Allaire Webster
Case 1

Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFIDs) are small chips used to track inventory through radio transmissions and are powered by radio signals similar to that of a cell phone. This technology is fairly new. In 2003 Walmart started testing the use of RFID tags on its merchandise for inventory control. RFID tags can be placed anywhere on most items and are readable even when covered with packing materials, dirt, or plastic bands. Bar codes must be visible to be scanned. A bar code scanner must be placed within a few inches of the bar code. Most RFID readers have a range of about six feet. RFID tags are small enough to be installed on the face of credit cards or sewn into clothing items.

Using RFID technology can greatly benefit Harley Davidson. RFIDs can track inventory much faster. RFID offers a range from inches to hundreds of feet. With using RFIDs means you do not have to open each box. Individual tags within a carton packed in a box stored on a pallet may be read. RFID can also store much more data than a bar code. RFIDs have read and write capabilities, unlike barcodes, mistakes are less likely and maintaining accuracy is consistent. Using RFID helps manage inventory by making sure that items are stocked and available for the customers. It also improves processing time in terms of ordering needed supplies.

RFIDs do have flaws. The cost of implementing RFID in a large company like Harley Davidson would be high.Harley Davidson would need to support not only their massive inventory, but also deal with hundreds of suppliers in providing RFIDs and scanners. There is also the issue of reliability. Since scanning capabilities rely on radio signals, just as a cellphone could lose signal, so can an RFID. Also, in terms of signals, there is always the possibility of security. Implementing a secure network could be costly.

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