Radio-Frequency Identification Traceability System Implementation in the Packaging Section of an Industrial Company

Abstract

In recent years, radio-frequency identification (RFID) has aroused significant interest from industry and academia. This demand comes from the technology’s evolution, marked by a reduction in size, cost, and enhanced efficiency, making it increasingly accessible for diverse applications. This manuscript presents a case study of the implementation of an RFID traceability system in the packaging section of an industrial company that produces test equipment for the automotive wiring industries. The study presents the proposal and execution of a prototype asset-tracking system utilising RFID technology, designed to be adaptable and beneficial for various industrial settings. The experiments were carried out within the company’s shop-floor environment, alongside the existing barcode system, with the primary objective of evaluating and comparing the proposed solution. The test results demonstrate a significant enhancement in production efficiency, with substantial optimization achieved. The time required for asset identification and tracking was significantly reduced, resulting in an average time of approximately 43.62 s and an approximate 3.627% improvement in the time required to read the test sample of assets when compared to the barcode system. This successful implementation highlights the potential of RFID technology in improving operations, reducing working time, and enhancing traceability within industrial production processes.

Keywords

• Industry 4.0
• radio-frequency identification (RFID)
• traceability
• automotive industry