Typology of configurable RFID tracking in fashion logistics

This paper aims to propose a typology of RFID-based tracking solutions designs to fit differing supply chains. The typology is developed based on a case study of a logistics service provider (LSP) interested in designing a tracking solution for different customers in fashion logistics. In addition to the LSP, four fashion retailers were involved in the study. The case study was carried out using a review of existing RFID tracking implementations in the fashion industry, analysis of a RFID tracking pilot conducted by the case company and interviews with representatives of the retailers. By varying three design parameters (place of tagging, place of tracking start, and place of tracking end) a tracking solution can be configured to fit the requirements and constraints of different fashion supply chains. In the fashion logistics context under investigation, such parameterization addresses retailer requirements, brings concrete and quantifiable benefits to both LSP and its customers and enables incremental adoption of RFID tracking. The proposed typology enables fashion companies to consider which configuration of RFID tracking best fits the requirements and constraints imposed by their particular supply chain. In addition, for fashion companies, who find adoption of RFID tracking difficult despite the obvious benefits, the proposed typology enables incremental implementation of supply chain-wide tracking.