Architectural Analysis of RFID Integration in Medical Device Logistics: A Healthcare Information Systems Study

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive architectural framework for implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in medical device logistics, addressing the unique challenges of healthcare supply chain management. The healthcare sector's stringent requirements for device tracking, sterilization protocols, and quality assurance measures create a complex environment where traditional RFID implementation approaches often prove insufficient. Through a detailed case study of a third-party logistics provider managing two distinct medical device accounts, we analyze the technical, operational, and financial implications of integrating RFID technology within existing healthcare information systems. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews with quantitative assessment of system performance metrics to develop a multi-layered architectural solution.The proposed framework introduces a novel five-layer architecture that integrates artificial intelligence capabilities with traditional RFID infrastructure, incorporating physical infrastructure, data processing, integration, application, and AI layers. This design addresses healthcare-specific challenges including sterilization requirements, regulatory compliance, and bidirectional inventory flow. Our implementation analysis reveals potential processing time reductions of up to 75% under optimal conditions, with projected annual cost savings ranging from $45,000 to $75,000. The system significantly improves inventory management efficiency, reducing annual audit completion time by 87.53% and decreasing tracking errors by 95%.The study contributes to the theoretical understanding and practical implementation of healthcare information systems by providing detailed architectural specifications and strategies. The hybrid system approach, combining RFID, Direct Part Marking (DPM), and traditional barcoding technologies, demonstrates superior reliability and cost-effectiveness, with expected break-even periods ranging from 2.1 to 2.9 years. Risk analysis identifies key challenges in technology integration, staff training, and system maintenance while proposing specific mitigation strategies for healthcare environments. The implementation framework includes comprehensive guidelines for managing the transition period, staff training requirements of 20-40 hours per person, and strategies for minimizing operational disruption during the 2–4-week deployment phase.This research extends the current literature by offering a comprehensive framework that bridges the gap between theoretical RFID capabilities and practical healthcare implementation requirements. The inclusion of artificial intelligence components - including computer vision systems, natural language processing, and predictive analytics - provides a forward-looking architecture capable of adapting to emerging healthcare technology needs. The findings suggest that successful RFID integration in medical device logistics requires careful consideration of both technical architecture and operational constraints while maintaining a focus on healthcare-specific requirements and standards. Future research directions identify opportunities for enhanced AI integration, predictive maintenance capabilities, and system optimization in medical device tracking and management, particularly in environments with complex sterilization requirements and high-volume inventory movement.

Keywords: Healthcare Information Systems, RFID Implementation Architecture, Medical Device Logistics

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005959

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