The Application of RFID in Brazilian Harvest Facilities: Two Case Studies

Using the two case studies presented in this work, this article aims to evaluate identification technology used in the Brazilian cattle market. Although Brazil possesses large companies in this sector (one of which is the largest exporter of meat in the world) some of them have yet to implement information technology (IT) for cattle identification purposes. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an IT that identifies cattle using electronic ear tags. This particular form of technology is especially accurate and dependable as it can be used to trace a product from the origin of conception to the consumer. This paper utilizes a qualitative approach – two case studies – which were created with the application of a questionnaire (open and closed questions). Using RFID for internal control purposes only, each of the sample companies has limited use of the technology. Instead, these companies use barcode systems to trace and identify cattle and to send important information to their supply chain partners.