Determining the human factors influencing RFID technology adoption in the South African wholesale distribution industry

MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThe South African wholesale distribution industry assumes a critical role in the supply chain network by forming the link that connects the manufacturing and retail industries. Warehouses globally have evolved significantly in recent years due to the adoption of advanced technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), which has the potential to drive productivity and efficiency. However, RFID adoption in the country has been sluggish, and despite the importance of human factors in RFID adoption, research in this field has remained sparse. This research study addresses this gap by determining the human factors influencing RFID technology adoption in the South African wholesale distribution industry. To achieve the study’s objectives, widely used and previously validated measuring scales were used to gather the empirical data by uniquely integrating the TRI 2.0 and UTAUT models. A cross-sectional survey design and the statistical techniques of ANOVA, t-tests, and Linear Regression Analysis, amongst others, were used to measure and predict the readiness and behavioural intention to accept RFID technology from a sample of 117 potential users and implementors of the technology from an organisation in the industry. This study empirically showed that, in general, workers and managers in the wholesale distribution industry regard themselves as ready and willing to accept and adopt RFID technology in that the study identified Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Attitude toward Using Technology, Self-Efficacy, Technology Readiness and RFID awareness as human factors influencing RFID technology adoption in the industry. Conclusions were drawn based on the outcomes of this study of the human factors influencing RFID technology adoption in the South African wholesale distribution industry. In addition, this study contributed to the industry by formulating appropriate practical recommendations and an implementation plan for management to consider and prepare wholesale distribution organisations to adopt RFID technology successfully. Furthermore, this study is one of only a limited number of local studies known to have been conducted to determine the human factors influencing RFID technology adoption. The significance of the study could thus be instrumental in enabling greater adoption of the technology in South Africa.Master