. Findings point to some performance improvements especially when RFID enables more integrated and more collaborative B-to-B e-commerce solutions. The research design involves multiple units and levels of analysis, and relies on diverse data collection methods and generates a vast amount of data. The concept of a living laboratory proved to be an insightful approach for exploring issues related to inter-company connectedness and relationship management

Special issue on RFID - towards ubiquitous computing and the web of things: guest editors' introduction

The Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as the next technological revolution and with it opens up a new research field. In particular, this new field needs to be studied in conjunction with adequate theories, design principles, and user acceptance. As such, a number of technologies become relevant and intertwined with this new trend. In particular, IoT is an effort to reach out into the real world of physical objects. In this regard, technologies like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), short-range wireless communications, Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), and sensor networks ubiquity contribute to make IoT vision, a reality [13]. Continuous improvements in technological performance, combined with maturing applications and decreasing prices have contributed to the pervasive adoption of Automated Identification Technology (AIT) such as bar codes and RFID technology. Following its incubation period, today RFID technology adoption can be seen in various domains making its diffusion global across industries and national borders. Over the last 10 years, RFID application is witnessing a significant growth in almost each sector. RFID Item-Level Tagging (ILT) initiatives are extensively deployed in sectors such as apparel and footwear - with companies such as Gerry Weber International, American Apparel, Macy, JC Penney, and Wal-Mart leading the movement.

RFID-enabled Real-Time Location System (RTLS) to improve hospital's operations management: An up-to-date typology

Recent deployments of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) around the world illustrate a key trend in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies supporting innovative applications within numerous industrial sectors. Managers in charge of implementing RTLS face several challenges when (a) selecting the right active/passive RFID system for their needs; (b) implementing and integrating the system; and (c) leveraging on it, to move from automated object identification to information management and decision-making. Although some information is available to support researchers and practitioners, the existing documentation often focuses on specific aspects of the technology, and much of the information found in the professional literature is not vendor-neutral, resulting in some confusion for decision-makers. This paper clarifies the different technological options presently available on the market and proposes up- to-date typologies for RTLS hardware and software solutions used in hospitals. Findings can help potential adopters select an RTLS that meets their specific needs while highlighting the critical steps and pitfalls at the front end phases of a RTLS implementation project.

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.

Improving logistics processes of surgical instruments: case of RFID technology

Purpose Since mid-2000s, hospitals have begun implementing radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in order to improve their operations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of RFID technology in improving the traceability of surgical instruments in a hospital environment. Design/methodology/approach A case study is conducted at a teaching hospital in Montreal, Canada. Business process reengineering approach and simulation techniques are used to assess the realistic potential of the RFID technology. The application of different scenarios and how they influence the efficiency of process flow between the central sterilization department and operating rooms of the hospital is investigated. Findings Research outcomes demonstrated how tagging individual instruments or their sets lead to reduction of the time spent in re-processing the soiled instrument as well as the reduction of costs related to staff. Furthermore, specific key performance indicators are identified and eventual issues related to implementation of the re-designed processes are discussed. Originality/value Implementing RFID-enabled solutions in hospital context is still an emerging phenomenon that involves various stakeholders in a change management project. While implementing RFID technology can benefit hospitals by improving business processes and workflows, the adoption is still slow, especially for managing surgical instruments. It is, hence, crucial to compare the advantages and drawbacks of RFID-enabled surgical instruments solutions with other well-established traceability technologies such as barcoding.