Publishing by the (RFID) Numbers: Order in the Book Channel Chaos.

RADIO frequency identification systems; BOOK industry code numbers; SERIAL publication of books; PROFITABILITY; BUSINESS forecasting; IDENTIFICATION equipment; BUSINESS logistics; INVENTORY accounting; AUTOMATIC identification

The article focuses on the development of radio frequency identification system (RFID) as a metric tool which quickly and accurately provides the necessary supply chain information for the book publishing industry in the U.S. It notes the benefits of real-time metrics and supply chain transparency for the publishing industry brought by retail-enhancing technology such as the development of RFID. It highlights the dynamics in statistical reporting which include the number of manuscripts under contract, advances against royalties, and marketing cost estimates which provide leading indications of financial status of the trade book industry.