A Cross-Case Analysis of RFID Deployment in Fast Fashion Supply Chain

The aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding on the deployment of the RFID in the fast fashion supply chain (FFSC), mainly its application in logistics operations, influence on performance, disadvantages, and barriers. The RFID experience of fifteen international FFSC companies is analysed. In the case studies the RFID in FFSC is deployed mainly to support receiving, tracking of raw materials, semi-finished components, and finished garments, and shipping logistics operations. The performance improvements recognized are: a decrease on stock outs, better production and supply availability, less shrinkage and theft, more efficient use of storage space, improvement in up selling, better inventory management, and process visibility. The RFID tag cost is the main disadvantage and the integration with current processes is the main barrier to the RFID deployment.