Title: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabling lean manufacturing

Authors: Can Saygin; Jagannathan Sarangapani

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Systems and Automation Lab, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, USA. ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems and Networking Lab, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri 65409, USA

Abstract: A growing number of organisations are investigating the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a tool to improve their business processes across the enterprise. When implemented properly, the benefits RFID brings to supply-chain management, logistics, and asset tracking are clearly understood. Yet many companies do not realise the value RFID can supply by providing data input into a company|s Six Sigma and Lean applications by facilitating operational visibility. In this paper, a systematic approach that integrates the phases of business process reengineering, RFID data-based decision making, laboratory-level prototyping, and pilot implementation at industry site are discussed. [Received 12 January 2010; Revised 16 August 2010; Accepted 14 December 2010]

Keywords: RFID; radio frequency identification; inventory management; lean manufacturing; supply chain management; SCM; business process reengineering; BPR; decision making; prototyping; pilot implementation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2011.043234

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2011 Vol.6 No.4, pp.321 - 336

Published online: 09 May 2015 *

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