McDonald's is partnering with supplier Golden State Foods to use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to track fresh beef from manufacturer to restaurant in near real-time. This strategy promises to provide partners with the information they need to build trust and transparency. According to Bob Carpenter, president and CEO of GS1 US, a not-for-profit, international supply-chain standards organization, organizations need more visibility than ever to manage inventory, know where products are coming from, and maintain consumer trust. The barcode is a reliable data standard used to manage the wealth of data in the highly segmented beef supply chain.
The use of RFID technology to track fresh beef is a great step forward for McDonald's and its partners. It will help to create a better understanding of the supply chain and provide more transparency for consumers. However, it is important to remember that this technology is still in its pilot phase and may not be suitable for all supply chains. It is also important to consider the potential privacy implications of such a system.
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