Document Type
Article
Keywords
Electronic Pedigree; Radio Frequency Identification Technology; Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Publisher
Inderscience
Publication Source
International Journal of Electronic Business
Abstract
Counterfeiting is a global phenomenon that poses a serious financial threat to the pharmaceutical industry and more importantly jeopardizes public safety and security. Different measures, including new laws and regulations, have been put in place to mitigate the threat and tighten control in the pharmaceuticals supply chain. However, it appears that the most promising countermeasure is track-and-trace technology such as electronic-pedigree (E-pedigree) with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. In this study we present a framework exploring the antecedents and consequences of RFID applications in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The framework proposes that counterfeiting and E-pedigree regulation will drive the implementation of RFID in the pharmaceutical supply chain, which in turn provides strategic and operational benefits that enable competitive advantage. Meanwhile, the implementation of RFID requires overcoming many operational, technical and financial challenges. The framework provides a springboard that future study can explore using empirical data.
Comments
Published by Inderscience in the International Journal of Electronic Business, volume 7, no. 5, 2009, pp. 473-490.