INTRODUCTION OF RFID TECHNOLOGIES IN A MANUFACTURING SYSTEM - A Discrete Event Simulation Approach

Abstract

Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) is a set of technologies which allow rapid, effective and nearly errorless identification of products. It is often compared to identification by bar code, and is considered as an evolution of the latter. In this paper, we discuss the introduction of RFID in a real manufacturing entity which produces Configured-To-Order (CTO) printers. A discrete event simulation model of the factory is developed in order to evaluate the impact of the technology on processes and system performance. Results show that processing time savings and resource reallocation triggered by RFID use, have an influence on yield, cycle times and rate of late orders.