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How will this work in practice
think RFID technology has the capability to make a massive difference in end to end supply chains, but there is one aspect that has always given me cause for concern - the open sharing of information between all the companies that are part of a supply chain!

If I understand the EPC proposals, each tag will be very dumb - just containing a unique ID formated to allow the manufacturer of the product to be identified, and then have unique elements to describe the type of product. The tag ID can be used as a pointer to link back (as in the Internet) to the original record held by the manufacturer. However, as the item moves from company to company, where is the updated information held? Does some central database hold an updated record of the current "owner" of the tag, or does the original manufacturers database get updated with more current information (unlikely). Even if a central database is updated to include a pointer to current location, will the owner of the tag - a transport company, for instance - allow access into their systems to show where it is?

At the top level, if Wal-mart have ordered a product - how do they find out where in the supply chain that product currently is?

I have talked to Gordon Cook - who did some research on the use of RFIDs in the Global Supply Chain (www.rfidexchange.com/cook_report.htm) recently - but I cant see an easy answer!

Steve
www.rfidexchange.com
Posted by: steveheap   Posted on: 04/06/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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RFID is not for business but gov. Who cares about your business? Gov? (NT)  Vily Clay | 02/26/04
There are many uses beyond government  mpalmer@... | 02/26/04
And there are many uses for nuclear technology, but ? (NT)  Vily Clay | 02/26/04
RFID is of zero benefit to the consumer  Bobby Sskcat | 02/26/04
Value to customers? Yes.  mpalmer@... | 02/26/04
I see you are incredibly naive  Bobby Sskcat | 02/26/04
Privacy the Internet, and RFID.  mpalmer@... | 02/27/04
how intelligent  Joe Blow_z | 02/27/04
Come out from fantasyland  Bobby Sskcat | 02/27/04
yes but  V Sanders | 02/28/04
If you think RFID is innocent ? rent the movie ENEMY OF THE STATE.  Vily Clay | 02/28/04
speed pass is fine  JWatson77 | 03/07/04
rfid would help best buy  V Sanders | 02/28/04
Yes - reduction of stealing is a huge benefit  mpalmer@... | 04/30/04
How will this work in practice  steveheap | 04/06/04
Exactly.  mpalmer@... | 04/30/04
Isn't Trust the biggest issue?  steveheap | 04/14/04
Not in my opinion  mpalmer@... | 04/30/04
This is a good discussion...  mpalmer@... | 04/30/04

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