Title: Development of a framework for an RFID-based manufacturing process automation system

Authors: W.B. Lee, C.F. Cheung, S.K. Kwok, Y.L. Chan, K.C.C. Chan, H.K.N. Leung

Addresses: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. ' Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.' Department of Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) in manufacturing process automation is becoming increasingly popular in various industries. However, the integration of RFID with various manufacturing systems is still a challenge. This paper presents the development of a framework for an RFID-based manufacturing process automation system (MPAS) for use in manufacturing industries. The MPAS is characterised by its ability to capture and harness real-time production and process data of semi-finished products and components during the manufacturing and assembly processes. It supports rapid logistics decision-making for the re-allocation of production resources and rectification of bottleneck problems to meet tight delivery schedules. A prototype system has been built and the potential benefit of the system has been realised through a series of implementations in selected reference sites.

Keywords: manufacturing process automation; radio frequency identification; RFID; knowledge-based systems; KBS; logistics; work-in-progress; WIP; inventory management; resource allocation; resource reallocation; bottlenecks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2009.026411

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2009 Vol.2 No.1, pp.1 - 22

Published online: 10 Jun 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article