RFID enabled manufacturing: fundamentals, methodology and applications

Manufacturing enterprises and their associated production activities are becoming increasingly information intensive but the information systems used often rely on data which is assumed rather than actual. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled manufacturing can bridge this gap between the physical flow of materials and the associated information flow. In this paper the fundamental issues, methodologies, applications and potential of RFID enabled manufacturing are reviewed, a simulated RFID machining process application case study is outlined, and finally a proposed methodology, framework and five-step deployment process aimed at developing a holistic approach to implementing RFID enabled manufacturing in manufacturing enterprises is detailed.