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Operations and Project Management Case Study
Case Title:
RFID in Wal-Mart: Willy Nilly Compliance by its Suppliers
Publication Year : 2006
Authors: Aruna N.
Industry:
Region:
Case Code: OPM0013B
Teaching Note: Available
Structured Assignment: Not Available
Abstract:
Wal-Mart is the largest retailer and one of the largest companies in the world based on revenue. In 2005, Wal-Mart reported a net income of US $10.3 billion on US $285 billion of sales revenue (3.6% profit margin). Wal-Mart achieved success by focusing on technology enabled supply chain in order to provide service to the customers. In 2003, Wal-Mart deployed RFID (Radio Frequency Distribution) in 8 distribution centers (in cases and pallets) through pilot approach and witnessed 1% improvement in inventory control. In 2005, when Wal-Mart asked 200 suppliers to comply with RFID, they expressed their unwillingness to comply with RFID implementation. In spite of all the objections raised by the suppliers, Wal-Mart wanted RFID enabled supply chain in all its stores and distribution centers by the end of 2006.
Pedagogical Objectives:
- To discuss how technology plays a vital role in retailing
- To understand how Wal-Mart witnessed growth through its technology enabled supply chain
- To understand the advantages and disadvantages of RFID in retailing.
Keywords : Wal-Mart; RFID; suppliers; bar codes; technology; supply chain excellence; challenges; RFID compliance; cost; cost; investment in technology; return on investment RFID tags; Operating Strategies Case Study; IT enabled supply chain
Contents:
- Wal-Mart in the Retail Industry
- IT enabled Supply chain
- RFID in Wal-Mart's supply chain
- Challenges in RFID Implementation
- Looking Ahead
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