The role of RFID to improve supply chain sustainability: A systematic literature review and key informant survey

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review on the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for sustainability purposes in various supply chains while primarily focusing on the pharmaceutical supply chain. The review takes into consideration sustainability from an economic, environmental, and social perspective and investigates the various aspects of such a system from both the manufacturer and consumer points of view. The paper highlights the importance, process, and effects of implementing RFID technology in the pharmaceutical supply chain to create a more sustainable and traceable system. The lack of strong scientific studies in the field of sustainability of RFID-enabled pharmaceutical supply chain was identified. In addition to the literature review, this paper also takes into account results from an original survey conducted with current industry professionals and their views on sustainability in the pharmaceutical chain. The review’s findings can help frame future work and fill the gaps in the literature focusing on the sustainability impact of RFID technology in the pharmaceutical and healthcare supply chain.