Identifying Supply Chain Value Using RFID-Enabled Distributed Decision-Making for Food Quality and Assurance

This chapter conceptually considers how retailers might integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and distributed decision making (DDM) to provide real-time product information visibility to enhance food retail supply chain decision-making for assurance of quality and safety. A pilot research project in one UK retailer’s fresh meat supply chain is used to illustrate these concepts. Value stream mapping (VSM) and on-site interviews were the primary research methods for the project. A current state VSM found non-value adding activities in time and labor processes, which in turn led to increased errors. A future state VSM suggests that RFID technology would increase information visibility, reduce handling and checking, and increase speed when it is integrated with an appropriate DDM system. There are potentially large savings to be had by implementing RFID and DDM systems where information is required for traceability and control of food quality and safety.