An analysis of the potential application of RFID to helicopter maintenance operations

The analysis seeks to determine whether adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) provides strategic benefits to global helicopter service firms that rely on the continued safe operation of high value, maintenance-intensive equipment. The first chapter of the analysis examines RFID technology, including industry and market factors related to adoption. Subsequent chapters present a helicopter industry analysis, an assessment of the current situation facing industry participants, and the strategic alternatives for a typical helicopter firm. The strategic alternative that includes the adoption of RFID is preferred as it increases operational efficiency and enhances competitive factors. While RFID typically identifies and tracks products in the supply chain, the technology offers complementary capabilities that can increase the efficiency of maintenance operations. As a result, this analysis determines that RFID increases competitiveness by integrating value chain activities, reducing cost and improving performance of maintenance operations.