A discrete simulation model for incorporating RFID technology into the Brazilian Postal Service

Abstract

The market of logistic operators in the segment of parcel delivery in Brazil has grown considerably in the last few years. This growth is caused mainly by e-commerce transactions. Companies that excel in this business offer services that enable traceability of objects and near real-time availability of information to customers. This research aims to study the current process for receiving and handling mail pouches at the Brazilian Postal Service (ECT), with the objective of verifying the technical viability using RFID - Radio Frequency Identification technology. Discrete simulation analysis is used for this purpose. It was found that ECT currently does not offer full traceability of its products. The applicability of RFID technology is determined. Based on the results of the simulations, advantages of the use of RFID tags are discussed. Copyright © 2013 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.