Radio frequency identification–enabled monitoring and evaluating in the discrete manufacturing process

Abstract

Process monitoring is a major focus on improving productivity of discrete manufacturing. With the recent application of new technologies such as radio frequency identification to manufacturing process, real-time production information has become available for decision support in manufacturing system. This study presents a radio frequency identification–based visibility monitoring rule for tracking work-in-process. Specific to the aviation manufacturing shop floor, a case study for demonstration is designed. The value of radio frequency identification–enabled real-time information is investigated within the discrete manufacturing operation. For this purpose, a simplified simulation model is developed to test the benefit of radio frequency identification–based rule compared to the classical scheduling rule. The results indicate that the adoption of radio frequency identification brings better production performance.