Advanced RFID application for a mixed-product assembly line

Due to its scale, complexity, and uncertainty of the processes, the management and control of automotive manufacturing systems have been very challenging. With the recent application of new technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) to manufacturing process, real-time information has become available in manufacturing systems through IT infrastructures. It is expected that RFID-based real-time information will increase timeliness and efficiency in decision making and drastically reduce uncertainty. That, in turn, will enhance both productivity and quality. This paper presents an advanced RFID application for automotive assembly processes, specifically, dynamic material dispatching (e.g., auto assembly parts). The application is uniquely advanced in that it integrates RFID technology with a real-time decision support system to ensure the accurate and efficient delivery of auto parts to mixed-product assembly lines. In this application, we have described the problem as a mixed-integer programming model, proposed a heuristic algorithm that incorporates the available RFID information, and assessed the value of RFID through a scenario-based analysis. We hope this paper may help contribute to a virtuous cycle of RFID innovation and applications in the manufacturing sector.