18-04-06 17:14
Age: 7 yrs

BY: PRINCE, KARL; MORÁN, HUMBERTO; MCFARLANE, DUNCAN

This Use Case study investigates the distribution division of a company, Food Manufacturing Company (FMC), focusing on the potential impact an Auto-ID implementation may have on process and systems. While the use case takes a broad look at the different processes within distribution, of particular concern for FMC Distribution (FMCD) is the final process in which goods are placed onto trailers for transportation. An Auto-ID implementation solution for this concern is detailed as a possible pilot. The analysis is based on interviews and discussions held with FMCD staff, utilising a Use Case approach that entails: 1. finding a representative use case for process improvement in terms of current processes, issues, and implementation possibilities; 2. contrasting associated processes with proposed ones, and, 3. identifying the additional data and transactions required in related information systems. Based on the analysis of any potential impact on processes and systems, the study concludes that opportunities exist to promote initial implementations of Auto-ID technologies. While Auto-ID may be considered disruptive it is possible to envisage an incremental approach for implementation strategies. Importantly, it should be remembered that Auto-ID implementations, particularly initial ones, would have to be executed within the constraints of existing processes and systems.

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