Consideration of RFID Systems in the Factory Planning Process

Abstract

RFID technology enables products and load units to be identified in the absence of a direct line of sight. In recent years, it has grown into one of the principal tools of identification used in industrial environments. For it to function properly, efficiently and reliably in such locations, factory planners require comprehensive integration of an RFID system. Although planning methods and tools for integrating RFID into existing production and logistical environments are available, it takes a great deal of time and expense to implement the procedures successfully. This is because logistics and production systems and processes need to be adapted to incorporate an RFID process, which discourages many companies from installing it in their production. Furthermore, to avoid identification problems in production and material flow processes, factory planners need substantial knowledge of the parameters that influence RFID. This paper presents a generic planning method which considers the conceptual design and implementation of RFID systems in an industrial environment from the beginning of the factory planning process. The aim of the method is to give factory planners and RFID experts a guideline on how to plan and implement RFID, by taking an interdisciplinary approach. After first reviewing current RFID planning methods, the paper presents a new six-phase planning method the aim of which is to enable experts in the industry to plan their production, logistics and RFID systems simultaneously, with due regard for the individual requirements of each system.