RFID IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN: A MATTER OF TIME

This article describes the airline industry’s varied responses to RFID applications. Concerns over active RFID’s constant radio signal interfering with onboard navigation and communication equipment are discussed. The article relates how Boeing and Airbus have conducted extensive testing and have come out supporting the overall worth of the technology. Boeing’s three specific applications for RFID technology are described. This include using the tags as a logistics and supply chain management tool, using integrated RFID “smart labels” for recording service history of on-plane parts, and using RFID as a location device for finding items. While in some industrial settings flawed readings and a significant failure rate of labels with embedded RFID labels have been a source of concern, hype and inaccurate information have also hampered industry acceptance of RFID. One way for RFID to gain ground is by creating an operating standard similar to the barcode standard. Additional support recognizing RFID’s potential and commercial viability may also need to come from regulatory agencies or perhaps the military.