ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF MOBILE AND WIRELESS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (MWIT) IN THE BEEF CHAIN: A CASE STUDY IN THE STATE OF GOIÁS (BRAZIL)

Abstract

The increasing use of Information Technology (IT) has influenced companies’ configurations in several sectors and caused changes in labor relations, in production processes, in marketing strategies, communication, amongother elements of organizational life. Since these technologies are available at several locations through the use of different types of devices, the so-called Mobile andWireless Information Technology (MWIT) has been widespread in agribusiness. The goal of this paper is to analyze the use of MWIT in different agents of the beef chain. We have conducted a case study in the beef chain of the state of Goiás (Brazil), which holds10.2% of all Brazilian livestock production. The paper aims to analyze the use of MWIT among distinguished agents throughout the beef supply chain. Secondly, it also identifies challenges and opportunities for the use of MWIT and, as it may cause changes and innovations. The method was the single case study, with the unit of analysis being the beef chain in the state of Goiás. Experts and companies ´managers, involved in the different value chain activities (nursing, raising, fattening and trading) were interviewed. Main findings pointed out that the use of MWIT contributes to operational practicesfor the organizations but, on the other, they do not contribute to the chain integration or management. Barriers to the use of the MWIT identified in this study are: technology high cost, lack of infrastructure of electrical energy and telecommunications, trained labor but also the conservative attitude of the chain members and lack of farm-level support by the technology suppliers.The benefits obtained with the use of MWIT are related to inventory control, production, productivity, security for owners/shareholders, availability and information quality. In the production process, the main benefits were the individual control of cattle, the reduction on data typing and also a better nutritional management.The use of earrings with code bar or electronic device (RFID) associated to an information system made possible to comply with traceability. As a conclusion, we highlight the operational use of MWIT, but although the literature suggests that these can be used to improve the supply chain management, these practices could not be identified in this case study.