Supply Chain Executives Familiar with RFID Overwhelmingly Survey

According to an industry survey, a majority of U.S. supply chain executives consider radio frequency identification (RFID) and Electronic Product Code (EPC) technologies important to their companies' supply chain management operations, with more than 85 percent of respondents deeming the technology 'extremely important,' 'very important,' or 'somewhat important.'

The survey also revealed that 99 percent of those who consider themselves familiar with EPC/RFID technology cited the technology as 'extremely,' 'very' or 'somewhat important' to the future of supply chain management. The survey noted that overall, manufacturers are slightly more likely than retailers to recognize the importance of the technology, with 87 percent of manufacturers considering RFID/EPC 'extremely,' 'very' or 'somewhat important' compared to 80 percent of retailers who chose those descriptors.

The survey, commissioned by EPCglobal US, tapped into the opinions of more than 400 U.S. supply chain executives across multiple industries, including advanced manufacturing, consumer products, healthcare and life sciences, retailing and other major industries. More than 90 percent of the respondents worked for companies with annual sales of over $1 billion.

"Perceptions about the importance of EPC technology are very much driven by familiarity with the technology," said Mike Meranda, president of EPCglobal US. "The research shows us what we have known for some time: organizations across multiple industries that understand the technology can more clearly see its significance and potential benefit to their business." ...