Radio Frequency Identification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Radio Frequency Identification - Essay Example ..a transmitter sends a burst of radio waves through the antenna to the chip inside the tag to read the information stored in it" (Hoctor and Thierauf 237). In fact, Higham calls it a "must-have accessory in the supply chain" (23). The scope of this paper is to answer three specific questions regarding RFID based upon the reading assigned. 1. Based on the background readings, what makes RFID such a big deal in managing production and inventory Of all the issues related to RFID and its implementation, both positive and negative, the two most noteworthy aspects are strongly positive; it allows producers to increase their productivity through the efficient management of the SCM process, and it increases the security and accuracy of delivery. By streamlining the product data process, RFID allows suppliers to increase their productivity in numerous ways. First, in terms of general organizational efficiency, RFID allows suppliers to monitor and control things like batch management and returns, shipping and receiving accuracy, as well as inventory visibility (Byrne, 43(5) 31). The ability to know exactly where each item in the supply chain is, where it has been, and where it is going, is vital. The information provided, and the ease at which it is obtained, is not inexpensive. After the investment in the technology is made, however, the raw cost of goods sold is actually decreased because of the increased productivity available to the front end of the supply chain. For example, the cost of labor can be drastically reduced because of the fact that many features of inventory tracking and management become automated in an RFID system. Further, in terms of unit location, serviceability, and depletion, an RFID system provides th e ability to direct capital outlays and increase accuracy in reporting (Byrne, 43(5) 32). Finally, RFID is a big deal in managing resources because of the enhanced security it offers. An organization can use RFID to track a particular item, establish and maintain product authenticity through the coding sequence, ensure end-user safety where necessary through inventory control procedures, and prevent shrinkage through theft or other means (Byrne, 43(5) 32). On the whole, the technology represents a significant step forward for streamlined SCM. 2. What is the nature of the impact that RFID is having on industries, and on individual companies within those industries One of the first notable impacts of RFID technology is the adoption of it by major end-user markets and the obvious effect that has on their suppliers. The huge company, Wal-Mart, is now requiring its business partners to participate in the use of the technology (Byrne, 43(9) 31), which makes perfect sense as the organization must efficiently track vast quantities of inventory through multiple distribution centers as well as ensure just-in-time supply to its thousands of stores. The effect on the suppliers is significant, as they must stay in tune with such technological developments if they are going to maintain their customer base. Even if their participation is somewhat forced (Byrne, 43(9) 31) or pressed upon them, they still will reap the benefits of a much more secure and efficient SCM process. Accordingly, supplier demand brings great impact not only to th e industry but also to the individual suppliers. Another impact of RFID technolog

Topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Topic - Essay Example Thereby, as per Epicurus, every individual is free to lead the kind of life one wants to lead and to choose the values that one respects and considers sacrosanct and worthy. Hence, it is quiet not possible to understand the dogmas of Epicureanism, without paying heed to the importance that Epicurus endows on free will and the human capacity to engage in rational decision making. Consequently, the restraint suggested by Epicurus in the sphere of simple living and parsimony needs to be understood in the light of these innate human capacities. As per Epicurus there is a limit to simple living and any individual indulging in the extremes of simple living is as likely of being erroneous as the one who engages in prolific extravagance. As per Epicurus, every person tends to seek pleasure in life. To put it in simple words, each and every individual tends to aspire for a life that is endowed with a measure of gratification and happiness. The values like honesty, prudence and justice cease t o hold a pragmatic and viable meaning in case an individual’s life is totally devoid of pleasure. ... Epicurus suggests that while opting for a viable choice in the matters or simplicity and for that matter any other value, one needs to ascertain the amount of pleasure and pain it would lead to and thereby should decide matters while weighing the one against the other. As per Epicurus, â€Å"Necessity is a bad thing, but there is no necessity to live with necessity (36).† Thereby, if one tends to translate the Epicurean philosophy in the matters of simple living, it amply gets clear that Epicurus vehemently stands against any such idea of simple living that not only augments the content of pain in life, but also deprives one of the minimal necessities required to lead a fruitful and happy life. Extremes of simple living expose life to a situation of dearth and necessity that eventually gives way to pain and hurt. Epicurus warns the human intellect against ascribing to this idea of leading a simple life that unnecessarily augments pain and necessity and consequently dilutes ple asure or happiness. As per Epicurus, â€Å"Life is ruined by delay and each and every one of us dies without enjoying leisure (36).† Thereby, it gets quiet evident that Epicurus is totally repugnant of the idea of adhering to extremes, whether it be living an extremely simple life that is ascetic in its approach and deprives the human experience of all pleasure, or adhering to a life of profligacy and extravagance, which force the human consciousness to make comprises in the quest for extreme pleasure, and thereby eventually getting mired in the bog of pain and dearth. Thereby, the Epicurean approach towards the matter of living a simple life is one of moderation and balance, which on the