Blog #8 - Extended Outline – RFID at Wal-Mart

Concerns: Due to many other projects that were due at around the same time and celebrating Easter in San Antonio, I was unable to make this outline as detailed or as “extensive” as the example you posted.

I. Introduction

a. Thesis – Because of the controversial and novel nature of RFID implementation, Wal-Mart should strive to instill confidence in the public by educating the public about how they can greatly benefit from the new emerging technology and about the safeguards Wal-Mart has put in place to protect the privacy of its customers.

i. Wal-Mart’s Past and Current RFID Situation
ii. Wal-Mart’s Interest in RFID
iii. RFID Limitations
iv. My Recommendations

II. Body

a. Wal-Mart’s Past and Current RFID Situation

b. Wal-Mart’s Interest in RFID - Several Potential Benefits

i. Large reduction of out-of-stocks/decrease shortage

1. Enhance consumer’s shopping experience by improving on-shelf availability.
Increase consumer loyalty and satisfaction.

ii. Decrease shrinkage in the supply chain

1. Greatly reduce costs

iii. Higher labor productivity

iv. Better data quality

c. RFID Limitations

i. High Cost per tag

ii. Large Size/form

iii. Privacy

d. My Recommendations

i. Importance of Ethical & Privacy Considerations

1. Placement of Safeguards - Ensure that the customer’s privacy is secure and reduces the anxiety of its customers

ii. Communication of Benefits to its customers

1. Enhance consumer’s shopping experience by improving on-shelf availability.
Increase consumer satisfaction.

2. After RFID systems are more widely adopted by other retailers, Wal-Mart’s cost savings will be passed on to its customers in the form of even lower prices.

III. Conclusion

a. Thesis – Because of the controversial and novel nature of RFID implementation, Wal-Mart should strive to instill confidence in the public by educating the public about how they can greatly benefit from the new emerging technology and about the safeguards Wal-Mart has put in place to protect the privacy of its customers.

b. What I Have Learned From This Study

i. It’s important for Wal-Mart to do its due diligence because its image and reputation depends on it. Wal-Mart’s successful implementation of RFID systems is critical in order for the public to accept the new technology and for other large retail chains to be able to use RFID tags. The large increase in demand of RFID tags will drive down the price of each RFID tag and will lower RFID-related costs for all RFID-enabled retailers.

c. Application to customer insights – how understanding the needs of customers means being able to provide a better customer experience.