RFID utilization and information sharing: the impact on supply chain performance

Purpose – The paper's aim is to theorize and assess a structural model that incorporates radio frequency identification (RFID) technology utilization and supply chain information sharing as antecedents to supply chain performance. Design/methodology/approach – Data from a sample of 155 manufacturing sector and service sector organizations were collected and the model was assessed following a structural equation methodology. Findings – RFID technology utilization does not directly impact supply chain performance. Adoption of RFID technology, however, leads to improved information sharing among supply chain members, which in turn leads to improved supply chain performance. Research limitations/implications – RFID technology utilization is in the introductory and growth stages of the technology utilization life cycle. Interpretation of the results should be tempered in light of this early stage of adoption. Practical implications – Practitioners can expect improved customer satisfaction through the implementation of RFID technology and the information sharing that the technology facilitates. Originality/value – The study offers empirical support for the adoption of RFID technology within an enterprise resource planning context for the purpose of improving supply chain performance.