Wireless item identification: a solution for e-commerce fulfilment problems
Mikko Karkkainen, Jaan Holmstrom, Kary Främling · International Journal of Electronic Business · 2004
Electronic commerce produces new challenges for supply chain management. The increase in the number of delivery addresses results in leaner material flows; e-commerce customers are demanding products and deliveries that are customised to their specific needs. Also, the scope and volatility of e-commerce markets make the flexible outsourcing of supply chain operations a necessity. This paper analyses the opportunities of wireless item identification technologies in solving the order fulfilment problems of e-commerce. A new concept of item level supply chain management and enabling steps to achieve the benefits are proposed. Wireless item identification is already in use with great benefits in the functional areas of innovative companies. These companies are used as benchmarks for the e-commerce supply chain.