Etude des phases en amont des projets d'adoption des technologies RFID pour l'amelioration des chaines d'approvisionnement

RFID technology which can be classified as a wireless Automatic Identification and Data Capture technology (AIDC) represents another step towards the increasing sophistication of information systems applications. In a supply chain management context, RFID is positioned as an emergent technology for real-time tracking of any product, module, system and, eventually, any component as they move along the various layers of supply chains. It is also considered as "a key to automating everything".;In the specific context of this thesis, two objectives are therefore explored, namely (i) to analyse how firms could manage the implementation of technological projects presenting a scope beyond their organizational capabilities (e.g. RFID projects) and adequately structure the front-end phase of the adoption process and (ii) to improve our understanding of the potential benefits and impacts of RFID technology in each individual organization and in the supply chain as a whole.;In order to address the first objective of the thesis, we examine the role an university-based laboratory in the emergence of a local innovation network centered on RFID. In particular, the concept of "living laboratory" proves to be quite useful to better understand the adoption of RFID by supply chain members pursuing infra- and inter-organizational B2B process optimization. The living lab approach laboratory help the stakeholders to develop a mutual understanding of crucial common issues, to highlight technical problems and to align business processes. This approach proved to be an efficient way of reducing fuzziness at the early stages of an implementation project.;In order to meet the second objective of the thesis, an in-depth study was undertaken in the retail industry, more specifically in the context of warehousing activities in a three layers supply chain. The business process reengineering approach previously used in the assessment of information systems adoption was adopted. By focussing on the process level, the study allows to better assess the impacts of the technology in term of information and products flow synchronization and provides a better understanding on "how" RFID technology could fundamentally alter the way supply chains are managed today. In particular, results indicate that RFID appears to be a disruptive technology as it supports new business models, entails major redesign of existing processes and fosters a higher level of electronic integration between supply chain members.;Although the business process reengineering approach is interesting, it is limitative in terms of the number of dimensions taken into account for quantifying the impacts of the technologies in supply chain context. The requirement for a more holistic vision was pointing to some other guidelines outlined in the operation and production management literature, such as the Supply Chain Operation Reference model (SCOR). This model was used here in order to track key performance indicators and assess the impacts of RFID technology in one supply chain in the utility sector. Findings point to some performance improvements especially when RFID enables more integrated and more collaborative B-to-B e-commerce solutions. The research design involves multiple units and levels of analysis, and relies on diverse data collection methods and generates a vast amount of data. The concept of a living laboratory proved again to be an insightful approach for exploring issues related to inter-company connectedness and relationship management. This approach also pointed to multiple opportunities for improving the product life cycle management of long life cycle products found in the utility sector. In particular, the real time accessibility and the sharing of information can therefore benefit to all product stakeholders from the conceptual design phases to the recycling of the products.;Key Words: Front-end project management, living laboratory, supply chain management, electronic commerce, business processes, RFID technology. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...