Application of RFID Technology in Reverse Logistics, Research Paper Example

Background/ Introduction

Reverse logistics is one of the most challenging aspects of the supply chain. While forward logistics is usually an orderly process, reverse logistics is quite cumbersome and considerably drives the costs of the supply chain upwards. Managers repeatedly encounter the constant challenge of ensuring mitigated costs that result from the process of reverse logistics. Furthermore, this process is usually considerably disorganized when compared to forward logistics. Four problems characterize reverse logistics; 1) tracking value, 2) tracking warranty and routing status, 3) handling dealers and contractors, and 4) driving efficiency in there pair process (Bonev,  47).

Description

The introduction of technology such as RFID has become integral in monitoring all procedures and processes (Ajami, 809).  However, such technology comes at considerable costs. It requires upgrading and/or replacing existing systems. This increase in costs has become a problem for TLM as companies continue to drive towards the mitigation of costs and maximization of revenue and profits (Lee, 72).   My working thesis is the application of RFID technology in reverse logistics has the potential to track value, warranty and routing status, handle dealers and contractors and drive efficiency in the repair process.

Plans, Methods, and Procedures: The plan encompasses how TLM could control costs to make

RFID technology more affordable and still make profits The best research method applicable to  unfolding this is conducting a customer survey. Surveys are less costly and time consuming. Once customers have access to the internet surveys could be filled out and survey monkey can be used to collect and analyse data (Wamba, 421).

Schedule: These questionnaires will be available online for three months after which data will be retrieved.

Works cited

 Ajami Sima. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and patient safety. J Res Med Sci.18(9): 2013;809–813.

Bonev, M. Managing reverse logistics using system dynamics : a generic end-to-end approach. Hamburg: Diplomica Verlag.2012. Print

Lee, I. RFID technology integration for business performance improvement. Hershey: Business Science. Reference. 2015. Print

Wamba Samuel. RFID Applications, Issues, Methods and Theory: A Review of the AIS Basket of TOP journals 9, 2013; 421 -432