4. The information system

4.1 Impact of RFID

RFID technology will eventually lead to an overhaul of the information system. We'll be moving from batch traceability (carton, pallet) to traceability of the item itself, which will require real-time processing of information, with a much greater flow than conventional barcode systems.

The development of RFID has already contributed to growth in Supply Chain Management applications, with the market set to rise from $123 million in 2003 to $448.4 million in 2007.

Major manufacturers and publishers, including IBM, Sun Microsystems, SAP and others, have positioned themselves in...